In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text highlights that Peter "stood up among the brothers," not just the apostles, indicating a broadening of leadership vision. The mention of "about 120" suggests a significant, organized gathering, hinting at the establishment of a more formal community structure even before Pentecost.
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the days following Jesus' ascension, as the disciples waited in Jerusalem, Peter stood before a gathering of about 120 believers. This assembly, composed of apostles and other followers, was soon to address a significant problem: the vacant apostolic office left by Judas. Peter's address, highlighted by this verse, marks the beginning of their decision-making process to select a replacement.
Have you ever been in a group where a decision needed to be made, but no one wanted to speak up? Peter doesn't hesitate here, stepping into a leadership role.
A Leader Emerges
Luke tells us that in the days between Jesus' ascension and Pentecost, Peter stood up. The word used here suggests more than just getting on his feet; it implies taking initiative. He wasn't just part of the crowd; he was addressing them.
This act is significant because:
Why 120? This number seems specific. What does it signify for this newly formed community awaiting the Holy Spirit?
More Than Just a Crowd
Luke inserts the detail that there were 'about 120 persons' gathered. This wasn't a random assembly; it was a significant group.
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Understand the original words
adelphos · Greek Noun
Referring to fellow believers, the community of the faithful, or the family of God. It highlights the spiritual kinship and equality shared among all who follow Jesus Christ.
c. AD 30
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following His resurrection, Jesus commissions His followers and then ascends into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30— this verse
Disciples Gather in Jerusalem
The followers of Jesus, numbering about 120, gather together in Jerusalem to wait as Jesus instructed, praying together.
c. AD 30
Peter Proposes Replacing Judas
Peter addresses the gathered believers, explaining the need to choose a replacement for the fallen apostle Judas Iscariot.
c. AD 30
Matthias is Chosen as Apostle
The community casts lots, and Matthias is selected by God to join the eleven apostles, bringing their number back to twelve.
c. AD 30
The Holy Spirit Descends at Pentecost
Fifty days after the Passover, the Holy Spirit powerfully indwells the gathered believers, empowering them to spread the Gospel.
This passage lists the seventy Jesus appointed and sent out, and it's likely many of them were among the 'about 120' gathered, expanding the leadership group beyond the apostles.
1 Corinthians 15:6Paul mentions Jesus appearing to over 500 believers at once, suggesting that the 120 in Jerusalem were a specific, gathered group within a much larger following.
John 20:22Jesus breathed on the disciples and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.' This verse highlights the spiritual empowerment that was imminent for the group, even before Pentecost.
Exodus 24:1Similar to Moses being called to ascend the mountain with elders, this verse shows a gathering of leaders before God, mirroring the context of Peter addressing the 120 before a significant divine act.
vincentActs 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,)"
Of the disciples (τῶν μαθητῶν)The best texts read ἀδελφῶν, brethren.The number of the names together were about, etc. (ἦν τε ὄχλος ὀνομάτων ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ)Much better as Rev., and there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about, etc. Ὄχλος, multitude, would not be used of a number about to be stated.
bengelActs 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,)"
Acts 1:15 . Ἀναστὰς , having stood up ) as men are wont to do when about to make a speech. This speech of Peter, though delivered before the great Pentecost, yet bears the impress, not of the discipleship, but of the apostleship, owing to the “receiving of the Holy Ghost,” as mentioned in John 20:22 .— ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ , together, at the same time )…
The text highlights that Peter "stood up among the brothers," not just the apostles, indicating a broadening of leadership vision. The mention of "about 120" suggests a significant, organized gathering, hinting at the establishment of a more formal community structure even before Pentecost.
In the days following Jesus' ascension, as the disciples waited in Jerusalem, Peter stood before a gathering of about 120 believers. This assembly, composed of apostles and other followers, was soon to address a significant problem: the vacant apostolic office left by Judas. Peter's address, highlighted by this verse, marks the beginning of their decision-making process to select a replacement.
In the days following Jesus' ascension, as the disciples waited in Jerusalem, Peter stood before a gathering of about 120 believers. This assembly, composed of apostles and other followers, was soon to address a significant problem: the vacant apostolic office left by Judas. Peter's address, highlighted by this verse, marks the beginning of their decision-making process to select a replacement.
"In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said," — The text highlights that Peter "stood up among the brothers," not just the apostles, indicating a broadening of leadership vision. The mention of "about 120" suggests a significant, organized gatheri…
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Last reviewed October 2026