Church Unity
F. W. Briggs. Acts 1:12-14 Then returned they to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.… They were "all together in one mind." How graphic this sketch of true union; and of union for the attainment of a definite object I The expression implies not only concord, union of heart, but concert, agreement of will, prearrangement, and design. "All together in one mind." How fair a model for the imitation of the expectant Church in every age — for "sure His after-comings will be like to His first, to them that are, and not to any but them that are 'of one accord.'" "All," comprising every diversity of mental and moral constitution, in every degree of development, each retaining his proper individuality, yet each in vital sympathy and unison with all the rest. Various yet one, and the more completely one because various. "All together," the individual influencing the community, and the whole community influencing each individual; each communicating something to all; and all communicating something to each; Peter's quickness and vigour acting upon Thomas's sober considerateness; and Thomas's quiet considerateness keeping Peter's impetuous energy under wholesome restraint; the serene fervour of John blending with the activity of Andrew, and the unhesitating openness of Bartholomew; Martha's vivacity combining with her sister Mary's thoughtfulness, and the subdued and tender seriousness of Mary, the mother of the Lord; each simultaneously active and passive, and all sensibly quickened, by their union, to increasing earnestness and confidence. "All together, and of one mind," that single mind centring all its hopes, exercising all its energies on one object-the immediate descent of power from on high. (F. W. Briggs.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. WEB: Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.