Acts 1:14

KJV

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

These {G3778} all {G3956} continued {G2258}{G4342} with one accord {G3661} in prayer {G4335} and {G2532} supplication {G1162}, with {G4862} the women {G1135}, and {G2532} Mary {G3137} the mother {G3384} of Jesus {G2424}, and {G2532} with {G4862} his {G846} brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These all devoted themselves single-mindedly to prayer, along with some women, including Miryam (Yeshua’s mother), and his brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

American Standard Version

These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 1:14 provides a pivotal snapshot of the early Christian community in the crucial period between Jesus's ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. It describes a diverse group of disciples—including the apostles, various women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus's own half-brothers—who were united in purpose and continuously devoted to prayer and supplication. This verse highlights their obedient and expectant waiting for the promised Holy Spirit, underscoring the foundational role of unity and persistent prayer in the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 1:14 immediately follows the account of Jesus's ascension into heaven and His final instructions to His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, the Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:4-8](/acts/1-4-8 "Jesus's Final Instructions and Ascension")). Verses 12-13 describe the disciples' return from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem and their gathering in an "upper room." This verse then specifies the composition of this gathered group and their primary activity. It sets the stage for the dramatic events of Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "The Day of Pentecost"), where the same group, still "with one accord," receives the Holy Spirit, empowering them for their global mission. Thus, Acts 1:14 serves as a bridge, illustrating the obedient and unified preparation that preceded the birth of the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, a city deeply significant to Jewish faith and the birthplace of Christianity. The "upper room" (likely a large room in a private house, possibly the same one where the Last Supper occurred) served as a common gathering place for early believers. In Jewish culture, prayer was a central aspect of daily life, often performed at specific times. The inclusion of women in this core group, praying alongside men, reflects a departure from some prevailing societal norms and highlights the inclusive nature of Jesus's ministry and the early church. The mention of Jesus's brothers is particularly significant, as they had previously been skeptical of His claims ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "Jesus's Brothers' Unbelief")). Their presence here signifies a profound transformation, likely due to post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, such as the one to James ([1 Corinthians 15:7](/1_corinthians/15-7 "Jesus Appears to James")). This gathering represents a unique, transitional period, as the disciples awaited the promised divine empowerment to fulfill the Great Commission.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes foundational to the book of Acts and the life of the early church. Firstly, **unity** is paramount, emphasized by the phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_), which recurs throughout Acts to describe the cohesive spirit of the believers, particularly at momentous occasions like Pentecost ([Acts 2:1](/acts/2-1 "The Day of Pentecost")). Secondly, **persistent prayer and supplication** are highlighted as the primary activity of the waiting community, demonstrating their absolute dependence on God for the fulfillment of His promises and for guidance in their nascent mission. This theme underscores prayer as the engine of the early church's spiritual vitality and outward expansion. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **inclusion and transformation**, as it explicitly mentions women, Mary, and Jesus's previously unbelieving brothers, showcasing the broad appeal and transformative power of the resurrected Christ, bringing diverse individuals into a unified body of believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **continued (Greek, _proskarteréō'_):** This verb signifies an earnest, diligent, and persistent devotion to an activity or person. It implies not merely waiting, but actively and assiduously attending to something, remaining steadfast and constant. In this context, it describes the disciples' unwavering commitment to prayer, indicating a deep, sustained engagement rather than a casual or intermittent practice.
* **one accord (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** This adverb is a compound word meaning "with one passion" or "with one mind." It denotes a profound unanimity, a shared purpose, and a harmonious spirit among a group. It's more than mere agreement; it speaks to a singular, collective will and emotional unity, which was crucial for the early church's spiritual cohesion and effectiveness.
* **supplication (Greek, _déēsis'_):** While "prayer" (proseuchḗ) is a more general term for communion with God, "supplication" specifically refers to a petition or an earnest request, often born out of a sense of need or urgency. Its inclusion alongside "prayer" suggests that the disciples were not only engaged in general worship and communion but were also making specific, heartfelt requests to God, likely for the promised Holy Spirit and guidance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These all continued":** This phrase refers to the apostles mentioned in [Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "The Apostles in the Upper Room") and the broader group of disciples who had returned to Jerusalem after Jesus's ascension. The verb "continued" (proskarteréō) emphasizes their persistent, unwavering, and devoted engagement in the activity that follows, indicating a sustained commitment rather than a fleeting moment.
* **"with one accord":** This crucial phrase (homothymadón) highlights the remarkable unity and unanimity among this diverse group of believers. It signifies that they were not merely in the same place but were united in mind, purpose, and spirit, sharing a common passion and expectation. This spiritual harmony was foundational for their collective waiting and subsequent reception of the Holy Spirit.
* **"in prayer and supplication":** This specifies the primary activity of the gathered disciples. "Prayer" (proseuchḗ) encompasses general worship, communion, and adoration, while "supplication" (déēsis) denotes specific, earnest petitions or requests, often arising from a sense of need. Together, they describe a comprehensive and fervent engagement with God, reflecting their dependence on Him for the fulfillment of His promises.
* **"with the women":** This inclusion is significant, indicating that female disciples were an integral and active part of the early Christian community, participating fully in its spiritual life and corporate activities, including prayer. Their presence underscores the inclusive nature of the new covenant community.
* **"and Mary the mother of Jesus":** The specific mention of Mary marks her final appearance in the biblical narrative. Her presence among the praying disciples shows her continued devotion to Jesus and her participation in the nascent church, not as an object of worship, but as a faithful follower awaiting the Spirit alongside others.
* **"and with his brethren":** This is a profoundly significant detail. Jesus's half-brothers (such as James and Jude) had previously not believed in Him during His earthly ministry ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "Jesus's Brothers' Unbelief")). Their presence here, united in prayer with the apostles, testifies to the transformative power of Jesus's resurrection and post-resurrection appearances, bringing them from skepticism to fervent faith and active participation in the early Christian movement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Inclusion** by meticulously listing the diverse composition of the early community (apostles, women, Mary, Jesus's brethren), emphasizing the broad and inclusive nature of the nascent church. The phrase "with one accord" functions as a powerful **Leitmotif** in Acts, recurring frequently to underscore the essential unity of the believers, particularly before significant spiritual breakthroughs. This repetition highlights the theological importance of harmony for the church's mission. Furthermore, the detailed description of their persistent "prayer and supplication" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the foundational spiritual discipline that prepared the disciples for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the subsequent growth of the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 1:14 powerfully illustrates the critical role of corporate unity and persistent prayer in the life of the early church, serving as a model for believers throughout history. The "one accord" (homothymadón) signifies not merely external agreement but a deep spiritual harmony and shared purpose, essential for the community to receive divine empowerment and fulfill its mission. Their continuous devotion to prayer and supplication demonstrates profound dependence on God and expectant waiting for His promised intervention. This verse underscores that spiritual breakthroughs and the advancement of God's kingdom are often preceded by a unified, prayerful posture from His people, highlighting the divine-human partnership in redemptive history.

* [Acts 2:1](/acts/2-1 "The Day of Pentecost") - The early church was "with one accord in one place" when the Holy Spirit descended, demonstrating the immediate fulfillment of their unified prayer.
* [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Paul's Exhortation to Unity") - Paul exhorts believers to be "like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind," echoing the essential unity seen in the early church.
* [Colossians 4:2](/colossians/4-2 "Exhortation to Prayer and Watchfulness") - Paul encourages believers to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving," reinforcing the importance of persistent and watchful prayer.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 1:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, emphasizing that the spiritual vitality and effectiveness of the church today, much like the early church, are deeply intertwined with unity and persistent prayer. In a world often characterized by division and distraction, the call to be "with one accord" in prayer and supplication serves as a powerful reminder of our corporate identity and shared mission in Christ. It challenges us to move beyond superficial agreement to a genuine unity of spirit and purpose, where individual desires are submitted to the collective pursuit of God's will. Furthermore, the disciples' expectant waiting, marked by active prayer rather than passive idleness, teaches us that true dependence on God involves diligent seeking and fervent petition. This verse compels us to examine our own lives and our church communities: Are we truly united in heart and mind? Is prayer a consistent, earnest, and collective priority? The transformative presence of Jesus's brothers also reminds us that God's grace can reach and change even the most skeptical hearts, encouraging us to pray for and welcome all into the community of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "one accord" of the early disciples challenge our understanding of unity within our own church or Christian community?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a deeper, more consistent practice of corporate prayer and supplication in our personal lives and in our church gatherings?**
* **What specific "supplications" might God be calling us to bring before Him with persistence and unity today?**
* **Considering the transformation of Jesus's brothers, who might God be calling us to pray for, believing in His power to change even the most resistant hearts?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "with one accord" in this verse and in Acts?**

Answer: The phrase "with one accord" (Greek: _homothymadón_) is highly significant, appearing 10 times in the book of Acts, more than any other New Testament book. It describes a profound spiritual unity, a unanimity of mind, purpose, and passion among the believers. It's not just about being in the same place or agreeing on a few points, but about a shared heart and soul, a collective will directed towards God. This unity was foundational for the early church's spiritual power and effectiveness, enabling them to receive the Holy Spirit together ([Acts 2:1](/acts/2-1 "The Day of Pentecost")) and to face persecution with boldness ([Acts 4:24](/acts/4-24 "The Disciples' Prayer for Boldness")). It highlights that God often moves powerfully when His people are united in spirit and purpose.

**Why is Mary, the mother of Jesus, mentioned here, and what is the significance of her inclusion?**

Answer: Mary's mention in Acts 1:14 is noteworthy as it is her final appearance in the biblical narrative. Her inclusion emphasizes her continued role as a faithful disciple of Jesus, now joining the broader community of believers in prayer and expectant waiting for the Holy Spirit. It shows her as an integral part of the nascent church, not elevated above others, but participating alongside the apostles, other women, and Jesus's brothers. This underscores the inclusivity of the early Christian community and Mary's personal devotion to the resurrected Christ, demonstrating her full integration into the body of believers.

**Who are "his brethren" mentioned in this verse, and why is their presence significant?**

Answer: "His brethren" refers to Jesus's half-brothers, children of Mary and Joseph born after Jesus. The New Testament mentions James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas ([Matthew 13:55](/matthew/13-55 "Jesus's Brothers and Sisters")). During Jesus's earthly ministry, they did not believe in Him ([John 7:5](/john/7-5 "Jesus's Brothers' Unbelief")). Their presence here, united in prayer with the disciples, is profoundly significant because it testifies to the transformative power of Jesus's resurrection. It is believed that Jesus's post-resurrection appearance to James ([1 Corinthians 15:7](/1_corinthians/15-7 "Jesus Appears to James")) was instrumental in their conversion. Their inclusion highlights that even those closest to Jesus, who initially doubted, were brought to fervent faith and became active participants in the early church, with James later becoming a prominent leader in Jerusalem ([Acts 15:13](/acts/15-13 "James's Speech at the Jerusalem Council")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 1:14, depicting the unified and prayerful waiting of the early disciples, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Their obedience to "continue" in Jerusalem was a direct response to Jesus's command to wait for the promised Holy Spirit ([Acts 1:4-5](/acts/1-4-5 "Jesus's Command to Wait for the Spirit")), a promise first articulated by Christ Himself ([Luke 24:49](/luke/24-49 "Jesus's Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The unity "with one accord" among this diverse group, including those who once disbelieved, is a testament to the reconciling and transforming power of the resurrected Christ, who breaks down barriers and creates one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Their persistent "prayer and supplication" was a corporate echo of Christ's own life of prayer and His ongoing intercession for His disciples ([John 17](/john/17 "Jesus's High Priestly Prayer"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Christ's Intercession for Believers")), as they awaited the very Spirit of Christ to indwell and empower them for the mission He had commissioned ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "The Spirit of Christ")). Thus, this scene is not merely a historical record but a living illustration of the church as Christ's body, united in Him, dependent on Him, and empowered by His Spirit to continue His redemptive work in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Acts 6:4

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Acts 2:42

¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Colossians 4:2

¶ Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

Matthew 18:19

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.