Acts 1:15

¶ 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,)

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},)

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

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

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

Context of Acts 1:15

Acts 1:15 provides a crucial snapshot of the early Christian community in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' ascension into heaven. The disciples, including the eleven apostles, along with other devoted followers, had returned to Jerusalem as instructed by Jesus, gathering in an upper room (Acts 1:13). This verse describes Peter stepping forward to address this core group, which Luke precisely numbers at "about an hundred and twenty." They were united in prayer and anticipation, obeying His command to wait for the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for the powerful outpouring on the Day of Pentecost.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Early Church Community: The verse highlights the formation and unity of the nascent Christian community. The "hundred and twenty" represents the faithful remnant and the foundational core from which the church would grow exponentially. Their gathering underscores the importance of corporate fellowship and prayer in the early church.
  • Peter's Emerging Leadership: Peter's action of "standing up in the midst of the disciples" demonstrates his prominent role and leadership among the apostles, even before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This initiative foreshadows his significant role in the early chapters of Acts as a primary spokesman and leader.
  • Preparation and Anticipation: This gathering is a period of waiting, discernment, and spiritual preparation. It illustrates the disciples' obedience and their collective anticipation for the promised Holy Spirit, which would empower them for their mission.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty" is significant. The Greek word for "names" (onomata) here refers to individuals or persons, emphasizing that each person counted within this foundational group. The specific number, "about an hundred and twenty," is often noted. While not explicitly 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.

Practical Application

Acts 1:15 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Value of Christian Community: The gathering of the 120 emphasizes the importance of believers coming together for prayer, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. God often works powerfully within a united community.
  • Recognizing and Supporting Leadership: Peter's leadership demonstrates the need for godly leadership within the church. It reminds us to pray for and support those whom God raises up to guide His people.
  • Waiting on God's Timing: The disciples patiently waited for the Holy Spirit as instructed. This teaches us the importance of trusting God's timing and preparing ourselves for His work, even when the path ahead is not fully clear, just as they were commissioned to be His witnesses.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:6 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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