### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb homothymadón (`{{G3661}}`) is a compound word derived from homou (`{{G3674}}`), meaning "together" or "at the same place/time," and thymos (`{{G2372}}`), which denotes "passion," "spirit," "mind," or "will." Thus, homothymadón literally translates to "with one spirit," "with one mind," or "with one passion." It describes an action performed with profound internal unity, consensus, and shared purpose, rather than merely physical proximity or superficial agreement. Its semantic range encompasses notions of unanimity, accord, and a singular, collective will. It is distinct from simply being "together"; it implies a deep, internal alignment of hearts and minds, indicating a shared disposition or intention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term homothymadón appears 12 times in the New Testament, with 10 occurrences in the book of Acts and one each in Luke and Romans. Its prevalence in Acts underscores its significance in describing the character and actions of the early Christian community.
1. **Unity in Prayer and Expectation:**
* In [[Acts 1:14]], after the ascension of Jesus, the apostles and other believers "all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication." This highlights a foundational unity in their spiritual discipline and shared expectation of the Holy Spirit.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 4:24]], when Peter and John were released, the believers "lifted up their voice to God with one accord" in prayer, demonstrating a collective heart in intercession and worship during persecution.
2. **Unity in Fellowship and Worship:**
* [[Acts 2:46]] describes the early church "continuing daily with one accord in the temple," indicating a consistent, unified presence in public worship and fellowship. This unity was a hallmark of their communal life.
* [[Acts 5:12]] further notes that "they were all with one accord in Solomon's Portico," reinforcing the image of a unified, visible Christian community.
3. **Unity in Mission and Decision-Making:**
* [[Acts 8:6]] portrays the crowds in Samaria listening to Philip "with one accord," signifying a widespread, unified reception of the gospel message.
* Crucially, in [[Acts 15:25]], the Jerusalem Council, addressing the Gentile question, states, "it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to send chosen men to you." This demonstrates homothymadón as the basis for authoritative, Spirit-led decision-making within the nascent church.
4. **Unity in Opposition (Negative Connotation):**
* Interestingly, homothymadón is also used to describe unity in negative or hostile contexts, underscoring that unity itself is neutral; its moral character depends on its purpose.
* In [[Acts 7:57]], the crowd "cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord" to stone Stephen. Here, it denotes a unified mob mentality driven by rage.
* [[Acts 12:20]] describes the Tyrians and Sidonians coming "with one accord" to Herod, seeking peace.
* [[Acts 18:12]] recounts the Jews rising up "with one accord against Paul," driven by opposition to his preaching.
* [[Acts 19:29]] depicts the riot in Ephesus, where the mob "rushed with one accord into the theater." These instances illustrate that homothymadón can describe any collective action born of a shared, intense disposition, whether righteous or unrighteous.
5. **Exhortation for Unity:**
* In [[Romans 15:6]], Paul exhorts believers to "glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one accord, with one mouth." This is a prescriptive use, urging believers to cultivate the unity of mind and purpose that characterized the early church.
### Related Words & Concepts
Homothymadón is closely related to several other New Testament concepts that emphasize unity and communal identity:
* **Unity (ἑνότης - henotes `{{G1773}}`):** While homothymadón describes the *manner* of acting with unity, henotes refers to the *state* or *quality* of unity itself (e.g., "unity of the Spirit" in [[Ephesians 4:3]]).
* **Fellowship (κοινωνία - koinonia `{{G2842}}`):** This term highlights shared participation and communion, which is often a fruit of the "one accord" described by homothymadón.
* **One Mind/Spirit (φρονέω - phroneo `{{G5426}}` with to auto or hen):** Paul frequently uses phrases like "be of the same mind" (e.g., [[Philippians 2:2]], [[Romans 12:16]]), which reflect the internal agreement that homothymadón describes in action. The term nous (mind, `{{G3563}}`) is also relevant here, referring to the faculty of understanding and intention.
* **Harmony (συμφωνία - symphonia `{{G4857}}`):** While literally referring to musical harmony, this concept metaphorically aligns with the harmonious action implied by homothymadón.
* **The Body of Christ:** The theological concept of the church as one body with many members ([[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]) provides the theological framework for the practical expression of homothymadón. Each member, though distinct, is called to function in a unified, coordinated manner.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of homothymadón is profound, particularly in the context of the early church:
1. **Spirit-Empowered Unity:** The frequent appearance of homothymadón in Acts, especially in passages immediately following Pentecost, strongly suggests that this "one accord" was a direct result of the Holy Spirit's indwelling and empowering presence. It was not merely human agreement but a supernatural unity of purpose and spirit forged by divine power. This unity enabled the church to act as a cohesive, powerful witness.
2. **Corporate Identity and Witness:** Homothymadón portrays the church as a unified entity, demonstrating a collective identity that set it apart. This visible unity was a powerful testimony to the world, fulfilling Jesus' prayer for His followers to be one, "that the world may believe" ([[John 17:21]]).
3. **Effectiveness in Prayer and Mission:** The passages show that unified prayer is potent and that a unified church is effective in its mission. When believers are "with one accord," their prayers ascend as a collective voice, and their evangelistic efforts are more impactful due to their shared conviction and coordinated action.
4. **Ideal for Christian Community:** The descriptions of the early church acting homothymadón serve as an enduring ideal for Christian community in all ages. It calls believers to move beyond mere tolerance or superficial agreement to a deep, Spirit-led unity of heart, mind, and purpose in worship, fellowship, and mission.
5. **Discernment of Purpose:** While homothymadón describes a powerful unity, its use in both positive and negative contexts (mob action vs. Spirit-led church) highlights the critical importance of discerning the *purpose* and *source* of such unity. True Christian homothymadón is always aligned with God's will and prompted by His Spirit.
### Summary
Homothymadón (`{{G3661}}`) is a powerful Greek adverb meaning "with one accord," "unanimously," or "with one mind/spirit." It describes an action performed with deep internal unity, shared purpose, and collective will. Predominantly found in the book of Acts, it vividly portrays the foundational unity of the early Christian community, particularly as empowered by the Holy Spirit. This "one accord" was evident in their persistent prayer ([[Acts 1:14]], [[Acts 4:24]]), daily fellowship and worship ([[Acts 2:46]], [[Acts 5:12]]), and crucial decision-making ([[Acts 15:25]]). While primarily depicting the positive, Spirit-led harmony of believers, the word's usage also extends to describe unified opposition or mob mentality ([[Acts 7:57]], [[Acts 18:12]]), underscoring that the nature of the unity depends on its underlying purpose. Theologically, homothymadón points to the divine origin of true Christian unity, its vital role in the church's corporate witness and effectiveness, and remains an enduring ideal for the body of Christ to pursue in every generation.
TRV