Acts 1:12 - Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
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What does "Acts 1:12" mean?
Acts 1:12, "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away," provides context and establishes the physical location of the early believers after the Ascension of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"Then they returned to Jerusalem...": This indicates that the disciples and other followers of Jesus were returning to the city of Jerusalem. The "they" refers to the apostles and other disciples mentioned in the preceding verses.
"...from the mountain called Olivet...": The Mount of Olives is a prominent hill just east of Jerusalem. It was a frequent location for Jesus to teach and pray. This verse identifies it as the place from which they were returning. According to Acts 1:9-11 this is where the ascension happened.
"...which is near Jerusalem...": This clarifies the location of the Mount of Olives in relation to Jerusalem.
"...a Sabbath day's journey away.": This phrase is crucial. A "Sabbath day's journey" was a distance of approximately 2,000 cubits (about 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer). This was the maximum distance that Jewish people were permitted to travel on the Sabbath without violating religious law. This measurement serves two purposes:
1. It indicates the Mount of Olives was within the permissible Sabbath day's travel distance from Jerusalem. This would have been important to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.
2. It shows that the location was familiar and easily understood by the Jewish audience to whom the Book of Acts was originally written. It's a relatable reference point.
Significance of the Verse:
Geographical Specificity: The verse provides a precise location, grounding the narrative in a specific place. This adds authenticity and credibility to the account.
Transition to Jerusalem: It marks the disciples' return to Jerusalem, where they will soon experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). This sets the stage for the birth of the early church.
Relevance to Jewish Custom: The reference to a "Sabbath day's journey" highlights the Jewish context of the early church. The disciples were initially Jewish followers of Jesus who still observed Jewish customs and laws.
Implied Obedience: By noting the distance, it subtly implies that the disciples were observing the Sabbath laws regarding travel.
In summary, Acts 1:12 is a simple verse that provides essential geographical and cultural context for the narrative of the early church. It places the disciples in Jerusalem after the Ascension, highlighting their connection to Jewish tradition and setting the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters.
Acts 1:12 - Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.
What does "Acts 1:12" mean?
Acts 1:12, "Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away," provides context and establishes the physical location of the early believers after the Ascension of Jesus. Let's break it down:
"Then they returned to Jerusalem...": This indicates that the disciples and other followers of Jesus were returning to the city of Jerusalem. The "they" refers to the apostles and other disciples mentioned in the preceding verses.
"...from the mountain called Olivet...": The Mount of Olives is a prominent hill just east of Jerusalem. It was a frequent location for Jesus to teach and pray. This verse identifies it as the place from which they were returning. According to Acts 1:9-11 this is where the ascension happened.
"...which is near Jerusalem...": This clarifies the location of the Mount of Olives in relation to Jerusalem.
"...a Sabbath day's journey away.": This phrase is crucial. A "Sabbath day's journey" was a distance of approximately 2,000 cubits (about 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer). This was the maximum distance that Jewish people were permitted to travel on the Sabbath without violating religious law. This measurement serves two purposes:
1. It indicates the Mount of Olives was within the permissible Sabbath day's travel distance from Jerusalem. This would have been important to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem.
2. It shows that the location was familiar and easily understood by the Jewish audience to whom the Book of Acts was originally written. It's a relatable reference point.
Significance of the Verse:
Geographical Specificity: The verse provides a precise location, grounding the narrative in a specific place. This adds authenticity and credibility to the account.
Transition to Jerusalem: It marks the disciples' return to Jerusalem, where they will soon experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). This sets the stage for the birth of the early church.
Relevance to Jewish Custom: The reference to a "Sabbath day's journey" highlights the Jewish context of the early church. The disciples were initially Jewish followers of Jesus who still observed Jewish customs and laws.
Implied Obedience: By noting the distance, it subtly implies that the disciples were observing the Sabbath laws regarding travel.
In summary, Acts 1:12 is a simple verse that provides essential geographical and cultural context for the narrative of the early church. It places the disciples in Jerusalem after the Ascension, highlighting their connection to Jewish tradition and setting the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters.