Chapter
Verse

Acts 1:14

ESV All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
NIV They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
NASB All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
CSB They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
NLT They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
KJV These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

What does Acts 1:14 mean?

"One accord"—translated as "one mind" in the NASB—is from the Greek root word homothymadon. It brings to mind many notes in harmony or several beings moving forward gracefully. It is one of the defining characteristics that God intends for the church. God founds the church on "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). The church is based on one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (Ephesians 4:4–6). It is to be characterized by "all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).

The people in the room know each other but were not always of one mind. The eleven remaining disciples are starting to realize leadership is not about authority and power but sacrificial service, as Jesus exemplified on the cross (Mark 10:35–45). In a culture that minimized women, Jesus honored them, and they are there, as well. Included are probably Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and others not named (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10). Of course, Jesus' mother, Mary, is there.

That Jesus' brothers are present is incredible. They are mentioned in the Gospels only a few times, and never in a flattering light. While Jesus was teaching, they came with Mary to take Jesus back to Nazareth, fearing the older brother had lost His mind (Mark 3:21, 31). Then they cajoled Jesus about going to Jerusalem, knowing the Jewish leadership was trying to kill Him (John 7:1–8). Two of them, at least, are now saved. We know that James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13–21; 21:18) and the author of the book of James is one. Scholars believe the author of Jude is another.

There is no way the apostles, the devout women, Jesus' brothers, and the other disciples of the 120 can sit in unity unless God is at their center. They will wait about nine days between Jesus' ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. They spend this time in the upper room, praying, and in the temple, worshiping and blessing God (Luke 24:52–53). Worshiping and seeking one God makes all believers one people.
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