Wednesday May 24th, 2026
Upcoming Events:
Next 4Life Night: June 5th
Middle School Skate Meet-Up
Men of Faith Father's Day Lunch
Men of Faith Roundtable: October 22nd - 24th
Join The Text Update List
Pastor Kerrick's 40th Birthday Mix & Mingle Masquerade
Prayer Focus: The Summer
Pro 3:5-10 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
1Pe 5:5-7 (NKJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to [your] elders. Yes, all of [you] be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Luk 24:49 (NKJV)
"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
tarry - wait
endued - clothed
Act 1:4-15 (NKJV)
And being assembled together with [them], He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," [He said], "you have heard from Me; 5 "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This [same] Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James [the son] of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas [the son] of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
Upper Room -
Based on archaeological excavations of 1st-century upper-class homes in Jerusalem, a wealthy residence like Mary's would have spanned between 2,000 and 8,500 square feet (200 to 800 square meters) of total floor space.
While the exact dimensions of her specific house are lost to history, both the biblical text and historical context allow us to paint a vivid picture of its scale.
How We Know It Was a Mansion
In the ancient world, the vast majority of regular people lived in tiny, simple "four-room houses" that were roughly 500 square feet. Mary's house was vastly larger for several reasons:
The Crowd Capacity: Acts 12:12 states that "many were gathered together praying" inside the house while Peter was in prison. A standard home could not hold a large, secret congregation.
The Household Staff: The text mentions a gatekeeper/maid named Rhoda. Having dedicated gatekeepers and staff indicates a family of significant aristocratic wealth and estate size.
The "Upper City" Context: The Upper Room would have been located on the southwestern hill of Jerusalem (today's Mount Zion/Jewish Quarter). This was the "Beverly Hills" of ancient Jerusalem, where wealthy merchants and priestly families lived.
The Likely Layout and Scale
Archaeologists excavating this exact neighborhood have uncovered houses from the time of Jesus that match the description of Mary's home. A house of this caliber typically featured:
A Multi-Story Design:
Houses were built upward because space inside Jerusalem's walls was limited. The ground floor was used for kitchens, servant quarters, storage, and water cisterns. The family lived on the upper levels.
The Central Courtyard:
Rather than a lawn, the house was built in a ring around a large, open-air paved courtyard. This is why Peter had to knock at an outer gateway and wait for Rhoda to cross the courtyard to answer.
The Upper Room Dimensions:
A typical main reception hall or upper room in these mansions (like the one excavated in the famous "Palatial Mansion" nearby) measured roughly 18 feet wide by 36 feet long. This was a roughly 650-square-foot room.
This house was a significant offering. A significant seed. She made her estate available for the move of God. There was preparation for this offering and availability to offer it.
Waiting time is not wasting time.
Act 2:1 (NKJV)
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The Day of Pentecost was a moed (divine set time) on God's holy calendar.
Act 2:2-21 (NKJV)
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 "And how [is it that] we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 "Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" 13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 "For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is [only] the third hour of the day. 16 "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass [That] whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'
Jhn 14:26 (NKJV) "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Jhn 16:13 (NKJV)
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority], but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Gal 5:25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Gal 6:6-10 (NKJV)
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Gal 6:7-10 (NLT)
Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith.
1Co 14:2-4 (NKJV)
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Jde 1:20 (NKJV)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Psa 75:6 (KJV)
For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
2Co 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Rom 1:17 (NKJV)
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Become A Member Of Faith
Join The Text Update List
Upcoming Events:
Next 4Life Night: June 5th
Middle School Skate Meet-Up
Men of Faith Father's Day Lunch
Men of Faith Roundtable: October 22nd - 24th
Join The Text Update List
Pastor Kerrick's 40th Birthday Mix & Mingle Masquerade
Prayer Focus: The Summer
Pro 3:5-10 (NKJV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
1Pe 5:5-7 (NKJV)
Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to [your] elders. Yes, all of [you] be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Luk 24:49 (NKJV)
"Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high."
tarry - wait
endued - clothed
Act 1:4-15 (NKJV)
And being assembled together with [them], He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," [He said], "you have heard from Me; 5 "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This [same] Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. 13 And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James [the son] of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas [the son] of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said,
Upper Room -
Based on archaeological excavations of 1st-century upper-class homes in Jerusalem, a wealthy residence like Mary's would have spanned between 2,000 and 8,500 square feet (200 to 800 square meters) of total floor space.
While the exact dimensions of her specific house are lost to history, both the biblical text and historical context allow us to paint a vivid picture of its scale.
How We Know It Was a Mansion
In the ancient world, the vast majority of regular people lived in tiny, simple "four-room houses" that were roughly 500 square feet. Mary's house was vastly larger for several reasons:
The Crowd Capacity: Acts 12:12 states that "many were gathered together praying" inside the house while Peter was in prison. A standard home could not hold a large, secret congregation.
The Household Staff: The text mentions a gatekeeper/maid named Rhoda. Having dedicated gatekeepers and staff indicates a family of significant aristocratic wealth and estate size.
The "Upper City" Context: The Upper Room would have been located on the southwestern hill of Jerusalem (today's Mount Zion/Jewish Quarter). This was the "Beverly Hills" of ancient Jerusalem, where wealthy merchants and priestly families lived.
The Likely Layout and Scale
Archaeologists excavating this exact neighborhood have uncovered houses from the time of Jesus that match the description of Mary's home. A house of this caliber typically featured:
A Multi-Story Design:
Houses were built upward because space inside Jerusalem's walls was limited. The ground floor was used for kitchens, servant quarters, storage, and water cisterns. The family lived on the upper levels.
The Central Courtyard:
Rather than a lawn, the house was built in a ring around a large, open-air paved courtyard. This is why Peter had to knock at an outer gateway and wait for Rhoda to cross the courtyard to answer.
The Upper Room Dimensions:
A typical main reception hall or upper room in these mansions (like the one excavated in the famous "Palatial Mansion" nearby) measured roughly 18 feet wide by 36 feet long. This was a roughly 650-square-foot room.
This house was a significant offering. A significant seed. She made her estate available for the move of God. There was preparation for this offering and availability to offer it.
Waiting time is not wasting time.
Act 2:1 (NKJV)
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
The Day of Pentecost was a moed (divine set time) on God's holy calendar.
Act 2:2-21 (NKJV)
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and [one] sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 "And how [is it that] we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 "Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" 13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 "For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is [only] the third hour of the day. 16 "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass [That] whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'
Jhn 14:26 (NKJV) "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Jhn 16:13 (NKJV)
"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own [authority], but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
Gal 5:25 (NLT)
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
Gal 6:6-10 (NKJV)
Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Gal 6:7-10 (NLT)
Don't be misled--you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith.
1Co 14:2-4 (NKJV)
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands [him]; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Jde 1:20 (NKJV)
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Psa 75:6 (KJV)
For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south.
2Co 3:17-18 (NKJV)
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord [is], there [is] liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Rom 1:17 (NKJV)
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Become A Member Of Faith
Join The Text Update List