Acts 2:46

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:46 provides a vivid portrait of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, showcasing their consistent devotion, profound unity, and joyful fellowship in the immediate aftermath of Pentecost. This verse highlights the daily rhythm of their new life in Christ, characterized by both public worship in the Temple and intimate gatherings in homes, all undertaken with genuine gladness and pure motives, establishing a foundational model for the church's communal life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a summary passage in Acts 2:42-47, which describes the characteristics and practices of the nascent church in Jerusalem. Following Peter's Spirit-empowered sermon and the conversion of about three thousand souls in [Acts 2:41](/acts/2-41 "Acts 2:41 - The First Converts"), Luke shifts from the dramatic events of Pentecost to the daily life of the new believers. This section functions as a theological and sociological snapshot, illustrating how the Holy Spirit's outpouring transformed individuals into a cohesive, devoted community. Acts 2:42 sets the stage by listing their commitments to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, with verse 46 elaborating on the practical outworking of these commitments in their daily routines.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was composed primarily of Jewish believers who had just embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Their continued presence in the Temple was significant, demonstrating their continuity with Jewish tradition while simultaneously embracing their new faith in Christ. The Temple was the center of Jewish religious life, a place for public prayer and teaching. However, their practice of "breaking bread from house to house" indicates the emergence of distinct Christian gatherings, likely for communal meals, fellowship, and the observance of the Lord's Supper, which would have been impractical in the Temple courts. This dual pattern of public and private worship reflects a transitional phase, where new Christian practices began to take shape within the existing Jewish framework.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 2:46 encapsulates several key themes central to the early church and the broader book of Acts. **Unity** is paramount, as the believers continued "with one accord," a recurring emphasis in Acts, signifying the Spirit-wrought harmony among diverse individuals, as also seen in [Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - The Unity of Believers"). **Devotion** is evident in their daily commitment to gathering, both in the Temple and in homes, underscoring their dedication to spiritual practices and communal life. **Fellowship** (koinonia) is vividly portrayed through their shared meals and intimate gatherings, fostering deep bonds and mutual support. Finally, **Joy** and **Sincerity** characterize their interactions, as they ate "with gladness and singleness of heart," reflecting an authentic and unadulterated spiritual state that permeated their communal existence. These themes collectively illustrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in forming a vibrant, Christ-centered community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **continuing (Greek, _proskarteréō'_):** From G4342, this verb means "to be earnest towards," "to persevere," or "to be constantly diligent." In this context, it emphasizes the steadfast and persistent commitment of the early believers to their daily gatherings and practices. It conveys a sense of unwavering dedication and active participation, indicating that their communal life was not sporadic but a consistent, intentional pursuit.
* **one accord (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** From G3661, this adverb signifies "unanimously," "with one mind," or "with one passion." It highlights the remarkable spiritual and relational unity that characterized the early church. This was not merely external agreement but an internal harmony of purpose and spirit, reflecting a deep, Spirit-enabled solidarity among the believers.
* **singleness (Greek, _aphelótēs'_):** From G858, this word denotes "smoothness" or, figuratively, "simplicity." When paired with "of heart" (kardía, G2588), it describes a disposition free from duplicity, pretense, or selfish motives. It implies sincerity, purity of intention, and an unadulterated generosity, contrasting with any form of hypocrisy or hidden agenda in their fellowship and sharing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple,"**: This clause describes the consistent and unified public devotion of the early believers. "Continuing daily" (G2596 G2250) emphasizes the regularity and persistence of their gatherings. "With one accord" (G3661) highlights their remarkable unity and shared purpose, indicating a deep spiritual harmony. Their presence "in the temple" (G1722 G2411) signifies their continued participation in Jewish communal worship, demonstrating their identity as Jewish followers of Jesus within the existing religious framework.
* **"and breaking bread from house to house,"**: This phrase points to the more intimate, private gatherings of the believers. "Breaking bread" (G2806 G740) likely refers to both communal meals that fostered deep fellowship and the regular observance of the Lord's Supper, a central act of Christian worship recalling Christ's sacrifice. The phrase "from house to house" (G2596 G3624) indicates that these gatherings occurred in various homes, underscoring the decentralized and relational nature of their fellowship, which built strong bonds among them.
* **"did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"**: This final clause describes the spiritual and emotional quality of their communal life. "Did eat their meat" (G3335 G5160) refers to their shared meals. The manner of their eating—"with gladness" (G1722 G20) and "singleness of heart" (G2532 G858 G2588)—revels the genuine joy, sincerity, and purity of motive that permeated their fellowship. "Gladness" speaks to their overflowing joy in salvation and community, while "singleness of heart" indicates an authentic, unadulterated disposition, free from pretense or selfish ambition.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several **literary devices** in Acts 2:46 to paint a vivid picture of the early church. **Repetition** of "daily" (implied by "continuing daily") and the dual locations ("in the temple" and "from house to house") emphasize the pervasive and consistent nature of their devotion and fellowship. The phrase "with one accord" serves as a powerful **motif** throughout Acts, highlighting the Spirit-empowered unity of the believers. The contrasting settings of the public Temple and private homes create a **juxtaposition**, illustrating the multifaceted nature of their communal life, embracing both their Jewish heritage and their distinct Christian identity. Finally, the concluding description of their eating "with gladness and singleness of heart" uses **descriptive language** to convey the internal spiritual state that characterized this vibrant community, underscoring the authenticity and joy of their new life in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:46 stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of the church as a Spirit-empowered community. It illustrates that true Christian life is not merely an individual experience but is lived out in vibrant, unified fellowship, marked by consistent devotion and genuine joy. The believers' commitment to gathering both publicly and privately underscores the importance of corporate worship and intimate koinonia. Their "breaking of bread" points directly to the Lord's Supper, a central ordinance that remembers Christ's sacrifice and anticipates His return, binding believers together in a shared identity. The "gladness and singleness of heart" speak to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, producing authentic joy and purity of motive that overflows into their relationships and daily practices, serving as a powerful testimony to the world.

* [Acts 4:32](/acts/4-32 "Acts 4:32 - The Unity of Believers")
* [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Paul's Exhortation to Unity and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 2:46 offers a timeless blueprint for healthy Christian community, challenging believers today to cultivate a similar depth of devotion, unity, and joy. It reminds us that our faith is meant to be lived out in fellowship, not isolation. The early church's commitment to gathering, both in large corporate settings and in smaller, intimate home groups, highlights the importance of both public worship and personal, relational discipleship. We are called to pursue genuine unity, laying aside personal agendas for the common good, and to engage in fellowship with sincerity and gladness, allowing the joy of our salvation to permeate our interactions. This verse encourages us to examine the quality of our communal life, asking if it truly reflects the Spirit-filled, Christ-centered community envisioned by Luke, characterized by consistent devotion, authentic relationships, and overflowing joy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my personal commitment to corporate worship and intimate fellowship compare to the "daily" and "one accord" devotion of the early church?**
* **In what ways can I foster "gladness and singleness of heart" in my interactions within my church community and beyond?**
* **What practical steps can my community take to better embody the unity and shared life described in Acts 2:46?**

### FAQ

**What does "breaking bread from house to house" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "Breaking bread from house to house" (G2806 G740 G2596 G3624) most likely refers to two related practices. First, it signifies communal meals, which were a vital part of ancient social life and a key expression of fellowship (koinonia) among the early believers. These shared meals fostered deep bonds and practical care within the community. Second, within these communal meals, it is widely understood to include the regular observance of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion. This sacred meal, instituted by Jesus Himself, served as a remembrance of His sacrifice and a proclamation of His return, becoming a central act of worship for the early church. The phrase indicates that these practices were not confined to a single location but were distributed among various homes, reflecting the rapid growth and decentralized nature of the early Christian movement.

**How did the early church maintain "one accord" despite its rapid growth?**

Answer: The early church maintained "one accord" (G3661, _homothymadón'_) primarily through the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, who had been poured out at Pentecost. This spiritual unity was foundational, enabling believers from diverse backgrounds to share a common purpose and passion. Practically, this unity was fostered through their consistent devotion to the apostles' teaching, which provided a shared theological framework ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Devotion of the Early Church")). Their commitment to fellowship, shared resources ([Acts 4:32-35](/acts/4-32-35 "Acts 4:32-35 - Sharing of Possessions")), and corporate prayer also contributed significantly. The shared experience of salvation in Christ and the radical transformation of their lives created a bond that transcended social and cultural differences, allowing them to act with a singular mind and spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:46, while describing the early church's practices, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. The "breaking bread from house to house" directly points to the Lord's Supper, a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Himself on the night He was betrayed, as recorded in [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). This act of remembrance continually draws believers back to Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross, the very foundation of their faith and fellowship. The "gladness" with which they ate reflects the profound joy of salvation, a joy that flows from the good news of Christ's victory over sin and death, first proclaimed by the angels in [Luke 2:10](/luke/2-10 "Luke 2:10 - Good News of Great Joy"). Their "singleness of heart" echoes Christ's call for undivided devotion and sincerity, urging His followers to have a pure focus on God, as highlighted in His teaching on the eye as the lamp of the body in [Matthew 6:22-24](/matthew/6-22-24 "Matthew 6:22-24 - The Eye as the Lamp of the Body"). Furthermore, the "one accord" and unity described in this verse are a direct answer to Christ's fervent prayer for His disciples' unity in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity"), demonstrating that the Spirit-empowered church is living out the very desire of its Head. Thus, the communal life of the early church, as depicted in Acts 2:46, is a vibrant manifestation of Christ's transformative power, His ongoing presence through the Spirit, and the fulfillment of His mission to create a unified, joyful, and devoted people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: