12 Then the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet (Olive Grove), which is near Jerusalem, [only] a Sabbath day’s journey (less than one mile) away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went upstairs to the upper room where they were staying [indefinitely]; that is, Peter, and John and [his brother] James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew (Nathanael) and Matthew, [ c ]James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas (Thaddaeus) the son of James. 14 All these with one mind and one purpose were continually devoting themselves to prayer, [waiting together] along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
Acts 1:12-14 (AMP) 中文
Back in Heaven
Jesus has commissioned His disciples to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). And in the previous passage, He has commanded them to be witnesses of His life, death and resurrection throughout the world by the power of the Holy Spirit who will soon come. Jesus has returned to Heaven where He is seated at the right hand of the Father. It is from there, in the same way, He will return again to earth at the end of time.
Now the apostles are back in the city in the upper room. Luke gives us a quick review of the remaining 11 (since Judas Iscariot has committed suicide). The AMP version adds some notes to better understand who the individuals are. Tomorrow’s passage, Acts 1:15, tells us there were about 120 of them so I doubt they slept there. Many of the apostles had wives so they possibly went home at night. Maybe they did a little fishing to put bread on the table.
What did they do?
So the riddle goes, “Where is a car mentioned in the Bible?” The ESV version says, “All these with one accord” (v14). But seriously, what did they do in the upper room? What would you do in this situation? Jesus has told them to wait for the Holy Spirit so they are obediently waiting. And they were praying as they wait. “Already, we see three important steps in making godly decisions: The disciples were in obedience, they were in fellowship, and they were in prayer.” (enduringword.com)
One mind and purpose
I like how the AMP translates v14 as “one mind and one purpose”. There was probably not much arguing, complaining or competition among them as existed prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection (c.f., Luke 22:24-27). They have been commissioned to take the Good News everywhere and make disciples. They need help. Only when they are in one accord will they be able to accomplish this task.
Family included
Luke lets us know that there were other disciples there with the 11 apostles. He specifically mentions the “women” – including Jesus’ mother, Mary and her other children, the brothers of Jesus. “The brothers of Jesus never seemed to be supportive of His ministry before His death and resurrection (John 7:5, Mark 3:21). After encountering the resurrected Jesus, they were changed into true followers of Jesus.” (enduringword.com)
RЯeflection
- Consider the local church you are in. [If you’re not in one, contact us.] Think of your relationships with others in the body. Would you characterize them as “one mind and purpose”? Or are there divisions and petty fights and quarrels, even about the law (Titus 3:9)? Think and pray about why? Are we willing to humble ourselves for the sake of Christ?
- Are you convicted about prayer, or the lack of it? Let’s not allow the devil to condemn us and bring guilt trips. Yet when the Spirit calls us to pray, we need to pray. Prayer is a privilege. Talking to the Almighty God of Heaven who loves us and cares about us is beyond comprehension. Consider praying right now. There’s never a better time to pray than now! (1 Thess 5:16-18)
