Why Was Mattias Qualified As An Apostle When He Did Not Witness Christ’s Ascension?

Question

In Acts 1:21, to qualify for primaries to be an Apostle the ardent follower of Jesus Christ must have been a witness of Christ’s baptism by John the Baptizer down to when Jesus ascended to Heaven. When Jesus ascended, eleven apostles were with him; excluding Judas. Mathias who replaced the dead Judas didn’t witness Jesus’ ascension. How come Mathias was a candidate for the primaries, and eventually stood for the election which he won and was numbered among the Apostles? Barsabas and Mathias couldn’t have witnessed the ascension of Jesus Christ. So, how come Mathias became an Apostle? Thanks Preacher.

Answer

Acts 1:21-22 reads:

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

The qualification does not require one to be physically present (witness) at the ascension of Jesus Christ. It only requires one to have been with the apostles beginning from the baptism of John until the day (not time) that Jesus was taken up into heaven. People may have been with the apostles the very day that Jesus ascended but not necessary join them to witness his ascension.

For example, if a US government official should say; “Of those men who have accompanied with us beginning from the vaccination of COVID-19 patients to the day that President Trump left office.” That would not mean that to be qualified, the person has to be physically present to see Trump leave office on the said day. However, there may be people who had been with them that same day that Trump left office but did not physically witness his exit. That would qualify them. The emphasis is on the DAY that Christ ascended, not the exact TIME he ascended.

Osamagbe Lesley EGHAREVBA