King James Version

What Does Acts 1:13 Mean?

Acts 1:13 in the King James Version says “And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Ph... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 1:13 · KJV


Context

11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey .

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.

14

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

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,)


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive list of apostles emphasizes the foundation of apostolic witness. Luke includes 'Mary the mother of Jesus' and Jesus' brothers who had previously disbelieved (John 7:5). Their presence indicates resurrection faith had transformed family skepticism into devoted discipleship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' brothers - James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55) - became believers after the resurrection. James later led the Jerusalem church (Acts 15) and authored the epistle bearing his name.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the transformation of Jesus' skeptical brothers teach about resurrection faith?
  2. How does the community of men and women together reflect the inclusive nature of Christ's kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 34 words
καὶ1 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅτε2 of 34

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

εἰσῆλθον3 of 34

they were come in

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

ἀνέβησαν4 of 34

they went up

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς5 of 34

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ6 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑπερῷον7 of 34

an upper room

G5253

a higher part of the house, i.e., apartment in the third story

οὗ8 of 34

where

G3757

at which place, i.e., where

ἦσαν9 of 34

abode

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

καταμένοντες10 of 34
G2650

to stay fully, i.e., reside

11 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τε12 of 34

both

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

Πέτρος13 of 34

Peter

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

καὶ14 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰακώβου15 of 34

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

καὶ16 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰωάννης17 of 34

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ18 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀνδρέας19 of 34

Andrew

G406

manly; andreas, an israelite

Φίλιππος20 of 34

Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

καὶ21 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Θωμᾶς22 of 34

Thomas

G2381

the twin; thomas, a christian

Βαρθολομαῖος23 of 34

Bartholomew

G918

son of tolmai; bar-tholomaeus, a christian apostle

καὶ24 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ματθαῖος,25 of 34

Matthew

G3156

matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian

Ἰακώβου26 of 34

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

Ἁλφαίου27 of 34

the son of Alphaeus

G256

alphaeus, an israelite

καὶ28 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σίμων29 of 34

Simon

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

30 of 34
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζηλωτὴς31 of 34

Zelotes

G2208

a zealot, i.e., (specially) partisan for jewish political independence

καὶ32 of 34

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἰούδας33 of 34

Judas

G2455

judas (i.e., jehudah), the name of ten israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region

Ἰακώβου34 of 34

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study