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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 2:42–47. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We often speak of the primitive church, and appeal to it, and to the history of it; in these verses we have the history of the truly primitive church, of the first days of it, its state of infancy indeed, but, like that, the state of its greatest innocence.
I.They kept close to holy ordinances, and abounded in all instances of piety and devotion, for Christianity, admitted in the power of it, will dispose the soul to communion with God in all those ways wherein he has appointed us to meet him and promised to meet us.
1.They were diligent and constant inn their attendance upon the preaching of the word. They continued in the apostles' doctrine, and never disowned nor deserted it; or, as it may be read, they continued constant to the apostles' teaching or instruction; by baptism they were discipled to be taught, and they were willing to be taught. Note, Those who have given up their names to Christ must make conscience of hearing his word; for thereby we give honour to him, and build up ourselves in our most holy faith.
2.They kept up the communion of saints. They continued in fellowship (Act 2:42), and continued daily with one accord in the temple, Act 2:46. They not only had a mutual affection to each other, but a great deal of mutual conversation with each other; they were much together. When they withdrew from the untoward generation, they did not turn hermits, but were very intimate with one another, and took all occasions to meet; wherever you saw one disciple, you would see more, like birds of a feather. See how these Christians love one another. They were concerned for one another, sympathized with one another, and heartily espoused one another's interests. They had fellowship with one another in religious worship. They met in the temple: there was their rendezvous; for joint-fellowship with God is the best fellowship we can have with one another, Jo1 1:3. Observe,
(1.)They were daily in the temple, not only on the days of the sabbaths and solemn feasts, but on other days, every day. Worshipping God is to be our daily work, and, where there is opportunity, the oftener it is done publicly the better. God loves the gates of Zion, and so must we.
(2.)They were with one accord; not only no discord nor strife, but a great deal of holy love among them; and they heartily joined in their public services. Though they met with the Jews in the courts of the temple, yet the Christians kept together by themselves, and were unanimous in their separate devotions.
3.They frequently joined in the ordinance of the Lord's supper. They continued in the breaking of bread, in celebrating that memorial of their Master's death, as those that were not ashamed to own their relation to, and their dependence upon, Christ and him crucified. They could not forget the death of Christ, yet they kept up this memorial of it, and made it their constant practice, because it was an institution of Christ, to be transmitted to the succeeding ages of the church. They broke bread from house to house; kat' oikon - house by house; they did not think fit to celebrate the eucharist in the temple, for that was peculiar to the Christian institutes, and therefore they administered that ordinance in private houses, choosing such houses of the converted Christians as were convenient, to which the neighbours resorted; and they went from one to another of these little synagogues or domestic chapels, houses that had churches in them, and there celebrated the eucharist with those that usually met there to worship God.
4.They continued in prayers. After the Spirit was poured out, as well as before, while they were waiting for him, they continued instant in prayer; for prayer will never be superseded till it comes to be swallowed up in everlasting praise. Breaking of bread comes in between the work and prayer, for it has reference to both, and is a help to both. The Lord's supper is a sermon to the eye, and a confirmation of God's word to us; and it is an encouragement to our prayers, and a solemn expression of the ascent of our souls to God.
5.They abounded in thanksgiving; were continually praising God, Act 2:47. This should have a part in every prayer, and not be crowded into a corner. Those that have received the gift of the Holy Ghost will be much in praise.
II.They were loving one to another, and very kind; their charity was as eminent as their piety, and their joining together in holy ordinances knit their hearts to each other, and very much endeared them to one another.
1.They had frequent meetings for Christian converse (Act 2:44): All that believed were together; not all those thousands in one place (this was impracticable); but, as Dr. Lightfoot explains it, they kept together in several companies or congregations, according as their languages, nations, or other associations, brought them and kept them together. And thus joining together, because it was apart from those that believed not, and because it was in the same profession and practice of the duties of religion, they are said to be together, epi to auto. They associated together, and so both expressed and increased their mutual love.
2.They had all things common; perhaps they had common tables (as the Spartans of old), for familiarity, temperance and freedom of conversation; they ate together, that those who had much might have the less, and so be kept from the temptations of abundance; and they who had little might have the more, and so be kept from the temptations of want and poverty. Or, There was such a concern for one another, and such a readiness to help one another as there was occasion, that it might be said, They had all things common, according to the law of friendship; one wanted not what another had; for he might have it for the asking.
3.They were very cheerful, and very generous in the use of what they had. Besides the religion that was in their sacred feasts (their breaking bread from house to house) a great deal of it appeared in their common meals; they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. They brought the comforts of God's table along with them to their own, which had two good effects upon them: - (1.) It made them very pleasant, and enlarged their hearts with holy joy; they did eat their bread with joy, and drank their wine with a merry heart, as knowing that God now accepted their works. None have such cause to be cheerful as good Christians have; it is a pity but that they should always have hearts to be so. (2.) It made them very liberal to their poor brethren, and enlarged their hearts in charity. They did eat their meat with singleness of heart, en aphelotēti kardias - with liberality of heart; so some: they did not eat their morsels alone, but bade the poor welcome to their table, not grudgingly, but with all the hearty freedom imaginable. Note, It becomes Christians to be open-hearted and open-handed, and in every good work to sow plentifully, as those on whom God hath sown plentifully, and who hope to reap so.
4.They raised a fund for charity (Act 2:45): They sold their possessions and goods; some sold their lands and houses, others their stocks and the furniture of their houses, and parted the money to their brethren, as every man had need. This was to destroy, not property (as Mr. Baxter says), but selfishness. Herein, probably, they had an eye to the command which Christ gave to the rich man, as a test of his sincerity, Sell that thou hast, and give to the poor. Not that this was intended for an example to be a constant binding rule, as if all Christians in all places and ages were bound to sell their estates, and give away the money in charity. For St. Paul's epistles, after this, often speak of the distinction of rich and poor, and Christ hath said that the poor we always have with us, and shall have, and the rich must be always doing them good out of the rents, issues, and profits, of their estates, which they disable themselves to do, if they sell them, and give all away at once. But here the case was extraordinary (1.) They were under no obligation of a divine command to do this, as appears by what Peter said to Ananias (Act 5:4): Was it not in thine own power? But it was a very commendable instance of their raisedness above the world, their contempt of it, their assurance of another world, their love to their brethren, their compassion to the poor, and their great zeal for the encouraging of Christianity, and the nursing of it in its infancy. The apostles left all to follow Christ, and were to give themselves wholly to the word and prayer, and something must be done for their maintenance; so that this extraordinary liberality was like that of Israel in the wilderness towards the building of the tabernacle, which needed to be restrained, Exo 36:5, Exo 36:6. Our rule is, to give according as God has blessed us; yet, in such an extraordinary case as this, those are to be praised who give beyond their power, Co2 8:3. (2.) They were Jews that did this, and those who believed Christ must believe that the Jewish nation would shortly be destroyed, and an end put to the possession of estates and goods in it, and, in the belief of this, they sold them for the present service of Christ and his church.
III.God owned them, and gave them signal tokens of his presence with them (Act 2:43):
Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles of divers sorts, which confirmed their doctrine, and incontestably proved that it was from God. Those that could work miracles could have maintained themselves and the poor that were among them miraculously, as Christ fed thousands with a little food; but it was as much for the glory of God that it should be done by a miracle of grace (inclining people to sell their estates, to do it) as if it had been done by a miracle in nature.
But the Lord's giving them power to work miracles was not all he did for them; he added to the church daily. The word in their mouths did wonders, and God blessed their endeavours for the increase of the number of believers. Note, It is God's work to add souls to the church; and it is a great comfort both to ministers and Christians to see it.
IV.The people were influenced by it; those that were without, the standers by, that were spectators.
1.They feared them, and had a veneration for them (Act 2:43): Fear came upon every soul, that is, upon very many who saw the wonders and signs done by the apostles, and were afraid lest their not being respected as they should be would bring desolation upon their nation. The common people stood in awe of them, as Herod feared John. Though they had nothing of external pomp to command external respect, as the scribes' long robes gained them the greetings in the market-places, yet they had abundance of spiritual gifts that were truly honourable, which possessed men with an inward reverence for them. Fear came upon every soul; the souls of people were strangely influenced by their awful preaching and living.
2.They favoured them. Though we have reason to think there were those that despised them and hated them (we are sure the Pharisees and chief priests did), yet far the greater part of the common people had a kindness for them - they had favour with all the people. Christ was so violently run upon and run down by a packed mob, which cried, Crucify him, crucify him, that one would think his doctrine and followers were never likely to have an interest in the common people any more. And yet here we find them in favour with them all, by which it appears that their prosecuting Christ was a sort of force put upon them by the artifices of the priests; now they returned to their wits, to their right mind. Note, Undissembled piety and charity will command respect; and cheerfulness in serving God will recommend religion to those that are without. Some read it, They had charity to all the people - charin echontes pros holon ton laon; they did not confine their charity to those of their own community, but it was catholic and extensive; and this recommended them very much.
3.They fell over to them. Some or other were daily coming in, though not so many as the first day; and they were such as should be saved. Note, Those that God has designed for eternal salvation shall one time or other be effectually brought to Christ: and those that are brought to Christ are added to the church in a holy covenant by baptism, and in holy communion by other ordinances.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"True," you will say, "but prudence also is needed." Why, what is simplicity, I pray you, but prudence? For when you suspect no evil, neither can you fabricate any: when you have no annoyances, neither can you remember injuries. Has any one insulted you? You were not pained. Has any one reviled you? You were nothing hurt. Has he envied you? Still you had no hurt. Simplicity is a high road to true philosophy. None so beautiful in soul as the simple. For as in regard of personal appearance, he that is sullen, and downcast, and reserved, even if he be good-looking, loses much of his beauty; while he that relaxes his countenance, and gently smiles, enhances his good looks; so in respect of the soul, he that is reserved, if he have ten thousand good points, disfigures them; but the frank and simple, just the reverse.
"And the Lord added to the Church daily (together) such as should be saved.-And all that believed were together." Once more, the unanimity, the charity, which is the cause of all good things!
By singleness, however, he denotes their entire virtue, far surpassing their contempt of riches, their abstinence, and their preseverance in prayer. For thus also they offered pure praise to God: this is to praise God. But observe also here how they immediately obtain their reward. "Having favor with all the people." They were engaging, and highly beloved. For who would not prize and admire their simplicity of character; who would not be linked to one in whom was nothing underhand? To whom too does salvation belong, but to these? To whom those great marvels? Was it not to shepherds that the Gospel was first preached? and to Joseph, being a man of simple mind, insomuch that he did not let a suspicion of adultery frighten him into doing wrong? Did not God elect rustics, those artless men? For it is written, "Blessed is every simple soul." And again, "He that walketh simply, walketh surely."
A man of this last description may be safely made a friend, and when at variance easily reconciled. No need of guards and outposts, no need of chains and fetters with such an one; but great is his own freedom, and that of those who associate with him.
But the Lord added daily those who were being saved. In Greek it is read thus: But the Lord added to the Church those who were being saved, and then another narration begins.
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Summary
Acts 2:47 serves as a powerful summary of the early church's vibrant life in Jerusalem, encapsulating their fervent devotion, the divine favor they experienced among the populace, and the miraculous, continuous growth orchestrated by God Himself. This verse highlights a community deeply committed to worship and fellowship, whose authentic expression of faith not only garnered widespread respect but also became the fertile ground for the Lord's daily expansion of His redeemed people.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 2:47 concludes the pivotal narrative of the Day of Pentecost and its immediate aftermath, beginning with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-4. Following Peter's transformative sermon and the baptism of approximately three thousand new believers in Acts 2:37-41, the preceding verses (Acts 2:42-46) vividly describe the communal life of these first Christians. They were characterized by their steadfast devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, alongside sharing their possessions and meeting daily in the temple courts and in homes. Acts 2:47 functions as the culminating outcome of this Spirit-empowered, communal living, demonstrating the visible fruit of their faith and the divine blessing upon their nascent community, setting the stage for the church's continued expansion throughout the book of Acts.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is Jerusalem, a city steeped in Jewish religious tradition, recently shaken by the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, and now witnessing the dramatic events of Pentecost. The early believers were primarily Jewish, many of whom had just experienced a profound spiritual conversion. Their daily gatherings in the temple courts (a public space) and in private homes (for more intimate fellowship and breaking of bread) were significant. "Having favour with all the people" suggests a remarkable initial acceptance and goodwill from the broader Jewish populace, likely due to their evident unity, love, and the "many wonders and signs" performed by the apostles (Acts 2:43). This favor was crucial in a society where new religious movements could easily be met with suspicion or hostility, providing a window of opportunity for the Gospel to spread before widespread persecution intensified.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the Divine Sovereignty in Church Growth and Salvation, emphasizing that "the Lord added" to the church, rather than human effort alone. This highlights God's active role in drawing people to Himself, a theme echoed in Jesus's words in John 6:44. Secondly, it showcases the Importance of Corporate Worship and Praise, as the believers were "Praising God," indicating that worship was a central, continuous, and public expression of their faith. Thirdly, the theme of Authentic Christian Community and its Societal Impact is prominent; their genuine love and unity earned them "favour with all the people," demonstrating how a Spirit-filled community can be a powerful witness. Finally, the phrase "daily such as should be saved" points to the Ongoing Nature of Salvation and Evangelism, portraying salvation not as a static event but as a continuous process of God bringing new individuals into His family.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies to laud, to extol, or to worship, specifically directed towards God. Its use here indicates that the early believers' worship was not merely internal but an active, outward expression of gratitude and adoration. It suggests a continuous state of worship, reflecting their profound joy and recognition of God's mighty acts, particularly the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This praise was a public testimony to their faith and a distinguishing characteristic of their community.
Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," ekklēsía refers to a popular assembly or, in a religious context, a congregation. Here, it denotes the Christian community, the assembly of believers "called out" by God from the world to belong to Him. This term emphasizes the divine initiative in forming this body and its distinct identity as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes. The Lord was adding to this specific, divinely constituted assembly.
This verb means to save, deliver, protect, heal, or make whole. In the context of Acts 2:47, it refers to spiritual salvation—deliverance from sin and its consequences through faith in Jesus Christ. The Greek participle used here, tous sōzomenous, is a present passive participle, meaning "those who were being saved" or "the ones being delivered." This grammatical nuance suggests an ongoing process of salvation and inclusion into the community of believers, highlighting that conversion was a continuous, daily reality, not a one-time historical event that ceased after Pentecost.
Verse Breakdown
"Praising God,"
This clause describes the primary activity and spiritual posture of the early Christian community. Their lives were marked by continuous, fervent worship and adoration directed towards God, reflecting their deep gratitude for His redemptive work and the recent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This praise was likely public and communal, contributing to their visibility and distinctiveness.
"and having favour with all the people."
This indicates the positive social standing and widespread goodwill the early believers enjoyed among the general populace in Jerusalem. Their exemplary conduct, unity, and the miraculous signs performed among them (as noted in Acts 2:43) earned them respect and acceptance, suggesting a divine blessing on their witness and mission, which facilitated the spread of the Gospel.
"And the Lord added to the church daily"
This crucial phrase highlights the divine initiative and agency in the growth of the church. It was not merely human evangelistic efforts or persuasive sermons, but "the Lord" (referring to God, often specifically Jesus Christ, acting through the Holy Spirit) who was actively and supernaturally bringing people into the community of believers. The word "daily" underscores the continuous, persistent nature of this divine work, indicating a steady stream of new converts.
"such as should be saved."
This final clause specifies the nature of those being added: individuals who were experiencing salvation. The Greek construction ("those who were being saved") implies an ongoing process of coming to faith and being integrated into the body of Christ. It emphasizes that the additions were not merely numerical but spiritual, consisting of those whom God was drawing into a saving relationship with Himself.
Literary Devices
Acts 2:47 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "favour with all the people" can be understood as a form of Hyperbole or Generalization, emphasizing the widespread nature of the goodwill the early church enjoyed, rather than implying absolute universal approval. This exaggeration underscores the remarkable impact of their Spirit-filled lives. The use of "the Lord added" implies a Divine Passive, where the action is attributed directly to God, highlighting His sovereign control over the church's growth and the salvation of individuals, rather than focusing on human agency. Furthermore, the repetition of "daily" emphasizes Continuity and Progression, illustrating the constant, unwavering work of God in expanding His kingdom. This daily addition also serves as a form of Synecdoche, where the part (each day's converts) represents the whole (the ongoing, miraculous growth of the church).
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 2:47 profoundly illustrates the divine nature of the church and the sovereign work of God in salvation and growth. It underscores that the church is not a human institution built by human effort alone, but a divinely initiated and sustained community. The praise offered by the believers reflects the very purpose of their existence—to glorify God—while the favor they received demonstrates God's blessing upon their witness. Crucially, "the Lord added" highlights that salvation is ultimately God's work, a testament to His grace and power in drawing individuals to Himself and incorporating them into the body of Christ. This verse serves as a foundational statement on the organic, Spirit-led expansion of God's kingdom, where human faithfulness in worship and community life creates the environment for divine intervention and multiplication.
Reflection and Application
Acts 2:47 offers timeless principles for believers and the church today, calling us to a vibrant, God-centered faith that naturally draws others. The early church's consistent "Praising God" reminds us that authentic worship is not merely a Sunday activity but a lifestyle of gratitude and adoration that permeates all aspects of our lives. When our lives genuinely reflect the love and truth of Christ, marked by unity and good deeds, we, like the early believers, can earn "favour with all the people," opening doors for the Gospel in our communities. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder that true church growth is ultimately a divine work; while we are called to faithfully proclaim the Gospel and live out its principles, we must humbly depend on "the Lord" to add to His church. Our efforts are secondary to His sovereign power. The "daily" additions challenge us to maintain a continuous posture of evangelism and discipleship, recognizing that God is always at work, drawing people to Himself, and inviting us to participate in His ongoing mission of salvation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "the Lord" in Acts 2:47, and what does His active role mean for church growth?
In the context of Acts, "the Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) most often refers to Jesus Christ, particularly in His resurrected and exalted state, working through the Holy Spirit. While it can sometimes refer to God the Father, in passages describing the church's expansion and Christ's ongoing headship, it strongly points to Jesus. His active role means that church growth is fundamentally a divine initiative, not solely a result of human strategy, programs, or eloquence. It underscores the truth that salvation is God's work from beginning to end, as Jesus Himself stated, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him" (John 6:44). Therefore, while believers are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), the actual conversion and addition of individuals to the church are ultimately God's sovereign acts, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This understanding fosters humility, prayerful dependence, and confidence in God's power to build His church (Matthew 16:18).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 2:47 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the ongoing work of Jesus as the Head of His Church. The "praising God" of the early believers was a direct response to the glorious resurrection and ascension of Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which He promised and sent (John 14:26). The "favour with all the people" was a manifestation of the grace and truth embodied by Christ, now reflected in His body, the church, demonstrating the attractive power of His kingdom. Most profoundly, "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" reveals Jesus actively building His church, just as He promised in Matthew 16:18. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers His sheep (John 10:16), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), and the one through whom all salvation comes (Acts 4:12). The "saved" are those redeemed by His blood, made new creations in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17), and continually being conformed to His image by the Spirit (Romans 8:29). Thus, Acts 2:47 is not merely a historical account but a living testament to the resurrected Christ's continuous, sovereign work in expanding His redemptive reign through His Spirit-empowered people.