It's easy to see this list of names as just a roll call, but notice that the text states they "went up into an upper room, where they were abiding." This wasn't just a random meeting place; it was their shared dwelling, indicating a close-knit community committed to staying together and waiting on God's promise.
And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the disciples gathered in a large upper room, a common meeting place, where they were staying. This gathering included all eleven apostles (except Judas), likely the same group present at the Last Supper, as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit.
Why a specific 'upper room'? This wasn't just any meeting space, but a place steeped in memory and purpose.
The 'upper room' mentioned in Acts 1:13 was more than just a physical location; it was a place of shared history and present waiting.
A Room of Memories
This wasn't the first time Jesus and his disciples gathered in such a space. The Gospels suggest this might be the same 'large upper room' where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples (Mark 14:15, Luke 22:12). This room, therefore, was a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, his teachings, and his promise of the Holy Spirit.
A Place of Abiding Hope
Described as where they 'abode' or 'were abiding,' this room was their temporary headquarters. It was a place of refuge and continuity after Jesus' ascension. The disciples weren't scattered in fear, but gathered together, united in their expectation of the promised Holy Spirit.
Why does Luke list all the names here? It's more than just a roster; it's a testament to God's faithfulness.
The detailed listing of the eleven apostles in Acts 1:13 serves a vital purpose beyond simply identifying who was present.
Reaffirmation of the Called
After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples, except for Judas, had initially scattered in fear. This recounting of their names, led by Peter, is a powerful affirmation that they have returned to their calling. It’s Luke's way of showing that these men, chosen and commissioned by Christ, are now back together, ready for what's next.
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Unity in Diversity
The list includes individuals with distinct backgrounds, like Simon the Zealot (known for his fervent political leanings) and likely Matthew the tax collector (who would have been viewed with suspicion by some). Their inclusion highlights the unifying power of Christ, bringing together disparate personalities for a common mission. It underscores that God calls and uses a diverse group for His purposes.
Understand the original words
hyperōon · Greek Noun
A room on an upper floor of a house, frequently used in the New Testament for intimate prayer and communal gathering. It symbolizes a place set apart from the public eye for spiritual preparation and seeking God.
This upper room wasn't just any room; it was a designated meeting place for the core followers of Jesus after His ascension. The specific mention of the apostles' names and their location highlights the foundational period of the early church, a time of waiting and unity before the empowering event of Pentecost.
c. AD 30
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascends to heaven from the Mount of Olives, instructing his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Disciples Return to Jerusalem
The eleven apostles return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a journey of about two thousand cubits (a Sabbath day's journey).
c. AD 30— this verse
Gathering in the Upper Room
The disciples, including the eleven apostles, gather in an upper room, a place they were using as a temporary lodging and meeting place.
c. AD 30
Waiting for the Holy Spirit
The disciples, along with Mary the mother of Jesus and others, continue to meet together in prayer and supplication, anticipating the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the assembled believers in the upper room, empowering them to spread the gospel.
This passage describes Jesus directing his disciples to a 'large upper room' for the Last Supper, suggesting this same type of room was a significant place for key gatherings of Jesus and his followers.
John 13:1The Gospels mention Jesus having supper with his disciples, and the context of Acts 1 implies this upper room might be the same significant location where they shared final meals and important teachings before His ascension.
Acts 20:8This verse also mentions an 'upper room' where believers gathered for a meeting and teaching, highlighting its recurring use as a space for significant community and spiritual events within the early church.
Matthew 10:2Listing the names of the apostles here echoes Matthew's own list of the Twelve, serving to re-establish their identity and authority as the foundation of the early church after Jesus's departure.
vincentActs 1:13: "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."
An upper room (τὸ ὑπερῷον)With the article, denoting some well-known place of resort. It was the name given to the room directly under the flat roof. Such rooms were often set apart as halls for meetings. In such an apartment Paul delivered…
jfbActs 1:12-26: "Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey."
Ac 1:12-26. Return of the Eleven to Jerusalem—Proceedings in the Upper Room till Pentecost.12-14. a sabbath day's journey—about two thousand cubits.
It's easy to see this list of names as just a roll call, but notice that the text states they "went up into an upper room, where they were abiding." This wasn't just a random meeting place; it was their shared dwelling, indicating a close-knit community committed to staying together and waiting on God's promise.
Having returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the disciples gathered in a large upper room, a common meeting place, where they were staying. This gathering included all eleven apostles (except Judas), likely the same group present at the Last Supper, as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit.
Having returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the disciples gathered in a large upper room, a common meeting place, where they were staying. This gathering included all eleven apostles (except Judas), likely the same group present at the Last Supper, as they awaited the promised Holy Spirit.
"And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James." — It's easy to see this list of names as just a roll call, but notice that the text states they "went up into an upper room, where they were abiding." This wasn't just a random meeting place; it was th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
