The secret of the blessing the early Christians enjoyed, and the power they were for good, may be summed up in one word-“Unity.” This is seen in connection with those trite and telling words, “One accord,” which occur again and again in the Acts. Mark “Accord,” not “Discord.” The Church should be like a well-tuned harp, upon which the Master of Assemblies can play the melodies of righteousness and holiness of life, love to each other, and glory to God in the highest.
Jesus Himself prayed for this unity in John 17:11, “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” By God’s grace, may we strive for:
- Unity in Prayer. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication” (Acts 1:14).
- Unity in Obedience. “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).
- Unity of Presence. “They were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).
- Unity of Purpose. “Continuing daily with one accord in the temple.” “Praising God” (Acts 2:46, 47).
- Unity in Praise. “Lifted up their voice to God with one accord” (Acts 4:24).
- Unity in Service. “They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch” (Acts 5:12).
- Unity in recognizing God’s Servants. “It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul” (Acts 15:25).