Acts 1:21-22
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "went in and out among us" isn't just about physical presence; it signifies deep, constant fellowship and experiencing Christ's daily life and actions firsthand. This requirement underscores that an apostle's role was rooted in intimate, lived experience of Jesus, not just hearsay.
After Judas's betrayal and death, Peter addresses the gathered believers to fill the empty apostolic spot. He emphasizes that this new apostle must have been a constant companion, witnessing Jesus's entire ministry from his baptism by John all the way to his ascension, thus becoming a qualified eyewitness of Jesus's life and resurrection. This requirement sets the stage for selecting Matthias from a pool of disciples who shared this vital qualification.
Why was it so crucial for the new apostle to have been with Jesus from the very beginning?
The early church leaders understood that for the message of the resurrection to be credible, the messengers had to be undeniable eyewitnesses. Peter emphasizes that the replacement for Judas wasn't just anyone, but someone who had been present and actively involved throughout Jesus' entire public ministry.
More Than Just Presence
This wasn't about passively observing. The phrase "went in and out among us" paints a picture of constant interaction and shared life. It implies a deep familiarity with Jesus' teachings, actions, and daily life, from His baptism and ministry start all the way through His ascension. This sustained companionship was the bedrock of their testimony.
What does this vivid phrase 'went in and out' really tell us about the life of a disciple?
The expression "went in and out" is a rich Hebrew idiom. It wasn't just about formal teaching moments; it covered the entirety of life and conduct.
A Full Life Witness
Imagine living alongside someone, sharing every aspect of life – the public ministry, the private conversations, the journeys, the challenges. This phrase encapsulates that comprehensive experience. It signifies a complete immersion in Jesus' life, demonstrating that the chosen apostle had seen and experienced all that Jesus was and did, not just a select few moments. This thoroughness was essential for authentic witness.
Understand the original words
baptisma · Greek Noun
A rite initiated by John the Baptist signaling repentance, public identification with the coming Messiah, and preparation for the kingdom of God.
anastasis · Greek Noun
The core theological tenet of the Christian faith, representing the historical, physical return of Jesus Christ to life after His death, vindicating His divinity and victory over sin and death.
martys · Greek Noun
One who provides authoritative testimony based on personal observation or direct experience, specifically regarding the identity and work of Jesus Christ.
The requirement that a new apostle must have accompanied Jesus throughout his entire ministry, from John the Baptist's time to his ascension, highlights the crucial role of eyewitness testimony in the early Christian movement.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His ministry lasted approximately three years.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem and, according to Christian belief, resurrected three days later, appearing to his followers over a period of 40 days.
c. AD 33
The Ascension of Jesus
Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, with a promise that the Holy Spirit would soon empower his disciples.
c. AD 33— this verse
The Disciples Gather in Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the eleven apostles and other followers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, praying and waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.
This passage emphasizes that the disciples are chosen to be witnesses of Jesus, mirroring the requirement in Acts 1:21 for a new apostle to have been a continuous witness to Jesus' ministry from its beginning.
1 Corinthians 9:1Paul questions his apostleship, stating, 'Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord?' This shows the importance of having seen and experienced Jesus directly, aligning with the qualification needed for Matthias.
Deuteronomy 18:15-18This Old Testament passage describes God raising up a prophet like Moses, to whom the people would listen. It sets a precedent for God providing leaders and spokespersons for His people, which is fulfilled in the selection of apostles who directly experienced God's message through Jesus.
Psalm 121:8The imagery of the Lord guarding 'your going out and your coming in' from this Psalm reflects the concept of 'went in and out among us,' signifying continuous presence and guidance, which is what the apostles needed to have observed in Jesus.
Acts 4:33The apostles are described as testifying 'with great power' about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. This highlights the core message and qualification of an apostle – to be a firsthand witness to Jesus' resurrection, building on their experience throughout His earthly ministry.
cambridgeActs 1:21: "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,"
21 . As the new Apostle is to be, like the rest, an eyewitness to the life of Jesus, he must have been a disciple from the beginning of Christ’s ministry. Such a necessity would probably make the number from whom choice could be made a very small one. It seems hardly probable, if St Luke’s design had been (as is so often asserted) to represent St Paul as in every way like…
vincentActs 1:21: "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,"
Went in and went outAn expression for constant intercourse. Compare Deuteronomy 18:19; Psalm 121:8; John 10:9; Acts 9:28.Among us (ἐφ' ἡμᾶς)The margin of Rev., over us, i.e., as our head, is a sound rendering, and supported by Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23; Luke 9:1. The rendering before, in the presence of, occurs Matthew 10:18; Luke 21:12.
The phrase "went in and out among us" isn't just about physical presence; it signifies deep, constant fellowship and experiencing Christ's daily life and actions firsthand. This requirement underscores that an apostle's role was rooted in intimate, lived experience of Jesus, not just hearsay.
After Judas's betrayal and death, Peter addresses the gathered believers to fill the empty apostolic spot. He emphasizes that this new apostle must have been a constant companion, witnessing Jesus's entire ministry from his baptism by John all the way to his ascension, thus becoming a qualified eyewitness of Jesus's life and resurrection. This requirement sets the stage for selecting Matthias from a pool of disciples who shared this vital qualification.
After Judas's betrayal and death, Peter addresses the gathered believers to fill the empty apostolic spot. He emphasizes that this new apostle must have been a constant companion, witnessing Jesus's entire ministry from his baptism by John all the way to his ascension, thus becoming a qualified eyewitness of Jesus's life and resurrection. This requirement sets the stage for selecting Matthias from a pool of disciples who shared this vital qualification.
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c. AD 33
Judas' Betrayal and Death
Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus, died by suicide. This left a vacancy among the twelve apostles.
"So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his…" — The phrase "went in and out among us" isn't just about physical presence; it signifies deep, constant fellowship and experiencing Christ's daily life and actions firsthand. This requirement underscor…
