Acts 1:21

21 Therefore it behooveth of these men, that be gathered together with us in all the time [in all time], in which the Lord Jesus entered [in], and went out 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 And it was made known to all men that dwelt in Jerusalem [And it was made known to all men dwelling in Jerusalem], so that that field was called Aceldama in the language of them [in the tongue of them], that is, the field of blood.

20 And it is written in the book of Psalms, The habitation of them be made desert [The habitation of him be made desert], and be there none that dwell in it, and another take his bishopric.

21 Therefore it behooveth of these men, that be gathered together with us in all the time [in all time], in which the Lord Jesus entered [in], and went out among us,

22 and began from the baptism of John till into the day in which he was taken up from us [beginning from the baptism of John unto the day in which he was taken up from us], that one of these be made a witness of his resurrection with us.

23 And they ordained twain [And they ordained two], Joseph, that was called Barsabas, that was named Justus, and Matthias.