Misinterpretations of this passage often include erroneously assuming it lists all twelve original apostles, overlooking Judas Iscariot's absence due to his betrayal and the later appointment of Matthias; confusing this upper room gathering with the Last Supper location or timing, when it actually occurs post-ascension during a ten-day wait; or fixating on the names for unfounded numerology, hierarchy, or exclusivity claims, such as implying women were absent despite verse 14's inclusion of Mary and others, thus missing the core emphasis on unified devotion and expectation of the Spirit.
Acts 1:13
King James Version (1769)
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 Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
Acts 1:13 lists the eleven apostles remaining after Judas Iscariot's betrayal—Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James—who gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, united in prayer and obedience to Jesus' instruction to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, highlighting their faithfulness, continuity of leadership, and communal preparation that set the stage for Pentecost and the birth of the church.