Acts 1:12-14 - Homilies By R.a. Redford

The first roll-call of the Church.

Notice—

THE GATHERING - PLACE .

1. Jerusalem, with Olivet in the background. Henceforth a new Jerusalem. The descent from the Mount of the Savior's glory, a Sabbath day's journey off; return to the duties of life, to new responsibilities, but with a vivid remembrance of the parting interview with Jesus.

2. Upper chamber. The grain of mustard seed must be sown in the common ground of humanity. Yet the commencement of Church life must recognize separation from the world as the law of the new kingdom, fellowship as the condition of union, subordination and order as helpful to activity.

3. The society composed of mingled elements— men and women, apostles and disciples, old and young; those attached to Jesus by spiritual bonds alone, and those who were his fleshly kindred, able to minister with special familiarity of personal knowledge. "Mary "and "his brethren."

4. Their first mutual occupation. "With one accord they continued steadfastly in prayer." Not as excluding exhortation and other forms of fellowship, but as indicating the pre-eminently devout and believing attitude of their minds.—R.