Bible Commentary

Acts 2:46

Acts 2:46

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public Domain

Day by day continuing steadfastly for they continuing daily, A.V.; at home for from house to house, A.V.; they did take their food for did eat their meat, A.V. In the temple. It is very remarkable that at this early age of the Church's existence Christians did not deem themselves separated from their Jewish brethren, or from the Old Testament institutions.

Christianity was but Judaism perfected; the gospel the full blossoming of the Law. The first Christian Jews, therefore, did not conceive of themselves as quitting the religion of their fathers, but rather hoped that their whole nation would in a short time acknowledge Jesus to be the Christ.

Christian institutions, therefore—the prayers, the breaking of bread, the prophesyings and speaking with tongues, and the apostolic teachings—were supplemental to the temple service, not antagonistic to it; and the church took the place rather of the synagogue than of the temple (see 'Dict.

of Bible:' "Synagogue"). At home. This version hardly represents the true idea of the original; κατ οἶκον represents the private Christian place of meeting, as contrasted with the temple. The meaning is not that every disciple broke bread in his own house, but that they broke bread at the house where the Christian assemblies were held, whether one or more.

We have already seen the Church gathered together "in an upper room" (), in "one place," in "a house" (, ), and "together" (; see too ); and we know that as the synagogue was called הלָּפִּתְ תיבֵּ, house of prayer, or תסֶנֶכְּהַ תיבֵּ, the house of assemblage, so the Christian place of meeting was called ὁ κυριακὸς οἷκος; the Lord's house, whence the word "church."

(For breaking bread, see above, .) They did take their food. The link of connection is the ἀγάπη or love-feast, which formed an important part of the κοινωνία, or common life, of the early Christians.

The whole description is a beautiful picture of Christian unity, piety, love, and joy.

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Recommended reading

More for Acts 2:46

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Calendar of GraceGod writes meeting times into the calendar. What's your next appointed appointment with Him?DiscipleDeckdevotionEvery Nation in His HandGenesis 10 is not a boring genealogy. It's a declaration: every nation on earth is known to God. None are outside His governance or His love.DiscipleDeckdevotionThe LightbulbGod doesn't fill you with the Holy Spirit just to give you warm feelings; He gives you power so you can light up a dark world. Don't keep the power to yourself. Read this to find your true purpose. 👇DiscipleDecksermonThe Mission of the SeventyThere Is a Place for You to Serve Can you picture the distress of a farmer when he sees his fields golden with a harvest, and there are no servants to...George H. MorrisonvideoThe Book of Mark Explainer VideoThis video provides a fast-paced, action-packed summary of the Gospel of Mark, highlighting its urgency and focus on proving Jesus is the Son of God through five key acts (0:00-0:54). Key Acts in Mark: Act 1: Baptism & Ministry Launch (0:55-2:14): John the Baptist prepares the way, and Jesus is baptized, receiving divine endorsement before immediately calling his first disciples. Act 2: Galilean Ministry & Authority (2:15-4:24): Jesus demonstrates authority through miracles—healing, casting out spirits, and calming storms—while using parables to teach about the Kingdom of God (3:02). This act also introduces the conflict with religious leaders. Act 3: The Turning Point (4:25-6:00): Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah (4:56), leading Jesus to define his mission not as political power, but as suffering, death, and resurrection (5:22). Act 4: The Passion (6:01-7:30): The intense final week in Jerusalem, covering his triumphal entry, the Last Supper, betrayal, and crucifixion. The climax occurs when a Roman Centurion declares Jesus the Son of God at his death (7:09). Act 5: The Resurrection (7:31-8:50): Women find the empty tomb, confirming Jesus has risen, demonstrating that sacrifice led to ultimate victory.DiscipleDeck