Acts 1:14

Continued with one accord. Rather, here and in ch. 2:46, “persevered with one mind.” What a contrast to the competitive spirit shown at the time of the Last Supper (Luke 22:24). How different in its calm, solemn joy was this period of waiting. Here is the commencement of the “accord” that bore such dynamic results a few days later (Acts 2:1,41).

In prayer. Gr. te proseuche. This is capable of at least two interpretations: (1) “in prayer”; or (2) “in the place of prayer,” in which sense it occurs in ch. 16:16. Some commentators suggest that the disciples did not constantly remain in the “upper room,” but went, from time to time, to a synagogue, and that such visits are included in Luke 24:53, “And were continually in the temple.”

And supplication. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of these words. The fact of the disciples’ unity in prayer, however, remains. During the days before Pentecost the 120 (v. 15) reverently urged the fulfillment of the pledge that the Spirit, the Comforter, would come (John 14:16) with power (Acts 1:8) “not many days hence” (v. 5). See AA 36, 37.

This text contains an excellent formula for effective prayer: (1) The petition — they prayed; (2) the perseverance — they continued in prayer; (3) the unanimity — they prayed with one accord. See on Matt. 18:19, 20 Luke 18:1-8.

With the women. Rather, “with women,” which may refer to the wives of the men there assembled. This receives support from the fact that “Mary the mother of Jesus,” who was not the wife of any man present, is separately mentioned. However, the usual interpretation is to see in “the women” a reference to those who ministered to Christ, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, “and many others” (see Additional Note on Luke 7; see on Luke 8:2, 3).

Mary. This reference to the mother of Jesus is instructive. Her unique relationship to the ascended Lord justifies her being singled out for special mention, but she is not given any undue pre-eminence. In this, her last appearance in Scripture, she is one of the united group who “continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Legends concerning her later life and position after death have no Biblical or factual basis.

His brethren. These were James, Joses, Simon, and Judas (Matt. 13:55; see on Matt. 12:46; Mark 6:3). They had stood aloof from Jesus (John 7:5; DA 450, 451), and are not mentioned among those who gathered around the cross (John 19:25-27). But the final scenes in Christ’s earthly life had brought about their conversion, and they are now numbered with His adherents. No more is heard of Simon and Joses, but James is probably the one who became a leader in the church (see on Acts 12:17; see Acts 15:13; 1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19; Vol. V, p. 71), and is thought by many to be the author of the Epistle of James (see Introduction to the Epistle of James, Vol. VII). Judas may be the Jude who wrote the brief epistle that bears his name (see on Mark 6:3; see Introduction to the Epistle of Jude, Vol. VII).