With one accord:

This is a phrase frequently used by Luke in Acts

I have felt the Lord drawing me to it as a result of the recent emphasis on prayer and unity. Just
a few examples:

Acts 1:14

These all continued with one accord in prayer

Acts 2:1

…they were all with one accord in one place.

Acts 2:45

…continuing daily with one accord in the temple,

Acts 4:24

…they lifted up their voice to God with one accord

The Greek word is homothumadon

NIV translates it as ‘together’ but this does not do justice to the Greek

It literally means with the same mind or with one purpose

So ‘with one accord’ (KJV) is better on this than NIV.

So I’m using KJV

Why is this important?

Because it seriously affects what we can learn from these passages

Together is related to PLACE.

If homothumadon just meant together Luke would not have needed to say ‘in
one place’

With one accord is related to PURPOSE

Let’s look at some of the passages where it’s used and see what we can learn
about:

• The ways in which the early Christians were ‘with one accord’
• The reasons why the early Christians were ‘with one accord’
• What happened as a result

The ways in which the early Christians were ‘with one accord’

They were with one accord in prayer

Acts 1:14

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

Acts 4:24

“And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord,
and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and all that in them is:”

These all continued with one accord (1:14)

Continue

Greek: proskartereō

KJV Translates this verb as:

continue, continue steadfastly, attend continually, give oneself continually,
wait on, wait on continually

They stuck at it. They didn’t give up.

…they lifted up their voice to God with one accord (4:24)

They cared

They were with one accord in one place

Acts 2:1

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place.”

Acts 2:45

…continuing daily with one accord in the temple

Acts 4:23-24

And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the
chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they
lifted up their voice to God with one accord…

Acts 5:12

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch

Note the importance of being together Hebrews 10:25

They were with one accord with one purpose

Homothumadon means with one purpose

They were not just together in one place

They were together with one purpose.

Acts 2:42-47 (note again the emphasis on continuing)

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship
(koinonia) and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon
every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that
believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions
and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of
heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Doctrine (learning and putting into practice)

Fellowship (koinonia – sharing)

(By contrast: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5))

Breaking bread

Prayer

The reasons why the early Christians were ‘with one accord’

Jesus’ command

Acts 1:4-5

And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should
not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, said
he, you have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be
baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.”

Jesus’ promise

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power, after the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you
will be witnesses for me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,
and to the uttermost part of the earth

The anticipation of miracles

Acts 5:12

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.”

Acts 8:6

“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip
spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”

The threat of persecution

Acts 4:23-24

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord,
and said, Lord, you are God, who have made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
all that in them is

A passion for evangelism

Acts 4:29-31

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto your servants, that
with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth your hand to
heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child
Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke
the word of God with boldness.

What happened as a result

Wonderful things – miracles – conversions – needs met

N.B. Things can happen suddenly

And finally…

Romans 15:5-7

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same
attitude of mind towards each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one
mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to
bring praise to God.”

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