Acts 2:42

Continued stedfastly. Gr. proskartereo, “to persevere,” “to give constant attention to.” This takes the story beyond the day of Pentecost and includes the believers’ conduct in the days that followed (see on ch. 3:1).

Doctrine. That is, “teaching.” The newly baptized Christians had heard Peter’s sermon, and separate groups had benefited from the messages given in many tongues. In succeeding days that first instruction would be supplemented by further lessons concerning Christ. All such instruction may be included in the term “teaching.” It is difficult to believe that the apostles had already formulated anything like a “creed.”

Fellowship. Gr. koinonia; although this word is translated most often as “fellowship” (1 Cor. 1:9; Phil. 1:5; 3:10; John 1:3, 6, 7; etc.), in 1 Cor. 10:16; 2 Cor. 13:14 it is rendered “communion,” and in Rom. 15:26; 2 Cor. 9:13; Heb. 13:16 it refers to charitable contributions. It seems clear that in the present instance the word refers to the brotherhood that developed between the apostles and their converts.

Breaking of bread. Probably this included both the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Cor. 10:16) and ordinary communal meals (see p. 45; Acts 2:44, 46).

The expression “breaking of bread,” or one similar to it, occurs in Matt. 14:19; 15:36; Mark 8:6, 19; Luke 24:30, 35, of meals that were clearly not celebrations of the Lord’s Supper. “To break bread” was a common Jewish idiom meaning “to eat.” In Matt. 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:24 it is used specifically of the Lord’s Supper. In Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11 either might be indicated. That the cup is not mentioned in connection with the bread does not necessarily exclude the possibility that the Lord’s Supper is here referred to. Although the context does not justify a dogmatic conclusion, it may be noted that the expression “breaking of bread” appears in a series descriptive of religious activities. Verse 41 speaks of believers receiving the “word,” of being “baptized,” and of being “added” to the church. Accordingly, it may be reasonable to conclude that the “breaking of bread” here referred to likewise had specific religious significance. See on Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:20, 21.

Prayers. See on ch. 1:14. Here were four basic elements in the life of the new Christian society: (1) The believers grew in knowledge of the truth through the teaching of the apostles. (2) They were conscious of fellowship with Christ, and with one another in acts of common worship and mutual kindness and benevolence. (3) They participated in the “breaking of bread,” probably including the Lord’s Supper. (4) They engaged in prayer, both private and corporate.