Acts 1:14

The apostles gave themselves to prayer (Gr. proseuche) probably for the fulfillment of what Jesus had promised would take place shortly (cf. Daniel 9:2-3; Luke 11:13). "The" prayer (in Greek) suggests that they may have been praying at the Jewish designated times of prayer (cf. Acts 2:42; Acts 6:4). Proseuche sometimes has the wider meaning of worship, and it may mean that here. Luke stressed their unity, a mark of the early Christians that Luke noted frequently in Acts. The disciples were one in their purpose to carry out the will of their Lord. Divine promises should stimulate prayer, not lead to abandonment of it.

"In almost every chapter in Acts you find a reference to prayer, and the book makes it very clear that something happens when God’s people pray." [Note: Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, 1:405.]

". . . when God is going to do some great thing he moves the hearts of people to pray; He stirs them up to pray in view of that which He is about to do so that they might be prepared for it. The disciples needed the self-examination that comes through prayer and supplication, that they might be ready for the tremendous event which was about to take place . . ." [Note: Harry A. Ironside, Lectures on the Book of Acts, pp. 28-29. For evidence of the cause and effect relationship of prayer and revival, see J. Edwin Orr, The Fervent Prayer: The Worldwide Impact of the Great Awakening of 1858, ch. 1: "The Sources of the Revival."]

The women referred to were apparently the same ones who accompanied the disciples from Galilee to Jerusalem (Luke 8:1-3; cf. Luke 23:49; Luke 23:55 to Luke 24:10). Luke’s interest in women, which is so evident in his Gospel, continues in Acts.

"Mary, the mother of Jesus, was there, but you will notice they were not praying to Mary, nor were they burning candles to her; they were not addressing themselves to her, nor asking her for any blessing; but Mary, the mother of Jesus, was kneeling with the eleven and the women, and all together they prayed to the Father." [Note: Ironside, pp. 26-271.]

This is, by the way, the last reference to Mary the mother of Jesus in the Bible. Jesus’ half-brothers (John 7:5; Mark 6:3) apparently became believers following His death and resurrection (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:7).