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)
What’s easily missed here is that the "brethren" of Jesus, who were once skeptical of him, are now fully united with the apostles and his mother in persistent prayer. Their inclusion highlights a profound shift, showing that even those closest to Jesus could later be transformed by faith and join the nascent community.
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)
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, united in anticipation. This group included the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women who had supported Jesus, and Jesus' own brothers, who had come to believe in him. They were all steadfastly devoted to prayer, waiting for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to 'devote' yourself to something? In this moment after Jesus’ ascension, the disciples weren't just hoping; they were doing.
The word used here for 'devoting' isn't just about a casual habit. It speaks to a deep, steadfast commitment – a persistent and constant attention to prayer.
More Than Just Hoping
Imagine a room full of people, all with different backgrounds, worries, and hopes. Yet, they move and speak as one. How is this possible?
The phrase 'with one accord' (or 'with one mind') is key here. It describes a powerful, unified spirit among the disciples and their companions.
Harmony in the Upper Room
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Who was part of this prayer gathering? It wasn't just the core apostles. This verse paints a richer, more inclusive picture.
This verse deliberately includes specific groups beyond the eleven apostles, showing that God’s people are a diverse community united in Him.
A Wider Circle
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 anticipation, showing the early believers, including Jesus' own family, deeply united in prayer as they await the promised Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
After his resurrection, Jesus commissions his disciples and then ascends into heaven, promising the Holy Spirit will come upon them.
c. AD 30
Disciples Return to Jerusalem
Following Jesus' ascension, the eleven apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room.
c. AD 30— this verse
The Upper Room Community Gathers
The apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, his brothers, and other women who had followed Jesus unite in prayer and devotion.
c. AD 30
The Day of Pentecost Approaches
The group waits in Jerusalem, united in prayer, anticipating the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit which would occur during the Feast of Pentecost.
This passage describes Jesus' ascension and the disciples' subsequent return to Jerusalem, where they were continually in the temple blessing God, paralleling the united devotion to prayer seen in Acts 1:14 as they waited for the Holy Spirit.
Philippians 2:1-2This verse speaks of Christian unity and fellowship, urging believers to be like-minded and of one accord, echoing the 'with one accord' (homothumadon) mentioned in Acts 1:14, which describes the deep harmony of the early believers.
1 Corinthians 9:5Paul mentions the right of apostles to take along a believing wife, 'as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas.' This indirectly supports the presence of the 'brethren' and potentially the wives of apostles mentioned in Acts 1:14, indicating family connections within the early church.
John 19:26-27Here, Jesus entrusts his mother Mary to the care of the disciple John. Acts 1:14 places Mary with the disciples, showing she had moved in with John and was now part of this intimate community devoted to prayer after Jesus' ascension.
Galatians 1:19Paul refers to James, 'the Lord's brother,' as an important figure in the early church. Acts 1:14 includes the 'brethren' of Jesus in their prayer gathering, showing their transformed faith from initial unbelief to active participation in the community after the resurrection.
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…
What’s easily missed here is that the "brethren" of Jesus, who were once skeptical of him, are now fully united with the apostles and his mother in persistent prayer. Their inclusion highlights a profound shift, showing that even those closest to Jesus could later be transformed by faith and join the nascent community.
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, united in anticipation. This group included the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women who had supported Jesus, and Jesus' own brothers, who had come to believe in him. They were all steadfastly devoted to prayer, waiting for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem, united in anticipation. This group included the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, other women who had supported Jesus, and Jesus' own brothers, who had come to believe in him. They were all steadfastly devoted to prayer, waiting for the promised coming of the Holy Spirit.
"All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers." — What’s easily missed here is that the "brethren" of Jesus, who were once skeptical of him, are now fully united with the apostles and his mother in persistent prayer. Their inclusion highlights a pro…
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Last reviewed October 2026