Acts 1:14
With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
They all joined together
This phrase emphasizes the unity and communal spirit among the early followers of Jesus. The Greek word used here is "homothumadon," which conveys a sense of being of one mind or purpose. This unity is foundational for the early church, reflecting Jesus' prayer for His disciples to be one (John 17:21). Historically, this unity was crucial for the survival and growth of the early Christian community amidst persecution and uncertainty.

constantly in prayer
The Greek word for "constantly" is "proskartereo," which means to persist or continue steadfastly. This indicates a devoted and unwavering commitment to prayer, a central practice for the early church. Prayer was not just a ritual but a lifeline, a means of seeking guidance, strength, and fellowship with God. This steadfastness in prayer reflects the early Christians' dependence on God and their desire for His will to be done.

along with the women
The inclusion of women in this gathering is significant, highlighting the counter-cultural nature of the early Christian community. In a society where women often had limited roles, the early church recognized their importance and contributions. This aligns with Jesus' own ministry, where women were valued and included as His followers. The presence of women here underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel.

and Mary the mother of Jesus
Mary's presence among the disciples is noteworthy. As the mother of Jesus, she holds a unique place in the early church. Her inclusion here signifies her continued faith and role within the community. It also fulfills the prophecy of Simeon in Luke 2:35, where he foretold that a sword would pierce her soul, indicating her deep involvement in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

and with His brothers
The mention of Jesus' brothers, who were initially skeptical of His ministry (John 7:5), indicates a significant transformation. Their presence in this prayerful assembly suggests they have come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah. This transformation is a testament to the power of the resurrection and the work of the Holy Spirit in changing hearts and minds. It also highlights the theme of reconciliation and the breaking down of familial and social barriers within the early church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Disciples
The eleven remaining apostles after Judas' betrayal, who were devoted followers of Jesus and leaders in the early church.

2. The Women
Female followers of Jesus, including those who supported His ministry and witnessed His crucifixion and resurrection.

3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus
The earthly mother of Jesus, present with the disciples, showing her continued faith and role in the early church.

4. Jesus' Brothers
Siblings of Jesus, who, according to the Gospels, initially did not believe in Him but later became part of the early Christian community.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the disciples gathered, significant as the location of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, and the birthplace of the church.
Teaching Points
The Power of Unified Prayer
The early church's commitment to prayer in unity serves as a model for believers today. It emphasizes the importance of coming together with one heart and mind to seek God's will and guidance.

The Role of Women in the Early Church
The inclusion of women in this prayer gathering highlights their significant role in the early church, encouraging modern believers to recognize and value the contributions of women in ministry.

Family Transformation through Faith
The presence of Jesus' brothers, who initially doubted Him, illustrates the transformative power of faith and the potential for family members to come to belief through the witness of others.

Perseverance in Prayer
The disciples' continuous prayer demonstrates the necessity of perseverance in seeking God's promises, reminding believers to remain steadfast in prayer, especially during times of waiting.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse group gathered in prayer reflects the unity that can be achieved among believers from different backgrounds and experiences, encouraging the church to embrace diversity while maintaining unity in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity in prayer among the disciples and others in Acts 1:14 inspire your own prayer life and involvement in corporate prayer?

2. In what ways can the role of women in the early church, as seen in this verse, inform and shape the way we view women's contributions in the church today?

3. Reflect on a time when you have seen a family member's faith transform. How does the presence of Jesus' brothers in this passage encourage you in praying for your own family?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to persevere in prayer, especially when waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled?

5. How can the unity displayed in Acts 1:14 serve as a model for fostering unity within your own church or Christian community, particularly among diverse groups?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 24:49
Jesus instructs the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they receive the Holy Spirit, which sets the context for their gathering in prayer.

Matthew 13:55-56
Mentions Jesus' brothers, providing background on His family.

John 7:5
Indicates that Jesus' brothers did not initially believe in Him, highlighting the transformation seen in Acts 1:14.

Acts 2:1-4
Describes the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the event for which the disciples were preparing in prayer.

Philippians 2:2
Encourages believers to be of one mind, reflecting the unity seen in Acts 1:14.
The Church's First Prayer-MeetingR.A. Redford Acts 1:14
Wisdom in BereavementS. Conway Acts 1:9-14
A Model Prayer-MeetingT. S. Dickson, M. A.Acts 1:12-14
A Second Interval of Thrilling Expectation Hushing Itself in PrayerP.C. Barker Acts 1:12-14
An Assembly of ChristiansA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:12-14
Church Attitudes: ExpectancyA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:12-14
Church Attitudes: ReceptivityActs 1:12-14
Church Attitudes: UnityA. Maclaren, D. DActs 1:12-14
Church UnityF. W. Briggs.Acts 1:12-14
New Associations with the Upper ChamberR. Tuck Acts 1:12-14
Prayer and RevivalsThe Power of Prayer.Acts 1:12-14
Prayer MeetingsActs 1:12-14
Prayer, Faith InH. G. Salter.Acts 1:12-14
Prayer, Patience InSt. Francis de SalesActs 1:12-14
Prayer, PerseveringE. Foster.Acts 1:12-14
Prayer, the Secret of StrengthPreacher's Lantern.Acts 1:12-14
Prayer, the Secret of UsefulnessActs 1:12-14
Prayer-Meetings not to be Given UpW. Baxendale.Acts 1:12-14
Prayer-Meetings, Sunday MorningE. Payson, D. D.Acts 1:12-14
Result of United PrayerD. L. Moody.Acts 1:12-14
Social PrayerL. O. Thompson.Acts 1:12-14
The Duty of PrayerJ. Marshall.Acts 1:12-14
The First Assembly of the Christian ChurchW. Hudson.Acts 1:12-14
The First Prayer-Meeting After the AscensionD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 1:12-14
The First Roll-Call of the ChurchR.A. Redford Acts 1:12-14
The Meeting for Prayer Preparatory to the Day of PentecostW. A. Hurndall.Acts 1:12-14
The Return to JerusalemJ. Bennett, D. D.Acts 1:12-14
The Social Power of PrayerCanon Liddon.Acts 1:12-14
The Substance of the ChurchC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 1:12-14
The Ten DaysBp. Harvey Goodwin.Acts 1:12-14
The Waiting TimeD. Brown, D. D.Acts 1:12-14
Waiting for the PromiseW. Arthur, M. A.Acts 1:12-14
Waiting for the PromiseJ. P. Lange, D. D.Acts 1:12-14
Waiting for the PromiseActs 1:12-14
Waiting for the PromiseA. Arthur, M. A.Acts 1:12-14
The Interval Between the Ascension and PentecostE. Johnson Acts 1:12-26
People
Alphaeus, Andrew, Barsabas, Bartholomew, David, James, Jesus, John, Joseph, Judas, Jude, Justus, Mary, Matthew, Matthias, Peter, Philip, Simon, Theophilus, Thomas, Zelotes
Places
Akeldama, Field of Blood, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Olivet, Samaria
Topics
Accord, Along, Brethren, Brothers, Constantly, Continual, Continually, Continued, Continuing, Devoted, Devoting, Earnest, Mary, Mind, Prayer, Several, Steadfastly, Stedfastly, Supplication, Themselves, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 1:14

     2078   Christ, sonship of
     2535   Christ, family of
     5099   Mary, mother of Christ
     5720   mothers, examples
     5783   agreement
     7028   church, life of
     7030   unity
     7925   fellowship, among believers
     8223   dedication
     8613   prayer, persistence
     8618   prayerfulness
     8619   prayer, in church

Acts 1:12-26

     7266   tribes of Israel

Acts 1:13-14

     5340   house
     7026   church, leadership
     8610   prayer, asking God

Library
June 3. "Ye Shall Receive the Power of the Holy Ghost" (Acts i. 8).
"Ye shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost" (Acts i. 8). There is power for us if we have the Holy Ghost. God wants us to speak to men so that they will feel it, so that they will never forget it. God means every Christian to be effective, to count in the actual records and results of Christian work. Dear friends, God sent you here to be a power yourself. There is not one of you but is an essential wheel of the machinery, and can accomplish all that God calls you to. I solemnly believe that there
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Ascension Day
Text: Acts 1, 1-11. 1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 2 until the day in which he was received up, after that he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 3 to whom he also showed himself alive after his passion by many proofs, appearing unto them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God: 4 and being assembled together with them, he charged them not
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

The Forty Days
'To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.'--ACTS i. 3. The forty days between the Resurrection and the Ascension have distinctly marked characteristics. They are unlike to the period before them in many respects, but completely similar in others; they have a preparatory character throughout; they all bear on the future work of the disciples, and hearten them for the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Unknown To-Morrow
A New Year's Sermon 'It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.'--ACTS i. 7. The New Testament gives little encouragement to a sentimental view of life. Its writers had too much to do, and too much besides to think about, for undue occupation with pensive remembrances or imaginative forecastings. They bid us remember as a stimulus to thanksgiving and a ground of hope. They bid us look forward, but not along the low levels of earth and its changes.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Theme of Acts
'The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. 2. Until the day in which He was taken up.'--ACTS i. 1, 2. 'And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.' --ACTS xxviii. 30, 31. So begins and so ends this Book. I connect the commencement and the close, because I think
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Ascension
'The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2. Until the day in which He was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the Apostles whom He had chosen: 3. To whom also He shewed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4. And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Apostolic Witnesses
'Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us ... must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.' --ACTS i. 21, 22. The fact of Christ's Resurrection was the staple of the first Christian sermon recorded in this Book of the Acts of the Apostles. They did not deal so much in doctrine; they did not dwell very distinctly upon what we call, and rightly call, the atoning death of Christ; out they proclaimed what they had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Ascension: Back Home Again Until -- --
Tarry ye--Go ye: the Jerusalem meeting--the walk to Olives--not Palestine only, but a world--the last word--upward--seen no more. Coming again: gazing upward, Acts 1:10, 11.--a continuation upward--the Olivet outlook.
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

The Parting Promises of the Saviour.
(On Ascension Day.) TEXT: ACTS i. 6-11. THE great event that we commemorate to-day was no doubt something very different to the disciples at that time from what it is to us. They had hardly recovered from the stunned condition into which His death had thrown them; they had hardly come to realize calmly their pain at His separation from them; at least, they had certainly not yet learned to look at it in the right way, for they regarded it as the ruin of His whole work on earth--when His joyful resurrection
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

The Mystery of Iniquity
"The mystery of iniquity doth already work." 2 Thess. 2:7. 1. Without inquiring how far these words refer to any particular event in the Christian Church, I would at present take occasion from them to consider that important question, -- In what manner the mystery of iniquity hath wrought among us till it hath well-nigh covered the whole earth. 2. It is certain that "God made man upright;" perfectly holy and perfectly happy: But by rebelling against God, he destroyed himself, lost the favour and
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."--Acts 1:6-8. THESE ARE AMONG THE LAST WORDS of
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 39: 1893

Tenth Day for God's Spirit on Our Missionaries
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Missionaries "What the world needs to-day is, not only more missionaries, but the outpouring of God's Spirit on everyone whom He has sent out to work for Him in the foreign field." "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be My witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth."--ACTS i. 8. God always gives His servants power equal to the work He asks of them. Think of the greatness and difficulty of this work,--casting out
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

The Propagation of Christianity.
IN this argument, the first consideration is the fact -- in what degree, within what time, and to what extent, Christianity actually was propagated. The accounts of the matter which can be collected from our books are as follow: A few days after Christ's disappearance out of the world, we find an assembly of disciples at Jerusalem, to the number of "about one hundred and twenty;" (Acts i. 15.) which hundred and twenty were probably a little association of believers, met together not merely as believers
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Second Coming of Christ.
When Jesus was taken up into heaven and a cloud had received him out of sight, two heavenly visitants appeared unto the men of Galilee and said, "This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. Jesus went up in a cloud and he is to come again in like manner as he went up. "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory." Mark 13:26. No one knows the exact time of his coming.
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Other New Testament Names for "Being Filled with the Spirit. "
That we may see how full the New Testament is of this blessing, and that we may the better understand what it is and how it is obtained, let us just glance at some other terms used by the Holy Ghost when speaking of it. 1. "Baptized with the Holy Ghost." "Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" (Acts i. 5). See also Acts xi. 16, Matt. iii. 11, Mark i. 8, Luke iii. 16, John i. 33. Now, though "baptized" and "filled" are sometimes convertible terms, it is instructive to note
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Prayer-Equipment for Preachers
"Go back! Back to that upper room; back to your knees; back to searching of heart and habit, thought and life; back to pleading, praying, waiting, till the Spirit of the Lord floods the soul with light, and you are endued with power from on high. Then go forth in the power of Pentecost, and the Christ-life shall be lived, and the works of Christ shall be done. You shall open blind eyes, cleanse foul hearts, break men's fetters, and save men's souls. In the power of the indwelling Spirit, miracles
Edward M. Bounds—The Weapon of Prayer

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end.
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
Zechariah 14:4. In the Rabbins commonly, The Mount of Oil. "The mount called the mount of Olives, lying over against the city, is distant five furlongs." But Luke saith, Acts 1:12, "Then they returned from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath-day's journey." But now a sabbath-day's journey contained eight furlongs, or a whole mile. Neither yet, for all this, doth Luke fight against Josephus. For this last measures the space to the first foundation of Olivet; the other, to that
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Resurrection of Christ.
The resurrection of Christ from the dead is reported by the four Gospels, taught in the Epistles, believed throughout Christendom, and celebrated on every "Lord's Day," as an historical fact, as the crowning miracle and divine seal of his whole work, as the foundation of the hopes of believers, as the pledge of their own future resurrection. It is represented in the New Testament both as an act of the Almighty Father who raised his Son from the dead, [209] and as an act of Christ himself, who had
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Acts of the Apostles.
Comp. § 82. 1. Critical Treatises. M. Schneckenburger: Zweck der Apostelgeschichte. Bern, 1841. Schwanbeck: Quellen der Ap. Gesch. Darmstadt, 1847. Ed. Zeller: Contents and Origin of the Acts of the Apostles. Stuttg., 1854; trsl. by Jos. Dare, 1875-76, London, 2 vols. Lekebusch: Composition u. Entstehung der Ap. Gesch. Gotha, 1854. Klostermann: Vindiciae Lucancae. Göttingen, 1866. Arthur König (R. C.): Die Aechtheit der Ap. Gesch. Breslau, 1867. J. R. Oertel: Paulus in der Ap. Gesch.
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods, 1760-1775
. As we enter on the closing stages of our journey, the character of the landscape changes; and, leaving behind the wild land of romance and adventure, we come out on the broad, high road of slow but steady progress. The death of Zinzendorf was no crushing blow. At first some enemies of the Brethren rejoiced, and one prophet triumphantly remarked: "We shall now see an end of these Moravians." But that time the prophet spoke without his mantle. Already the Brethren were sufficiently strong to realize
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

Ascension Day. This Same Jesus which is Taken up from You into Heaven, Shall So Come, in Like Manner as Ye have Seen Him Go into Heaven.
This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven. Herr auf Erden muss ich leiden [92]Neumann. 1700. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Lord, on earth I dwell in pain; Here in anguish I must lie; Wherefore leav'st Thou me again, Why ascendest Thou on high? Take me, take me hence with Thee, Or abide, Lord, still in me; Let Thy love and gifts be left, That I be not all bereft. Leave Thy heart with me behind, Take mine hence with
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Power "In" and "Upon. "
You remember that strange, half-involuntary "forty years" of Moses in the "wilderness" of Midian, when he had fled from Egypt. You remember, too, the almost equally strange years of retirement in "Arabia" by Paul, when, if ever, humanly speaking, instant action was needed. And pre-eminently you remember the amazing charge of the ascending Lord to the disciples, "Tarry at Jerusalem." Speaking after the manner of men, one could not have wondered if out-spoken Peter, or fervid James had said: "Tarry,
Dwight L. Moody—Secret Power

St. Ignatius (Ad 116)
When our Lord ascended into Heaven, He left the government of His Church to the Apostles. We are told that during the forty days between His rising from the grave and His ascension, He gave commandments unto the Apostles, and spoke of the things belonging to the kingdom of God (Acts i. 2f). Thus they knew what they were to do when their Master should be no longer with them; and one of the first things which they did, even without waiting until His promise of sending the Holy Ghost should be fulfilled,
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

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