MPV Commentary

Return of the Eleven to Jerusalem--Proceedings in the Upper Room till Pentecost.

The apostles returned to Jerusalem, about two thousand cubits (about a Sabbath day's journey) from where they had been staying. They went up into an upper room, possibly the same one where Jesus had celebrated the last Passover and the first Supper with them (Luke 22:12). This was their place of rendezvous.

Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, Judas (not Iscariot), and Matthias were all present. They continued in prayer and supplication, united in their devotion to God, for the promised baptism that they knew was necessary.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was also with them, but not as a leader or superior to the others. She was included in their prayers to her glorified Son (John 7:3). This is the last mention of Mary in the New Testament.

In those days, the apostles were engaged in expectant prayer and probably near the end of this period when they began to understand more clearly what their future work would entail. The Holy Spirit was stirring within them, particularly in Peter, who would be a leading figure in the early church (Matthew 16:19).

The number of believers had grown to about one hundred twenty, which means many of the five hundred brethren who saw Jesus after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:6) remained in Galilee.

During this time, Judas Iscariot fell headlong and died. This event is mentioned alongside what was said in Matthew 27:5.

The apostles then cast lots to choose a replacement for Judas. They looked back on the entire ministry of Jesus, from his baptism by John (where he was introduced to his disciples) to the day he was taken up into heaven. They realized that one person had to be chosen to witness with them to Jesus' resurrection.

The apostles put forward two men as candidates for this role: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. They prayed, saying, "Lord, you know everyone's heart; show us which of these two you have chosen." This prayer was offered to the exalted Son of God, demonstrating their understanding that He is the one who sends them and they bear witness to Him.

The apostles chose Matthias by lot, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles, completing the broken Twelve.