If you’re curious about the Bible’s use of the phrase “one accord,” you’re not alone.
This phrase appears multiple times throughout the Old and New Testaments, and it has been the subject of much discussion and debate among theologians and scholars.
In this article, we’ll explore how many times is one accord mentioned in the Bible and what it means in its various contexts.
The phrase “one accord” generally refers to a group of people who are united in purpose and working together towards a common goal.
It appears in a variety of contexts throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament’s description of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness to the New Testament’s account of the early Christian church.
Some theologians suggest that the phrase appears over 20 times in both the Old and New Testaments, while others argue that the true number is closer to 12 or 13.
Regardless of the exact number, it’s clear that “one accord” is a recurring theme in the Bible and an important concept for understanding the relationships between God, humanity, and the natural world.
Biblical Instances of ‘One Accord’
When we talk about “one accord” in the Bible, we are referring to a state of unity among a group of people.
This phrase appears over 20 times in both the Old and New Testaments, with most of its occurrences in the Book of Acts.
In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the biblical instances of “one accord.”
Early Church Gatherings
One of the earliest instances of “one accord” in the Bible can be found in Acts 1:14, where it is written, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
Here, we see the followers of Jesus coming together in unity to pray and seek the Lord’s will.
Prayer and Supplication Events
Another example of “one accord” can be found in Acts 4:24, where it says, “And when they heard that, they lifted 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.”
This passage describes a time when the early church came together to pray and ask for God’s help in the face of persecution.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Perhaps the most famous example of “one accord” in the Bible can be found in Acts 2:1, which says, “And when the day of Pentecost fully came, they were all with one accord in one place.”
This quotation describes the moment when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the early church, and the believers were filled with power and boldness to share the gospel.
In Acts 8:6, we see another instance of “one accord” when it says, “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.”
Here, we see the people of Samaria coming together in unity to listen to Philip’s message and witness the power of God at work.
Theological Significance of Unity
Unity is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith and is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. It refers to the state of being united, coming together as one, and working towards a common goal.
The concept of unity is not only important in the physical world but also in the spiritual realm.
Unity in the Body of Christ
One of the most significant aspects of unity in the Bible is the unity of the body of Christ. The body of Christ refers to all believers who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
The Bible teaches that all believers are part of one body, and each member has a unique role to play.
In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, it says, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” This passage emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ and how it is brought about by the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Unity and Purpose
Unity in the Bible is not just about physical unity, but also spiritual unity. Spiritual unity refers to the unity that comes from being in Christ and having the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
This accordance allows believers to work together towards a common purpose and to be of one mind.
In Philippians 2:1-2, it says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by agreeing, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
This quote emphasizes the importance of spiritual unity and how it is brought about by the Holy Spirit.
In conclusion, unity is a crucial aspect of the Christian faith, and it is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. The concept of unity is not only important in the physical world but also in the spiritual realm.
The body of Christ and spiritual unity are two significant aspects of unity in the Bible. Unity allows believers to work together towards a common purpose and to be of one mind.
Practical Outcomes of Being ‘Of One Accord’
Being of one accord, or having a common purpose and setting aside personal views for a greater goal, has practical outcomes that can benefit individuals and groups alike.
In the Bible, the phrase “one accord” is mentioned over 20 times in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly in the Book of Acts. Let’s explore some of the practical outcomes of being “of one accord.”
Collective Prayer Impact
One practical outcome of being “of one accord” is the collective impact of prayer. In Acts 1:14, the disciples were together in one accord, devoting themselves to prayer after Jesus’ ascension.
This unity in prayer led to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, which resulted in the conversion of thousands of people. When believers come together in one accord to pray, they can experience the power of the move of the Spirit.
Harmony in the Early Church
Another practical outcome of being “of one accord” is harmony in the early church. In Acts 2:42-47, we see that the believers were of one heart and one soul, and there was no needy person among them.
They sold their possessions and shared everything they had. This harmony and unity in the early church allowed them to be a witness to the world, and many people were added to their number daily.
When believers are “of one accord,” they can experience the benefits of unity, such as harmony, generosity, and a powerful witness to the world.
By setting aside personal views and coming together for a greater goal, believers can experience the move of the Spirit and see the practical outcomes of being “of one accord.”
Key Figures Associated with “One Accord”
Apostles and Leadership
In the Bible, the phrase “one accord” is mentioned over 20 times in both the Old and New Testaments. The apostles played a significant role in promoting unity and oneness among believers.
They set an example of being in one accord, as seen in Acts 1:14, where they “all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication.”
Peter, one of the twelve apostles, also emphasized the importance of unity in his epistle. He urged believers to “be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8).
This indicates that unity is not just about agreeing but also about having a heart for one another.
Role of Women in Unity
Women also played a crucial role in promoting unity in the early church. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present with the apostles in the upper room, where they were all in one accord, waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:14).
This shows that women were not excluded from participating in the early church’s activities.
Furthermore, women like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia are mentioned in the New Testament as being co-workers with the apostles in spreading the gospel (Romans 16:1-7).
This demonstrates that women had an essential role in the early church and were not just passive observers.
In conclusion, the Bible highlights the importance of unity and oneness among believers.
The apostles set an example of being in one accord, and women also played a crucial role in promoting unity in the early church. As believers, we should strive to be of one mind and heart, have compassion for one another, and promote unity in the church.
References to “One Accord” in Christian Teachings
The phrase “one accord” appears in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and it is interpreted to mean oneness or unity.
Theologians suggest that it appears over 20 times in the Bible. In this section, we will explore the references to “one accord” in Christian teachings.
Pauline Letters and Exhortations
The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Romans and the Corinthians, exhorts the early Christian communities to be of one accord. In Romans 15:5, Paul says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.”
Similarly, in Romans 15:6, he says, “So that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity in the church.
He says, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought” (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Old Testament Precedents
The concept of “one accord” can also be seen in the Old Testament. In Zephaniah 3:9, the prophet says, “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him shoulder to shoulder.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of unity among the people of God.
In addition, the book of Exodus provides an example of the Israelites being of one accord.
After God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, they gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. Exodus 19:8 says, “The people all responded together, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said.'”
This unity among the Israelites allowed them to receive God’s commandments and follow them as a community.
Now that you know how many times is one accord mentioned in the Bible, it is important to strive for unity with your fellow believers and to work towards a common purpose.
