Acts Theology 55: Apostolic Criteria Examined

Peter outlines the criteria for Judas's replacement: "So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 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."
To be considered for the role of 'apostle' in the specific sense of being one of the Twelve, a candidate had to possess a direct, eyewitness account of Jesus's entire public ministry, from John's baptism through the ascension. This emphasizes personal, undeniable proximity to the events of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, setting a unique historical and experiential standard for this foundational group within the early church.
While the specific criteria for the Twelve are unique, the underlying principle of credible witness remains vital for faith today. We are called to be witnesses to Christ's ongoing work, sharing our personal experiences and knowledge of Him. It reminds us that authentic faith often stems from genuine encounter and testimony, much like the apostles who had walked alongside Jesus.