Acts 2:46

Continuing daily. The new believers were constant in their public devotions.

With one accord. Compare on ch. 1:14.

In the temple. It might be thought that followers of the One the elders had condemned to death would avoid the Temple. But they were frequenting it even before the day of Pentecost (Luke 24:53). It would be more precious to them than in the days before they knew their Lord as the Messiah. Through Him they had learned truly to know the God of the Temple. It might seem strange, too, that they should be allowed to worship and teach in the Temple. Later on, indeed, they were forbidden to do so. But it must be remembered that the Temple courts were open to all Israelites who did not disturb its peace, partly, perhaps, because there were those in the Sanhedrin, such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathaea, and Gamaliel, who were on the borderline of belief. Then, too, the church may have acquired a certain popularity by its holiness of life and its liberal alms giving. As for the disciples, they did not think of their religion as a defection from Judaism, but rather as the fulfillment of it. The Christians therefore worshiped with their Jewish blood brothers (Acts 3:1), not only from habit and desire, but also in the hope of seeing them won to the gospel. See also on ch. 3:1.

Breaking bread. See on v. 42.

From house to house. Or, “at home.” The Christians worshiped in the Temple, but the particular features of their communal life, the breaking of bread and the sharing of their food with one another took place in one another’s homes.

Did eat their meat. Rather, “were eating food.” It is evident that the breaking of bread was closely connected with the daily life of the Christians (see on Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:20-22).

Gladness. Gr. agalliasis, “exultation,” “extreme joy.” They rejoiced at the privilege of being Christians.

Singleness. Gr. aphelotes, literally, “free from stones,” referring to smooth soil, but here meaning simplicity of character, unalloyed benevolence, generosity. These emotions would naturally be evident in the early Christians.