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Acts 1:12

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 1:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off.
Acts 1:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
11who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven.
12Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is nigh unto Jerusalem, a Sabbath day`s journey off.
13And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas [the son] of James.
14These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15And in these days Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren, and said (and there was a multitude of persons [gathered] together, about a hundred and twenty),
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then returned they unto Jerusalem, etc.] With great joy, after the angels had told them that he should come again in like manner: from the mount called Olivet; which was on the east side of Jerusalem, a mountain Christ much frequented, and from whence he ascended to heaven. This is the hill which in (<111107>1 Kings 11:7) is said to be “before Jerusalem”; and accordingly Jarchi interprets it of the Mount of Olives; and in (<381404>Zechariah 14:4) it is expressly said to be “before Jerusalem on the east”; hence, when our Lord sat upon it, he is said to be over against the temple, (<411303>Mark 13:3). It has its name from the multitude of olive trees which grew upon it: it is by the Jewish…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“RETURN OF THE ELEVEN TO JERUSALEM--PROCEEDINGS IN THE UPPER ROOM TILL PENTECOST. (Act 1:12-26) a sabbath day's journey--about two thousand cubits.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then returned they unto Jerusalem - In Luke 24:52, we are told that they worshipped Jesus before they returned, and it is probable that the act of worship to which he refers was what is mentioned in this chapter their gazing intently on their departing Lord. From the mount called Olivet - From the Mount of Olives. See the notes on Matthew 21:1. The part of the mountain from which he ascended was the eastern declivity, where stood the little village of Bethany, Luke 24:50. A sabbath-day’s journey - As far as might be lawfully traveled by a Jew on the Sabbath. This was 2,000 paces or cubits, or seven furlongs and a half - not quite one mile. See the notes On Matthew 24:20. The distance of a…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“A Sabbath - day's journey - The Jews generally fix this to two thousand cubits, which is not a mile. Acts 1:13”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:12 The witnesses of the ascension returned to Jerusalem with joy, worship, exhilaration, and praise to God (Luke 24:52), and with their doubts assuaged (see study note on Acts 1:3).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“from: Zac 14:4; Mat 21:1, Mat 24:3, Mat 26:30; Luk 21:37, Luk 24:52 a sabbath: Luk 24:50; Joh 11:18 Acts 1:13”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification