The upper chamber for an upper room, A.V.; where they were abiding for where abode, A.V.; son of James for brother of James, A.V. The upper chamber; perhaps the same room where they had eaten the Passover with Christ (Luke 22:12); but this is very uncertain, though affirmed by Epiphanius, and by Nicephorus, who further relates that the very house in which the upper chamber was built into the back part of the temple which the Empress Helena erected on Mount Sion. The word here is ὑπερῷον, there it is ἀνώγεον. The ὑπερῷον (Hebrew הָיּלעֲ, 2 Kings 4:10, 2 Kings 4:11) was the room immediately under the roof; the ἀνώγεον was synonymous. Where they were abiding. A slight change in the order of the words, as adopted in the text of the R.V., makes Peter and the other apostles the nominative case to the verb "went up," instead of, as in the A.V., to "abode." In regard to the list of the apostles which follows, it may be noticed first, that it is identical with that of Luke 6:14-16, except in the omission of Judas Iscariot and the order in which the apostles are named. The order in Luke seems to have followed that of natural birth and association. The brothers, Peter and Andrew, James and John, are classed together; Philip and Bartholomew, or Nathanael, go together, and so on. But in this list John follows Peter, his close companion in missionary work (Acts 3:1, etc.; Acts 4:12; Acts 8:14); James follows instead of preceding John; and others are classed somewhat differently, for reasons probably analogous, but which we know not. Of the other lists that in Mark 3:16-19 agrees most nearly with that before us. In all, Simon Peter stands first. The Jude of Luke 6:16 (comp. Jud Luke 1:1) and Acts 1:13 is called Thaddaeus in Matthew 10:3 (" Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus," A.V.) and in Mark 3:18; but no doubt the persons are the same. In all the lists Philip stands fifth. In three Bartholomew is sixth, while in the list in Acts his being named after Thomas makes him seventh. In all the lists James the son of Alphaeus is ninth, and Judas Iscariot the last, except in the Acts, where he is not named, being already dead. The underwritten columns give the four lists in one view:—
Bible Commentary
Acts 1:13
Acts 1:13
The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain
The Daily Devotional
One devotional. Every morning.
The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.
We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.
Continue tomorrow
Turn Bible study into a daily habit
Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.
Recommended reading
More for Acts 1:13
Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.
Other commentaries
Acts 1 — OverviewActs 1 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe inspired historian begins his narrative of the Acts of the
Apostles, I. With a reference to, and a brief recapitulation of, his
gospel, or history of the life of Christ, inscribing this, as he had
done…Acts 1 — OverviewActs 1 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeActs 1:1, Christ, preparing his apostles to the beholding of his ascension, gathers them together unto the mount Olivet, commands them to expect in Jerusalem the sending down of the Holy Ghost, promises after a few days…Acts 1 — OverviewActs 1 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis book, in some copies, is called, "The Acts of the holy Apostles". It contains an history of the ministry and miracles of the apostles of Christ, and is a sort of a journal of their actions, from whence it takes its…Acts 1:1-26Acts 1:1-26 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITIONActs 1:9-14Acts 1:9-14 · The Pulpit CommentaryWisdom in bereavement.
We learn from these verses—
I. THAT THE CULMINATION OF HOPE IN ONE MAY PROVE THE DEPTH OF PRIVATION TO ANOTHER. For the joy that was set before him Jesus "endured the cross, despising the shame"…Acts 1:12-14Acts 1:12-14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWe are here told, I. Whence Christ ascended--from the mount of Olives
(v. 12), from that part of it where the town of Bethany stood, Luke
xxiv. 50. There he began his sufferings (Luke xxii. 39), and therefore…
commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Lawyer and the WitnessYou don't need a theology degree to speak. You just need a story. This week, practice your "3-Minute Testimony." Before: What was my life like before Jesus? (1 minute) How: How did I meet Him? (1 minute) After: How is my life different now? (1 minute) Write it down. Be ready to share it.DiscipleDeck sermonWaitingThe Ascension--Christlike and Natural Our lesson begins with the narrative of the Ascension, and the reader will remember that this is the second account of...George H. MorrisonvideoThe Book of Mark Explainer VideoThis video provides a fast-paced, action-packed summary of the Gospel of Mark, highlighting its urgency and focus on proving Jesus is the Son of God through five key acts (0:00-0:54). Key Acts in Mark: Act 1: Baptism & Ministry Launch (0:55-2:14): John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus is baptized, receiving divine endorsement before immediately calling his first disciples. Act 2: Galilean Ministry & Authority (2:15-4:24): Jesus demonstrates authority through miracles—healing, casting out spirits, and calming storms—while using parables to teach about the Kingdom of God (3:02). This act also introduces the conflict with religious leaders. Act 3: The Turning Point (4:25-6:00): Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah (4:56), leading Jesus to define his mission not as political power, but as suffering, death, and resurrection (5:22). Act 4: The Passion (6:01-7:30): The intense final week in Jerusalem, covering his triumphal entry, the Last Supper, betrayal, and crucifixion. The climax occurs when a Roman Centurion declares Jesus the Son of God at his death (7:09). Act 5: The Resurrection (7:31-8:50): Women find the empty tomb, confirming Jesus has risen, demonstrating that sacrifice led to ultimate victory.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe GavelPrayer isn't just asking God for things; it's enforcing what God has already decided. Pick up the gavel today. Stop accepting what Heaven has already forbidden.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe Branch and the SapApples don't grow because the branch tries hard; they grow because the branch holds on. Stop striving. Start abiding.DiscipleDeck