Acts 2:46
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,
Original Language Analysis
κατ'
daily
G2596
κατ'
daily
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἡμέραν
G2250
ἡμέραν
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
2 of 20
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
προσκαρτεροῦντες
they continuing
G4342
προσκαρτεροῦντες
they continuing
Strong's:
G4342
Word #:
4 of 20
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἱερῷ
the temple
G2411
ἱερῷ
the temple
Strong's:
G2411
Word #:
8 of 20
a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)
κατ'
daily
G2596
κατ'
daily
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
οἶκον
house to house
G3624
οἶκον
house to house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
12 of 20
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
μετελάμβανον
did eat
G3335
μετελάμβανον
did eat
Strong's:
G3335
Word #:
14 of 20
to participate; genitive case, to accept (and use)
τροφῆς
their meat
G5160
τροφῆς
their meat
Strong's:
G5160
Word #:
15 of 20
nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 5:42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.Acts 2:42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.Acts 20:7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.Psalms 86:11Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.Acts 16:34And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.2 Corinthians 1:12For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.Colossians 3:22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:Romans 12:8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.Nehemiah 8:10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.Ecclesiastes 9:7Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance public worship's corporate witness with intimate small-group fellowship?
- What does 'singleness of heart' (undivided devotion) teach about authentic Christian joy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.