Acts 1:15

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (a gathering of about a hundred and twenty) and said,

Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the temporal context for the events that follow. "In those days" refers to the period between Jesus' ascension and the day of Pentecost. It was a time of waiting and preparation for the disciples. Historically, this was a period of about ten days, a time of prayer and anticipation for the coming of the Holy Spirit as promised by Jesus. The phrase underscores the transitional nature of this period, bridging the earthly ministry of Jesus and the birth of the Church.

Peter
Peter, originally named Simon, was one of Jesus' closest disciples and part of His inner circle. The name "Peter" (Greek: Petros) means "rock," a name given to him by Jesus (John 1:42). This name signifies Peter's role as a foundational leader in the early Church. His standing up to speak indicates his emerging leadership among the apostles, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy that Peter would be a rock upon which He would build His Church (Matthew 16:18).

stood up
The act of standing up is symbolic of taking a position of authority and readiness to lead. In Jewish tradition, standing was often associated with teaching or making a formal declaration. Peter's action here is significant as it marks the beginning of his leadership role in the early Church. It also reflects the courage and transformation Peter underwent after the resurrection of Christ, moving from denial to bold proclamation.

among the brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: adelphoi) is used here to denote the community of believers, both men and women, who were united in faith and purpose. This term emphasizes the familial bond among the early Christians, highlighting the unity and fellowship that characterized the early Church. It reflects the new spiritual family formed through faith in Christ, transcending traditional social and familial boundaries.

(a gathering of about a hundred and twenty)
This parenthetical note provides a numerical context for the early Christian community. The number 120 is significant in Jewish tradition, as it was the minimum number required to form a legitimate community with its own council. This detail underscores the readiness of the early believers to establish a structured community, poised for the mission that lay ahead. It also reflects the growth of the movement from a small group of disciples to a larger body of believers.

and said
The phrase "and said" introduces Peter's speech, which is a pivotal moment in the narrative. It marks the beginning of the apostolic leadership and the decision-making process within the early Church. Peter's speech that follows is not just a matter of addressing the group but is a divinely inspired initiative to fulfill Scripture and prepare for the coming mission. This moment is a testament to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church, as the apostles seek to align their actions with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, Peter often took a leadership role among the disciples. In this passage, he stands up to address the early Christian community.

2. The Brothers
Refers to the early followers of Jesus, including the apostles and other disciples. The term "brothers" (Greek: adelphoi) is often used to denote both male and female believers in the early church.

3. The Gathering
Approximately 120 people were present, indicating the size of the early Christian community in Jerusalem at this time.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the early church was gathering, and where significant events in the early Christian movement took place.

5. The Days Following Jesus' Ascension
This event occurs shortly after Jesus' ascension into heaven, during a time of waiting for the promised Holy Spirit.

Teaching Points

Leadership in the Early Church
Peter's role in addressing the assembly shows the importance of leadership in guiding and organizing the early church community.

Unity and Fellowship
The gathering of 120 believers demonstrates the unity and fellowship among the early Christians, emphasizing the importance of community in the faith.

Preparation for the Holy Spirit
This period of waiting and prayer highlights the necessity of spiritual preparation and anticipation for God's promises.

The Role of Scripture in Decision-Making
Peter's later use of Scripture to guide the selection of a new apostle (Acts 1:20) underscores the importance of Scripture in guiding church decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Peter's leadership in Acts 1:15 reflect Jesus' earlier words to him in the Gospels, and what can we learn about spiritual leadership today?

2. What does the gathering of 120 believers in Jerusalem teach us about the importance of community and fellowship in our own faith journey?

3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually, as the early disciples did, to receive and act upon God's promises?

4. How can we apply the principle of using Scripture to guide our decisions, as seen in the early church's actions?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God's timing. How does the example of the early church encourage you in times of waiting?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 2
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which follows this gathering, fulfills the promise Jesus made to His disciples.

Matthew 16:18
Jesus' declaration that Peter would be the rock upon which He would build His church, highlighting Peter's leadership role.

Luke 24:49
Jesus instructs His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they are clothed with power from on high, setting the stage for the events in Acts 1.