Commentary on Acts 2:46

Acts 2:46 states: “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,” This verse serves as a pivotal reference for understanding the community and worship practices of the early church following the Pentecost. Below, we summarize insights from notable public domain commentaries.

General Context

The Book of Acts describes the birth of the Christian church and the expansion of its mission following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Chapter 2 specifically accounts for the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel. Acts 2:46 illustrates the continuity of fellowship and worship among the believers during this transformative period.

Insights from Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of the believers' unity and communal life. He observes that:

• Daily Fellowship: The phrase "continuing daily" indicates their commitment to fellowship and worship. Henry notes that the early Christians did not confine their faith to a weekly observance but instead engaged in a daily relationship with God and one another.
• Unity of Purpose: The expression "with one accord" suggests a profound spiritual unity among the believers. This harmony not only reflects their love for God but also their dedication to each other as a community.
• Breaking Bread: The act of breaking bread signifies both communal meals and the practice of communion. This dual meaning suggests a deep sense of worship intertwined with daily living.
• Gladness and Singleness of Heart: Their joy and simplicity of heart were key identifiers of their faith. Henry points out that such qualities are essential for sustaining a vibrant church community and serve as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Albert Barnes' Notes

Albert Barnes brings attention to the various activities and expressions of the early Christians:

• Public and Private Worship: Barnes explains that the believers gathered both in the temple and in homes. This duality shows that worship is both corporate and individual, demonstrating the flexibility and evolution of the church's worship practices.
• Daily Sharing of Resources: The context of "did eat their meat" implies a sharing of food and resources. Barnes highlights the communal nature of their possessions, fostering a spirit of generosity and selflessness among believers.
• Emotional Expressions of Faith: The 'gladness' referred to is an enduring theme throughout scripture that connects to the joy of salvation. Barnes notes that it is a reflection of their gratitude towards God for His grace and sustenance.
• Spiritual Simplicity: The “singleness of heart” is indicative of their focus on God. For Barnes, this singular devotion is essential in sustaining the church's mission and outreach.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke discusses the sociocultural implications of the verse, with several noteworthy observations:

• Cultural Context: Clarke analyzes the Jewish background of the believers, many of whom were accustomed to temple worship. The continuation of meeting in the temple illustrates a bridge between the old covenant and the new.
• Breaking Bread as Fellowship: Clarke emphasizes the significance of "breaking bread" as more than just a meal; it symbolizes a shared life and the unity of faith. It is also an anticipatory act pointing towards the Lord's Supper.
• Joy through Community: The gladness experienced by the early church is described by Clarke as a direct result of their mutual support and shared faith, which underlined their testimonies to the surrounding culture.
• Spiritual Growth: Clarke believes that this daily engagement in fellowship and worship served as a catalyst for both personal and communal spiritual growth, establishing a strong foundation for future evangelistic efforts.

Theological Implications

The communal life of the early church as depicted in Acts 2:46 has profound theological implications.

• Nature of the Church: This passage reaffirms the concept that the church is not just a building or a weekly service, but a living community of believers actively engaged in life together.
• Role of the Holy Spirit: Their unity and shared life can be understood as a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work among them. The Spirit unites individuals into a cohesive body with shared purposes.
• Mission of the Believers: The habits developed by the early church set a precedent for contemporary believers in their mission to the world. It suggests that vibrant community life is crucial for effective evangelism.
• Joy in Worship: The gladness expressed in the verse indicates that genuine worship naturally produces joy, a vital aspect for sustaining church health and growth.

Conclusion

Acts 2:46 encapsulates the essence of the early church's life, marked by unity, joy, and daily engagement in worship and fellowship. The insights from the commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke offer rich perspectives that not only illuminate the text but also challenge modern believers to emulate their commitment to community and worship. This verse serves as a guiding principle for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars as they seek both to understand and live out the principles of the early church in today's context.