These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. Acts 1:14

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With the naming of those who were in the upper room of the meeting place complete, Luke continues that thought showing that more people accompanied them, but the highlight is upon those mentioned. It is they, in particular, who are noted as apostles in verse 1:2.

The word “apostle” (Greek: apostolos), signifies a messenger or one sent on a mission. It is the sender of the apostle, then, by whom the apostle is known. If an emperor sent out an apostle, he would be an apostle of the emperor. It is the men named in the previous verse that are considered the apostles of Jesus in its strictest sense. They were personally commissioned by Him.

As this is so, it is inappropriate to use the term “apostle of Jesus” today. There was no commission because the Lord did not personally send that individual. The reason for stating this now is that others may have been on the Mount of Olives with Jesus and the apostles, but it is the apostles who were highlighted upon their return to the upper room. Now, in that same thought, others are mentioned separately, indicating that they were not so commissioned by the Lord.

With this understood, Luke begins this verse with, “These all.” It is referring to the apostles just named. The highlight is on them, and it is they who are set to continue this message as designated apostles. They have a particular task to perform, and that will continue to be highlighted as the narrative progresses. It is they who “continued with one accord.”

The word used is a new one to Scripture, homothumadon. It means “with one mind,” “unanimously,” “with one accord,” and so on. It is a compound word derived from homo (same) and thumos, signifying “passion.” Thus, there is a uniting in purpose. It can be in intent, in wrath, and so on. A fuller study of this word will be included below to make a point about the early church. In the case of these apostles, their united passion was “in prayer and supplication.”

The two Greek words are similar in meaning. Some texts only say, “in prayer.” The main point is that these men were united in intent and purpose in the prayers they set forth, probably praying for wisdom, understanding, and the ability to convey this new message properly. Along with this, there must have been an almost unlimited number of prayers for eyes to be opened concerning Christ to the people.

For such a small group, without their leader physically present, it must have seemed a daunting task. But they had been given the assurance by Jesus that He would not leave them alone He would send the Holy Spirit. Their prayers must have included many words concerning this as well. Next, Luke notes that they were also “with the women.”

These are the women who had accompanied Jesus and who were most highly noted in the gospels by Luke. One of several examples is found in Luke 8 –

“Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.” Luke 8:1-3

Only after noting them does Luke next include the words, “and Mary the mother of Jesus.” The inclusion of Jesus’ mother is to demonstrate that she was not neglected by the apostles, even if she had nothing to offer them as the other women did. Although the Gospel of John is written much later, the knowledge that Jesus had appointed His beloved apostle to care for her was already known –

“When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ 27 Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.” John 19:26, 27

The inclusion of Mary in this list is to show that she had been cared for accordingly. This is the last of the few times she is mentioned in Scripture. There is nothing said of note concerning her that would excuse the Roman Catholic teachings and idolatry of her. There is no allowance for prayers to or through her, there is no idolizing of her authorized, and so on. Scripture does not mention the doctrine of Immaculate Conception, and it in fact argues against it. It also does not speak of her “perpetual virginity,” but also clearly argues against it. There is no note of her assumption as well. These are heretical teachings set forth with the sole intent of diminishing the role of Jesus Christ.

Luke completes the thought with, “and with His brothers.” This is certainly included for several reasons. The first is that they came to understand that Jesus is, in fact, the sinless Son of God and the Messiah, something they were previously skeptical about. Further, being listed after the apostles, it shows that they were not considered as such. And thirdly, James (the Lord’s brother) will eventually be the leader of the church as is inferred from the words of Acts 15:13.

As such, it shows that being an apostle has its own purpose, but it does not necessarily confer authority or preeminence in all areas. As such, the idea of “apostolic authority” which is supposedly claimed by various denominations, is another incorrect and inappropriate doctrine. It abuses the intended meaning of the word “apostle,” and it claims an authority that cannot be inferred from Scripture.

As can be seen, this one verse – when considered rightly with other parts of Scripture – refutes a couple points of bad doctrine or even heresy.