And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark - who was so called distinguish him from the apostle of that name, as Mary is so described here to distinguish her from the other Maries. That this Mark was the writer of the second Gospel, though generally supposed, we have given our grounds for questioning. (Introduction to that Gospel, p. 33.) This Mary 'must (as Webster and Wilkinson remark) have had a house of some pretensions to receive a large number; and, accordingly, we read that her brother Barnabas (Colossians 4:10) was a person of substance (Acts 4:37). She must also have been distinguished for faith and courage, to allow such a meeting in the face of persecution.' To such a house it was natural that Peter should come.
Where many were gathered together praying - doubtless for Peter's deliverance, and continuing, no doubt, on this the last of the days of unleavened bread, which was their last hope, all night in prayer to God.