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.
ACTS 1:13KJVWhat does Acts 1:13 mean?
Acts 1:13 describes how the apostles, after returning to Jerusalem, gathered together in an upstairs room where they were staying. The verse lists the names of the remaining eleven apostles who were present together after Jesus’ ascension.
The book of Acts is written by Luke and this verse sets the scene just after Jesus has returned to heaven. The apostles are named one by one, emphasizing their unity and presence in Jerusalem as they wait for what Jesus promised. This gathering in the upper room is a key moment, showing the core group of Jesus’ closest followers coming together in anticipation of what comes next.
The Greek behind Acts 1:13
- The word for "upper room" is ὑπερῷον (hyperōon), which refers to an upstairs or upper chamber in a house. This detail shows the apostles were gathered in a private, likely secure place, away from the crowds.
- The Greek verb ἦσαν καταμένοντες (ēsan katamenontes, here split in the tags as G2258, G2650) is often understood as "were staying" or "were abiding." This suggests the apostles were not just visiting but actually living there for a time, highlighting their commitment to stay together as they waited.
Why Acts 1:13 matters
- Acts 1:13 clarifies exactly who was present among Jesus’ closest followers after Judas Iscariot’s departure, which is important for understanding the group’s makeup before the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- The verse shows the apostles’ obedience to Jesus’ instruction to remain in Jerusalem, setting the stage for the events of Pentecost in the next chapter.
- Listing the apostles by name emphasizes their unity and the continuity of Jesus’ mission through these specific individuals, connecting the story of Acts to the earlier Gospel accounts.