Acts 1:14
All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that Mary, Jesus' mother, is mentioned specifically here, not as an object of devotion herself, but as part of this unified group humbly praying. Her presence highlights the continuity from Jesus' earthly life into the nascent church, showing she's now part of the community awaiting the Holy Spirit. This inclusion underscores how Jesus’ family, previously marked by doubt, is now united in faith and dependence on God.
Following Jesus' ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This intimate gathering included not only the apostles but also Jesus' mother Mary, his brothers (who had previously doubted him), and other faithful women who had followed him since Galilee. They were united in their waiting, dedicating themselves to prayer as they anticipated the powerful empowerment Jesus had foretold.
The disciples were told to wait for the Holy Spirit, but 'waiting' wasn't about sitting around doing nothing. Discover what 'devoting themselves' really looked like.
The phrase 'devoting themselves' (or 'continued steadfastly') paints a picture of active commitment, not passive idleness. Imagine a craftsman pouring all their energy into their work, or an athlete training with single-minded focus. That's the intensity described here. Their prayer wasn't just a casual habit; it was their primary occupation as they awaited the promised power of the Holy Spirit. This persistent, earnest prayer was their way of actively participating in God's plan, showing their complete reliance on Him. It was a unified, focused effort, born from both grief and hope.
Look closely at who was gathered. It wasn't just the inner circle. What does this diverse group tell us about the early church's heart?
This gathering was remarkably inclusive. It wasn't only the eleven apostles, but 'all these' – signifying everyone present who had been with Jesus. Crucially, it included 'the women,' many of whom had been faithful followers and witnesses of Jesus' resurrection. It also included Mary, Jesus' mother, now standing with the believers. Even Jesus' brothers, who had previously doubted, are mentioned as part of this unified group. This shows a powerful unity that transcended previous divisions or doubts. They prayed 'with one accord,' meaning with a single mind and purpose, demonstrating that shared devotion to Christ could bridge differences and unite diverse individuals in common pursuit of God's will.
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Understand the original words
homothumadon · Greek Adverb
Literally 'with one mind' or 'with one passion.' In the New Testament, it describes the unity of the early church in purpose, conviction, and spirit, especially during corporate prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit.
proseuchē · Greek Noun
The act of talking to God, central to the Christian life as a means of communion, petition, and aligning one's will with God's. It is the primary way the believer expresses dependence on Him.
This verse captures a pivotal moment of unified expectation. The disciples, Mary, and Jesus' brothers are gathered together, likely feeling a mix of grief, anticipation, and perhaps uncertainty, all channeling their emotions into prayer while waiting for the promised empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the community's dependence on God's power before launching into their mission.
c. AD 30
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After his resurrection, Jesus gives his final instructions to his disciples before ascending into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Disciples Return to Jerusalem
The apostles and other followers of Jesus return to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, a short distance away.
c. AD 30— this verse
Gathering in the Upper Room
The group, including the eleven apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, his brothers, other women, and disciples, gathers in an upper room to wait.
c. AD 30
Devotion to Prayer
The assembled believers, united in purpose and fellowship, devote themselves to constant prayer and supplication while awaiting the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
The Day of Pentecost
Ten days after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit powerfully descends upon the gathered believers, empowering them to preach the Gospel.
This passage describes the disciples returning to Jerusalem after Jesus' ascension and worshipping him with great joy, mirroring the communal devotion and prayer found in Acts 1:14.
Romans 12:12This verse calls believers to be 'constant in prayer,' echoing the persistent devotion described in Acts 1:14 where the early believers 'continued steadfastly in prayer.'
1 Corinthians 9:5Paul mentions that 'the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas' took their wives along, providing context for the presence of Jesus' brothers and potentially the wives of the apostles mentioned in Acts 1:14.
John 7:5This verse states that Jesus' brothers did not believe in him, making their inclusion with the disciples in prayer in Acts 1:14 a powerful testament to their changed hearts and faith after Jesus' resurrection.
Psalm 133:1This psalm speaks of the beauty of unity, 'how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity,' which directly parallels the 'with one accord' spirit of the believers praying together in Acts 1:14.
barnesActs 1:14: "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
These all continued ... - The word "continued" denotes "persevering and constant attention." The main business was devotion. Acts 6:4 , "we will give ourselves continually to the ministry of the word." Romans 12:12 , "continuing instant in prayer"; Romans 13:6 , "Attending continually upon this very thing." It is their main and constant employment. Co…
vincentActs 1:14: "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."
Continued (ἦσαν προσκαρτεροῦντες)Participle and finite verb, as above. The verb is from καρτερὸς strong, stanch, and means originally to persist obstinately in. In this sense here, and in Romans 12:12; Romans 13:6. Hence to adhere firmly to. So in Mark 3:9, "that a small ship should wait on him;" i.e., keep near at hand. The idea of steady persist…
It's easy to overlook that Mary, Jesus' mother, is mentioned specifically here, not as an object of devotion herself, but as part of this unified group humbly praying. Her presence highlights the continuity from Jesus' earthly life into the nascent church, showing she's now part of the community awaiting the Holy Spirit. This inclusion underscores how Jesus’ family, previously marked by doubt, is now united in faith and dependence on God.
Following Jesus' ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This intimate gathering included not only the apostles but also Jesus' mother Mary, his brothers (who had previously doubted him), and other faithful women who had followed him since Galilee. They were united in their waiting, dedicating themselves to prayer as they anticipated the powerful empowerment Jesus had foretold.
Following Jesus' ascension, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and gathered in an upper room, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This intimate gathering included not only the apostles but also Jesus' mother Mary, his brothers (who had previously doubted him), and other faithful women who had followed him since Galilee. They were united in their waiting, dedicating themselves to prayer as they anticipated the powerful empowerment Jesus had foretold.
"All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." — It's easy to overlook that Mary, Jesus' mother, is mentioned specifically here, not as an object of devotion herself, but as part of this unified group humbly praying. Her presence highlights the con…
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