Acts 1:13

KJV

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when {G3753} they were come in {G1525}, they went up {G305} into {G1519} an upper room {G5253}, where {G3757} abode {G2258}{G2650} both {G5037} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} James {G2385}, and {G2532} John {G2491}, and {G2532} Andrew {G406}, Philip {G5376}, and {G2532} Thomas {G2381}, Bartholomew {G918}, and {G2532} Matthew {G3156}, James {G2385} the son of Alphaeus {G256}, and {G2532} Simon {G4613} Zelotes {G2208}, and {G2532} Judas {G2455} the brother of James {G2385}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After entering the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. The names of the emissaries were Kefa, Ya‘akov, Yochanan, Andrew, Philip, T’oma, Bar-Talmai, Mattityahu, Ya‘akov Ben-Halfai, Shim‘on “the Zealot,” and Y’hudah Ben-Ya‘akov.

Berean Standard Bible

When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

American Standard Version

And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:13 provides a precise account of the eleven apostles' immediate actions following Jesus' ascension, detailing their return to Jerusalem and their designated gathering place in an "upper room." This verse is pivotal as it establishes the setting and identifies the core group of Christ's followers who, in obedience to His command, would wait together in prayer and anticipation for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit, thereby setting the stage for the birth and empowerment of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:13 immediately follows the dramatic account of Jesus' ascension into heaven, as described in [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension"). Having witnessed their Lord taken up from them, the disciples were then addressed by two angels who confirmed Jesus' future return. Prior to His ascension, Jesus had given His disciples specific instructions to remain in Jerusalem and wait for "the promise of the Father," which He identified as the baptism with the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:4-5](/acts/1-4-5 "Acts 1:4-5 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, this verse depicts the disciples' direct obedience to these final commands, transitioning from the awe of Christ's departure to the active, communal waiting for divine empowerment that would enable them to fulfill the Great Commission outlined in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Spirit's Power"). It marks the crucial period between Christ's physical presence and the Spirit's empowering indwelling.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disciples' return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a short distance away (traditionally about a Sabbath day's journey), placed them back in the spiritual and cultural heart of Judaism. The "upper room" (Greek: _hyperōion_) was a common feature in larger Jewish homes, typically a spacious, private chamber on an upper floor, often used for prayer, study, or special gatherings. It is highly probable, though not explicitly stated, that this was the same upper room where Jesus had shared the Last Supper with His disciples ([Luke 22:12](/luke/22-12 "Luke 22:12 - The Upper Room for the Last Supper")) and where He had appeared to them after His resurrection ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). This setting provided a secure and intimate space for the nascent community of believers to gather, pray, and await the fulfillment of God's promise, away from the immediate scrutiny of the Jewish authorities, during a time of intense anticipation leading up to the Jewish feast of Pentecost.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 1:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience and Waiting**, as the disciples faithfully follow Jesus' instruction to remain in Jerusalem and await the Spirit, demonstrating that divine empowerment often follows a period of patient, prayerful anticipation. Secondly, the explicit listing of the eleven apostles underscores **Apostolic Continuity and Authority**. This core group, chosen and commissioned by Christ, represents the foundational leadership of the early church, ready to receive the Spirit's power to bear witness to Jesus. The absence of Judas Iscariot is notable, setting the stage for the selection of his replacement in [Acts 1:15-26](/acts/1-15-26 "Acts 1:15-26 - Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas"). Finally, the gathering of these individuals in one place emphasizes **Unity and Fellowship**, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of the early Christian community ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Fellowship of the Early Church")), demonstrating their shared purpose and collective commitment to Christ's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come in (Greek, _eisérchomai'_):** From _eis_ (to or into) and _érchomai_ (to come or go), this verb signifies entering, often implying purpose or destination. In Acts 1:13, it describes the disciples' purposeful entry into Jerusalem after leaving the Mount of Olives, underscoring their direct obedience to Jesus' command to return to the city and wait.
* **upper room (Greek, _hyperōion'_):** This term refers to a "higher part of the house," specifically an apartment on the third story or an upper chamber. Such rooms were often spacious and private, making them ideal for meetings, prayer, and communal living. Its mention here designates a specific, significant location that would become the spiritual epicenter for the early church's initial formation and empowerment.
* **abode (Greek, _kataménō'_):** Derived from _katá_ (down, fully) and _ménō_ (to stay, remain), this verb means "to stay fully" or "reside." It conveys a sense of settled presence and continuous dwelling, indicating that the apostles were not merely visiting the upper room but were establishing it as their base of operations during this crucial period of waiting and communal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room":** This opening clause describes the immediate post-ascension actions of the disciples. Having returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, their first collective act is to seek out and ascend to a specific "upper room." This highlights their intentionality and obedience to Jesus' command to wait in the city. The act of "going up" suggests a deliberate movement to a private, elevated space suitable for their purpose.
* **"where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew":** This part of the verse specifies the location as a place of residence or prolonged stay ("abode") and begins the enumeration of the apostles present. The list starts with Peter, James, and John, often considered the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, followed by Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew. This list is significant as it confirms the presence of the core apostolic leadership, minus Judas Iscariot, emphasizing their collective unity and shared commitment.
* **"James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.":** The enumeration concludes with the remaining three apostles: James, son of Alphaeus (distinguishing him from James, son of Zebedee), Simon the Zealot, and Judas, brother of James (often identified as Jude, the author of the epistle). This complete roster of the eleven remaining apostles underscores the continuity of the apostolic band and their unified presence in anticipation of the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for the Spirit's empowerment of these specific individuals for their future mission.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Acts 1:13 is **Enumeration**, specifically a detailed list of the eleven apostles. This serves to emphasize the collective identity and unified presence of Jesus' chosen witnesses. By naming each individual, Luke reinforces the historical accuracy of his account and highlights the continuity of the apostolic leadership from Jesus' ministry into the early church. The inclusion of the **Setting** ("an upper room") also functions as a literary device, providing a specific and significant backdrop for the unfolding events. This particular location, likely known to early readers, symbolizes a place of spiritual retreat, communal gathering, and divine encounter, foreshadowing its role in the Pentecost event and establishing it as a foundational space for the nascent Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:13 is more than a mere roster of names and a description of a location; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of the early church and its reliance on divine power. The gathering of the apostles in unity and obedience in the "upper room" signifies the essential posture of the church awaiting God's promised empowerment. Their collective presence underscores the importance of communal fellowship and prayer as foundational elements for receiving and stewarding the Holy Spirit's anointing. This scene portrays the church in its embryonic stage, a community defined by its shared faith in the ascended Christ and its active, patient anticipation of the Spirit, who would transform them from a group of disciples into empowered witnesses. This period of waiting was not passive, but a time of spiritual preparation, prayer, and strengthening of bonds, essential for the monumental task of spreading the Gospel that lay ahead.

* [Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of Power from on High")
* [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")
* [Matthew 10:2-4](/matthew/10-2-4 "Matthew 10:2-4 - The Twelve Apostles Listed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:13 offers timeless lessons for believers today, emphasizing the profound importance of communal gathering, focused prayer, and patient waiting on God's timing. In a world that often prizes immediate action and individual achievement, the disciples' example reminds us that true spiritual power and direction often emerge from a posture of collective humility and dependence on God. Their unity in the upper room, despite their diverse backgrounds and past failings, serves as a powerful model for the church: when believers gather in one accord, seeking God's face and His will, they create an environment conducive to divine visitation and empowerment. This verse challenges us to consider our own "upper rooms"—spaces and times dedicated to prayer, fellowship, and spiritual preparation—and to cultivate a spirit of active waiting, trusting that God's promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing, enabling us to participate in His ongoing mission in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' obedience in waiting challenge our tendency towards immediate action and self-reliance?**
* **In what ways can communal gathering and prayer strengthen our spiritual resolve and prepare us for God's mission?**
* **What significance does the unity of the apostles in the upper room hold for the church today, particularly in times of division or uncertainty?**

### FAQ

**Who were the specific individuals listed in Acts 1:13, and why is their presence significant?**

Answer: Acts 1:13 lists the eleven apostles who remained after Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death. They are: Peter, James (son of Zebedee), John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, and Judas (the brother of James). Their presence is highly significant because they represent the core group of individuals personally chosen and trained by Jesus to be His witnesses. Their gathering in the upper room signifies the continuity of Christ's chosen leadership and their collective obedience to His final command to wait for the Holy Spirit. This unified group would form the foundational leadership of the early church, empowered by the Spirit to spread the Gospel, as described in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Spirit's Power").

**What was the significance of the "upper room" (hyperōion) as a gathering place?**

Answer: The "upper room" (Greek: _hyperōion_) was a common feature in ancient Middle Eastern homes, typically a spacious, private chamber on an upper floor, often used for quiet reflection, prayer, or special gatherings. Its significance in Acts 1:13 is multi-faceted. It provided a secure and intimate space for the disciples to gather consistently for prayer and fellowship during the crucial period between Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. While not explicitly stated, it is widely believed to be the same room where Jesus instituted the Last Supper ([Luke 22:12](/luke/22-12 "Luke 22:12 - The Upper Room for the Last Supper")) and where He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). This continuity makes it a profoundly sacred and symbolic space, becoming the spiritual birthplace of the church on the Day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1 - The Day of Pentecost Begins")). It highlights the importance of dedicated spaces for communal worship and spiritual preparation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:13, though seemingly a simple listing of names and a location, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. The disciples' presence in the upper room is a direct act of obedience to Christ's command to wait for the Spirit ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Luke 24:49 - The Promise of Power from on High")). Their gathering signifies their continued reliance on and commitment to their ascended Lord, even in His physical absence. This waiting period is not a void, but a crucial bridge, orchestrated by Christ, connecting His earthly ministry to His ongoing ministry through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit, whom they are waiting for, is the "Spirit of Christ" ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ Dwells in Believers")), sent by the Father at Christ's request ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit")). The unity of the apostles in this shared space reflects Christ's High Priestly prayer for His followers' unity ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")), a unity essential for the church to effectively bear witness to Him ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and the Spirit's Power")). Thus, Acts 1:13 portrays the church in its nascent form, awaiting the empowering presence of Christ's Spirit to continue His redemptive work in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

Luke 22:12

And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Mark 2:14

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

Mark 3:16

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

Mark 3:19

And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

Mark 14:15

And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;