Acts 2:46

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

And {G5037} they, continuing {G4342} daily {G2596}{G2250} with one accord {G3661} in {G1722} the temple {G2411}, and {G5037} breaking {G2806} bread {G740} from {G2596} house to house {G3624}, did eat {G3335} their meat {G5160} with {G1722} gladness {G20} and {G2532} singleness {G858} of heart {G2588},

Continuing faithfully and with singleness of purpose to meet in the Temple courts daily, and breaking bread in their several homes, they shared their food in joy and simplicity of heart,

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,

And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

Acts 2:46 (KJV) describes a vibrant snapshot of the early Christian community in Jerusalem immediately following the Day of Pentecost. It illustrates the daily life, fellowship, and devotion of the first believers, setting a powerful example for the church throughout history.

Context

This verse is part of a summary passage (Acts 2:42-47) detailing the practices and characteristics of the nascent church after 3,000 souls were added to their number as a result of Peter's sermon and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It highlights their commitment to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, showcasing a community transformed by faith and the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

  • Unified Devotion: The phrase "continuing daily with one accord in the temple" emphasizes their remarkable unity (Greek: homothumadon, meaning "with one mind" or "with one passion") and consistent public worship. The Temple remained a significant place for Jewish believers to gather, demonstrating their continuity with Jewish tradition while embracing their new faith. This unity is a recurring theme in the early church, as seen in Acts 4:32.
  • Intimate Fellowship and Sharing: "Breaking bread from house to house" points to smaller, more intimate gatherings in homes. This likely included both communal meals, fostering deep fellowship and practical care, and the observance of the Lord's Supper, a central act of Christian worship recalling Christ's sacrifice, as taught by the apostles (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
  • Joy and Sincerity: Their eating "with gladness and singleness of heart" reveals the genuine joy and purity of motive that characterized these believers. "Singleness of heart" (Greek: aphelotēs) denotes sincerity, simplicity, and generosity, free from pretense or selfish ambition. This internal state of joy and openness permeated their communal life.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "one accord," homothumadon (ὁμοθυμαδόν), is particularly notable in Acts, appearing 10 times. It paints a picture of a community acting with a singular purpose and spirit, reflecting deep spiritual unity. "Singleness of heart" (ἀφελότητι καρδίας, aphelotēti kardias) suggests an unadulterated, sincere, and pure disposition, contrasting with any form of hypocrisy or hidden agenda.

Practical Application

Acts 2:46 offers a timeless model for Christian community. It encourages:

  • Consistent Corporate Worship: Regular participation in public gatherings for teaching, prayer, and worship.
  • Meaningful Fellowship: Cultivating deep, authentic relationships through shared meals and open homes, fostering a sense of family.
  • Joyful Generosity: Approaching life and community with genuine gladness and a sincere, pure heart, free from self-interest.

This verse reminds believers that true Christian life is lived out in community, marked by unity, devotion, and a sincere joy that overflows into shared experiences and mutual support.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 5:42

    And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

  • Acts 2:42

    ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

  • Acts 20:7

    ¶ And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

  • Psalms 86:11

    Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

  • Acts 16:34

    And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • Colossians 3:22

    Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

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