Acts 1:22

beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us, of these must one become. witness with us of his resurrection.

'OF THESE'-'Peter probably refers to the 70 disciples, when he speaks of men who have accompanied us (Luke 10:1).' (Reese p. 27)

'MUST ONE'-This was the only remaining loose end before Pentecost arrived. Bruce notes, 'it would not be fitting to leave the apostolic total short by one, when the total was intentionally fixed by Jesus to correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel (Luke 22:30; Matthew 19:28).' (pp. 49-50)

Points to Note:

1. Definite qualifications existed for the apostles. This is why Paul claims that he saw the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1), as proof of his apostolic status. Clearly, no man can meet these qualifications today (1 Corinthians 15:8).

2. The ministry of Jesus began with the baptism of John. This exactly agrees with the Gospels (Luke 3:23), and when the future apostles first came into contact with Him (John 1:40).

3. Carefully note. Jesus didn't have. ministry before this. He hadn't been off teaching in Tibet or India as some claim.

4. The apostles had to be actual eyewitnesses of the resurrected Christ. For this event would form the very heart of the Gospel message. Notice how God is compassionate. The apostles would suffer much for their preaching. And God knew that. But He made it so that they knew they were suffering for something absolutely true and right--for they had seen the resurrected Jesus with their own eyes.