Acts 1:22 – “beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Peter’s speech about selecting a replacement for Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. Peter explains that the new apostle must be someone who had been present for Jesus’ entire ministry—starting from John the Baptist’s ministry to Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

The reason for this requirement is clear: the apostles were not just teachers but eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The key phrase here is “a witness with us of his resurrection.” The resurrection was the foundation of the Christian faith. The apostles were tasked with spreading the gospel, and they needed firsthand testimony to prove that Jesus was truly alive.

This verse highlights that being an apostle was not just about leadership—it was about being a faithful witness. The church was built on the testimony of those who had personally experienced the risen Christ.

Historical Context

At this time, the disciples were in Jerusalem, waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Jesus had already ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9), and the believers were preparing for the work He had given them—to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Judas had betrayed Jesus and was no longer part of the group (Acts 1:18-20), so they needed to appoint a new apostle to keep the number at twelve. The twelve apostles represented the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The reference to John’s baptism reminds us that Jesus’ ministry did not begin in isolation. John the Baptist had prepared the way for Jesus, calling people to repentance and pointing to Him as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The new apostle had to be someone who had witnessed all of these events.

Theological Implications

1. The Resurrection is Central to the Gospel – The primary mission of the apostles was to testify that Jesus had risen from the dead. This was not just a spiritual idea—it was a real, historical event that they had witnessed with their own eyes.
2. True Leadership Requires Experience with Christ – The apostles didn’t choose someone based on status or personal connections. They required the new apostle to be someone who had actually walked with Jesus and seen His work firsthand.
3. God’s Work is Built on Faithful Witnesses – The church was not based on human ideas or philosophy. It was built on the real, lived experience of Jesus’ followers. This reminds us that the Christian faith is rooted in truth, not just belief.
4. Jesus’ Ministry was Part of a Bigger Plan – By including John the Baptist’s ministry, Peter shows that Jesus’ mission was not random. It was part of a divine plan that God had been unfolding from the beginning.

Literary Analysis

Acts 1:22 follows the logical structure of Peter’s speech. In verse 21, he states the need for a replacement, and here in verse 22, he explains the qualifications. The structure emphasizes:

1. A Clear Timeline – “Beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up.” This shows continuity in Jesus’ mission.
2. A Key Purpose – “Must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” The apostles’ main job was not to build an organization but to proclaim the risen Christ.

Luke, the author of Acts, consistently highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony. In Luke 1:1-4, he begins his Gospel by explaining that he carefully investigated everything from the beginning, relying on those who had personally seen Jesus’ ministry.

This emphasis on historical accuracy reinforces the reliability of the Christian message.

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 24:46-48 – Jesus tells His disciples that they are “witnesses of these things.”
• John 15:27 – Jesus says, “And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.”
• Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations.
• Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His followers that they will be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – Paul lists the eyewitnesses of the resurrection, proving that it was a real, verifiable event.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Acts 1:22 reminds us that Christianity is not based on myths or vague ideas—it is built on eyewitness testimony. The apostles were real people who saw, heard, and experienced Jesus’ resurrection.

For believers today, this verse is a call to be witnesses of Christ in our own lives. While we were not there physically, we can still testify to the way Jesus has transformed us. Our faith is not just personal—it is meant to be shared with others.

This verse also challenges Christians to seek leaders who truly know Christ. Just as the early church chose leaders who had walked closely with Jesus, we should look for spiritual leaders who have a deep, personal relationship with Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s Love is Rooted in Truth – God didn’t just ask people to believe in Him blindly. He provided real proof through Jesus’ resurrection and the testimony of eyewitnesses.
2. God’s Love Includes All Generations – The apostles were the first witnesses, but their testimony has been passed down so that we, too, can believe (John 20:29).
3. God’s Love Calls Us to Be Part of His Mission – Just as the apostles were chosen to share the gospel, we are also invited to be part of God’s great plan to bring salvation to the world.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus’ Resurrection is the Foundation of Our Faith – The reason the new apostle had to be an eyewitness was because the resurrection is central to the gospel (Romans 10:9).
2. Jesus Calls People to Be Witnesses – Before ascending to heaven, Jesus made it clear that His followers were to testify about Him (Acts 1:8).
3. Jesus’ Ministry Had a Clear Beginning and End – This verse shows that Jesus’ earthly mission was intentional and planned—starting with John’s baptism and ending with His ascension. This proves that Jesus was not just a teacher but the fulfillment of God’s salvation plan.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why was it important for the new apostle to have been an eyewitness to Jesus’ entire ministry?
2. How does this verse challenge you to be a faithful witness for Christ in your daily life?
3. What can we learn from the early church’s careful approach to selecting leaders?
4. How does the emphasis on eyewitness testimony strengthen your faith in Jesus?
5. How has Jesus changed your life, and how can you share that with others?

Acts 1:22 reminds us that our faith is built on truth, not just feelings or traditions. The apostles were chosen as witnesses, and now, as believers today, we are called to continue sharing the truth of Jesus Christ with the world.