The period between the ascension and Pentecost was one of waiting, but not of inactivity. Chiefly, for the disciples, it was a time of prayer, but it also saw them finding a replacement for Judas. In this connection, we have the first speech in Acts. Like most of the speeches in this book, it is probably only a summary of what Peter said. Nevertheless, behind Luke’s report we can still catch the original tones of the apostle.

1:12–14 As instructed, the apostles retraced their steps from the Mount of Olives to the city, there to await the Father’s gift (cf. vv. 4, 5). They were quartered in an upper room. This would have given them a degree of privacy that suited their purpose well, for much of their time was spent in prayer (cf. Dan. 6:10). The notice of verse 14 may include their regula…