King James Version

What Does Acts 2:46 Mean?

Acts 2:46 in the King James Version says “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat wit... — study this verse from Acts chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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, from: or, at home

Acts 2:46 · KJV


Context

44

And all that believed were together , and had all things common;

45

And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46

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, from: or, at home

47

Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The dual worship pattern - 'continuing daily with one accord in the temple' (public) and 'breaking bread from house to house' (private) - establishes rhythm of corporate and intimate fellowship. Temple worship maintained Jewish identity while house churches fostered deeper communion. 'Breaking bread' likely combines Lord's Supper with fellowship meals, demonstrating gospel's transformation of ordinary life. The phrase 'with gladness and singleness of heart' (Greek 'agalliasei kai aphelotēti kardias') describes pure, unmixed joy arising from salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship continued until AD 70's destruction. Early Christians attended Jewish temple prayers (Acts 3:1) while maintaining distinct identity through baptism and Lord's Supper. House churches necessitated by persecution later became normative after temple's fall.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance public worship's corporate witness with intimate small-group fellowship?
  2. What does 'singleness of heart' (undivided devotion) teach about authentic Christian joy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
κατ'1 of 20

daily

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἡμέραν2 of 20
G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τε3 of 20

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

προσκαρτεροῦντες4 of 20

they continuing

G4342

to be earnest towards, i.e., (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a pers

ὁμοθυμαδὸν5 of 20

with one accord

G3661

unanimously

ἐν6 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ7 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἱερῷ8 of 20

the temple

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

κλῶντές9 of 20

breaking

G2806

to break (specially, of bread)

τε10 of 20

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

κατ'11 of 20

daily

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

οἶκον12 of 20

house to house

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

ἄρτον13 of 20

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

μετελάμβανον14 of 20

did eat

G3335

to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)

τροφῆς15 of 20

their meat

G5160

nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)

ἐν16 of 20

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀγαλλιάσει17 of 20

gladness

G20

exultation; specially, welcome

καὶ18 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀφελότητι19 of 20

singleness

G858

smoothness, i.e., (figuratively) simplicity

καρδίας20 of 20

of heart

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 2:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 2:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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