King James Version

What Does Acts 5:42 Mean?

Acts 5:42 in the King James Version says “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. — study this verse from Acts chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 5:42 · KJV


Context

40

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Daily, tireless witness 'in the temple, and in every house' shows the early church's aggressive evangelism utilizing all available venues. The dual message of 'teaching and preaching Jesus Christ' combines instruction for believers and proclamation for unbelievers. Their refusal to 'cease' despite opposition demonstrates commitment unto death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This relentless activity occurred in Jerusalem under ongoing Sanhedrin hostility. Public temple teaching reached crowds while house-to-house ministry built intimate community, establishing a pattern of both large and small group ministry.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can contemporary churches balance public proclamation with personal, home-based ministry?
  2. What would it look like for believers today to 'cease not' in teaching and preaching Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
πᾶσάν1 of 17
G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τε2 of 17

And

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

ἡμέραν3 of 17

daily

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

ἐν4 of 17

in

G1722

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

τῷ5 of 17
G3588

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

ἱερῷ6 of 17

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)

καὶ7 of 17

and

G2532

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

κατ'8 of 17

in every

G2596

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

οἶκον9 of 17

house

G3624

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

οὐκ10 of 17

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπαύοντο11 of 17

they ceased

G3973

to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e., restrain, quit, desist, come to an end

διδάσκοντες12 of 17

to teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

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

εὐαγγελιζόμενοι14 of 17

preach

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

Ἰησοῦν15 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τὸν16 of 17
G3588

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

Χριστόν17 of 17

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus


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 5:42 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 5:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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