Acts 1:21

21 "Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us,

Acts 1:21 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 1:21

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us
Seeing there was such an imprecation, which carried in it the nature of a prophecy, that another should take the bishopric of Judas, or be made an apostle in his room, it was absolutely necessary that one should be immediately chosen to that office; and this is the force of the illative particle, wherefore; and it was highly proper that this choice should be of one among the men, and not the women; whom it did not become to bear any office, and exercise any authority in the church; hence it is said, "of these men", to the exclusion of women: and it was exceeding right, and a very good notion, that the choice should be of one from among themselves, and who was known unto them; with whose abilities, integrity, wisdom, and holy conversation, they were acquainted: and therefore it is added, "which have companied with us"; one of our own company, and not a stranger; with whom we have familiarly conversed, and whose character is well known to us: a rule which ought to be attended to, in the choice of inferior officers, as pastors and deacons; who ought to be of the body and community, among whom they are chosen to an office; and their qualifications for it be well known, and that for some time past, as follows:

all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us;
that is, ever since Christ called them to be his disciples and followers; and conversed with them, and discharged his office among them, governed, directed, taught, and instructed them; for it was not proper that a novice, a new plant, or one that was lately become a disciple, should be put into such an office; and the same holds good in proportion in other offices; men called to office should be of some standing, as well as of superior gifts.

Acts 1:21 In-Context

19 This became known to everyone living in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Hakeldama, or "Field of Blood.")

20 “It is written in the Psalms scroll, Let his home become deserted and let there be no one living in it; and Give his position of leadership to another.

21 "Therefore, we must select one of those who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus lived among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken from us. This person must become along with us a witness to his resurrection."

23 So they nominated two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.