Acts 1:13 – “When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes what happened when the apostles returned to Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension. They went to an upper room, where they would wait together for the coming of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had commanded them (Acts 1:4).

The verse also lists the names of the eleven remaining apostles—those closest to Jesus during His earthly ministry. The list follows a pattern found in the Gospels, confirming that these were the men Jesus had personally chosen to carry out His mission. The only one missing is Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and later died (Matthew 27:3-5).

The mention of the upper room is significant. This is not necessarily the same room where Jesus held the Last Supper (Luke 22:12), but it was a place where the disciples gathered, prayed, and prepared for what was to come. The fact that they stayed together shows their unity and obedience to Jesus’ instructions.

Historical Context

1. The Upper Room as a Gathering Place
   • In Jewish culture, homes often had an upper room that served as a meeting place or guest room. This was a place for prayer, teaching, and fellowship.
   • Many believe this upper room may have been in the home of John Mark’s family (Acts 12:12), which was known as a gathering place for early Christians.
2. The Apostles’ Role as Leaders
   • The eleven apostles listed in this verse were the core leaders of the early church. These men had:
     • Walked with Jesus for three years.
     • Witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings.
     • Seen Him die and rise again.
   • Despite their past failures and doubts, they remained faithful, proving that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
3. The Disciples’ Waiting Period
   • Jesus had told them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). Instead of scattering, they stayed together, showing their trust in His promise.

Theological Implications

1. God Works Through a United People
   • The apostles did not go their separate ways after Jesus ascended. They stayed together in fellowship and prayer, preparing for God’s next move.
2. God Uses Imperfect People
   • The men listed here were far from perfect—Peter had denied Jesus, Thomas had doubted, and the others had abandoned Him at the cross. Yet God still chose them to be the foundation of His church.
3. Obedience Prepares Us for God’s Power
   • The disciples could have gone out immediately to preach, but they waited as Jesus commanded. Sometimes, obedience means waiting on God’s timing.
4. The Holy Spirit Empowers God’s People
   • The apostles were faithful, but they still needed the Holy Spirit to carry out their mission. Their time in the upper room was a period of prayer, reflection, and preparation before Pentecost (Acts 2).

Literary Analysis

1. The List of Apostles
   • This list matches other apostolic lists in the Gospels (Matthew 10:2-4, Luke 6:14-16). The order varies slightly, but Peter is always listed first, showing his role as a leader among the apostles.
2. The Setting of the Upper Room
   • The phrase “where they were staying” suggests this was a temporary gathering place rather than their permanent home.
   • This room became the center of prayer, teaching, and waiting, emphasizing the importance of community in the early church.
3. The Contrast with Judas Iscariot
   • The listing of only eleven apostles reminds us that one was missing—Judas Iscariot.
   • His absence foreshadows the next event, where the disciples choose a replacement (Acts 1:15-26).

Biblical Cross-References

• Luke 6:13-16 – Jesus originally selects the twelve apostles.
• Luke 22:12-13 – The Last Supper took place in an upper room.
• Acts 2:1 – The Holy Spirit comes while the disciples are gathered together.
• Acts 12:12 – Early Christians gather at John Mark’s mother’s house, possibly the same upper room.
• Matthew 10:2-4 – A list of the twelve apostles, including Judas Iscariot.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith Requires Obedience and Patience
   • The disciples didn’t rush ahead with their own plans. They waited, prayed, and prepared for the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, God calls us to wait on Him before moving forward.
2. Community and Fellowship are Essential
   • The early believers stuck together. We are not meant to live the Christian life alone—we need fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.
3. God Uses Ordinary People for His Glory
   • These apostles were not religious scholars or powerful leaders. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and everyday men whom Jesus transformed. If He could use them, He can use us too.
4. Prayer Prepares Us for God’s Power
   • Before the Holy Spirit came, the apostles devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14). If we want to see God move in our lives, we must make prayer a priority.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God Guides His People Step by Step
   • Jesus didn’t leave His disciples without direction. He told them to wait in Jerusalem, and He had a plan to empower them. God always provides guidance when we seek Him.
2. God Builds His Church Through Ordinary People
   • The apostles were just regular men, but God loved them and called them to a great purpose. The same is true for every believer today.
3. God’s Love is Seen in Community
   • God designed His people to be together, supporting one another. The early disciples did not go off on their own—they waited and prayed together. God’s love is experienced in the fellowship of believers.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Chose These Men for a Purpose
   • These eleven men had been personally called by Jesus to be His witnesses. Even after His ascension, they remained faithful.
2. Jesus Had Promised the Holy Spirit
   • The apostles were waiting because Jesus had told them the Holy Spirit would come. This verse is a direct connection to Jesus’ promise in John 14:16-17.
3. Jesus is the Foundation of the Church
   • The church did not begin with human effort—it started with Jesus choosing these men and empowering them with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).

Other key passages:

• John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you.”
• John 14:26 – “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”
• Ephesians 2:20 – “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.”

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the apostles stayed together instead of scattering?
2. What does this passage teach us about the importance of prayer while waiting on God?
3. How does the fact that God used imperfect men to build His church encourage you?
4. What role does Christian community play in your own spiritual life?
5. How can we practice faithful obedience while waiting for God’s direction?