Acts 2:46

With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Study Bible

With one accord
The early believers demonstrated unity and harmony, reflecting the prayer of Jesus in John 17:21 for His followers to be one. This unity was essential for the growth and strength of the early church, as it allowed them to present a unified witness to the world.

they continued to meet daily
The commitment to daily gatherings highlights the fervor and dedication of the early Christians. This practice was rooted in Jewish tradition, where daily prayers and gatherings were common. It also emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the life of believers.

in the temple courts
The temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life, and the early Christians, many of whom were Jewish, continued to gather there. This setting provided a public space for teaching and evangelism, as seen in Acts 3:11 and Acts 5:12. It also signifies the continuity of the Christian faith with its Jewish roots.

and to break bread from house to house
Breaking bread likely refers to both communal meals and the Lord's Supper, reflecting the intimate fellowship among believers. Meeting in homes was practical and personal, fostering close relationships. This practice is echoed in Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:19, where house churches are mentioned.

sharing their meals with gladness
The joy experienced by the early Christians was a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This gladness was not dependent on external circumstances but was a fruit of their faith and fellowship, as seen in Galatians 5:22.

and sincerity of heart
The believers' sincerity indicates a genuine and pure devotion to God and each other. This authenticity was crucial for the integrity and witness of the early church, aligning with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:8 about the blessedness of the pure in heart.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Early Church Believers
These were the first followers of Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension. They were primarily Jewish converts who had accepted Jesus as the Messiah.

2. The Temple Courts
This refers to the outer courts of the Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and gathering for the Jewish people. It was a public space where the early believers could meet openly.

3. Breaking Bread
This phrase indicates both the sharing of meals and the practice of the Lord's Supper, reflecting fellowship and remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.

4. House to House
This describes the intimate and personal gatherings of believers in their homes, fostering close-knit community and discipleship.

5. Gladness and Sincerity of Heart
This reflects the joyful and genuine spirit of the early Christians as they lived out their faith in community.

Teaching Points

Unity in Worship
The early church's practice of meeting "with one accord" highlights the importance of unity in worship and purpose among believers today.

Regular Fellowship
The daily gathering in the temple courts and homes underscores the need for regular fellowship and community in the Christian life.

Joyful and Sincere Living
The believers' gladness and sincerity of heart serve as a model for living out our faith with joy and authenticity.

Hospitality and Sharing
The practice of breaking bread from house to house encourages hospitality and sharing as vital aspects of Christian community.

Public and Private Worship
Balancing public worship in larger gatherings with intimate fellowship in homes reflects a holistic approach to spiritual growth and community.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the early church in Acts 2:46 challenge our current church practices and attitudes towards fellowship?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of "breaking bread" into our modern Christian communities to foster deeper relationships?

3. How does the example of the early believers meeting daily inspire us to prioritize regular fellowship and worship in our lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate "gladness and sincerity of heart" in our interactions with fellow believers and the wider community?

5. How can we balance the need for public worship and private, intimate gatherings in our spiritual lives, as modeled by the early church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 4:32-35
This passage describes the unity and sharing among the believers, emphasizing their communal life and care for one another, similar to Acts 2:46.

Hebrews 10:24-25
Encourages believers to meet together and spur one another on toward love and good deeds, echoing the communal and supportive nature of the early church.

Luke 24:30-35
Jesus breaks bread with the disciples after His resurrection, which parallels the breaking of bread in Acts 2:46, symbolizing fellowship and recognition of Christ.