Acts 1:14

These all with one accord continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

'WITH ONE ACCORD'-'one mind' (Wey). 'denotes entire harmony of their views and feelings. There were no schisms, no divided interests, no discordant purposes.' (Reese p. 19)

'CONTINUED STEADFASTLY IN PRAYER'-'Since early in the 20th century, some have tired to use this verse to prove that it took the apostles ten days to "pray down" the Holy Spirit.' (Reese p. 19) Unfortunately, such. concept completely misses the point. God would give them the Holy Spirit-in His own time (Acts 1:8). They were praying, because prayer was simply. part of their lives. And this emphasis upon prayer continued after Pentecost (Acts 2:42; Acts 6:4).

'WITH THE WOMEN'-i.e. probably those mentioned in the Gospels, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Johanna, Susanna, Mary and Martha of Bethany and others. 'These women would have been mentioned in this informal way because they would be remembered by one who, like Theophilus, had read the first volume of Luke's history.' (Reese p. 19) This statement may also include the various wives of the apostles (1 Corinthians 9:5; Matthew 8:14).

'MARY THE MOTHER OF JESUS'-The last time Mary is mentioned in the New Testament. One writer said, 'She has. position of respect, but there is no halo about her head. She is loved but not worshipped.' 3

'AND WITH HIS BRETHREN'- Mark 6:3; Matthew 12:46. These are younger brothers of Jesus. Four are mentioned by name in the New Testament, James, Joses, Judas and Simon (Mark 6:3; Matthew 12:46. At one point they didn't believe in Jesus (John 7:5). But now they do believe. Matthew 13:55 reveals that Jesus also had younger sisters. James is the most prominent brother, being mentioned often in the New Testament (Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18; 1 Corinthians 15:7. Most believe that it was this James who wrote the book of James and the brother by the name of Judas wrote the book of Jude.

Points to Note:

1. Because Roman Catholicism argues for the perpetual virginity of Mary ('The Virgin Mary'), they argue that these "brothers", were either children from. previous marriage (on Joseph's side) or cousins.

2. But there is no Scriptural reason to keep Mary. perpetual virgin, unless one has. distorted view of the "goodness" of marriage and the sexual relationship (1 Timothy 4:1).

FILLING THE POSITION VACATED BY JUDAS: