These two verse are a gold mine. They are a finely focused description of what kind of man God needed to replace Judas and become a witness to the world.
verse 21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Verse 22 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.
one of the men who have accompanied us:Peter will layout what is required of the replacement. He had to be one of the people who accompanied the disciples as they followed Jesus. Though not part of the inner circle, the replacement had to be someone close to it. This matters. The disciples must longterm knowledge of what sort of man he is, how he works with others, and his passion and devotion for Jesus.
during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us: The replacement could not be part-time or casual or an aloof follower. He had to be neck deep in the ministry. He had to be recognized as man they didn’t have worry about.
beginning from the baptism of John: It was required that the replacement was with Jesus and the disciples from the beginning. This man would have the longevity of friendship, instruction, and witness to all the healings, converts, and confrontations with the Jewish leaders.
until the day when he was taken up from us: The replacement had to be with Jesus and the disciples to the very, very end of Jesus’ time on earth. He had to know and see and felt everything.
must become with us a witness to his resurrection: And this is why. The replacement must, along with the eleven, go out and be a witness to the world about the fact and power of the resurrection. A qualified witness had to have both spiritual depth and depth of experience.
Peter’s words are helpful for anyone wanting to spread the gospel. First, the person must know Jesus, and not just know about Him. Second, the person must know the reality and the power of the cross. Third, the person must be able and willing to go out communicate the gospel to the lost. And fourth, the person must do it as part of the community of believers.
The first two are the most important!
This is tough stuff. All four parts can make people cringe. Our love for God is put to the test here, as well as the depth of our convictions and the maturity of our faith. This is tough stuff.
The Men's Bible Reading Idea 