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

ACTS 1:12KJV
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Acts 1:12 (KJV)

What does Acts 1:12 mean?

Acts 1:12 describes how Jesus’ followers returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives after witnessing His ascension, noting that the distance was about a “sabbath day’s journey” from the city. This phrase means the Mount of Olives was close enough to Jerusalem that it could be reached on foot without breaking Sabbath travel restrictions.

The book of Acts is written by Luke and is describing what the apostles did immediately after Jesus was taken up into heaven. The “sabbath day’s journey” refers to a traditional limit for travel on the Sabbath, about three-quarters of a mile (a distance based on Jewish law). The verse sets the scene for the group’s return to Jerusalem, where they would wait together as Jesus had instructed them.

Where else these words appear

“from” Greek G1451 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
  • John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
  • Acts 9:38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

“they” Greek G5290 · used in 35 verses

  • Mark 14:40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again,(for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him.
  • Luke 9:10 And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
  • Acts 8:25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

“sabbath” Greek G4521 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 12:1 At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
  • John 5:10 The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

“mount” Greek G3735 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.
  • John 6:3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.