How does Acts 1:14 connect with Jesus' teachings on prayer in the Gospels? \The Setting: Acts 1:14 in Focus\ “ With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14) • The risen Lord has just ascended (Acts 1:9). • He has commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5). • While they wait, they pray—steadfastly, together, expectantly. \Persistent Prayer—Exactly What Jesus Taught\ • Luke 18:1: “Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart.” • Acts 1:14 shows the disciples obeying that teaching: “continued in prayer.” • The parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:2-8) and Jesus’ own example in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:41) underscore the same call to endurance. \United Prayer—Living Out “Our Father”\ • The phrase “with one accord” mirrors Jesus’ instruction to pray corporately: – Matthew 6:9: “Our Father in heaven….” – Matthew 18:19-20: “If two of you…agree about anything you ask for, it will be done…For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” • In Acts 1 the men, the women, Mary, and Jesus’ brothers pray as one family—just as Jesus envisioned. \Expectant Faith—Asking, Seeking, Knocking\ • Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask…and it will be given…seek…and you will find…knock…and the door will be opened….” • Mark 11:24: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” • The disciples pray with this confidence, knowing the Spirit is coming because Jesus promised (Luke 24:49). \Obedient Waiting—“Your Will Be Done”\ • Matthew 6:10: “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” • By remaining in Jerusalem and devoting themselves to prayer, the disciples align with God’s timetable, not their own (Acts 1:4, 7). \Inclusive Fellowship—Prayer Open to All Believers\ • Acts 1:14 names women and family members, highlighting the inclusivity of kingdom prayer. • Jesus repeatedly welcomed all who would come to Him (Luke 11:13; John 4:23-24). \Takeaways for Today\ • Pray persistently—never give up. • Pray together—unity multiplies faith. • Pray expectantly—trust every promise of Christ. • Pray obediently—submitting to God’s timing and purposes. • Pray inclusively—invite every believer into the circle. |
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