The phrase "went in and out among us" isn't just about physical presence; it signifies a deep, constant companionship that encompassed Jesus' entire public life and ministry. This requirement highlights that the new apostle needed to be not just an observer, but someone who intimately shared in the daily life and teachings of Jesus from the very beginning. This emphasis on shared experience underscores the foundational importance of eyewitness testimony for the early church's message.
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)
After Judas' betrayal and death, the remaining eleven apostles realize they need to replace him. Peter stands up and explains that this new apostle must be someone who was with Jesus from the very beginning of his ministry, traveling and witnessing everything until Jesus' ascension. This means the replacement must have been a constant companion and eyewitness to Jesus' entire public life and resurrection.
The apostles aren't just looking for someone who knew Jesus, but someone who lived life with Him. What does that kind of 'going in and out' truly mean?
Peter is laying out a clear qualification for replacing Judas: the new apostle must have been a continuous, daily witness to Jesus' entire ministry. The phrase "went in and out among us" isn't just about physical presence, but about shared life and constant interaction.
A Life Lived Together
Why was it so crucial for the new apostle to have been there from the beginning? It wasn't just about filling a spot.
The selection criteria for a new apostle—specifically, having accompanied Jesus from the start of His ministry until His ascension—underscores the importance of direct, personal testimony.
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The Foundation of Faith
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 apostles are seeking to replace Judas with someone who had been a constant, eyewitness companion to Jesus throughout His entire ministry, from its very beginning to His ascension, highlighting the importance of historical testimony in their mission.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, including the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Death and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and, according to the disciples' testimony, is raised from the dead three days later.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives, leaving his followers with the Great Commission.
c. AD 33— this verse
The Apostles Gather in Jerusalem
The eleven apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, and other believers meet in an upper room in Jerusalem, praying and awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 33
Judas' Betrayal and Death
Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, betrays Jesus and later dies, creating a vacancy in the apostolic college.
This passage directly echoes the requirement for the new apostle, stating that the disciples would bear witness because they had been with Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.
Acts 4:33This verse emphasizes the apostles' powerful witness to the resurrection, a core qualification Peter highlights in Acts 1:22, linking directly to the 'went in and out among us' experience.
1 Corinthians 9:1Paul himself refers to seeing the Lord and being an apostle, indicating that direct experience with the risen Christ was a fundamental requirement for apostleship, aligning with Peter's criteria.
Luke 24:48Jesus commissions His disciples to be witnesses, underscoring the importance of their firsthand experience with Him throughout His earthly ministry and resurrection, which is precisely what Peter seeks in a replacement apostle.
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 a deep, constant companionship that encompassed Jesus' entire public life and ministry. This requirement highlights that the new apostle needed to be not just an observer, but someone who intimately shared in the daily life and teachings of Jesus from the very beginning. This emphasis on shared experience underscores the foundational importance of eyewitness testimony for the early church's message.
After Judas' betrayal and death, the remaining eleven apostles realize they need to replace him. Peter stands up and explains that this new apostle must be someone who was with Jesus from the very beginning of his ministry, traveling and witnessing everything until Jesus' ascension. This means the replacement must have been a constant companion and eyewitness to Jesus' entire public life and resurrection.
After Judas' betrayal and death, the remaining eleven apostles realize they need to replace him. Peter stands up and explains that this new apostle must be someone who was with Jesus from the very beginning of his ministry, traveling and witnessing everything until Jesus' ascension. This means the replacement must have been a constant companion and eyewitness to Jesus' entire public life and resurrection.
"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 a deep, constant companionship that encompassed Jesus' entire public life and ministry. This requirement highlig…
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Last reviewed October 2026
