In the early days of the Christian church, the apostles were tasked with finding a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus. This verse points to the criteria they established for selecting a new apostle. The individual needed to have been a companion of Jesus throughout His ministry, from His baptism by John until His ascension. This requirement ensured that the new apostle would have a comprehensive understanding of Jesus' life, teachings, and resurrection, which were central to the apostolic mission.
The emphasis on choosing someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning highlights the importance of personal experience and witness in the early church. It was crucial for the apostles to have leaders who could testify to the truth of Jesus' life and resurrection from their own experiences. This decision reflects the early church's dedication to preserving the authenticity and continuity of the message of Jesus Christ. By selecting someone who had been a part of their journey from the start, they ensured that the new apostle would uphold the same values and teachings that Jesus imparted to them.
