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 1:13KJV
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Acts 1:13 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“Zelotes” Greek G2208 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 6:15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

“room” Greek G5253 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 9:37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
  • Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
  • Acts 20:8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

“Bartholomew” Greek G918 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
  • Luke 6:14 Simon,(whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

“Matthew” Greek G3156 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 9:9 And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,