Acts 1:12

¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

Then {G5119} returned they {G5290} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419} from {G575} the mount {G3735} called {G2564} Olivet {G1638}, which {G3739} is {G2076} from {G1451} Jerusalem {G2419} a sabbath {G4521} day's journey {G2192}{G3598}.

Then they returned the Shabbat-walk distance from the Mount of Olives to Yerushalayim.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near the city, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey off.

Commentary

Acts 1:12 marks the immediate aftermath of Jesus Christ's ascension, detailing the apostles' return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. This verse provides crucial geographical and temporal context, setting the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the early Christian church.

Context

Following their profound experience of witnessing the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, the apostles found themselves on the Mount of Olives. This significant location, just outside Jerusalem, was a familiar place for Jesus and his disciples, often used for teaching and prayer. Jesus had commanded them to remain in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Holy Spirit. Thus, their return was an act of direct obedience. The specific distance mentioned, "a sabbath day's journey," is a precise measurement rooted in Jewish tradition, indicating the proximity of the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem and highlighting Luke's meticulous attention to historical detail.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Expectation: The disciples’ immediate return to Jerusalem demonstrates their unwavering obedience to Jesus' final command. They were not aimlessly wandering but purposefully moving to the place where they were told to wait and anticipate the promised empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
  • Geographical and Historical Precision: Luke, the author of Acts, often grounds his narrative in verifiable geographical and historical facts. The mention of the Mount of Olives and the "sabbath day's journey" provides specific details that authenticate the events described, emphasizing the reality of Christ's ascension and the subsequent gathering of the apostles.
  • Transition and Preparation: This verse signifies a crucial transition period. The physical presence of Jesus had departed, and the disciples were now preparing for a new era—the age of the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the Gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a sabbath day's journey" (Greek: sabbatou hodon) refers to a specific distance permitted for travel on the Sabbath according to Jewish law. This traditional limit, derived from interpretations of Old Testament passages like Exodus 16:29 and Numbers 35:5, was approximately 2,000 cubits, which translates to about 0.6 to 0.7 miles (roughly 1 kilometer). It was the maximum distance one could travel from their dwelling on the Sabbath without violating the law. This detail not only provides a precise measurement for the reader but also underscores the Jewish cultural and legal context in which the early Christian community operated.

Practical Application

Acts 1:12 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • The Virtue of Obedience: Just as the apostles faithfully returned to Jerusalem as instructed, we are called to obey God's commands, trusting that His instructions lead us to His purposes, even when the full picture is not yet clear.
  • The Importance of Waiting: The period between Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit was a time of waiting, prayer, and unity for the disciples (Acts 1:14). This reminds us that spiritual growth and preparation often involve seasons of patient waiting on God for His perfect timing and empowerment.
  • Community and Gathering: Their return to Jerusalem was a return to their communal gathering place, where they would collectively await the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). This highlights the vital role of Christian community, shared prayer, and unity in facing transitions and anticipating God's next move.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 24:52 (5 votes)

    And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:

  • Matthew 21:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

  • Luke 24:50 (3 votes)

    ¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

  • Zechariah 14:4 (2 votes)

    And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

  • John 11:18 (2 votes)

    Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

  • Matthew 24:3 (2 votes)

    And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

  • Luke 21:37 (2 votes)

    And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.