One Mind

What does being with "one mind" mean?

"When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. "For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry." (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out.
And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT'; and,'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.'"Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us-- one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two You have chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:13 - 26 NASB)

So from these verses we are to admire that the followers of Jesus were of 'one mind' and continually devoted to prayer. This should be our desire too.

From these verses do we think that being of one mind meant that they agreed on everything? Peter stood up and proposes that they pick one more person to become one of the 12 apostles. I think the fact that two names were put forward suggests that they did not agree on everything.

I do think they found a way to place their focus on the issues that are of greatest value (prayer, loving Jesus, loving people, and working together on the mission that Jesus calls us all to). And by focusing on these issues, and not getting distracted by their differences, they were of one mind.

Also consider Paul opposing Peter, yet we must consider the main message in their writings to be of 'one mind'.

Gal 2:11 "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong."

A question. Does everyone in any 'church' agree on all doctrines? I know in most community of believers there are different thoughts on many issues. But when it comes to working together to reach others with the good news, the doctrinal discussions are not the focus.

When our minds are focused on living out our faith, loving God and others, and seeking the kingdom of God, we can be of 'one mind'.