Concept: The key qualification for a replacement apostle was witnessing Jesus's public ministry from the time of His baptism until His ascension and resurrection.
Explanation:After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles needed to replace Judas Iscariot.
Peter reminded the group of the divine criterion found in Acts 1:21-22.
The new apostle must have accompanied the disciples during all the time the Lord Jesus ministered among them.
This companionship began from the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.
It continued right up to the day when Jesus was taken up into heaven.
Furthermore, the chosen man had to become a witness of Jesus's resurrection together with the apostles.
Thus, the selection was based on direct, continuous involvement and personal knowledge of Jesus's ministry from its beginning.
Matthias met this requirement because he had been present with Jesus and the disciples from the very start of Jesus's public ministry.
Therefore, he was qualified to take the place left vacant by the fall of Judas.
Answer: C. had accompanied the disciples from the time of the baptism of Jesus