Acts 2 46

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,

Acts 2:46 nkjv

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

Acts 2:46 niv

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Acts 2:46 esv

And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Acts 2:46 nlt

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity ?

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 46 Meaning

Acts 2:46 describes the continued, regular practices of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, highlighting their persistent devotion and joyful communal life. They maintained their Jewish religious customs by assembling daily at the Temple for public worship and prayer, while also gathering in their private homes. In these homes, they shared meals ("breaking bread"), demonstrating a spirit of intimate fellowship, mutual care, and profound unity. Their actions were characterized by sincere joy and unblemished integrity of heart as they fellowshipped and met one another's needs. This verse paints a picture of a vibrant, dedicated, and communal lifestyle that captivated onlookers and brought them peace and satisfaction.

Acts 2 46 Context

Acts chapter 2 describes the dramatic outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, the initial empowering of the apostles, Peter’s powerful sermon proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ, and the conversion of about three thousand people. Immediately following this miraculous event, the chapter details the foundational practices and character of the burgeoning Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42-47). Acts 2:46 specifically illustrates the daily manifestation of their corporate devotion, expanding on the communal aspects introduced in earlier verses. This verse presents a picture of seamless spiritual and practical life, bridging public temple worship—a carryover from their Jewish heritage—with intimate fellowship in their homes, showcasing their radical commitment to unity and mutual support, infused with an overwhelming joy and sincerity of heart that was both internal and outwardly observable.

Acts 2 46 Word analysis

• And day by day (καθ' ἡμέραν - kath' hēmeran): This phrase emphasizes the regularity and continuity of their actions. It signifies a persistent, consistent practice, not sporadic meetings. This daily devotion underpinned their spiritual growth and communal strength.
• attending (προσκαρτεροῦντες - proskarterountes): Derived from a verb meaning "to persevere," "to devote oneself steadfastly to," or "to remain constantly in." This same word is used in Acts 2:42 regarding their devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Here, it highlights their committed and earnest attendance.
• the temple (τῷ ἱερῷ - tō hierō): Refers to the physical Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This indicates that early Jewish Christians initially maintained their traditional religious customs. They saw no conflict in worshiping Christ while also participating in established Temple practices. It served as a central place for public gathering, prayer, and evangelism (as seen later in Acts).
• together (ὁμοθυμαδόν - homothumadon): An adverb meaning "with one accord," "with one mind," "unanimously," or "harmoniously." This term is a characteristic descriptor of the early church in Acts, emphasizing their unity, shared purpose, and corporate spirit in their activities.
• and breaking bread (κλῶντες ἄρτον - klōntes arton): This phrase typically denotes sharing a meal. In the New Testament, it can refer to common fellowship meals or specifically the Lord's Supper (or both, as these were often combined in the early church). Given the mention of "received their food" later in the verse, it likely refers to their regular communal meals, characterized by hospitality and mutual provision. These meals may have incorporated elements of communion.
• in their homes (κατ' οἴκους - kat' oikous): Lit. "house by house" or "from house to house." This signifies a decentralized, intimate setting for fellowship, distinct from the public Temple worship. These gatherings formed the foundation of early house churches, where deeper fellowship, teaching, and sharing could occur. It demonstrates the growth beyond formal institutions into everyday living spaces.
• they received their food (μετελάμβανον τροφῆς - metelambanon trophēs): Signifies that they literally partook of meals together, illustrating a practical aspect of their communal life. It speaks to mutual sharing, hospitality, and ensuring everyone had provisions.
• with glad (ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει - en agalliasei): Literally "in exultation" or "with extreme joy." This is a deep, overflowing, often spiritual joy, not just simple happiness. It suggests a profound inner satisfaction and divine blessing.
• and generous hearts (καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας - kai aphelotēti kardias): The Greek word aphelotēs means "simplicity," "sincerity," "purity," or "lack of guile/hypocrisy." It speaks of an upright, unmixed, and honest heart, free from selfish motives or ulterior agendas. It implies a genuineness in their interactions and a profound absence of deceit or pretense in their sharing. It’s not primarily about material generosity in giving, but sincerity and open-heartedness in sharing and receiving.

• "day by day, attending the temple together": This highlights the persistent public dimension of their faith. Their gathering in the Temple unified them with the wider Jewish community, affirming their roots, but doing so "together" demonstrated a distinct Christian unity within that public space. This dual allegiance to the Temple and Christ's community reflects an initial stage where believers hadn't fully separated from Judaism.
• "breaking bread in their homes": This emphasizes the intimate, private, and relational dimension. While the Temple offered public worship, the homes facilitated close fellowship, personal sharing, and practical care. This created a sense of extended family and reinforced their unity on a deeper level than public gatherings could. It reflects the burgeoning unique identity of the church.
• "received their food with glad and generous hearts": This phrase captures the internal disposition and spirit that characterized their fellowship. The joy (agalliasis) signifies a deep, spiritual contentment often tied to salvation and the presence of God. The "generous hearts" (aphelotēs kardias) speak to sincerity, purity of motive, and transparent interactions. Their shared meals were not merely sustenance but expressions of spiritual and relational health, marked by genuine love and unity.

Acts 2 46 Bonus section

• A "both/and" existence: This verse illustrates the early church’s ability to exist in both traditional, public religious spaces (the Temple) and new, intimate, private communal spaces (homes). This reflects their Jewish heritage coexisting with their new identity in Christ, which initially manifested as an extension rather than a complete separation from their past.
• The Power of Everyday Habits: The "day by day" emphasis suggests that genuine spiritual formation and community health often stem not from isolated grand events but from consistent, mundane practices done with intentionality and right spirit.
• The Essence of Hospitality: "Breaking bread in their homes" inherently implies a deep commitment to hospitality—opening one's life, space, and resources to others, which was crucial for community building and the survival of the nascent church.
• Authenticity over Pretense: The phrase "generous hearts" (or "simplicity of heart") directly contrasts with hypocrisy and self-seeking. This radical sincerity and lack of pretense was a key differentiator for the early Christian community, fostering deep trust and communion.

Acts 2 46 Commentary

Acts 2:46 portrays a foundational blueprint for Christian community life: a dynamic balance between public devotion and intimate domestic fellowship. The early church was not merely an aggregation of individuals but a genuine family marked by regular, intentional communion. Their "day by day" rhythm underscores persistence and habit, while gathering "together" emphasizes corporate unity. They engaged with traditional worship structures at the Temple, signaling continuity and shared roots with Judaism, yet also innovated by establishing vibrant house-based gatherings for "breaking bread"—a practice encompassing shared meals and likely the Lord's Supper. This dual setting allowed for both public witness and deep, personal connection. The defining characteristic of their interactions was profound inner joy (agalliasis), indicative of the Spirit's presence, coupled with sincere and pure hearts (aphelotēs kardias). This "generosity of heart" wasn't just about material giving, but about a transparent, uncomplicated, and pure spirit in all their communal dealings—receiving and giving alike. This selfless, joyful communion created an environment where practical needs were met, relationships flourished, and faith deepened, laying a model for authentic Christian fellowship.