Acts 2:42

Authorized King James Version

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἦσαν

G2258

they continued

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

προσκαρτεροῦντες

G4342

stedfastly

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

τῇ

G3588

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

διδαχῇ

G1322

doctrine

instruction (the act or the matter)

τῶν

G3588

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

ἀποστόλων

G652

in the apostles

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ

G2532

and

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

τῇ

G3588

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

#10

κοινωνίᾳ

G2842

fellowship

partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#12

τῇ

G3588

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

#13

κλάσει

G2800

in breaking

fracture (the act)

#14

τοῦ

G3588

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

#15

ἄρτου

G740

of bread

bread (as raised) or a loaf

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#17

ταῖς

G3588

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

#18

προσευχαῖς

G4335

in prayers

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Peter
Paul