King James Version

What Does Acts 1:15 Mean?

Acts 1:15 in the King James Version says “And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hu... — study this verse from Acts chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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,)

16

Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17

For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter's leadership in addressing the 'hundred and twenty' shows his restoration after denial. The phrase 'in those days' indicates the ten-day period between Ascension and Pentecost. Peter's interpretation of Judas' betrayal as Scripture fulfillment (Psalm 69:25, 109:8) demonstrates early christological hermeneutics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The number 120 may have significance - Jewish tradition required at least 120 men for a community to have its own council. This company formed the nucleus of the reconstituted people of God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Peter's leadership after failure encourage you regarding restoration?
  2. What does scriptural interpretation of events teach about understanding circumstances through God's Word?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἐν2 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς3 of 22
G3588

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

ἡμέραις4 of 22

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ταύταις5 of 22
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἀναστὰς6 of 22

stood up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

Πέτρος7 of 22

Peter

G4074

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

ἐν8 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ9 of 22

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

τῶν10 of 22
G3588

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

μαθητῶν11 of 22

of the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

εἶπεν12 of 22

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἦν13 of 22

were

G2258

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

τε14 of 22
G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ὄχλος15 of 22

(the number

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ὀνομάτων16 of 22

of names

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

ἐπὶ17 of 22

together

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ18 of 22
G3588

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

αὐτὸ19 of 22
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὡς20 of 22

about

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἑκατὸν21 of 22

an hundred

G1540

a hundred

εἴκοσιν,22 of 22

and twenty

G1501

a score


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 1:15 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 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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