Acts 1:21

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Wherefore {G3767} of these {G5130} men {G435} which have companied {G4905} with us {G2254} all {G3956} the time {G5550} that {G1722}{G3739} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} went {G1831} in {G1525} and {G2532} out {G1831} among {G1909} us {G2248},

Therefore, one of the men who have been with us continuously throughout the time the Lord Yeshua traveled around among us,

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

Of the men therefore that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us,

Acts 1:21 is a pivotal verse within the early church's narrative, outlining a crucial qualification for selecting a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. This verse sets the stage for the discernment process that would lead to Matthias being chosen.

Context

Following the ascension of Jesus Christ, the disciples, numbering about 120, gathered in Jerusalem. Peter addresses the assembly, explaining that the prophecy concerning Judas's betrayal and subsequent death must be fulfilled. Before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the immediate concern was to restore the apostolic number to twelve, symbolizing the continuity and foundational nature of the new covenant community, much like the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse lays down the non-negotiable requirement for anyone considered for this sacred office.

Key Themes

  • Eyewitness Credibility: The primary qualification for an apostle was direct, personal experience with Jesus's earthly ministry. The phrase "companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us" underscores the necessity of having observed His teachings, miracles, daily life, and interactions firsthand. This ensured the authenticity and authority of their future testimony.
  • Continuity of Apostolic Office: The early church recognized the importance of maintaining the designated number of twelve apostles. This wasn't merely symbolic; it was about preserving the foundational witness to Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The apostles were to be authoritative proclaimers of the Gospel based on their unique, lived experience.
  • The Nature of Apostolic Ministry: This verse highlights that an apostle’s role was not just theological or pastoral, but fundamentally that of a commissioned witness to the historical events of Christ’s life and especially His resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "went in and out among us" is a Hebraic idiom, commonly found in the Old Testament (e.g., Numbers 27:17; Deuteronomy 31:2). It signifies full and constant engagement in the daily life and activities of a community. It implies that the candidate must have been present and involved in Jesus's entire public ministry, from His baptism by John to His ascension. This was not a casual acquaintance but a deep, shared experience of discipleship.

Practical Application

While the specific requirement for apostleship as an eyewitness to Jesus's earthly ministry is unique to the original twelve, the principle of reliable testimony and authentic experience remains vital for Christian leadership. This verse reminds us:

  • The importance of leaders having a genuine, consistent walk with Christ.
  • The value of shared experience and mentorship in spiritual formation.
  • That the foundation of our faith rests on historical truth and credible witnesses, emphasizing the reality of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
  • The careful discernment required when appointing those who will teach and lead within the church, ensuring their understanding and commitment are rooted in the truth of God's Word.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 15:27

    And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

  • Deuteronomy 31:2

    And he said unto them, I [am] an hundred and twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: also the LORD hath said unto me, Thou shalt not go over this Jordan.

  • John 10:1

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

  • John 10:9

    I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

  • Luke 10:1

    ¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

  • Luke 10:2

    Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly [is] great, but the labourers [are] few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

  • 2 Samuel 5:2

    Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.

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