Acts 1:15

KJV

¶ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} in {G1722} those {G5025} days {G2250} Peter {G4074} stood up {G450} in {G1722} the midst {G3319} of the disciples {G3101}, and said {G2036},{G5037}(the number {G3793} of names {G3686} together {G1909}{G846} were {G2258} about {G5613} an hundred {G1540} and twenty {G1501},)

Complete Jewish Bible

During this period, when the group of believers numbered about 120, Kefa stood up and addressed his fellow-believers:

Berean Standard Bible

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,

American Standard Version

And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:15 records a pivotal moment in the early Christian community, immediately following Jesus' ascension and prior to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In this verse, Peter steps forward to address the gathered disciples, numbering approximately one hundred and twenty, who are united in their obedience to Christ's command to wait in Jerusalem. This assembly represents the foundational core of the nascent church, poised for the transformative empowerment that will launch their global mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:15 is situated within the opening chapter of the book of Acts, which serves as a bridge between the Gospels and the expansion of the early church. The preceding verses detail Jesus' final instructions to His disciples, including the promise of the Holy Spirit's coming and the commission to be His witnesses ([Acts 1:4-8](/acts/1-4-8 "Acts 1:4-8 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit and the Great Commission")). The narrative then describes Jesus' ascension into heaven ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - Jesus' Ascension into Heaven")), after which the disciples, as instructed, return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room for prayer ([Acts 1:12-14](/acts/1-12-14 "Acts 1:12-14 - Disciples Return to Jerusalem and Pray")). Verse 15 thus marks the transition from a period of waiting and prayer to an organized act of community discernment and leadership, specifically the decision to replace Judas Iscariot, which immediately follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period between Jesus' ascension and Pentecost was one of intense anticipation for the disciples. Historically, Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center for Jews, making it the natural gathering place for these Jewish followers of Jesus. The "upper room" (likely a large room in a private house) would have provided a suitable, discreet location for such a gathering. The number "about an hundred and twenty" is significant; in Jewish tradition, a group of 120 men constituted a "Sanhedrin" or a "small Sanhedrin," a quorum necessary for certain legal or communal decisions. While this group was not a formal Sanhedrin, the number suggests a substantial and authoritative body, capable of making important decisions for the nascent community, such as the selection of a new apostle.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it highlights the **formation and unity of the early church**, demonstrating that the Christian community was not merely a collection of individuals but a cohesive, organized body, even before Pentecost. Secondly, it underscores **Peter's emerging leadership**; his action of "standing up in the midst of the disciples" foreshadows his prominent role as a primary spokesman and leader in the early chapters of Acts, particularly in the sermon on Pentecost ([Acts 2:14-41](/acts/2-14-41 "Acts 2:14-41 - Peter's Pentecost Sermon")). Thirdly, the verse subtly emphasizes **corporate obedience and anticipation** as the disciples collectively wait for the promised Holy Spirit, illustrating their commitment to Jesus' final commands found in [Acts 1:4](/acts/1-4 "Acts 1:4 - Command to Wait for the Holy Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This word refers to Simon Peter, one of the twelve apostles, whose name means "a piece of rock" or "stone." His prominence in this verse, as he "stood up in the midst of the disciples," underscores his recognized leadership role within the early Christian community, a role previously affirmed by Jesus Himself (e.g., [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock")).
* **Disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," this term denotes a "learner" or "pupil." Here, it refers to the followers of Jesus, encompassing not only the remaining eleven apostles but also a broader group of believers who had committed themselves to His teachings and person. This broad usage emphasizes that the early church was composed of all who followed Christ, not just the apostolic core.
* **Number (Greek, _óchlos'_):** While often translated as "multitude" or "throng," in this context, _óchlos_ refers to a "company" or "number of people." This specific usage highlights the precise count of the foundational group of believers, emphasizing the substantial size and organized nature of the community at this critical juncture, rather than an unorganized crowd.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting—"in those days" refers to the period immediately following Jesus' ascension and before Pentecost. Peter's action of "standing up" signifies his initiative and acknowledged position of leadership among the gathered believers. His presence "in the midst" indicates his central role and the communal nature of the gathering.
* **"and said,"**: This simple phrase introduces Peter's address to the assembly, indicating that he is about to speak authoritatively and guide the group's next steps. What he says immediately after this verse (Acts 1:16-22) concerns the necessity of replacing Judas Iscariot.
* **"(the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)"**: This parenthetical statement provides a crucial detail about the size and composition of the early Christian community. The phrase "number of names" (Greek: _arithmos onomatōn_) refers to the count of individuals or persons, emphasizing that each person was known and counted. The specific number, "about an hundred and twenty," denotes a significant and cohesive body of believers, representing the core group from which the church would expand.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in Acts 1:15 employs several literary devices. The **Narrative Detail** of Peter "standing up in the midst of the disciples" vividly portrays his leadership and the structured nature of the early community. The parenthetical inclusion of the **Numerical Precision** "about an hundred and twenty" functions as a factual detail, lending credibility and historical grounding to the account, while also subtly indicating a critical mass for the nascent movement. This detail also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the organized and rapidly growing community that will soon be empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:15 is profoundly significant for understanding the foundational principles of the church. It illustrates that the church, even in its earliest stages, was a community characterized by unity, leadership, and a shared purpose. The gathering of the 120 highlights the importance of corporate assembly for prayer, discernment, and mutual support, demonstrating that God's work is often carried out through a united body of believers. Peter's leadership, though not yet fully empowered by the Spirit, underscores the divine ordering of the church with appointed leaders to guide and direct its mission. This passage sets the stage for the Spirit's outpouring, emphasizing that the community was prepared and expectant, ready to receive the power necessary to be Christ's witnesses.

* [Acts 2:1](/acts/2-1 "Acts 2:1 - The Day of Pentecost")
* [Acts 6:1-7](/acts/6-1-7 "Acts 6:1-7 - Selection of the Seven Deacons")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:15 offers profound lessons for believers and the church today. The gathering of the 120 reminds us of the indispensable value of Christian community. In a world that often promotes individualism, this verse calls us back to the power and necessity of corporate fellowship, prayer, and shared purpose. Just as the early disciples waited together, we are reminded to patiently trust God's timing, even when the path ahead is uncertain, and to prepare ourselves collectively for His work. Furthermore, Peter's emergence as a leader highlights the importance of godly, Spirit-led leadership within the church. We are called not only to recognize and respect such leadership but also to actively participate in the life of the church, contributing our "names" and gifts to the collective mission. This passage encourages us to be a united, expectant, and obedient community, ready to receive God's empowering Spirit for the work He has called us to do.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unity of the 120 disciples challenge or affirm your understanding of Christian community today?**
* **In what ways does Peter's leadership in this verse inspire or inform your view of spiritual leadership in the church?**
* **What does "waiting on God's timing" look like in your personal life or in your church's current circumstances, especially when anticipating a significant move of God?**
* **How can you contribute to the "number of names" in your local church, ensuring that every member feels valued and engaged in the collective mission?**

### FAQ
**Why is the number "about an hundred and twenty" significant?**

Answer: The number "about an hundred and twenty" is significant for several reasons. While not explicitly stated as symbolic in the text, it represents a substantial and cohesive body of believers, a critical mass ready to receive divine empowerment and begin their global witness. In Jewish tradition, a group of 120 men could constitute a "small Sanhedrin," a quorum necessary for certain communal decisions. This suggests that the early Christian community, even before Pentecost, was an organized and authoritative body capable of making important decisions, such as the selection of a new apostle in the verses immediately following [Acts 1:15](/acts/1-15 "Acts 1:15 - The Gathering of the 120"). It also indicates that the early church was not merely a handful of individuals but a growing, established community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:15, though seemingly a simple numerical and organizational detail, is profoundly Christ-centered in its implications. The gathering of the "hundred and twenty" is a direct response to the command of the ascended Christ to "wait for the promise of the Father" ([Acts 1:4](/acts/1-4 "Acts 1:4 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). This community, united in anticipation, is the very body Christ is building, the foundation upon which His church will be established and expanded. Peter's leadership, though human, is ultimately a reflection of Christ's ongoing headship over His church, as he guides the disciples in preparation for the Spirit's outpouring, which will empower them to be witnesses of the resurrected Lord to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The very existence and unity of this group, centered on the memory and future promise of Christ, foreshadows the global community of believers that will be called by His name, empowered by His Spirit, and commissioned to proclaim His saving work, fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus Himself ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). This gathering is the initial manifestation of the new humanity redeemed by Christ, awaiting the power to make Him known.

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

1 Corinthians 15:6

After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Acts 21:20

And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

John 21:23

Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what [is that] to thee?

Revelation 11:13

And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Psalms 51:9

Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.