How many people were in the upper room with Jesus at the Last Supper?
There is no denying that the Last Supper was one of the most influential meals of Jesus’ life, symbolizing his entire earthly mission in a way that the church has re-enacted ever since. But, because the Gospel accounts do not specify exactly, no one knows exactly how many people joined with Jesus at that meal. The vastly different numbers that you mention are due to different meanings that the word “disciple” (which means “follower” in Greek) carries in the Gospels. In some cases, it refers to anyone who followed Jesus, which included a large number of people. In other cases, it refers specifically to the “inner circle” of twelve, who later became the apostles (those who are “sent”). Matthew and Mark tell us that “the disciples” asked Jesus about making plans for the Passover meal, and that at that meal “he took his place with the twelve” or “he came with the twelve” (Matthew 26:17, 20; Mark 14:12, 17). Luke tells us that Jesus sent Peter and John to make preparations, but “when the ho
