Teks -- Acts 2:42 (NET)

The Fellowship of the Early Believers

2:42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Robertson: Act 2:42 - They continued steadfastly

They continued steadfastly ( ēsan proskarturountes ).

Periphrastic active imperfect of proskartureō as in Act 1:14 (same participle in Act 2:46).

Robertson: Act 2:42 - Fellowship

Fellowship ( Koinōniāi ).

Old word from Koinōnos (partner, sharer in common interest) and this from Koinos what is common to all. This partnership involves participation in, as the blood of Christ (Phi 2:1) or co-operation in the work of the gospel (Phi 1:5) or contribution for those in need (2Co 8:4; 2Co 9:13). Hence there is wide diversity of opinion concerning the precise meaning of Koinōnia in this verse. It may refer to the distribution of funds in Act 2:44or to the oneness of spirit in the community of believers or to the Lord’ s Supper (as in 1Co 10:16) in the sense of communion or to the fellowship in the common meals or agapae (love-feasts).

Robertson: Act 2:42 - The breaking of bread

The breaking of bread ( tēi klasei tou artou ).

The word klasis is an old word, but used only by Luke in the N.T. (Luk 24:35; Act 2:42), though the verb klaō occurs in other parts of the N.T. as in Act 2:46. The problem here is whether Luke refers to the ordinary meal as in Luk 24:35 or to the Lord’ s Supper. The same verb klaō is used of breaking bread at the ordinary meal (Luk 24:30) or the Lord’ s Supper (Luk 22:19). It is generally supposed that the early disciples attached so much significance to the breaking of bread at the ordinary meals, more than our saying grace, that they followed the meal with the Lord’ s Supper at first, a combination called agapai or love-feasts. "There can be no doubt that the Eucharist at this period was preceded uniformly by a common repast, as was the case when the ordinance was instituted"(Hackett). This led to some abuses as in 1Co 11:20. Hence it is possible that what is referred to here is the Lord’ s Supper following the ordinary meal. "To simply explain tēi klasei tou artou as=‘ The Holy Communion’ is to pervert the plain meaning of words, and to mar the picture of family life, which the text places before us as the ideal of the early believers"(Page). But in Act 20:7 they seem to have come together especially for the observance of the Lord’ s Supper. Perhaps there is no way to settle the point conclusively here.

Robertson: Act 2:42 - The prayers

The prayers ( tais proseuchais ).

Services where they prayed as in Act 1:14, in the temple (Act 3:1), in their homes (Act 4:23).

Vincent: Act 2:42 - Continued steadfastly

Continued steadfastly

See on Act 1:14.

Vincent: Act 2:42 - Doctrine

Doctrine ( διδαχῇ )

Better, teaching .

Vincent: Act 2:42 - Fellowship

Fellowship ( κοινωνίᾳ )

From κοινός , common. A relation between individuals which involves a common interest and a mutual, active participation in that interest and in each other. The word answers to the Latin communio, from communis, common. Hence, sometimes rendered communion, as 1Co 10:16; 2Co 13:14. Fellowship is the most common rendering. Thus Phi 1:5 : " your fellowship in the gospel," signifying co-operation in the widest sense ; participation in sympathy, suffering, and labor. Compare 1Jo 1:3, 1Jo 1:6, 1Jo 1:7. Occasionally it is used to express the particular form which the spirit of fellowship assumes; as in Rom 15:26; Heb 13:16, where it signifies the giving of alms, but always with an emphasis upon the principle of Christian fellowship which underlies the gift.

Vincent: Act 2:42 - Breaking

Breaking ( κλάσει )

Used by Luke only, and only in the phrase breaking of bread. The kindred verb κλάζω or κλάω , to break, occurs often, but, like the noun, only of breaking bread. Hence used to designate the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Vincent: Act 2:42 - Prayers

Prayers ( προσευχαῖς )

Always of prayer to God. Compare on δεήσεις , prayers, Luk 5:33; and besought, Luk 8:38.

Wesley: Act 2:42 - And they continued steadfast

So their daily Church communion consisted in these four particulars: Hearing the word; Having all things common; Receiving the Lord's Supper; Prayer.

Ye diff'rent sects, who all declare, Lo here is Christ, and Christ is there; Your stronger proofs divinely give, And show me where the Christians live!

JFB: Act 2:41-47 - they that gladly received his word were baptized

"It is difficult to say how three thousand could be baptized in one day, according to the old practice of a complete submersion; and the more as in Jerusalem there was no water at hand except Kidron and a few pools. The difficulty can only be removed by supposing that they already employed sprinkling, or baptized in houses in large vessels. Formal submersion in rivers, or larger quantities of water, probably took place only where the locality conveniently allowed it" [OLSHAUSEN].

JFB: Act 2:41-47 - the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls

Fitting inauguration of the new kingdom, as an economy of the Spirit!

JFB: Act 2:42 - continued steadfastly in

"attended constantly upon."

JFB: Act 2:42 - the apostles' doctrine

"teaching"; giving themselves up to the instructions which, in their raw state, would be indispensable to the consolidation of the immense multitude suddenly admitted to visible discipleship.

JFB: Act 2:42 - fellowship

In its largest sense.

JFB: Act 2:42 - breaking of bread

Not certainly in the Lord's Supper alone, but rather in frugal repasts taken together, with which the Lord's Supper was probably conjoined until abuses and persecution led to the discontinuance of the common meal.

JFB: Act 2:42 - prayers

Probably, stated seasons of it.

Clarke: Act 2:42 - They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine

They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine - They received it, retained it, and acted on its principles

Clarke: Act 2:42 - And fellowship

And fellowship - Κοινωνιᾳ, community; meaning association for religious and spiritual purposes, The community of goods cannot be meant; for this is mentioned Act 2:44, Act 2:45, where it is said, they had all things common

Clarke: Act 2:42 - And in breaking of bread

And in breaking of bread - Whether this means the holy eucharist, or their common meals, it is difficult to say. The Syriac understands it of the former. Breaking of bread was that act which preceded a feast or meal, and which was performed by the master of the house, when he pronounced the blessing - what we would call grace before meat. See the form on Mat 26:26 (note)

Clarke: Act 2:42 - And in prayers

And in prayers - In supplications to God for an increase of grace and life in their own souls; for establishment in the truth which they had received, and for the extension of the kingdom of Christ in the salvation of men. Behold the employment of the primitive and apostolic Church

1.    They were builded up on the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone

2.    They continued steadfastly in that doctrine which they had so evidently received from God

3.    They were separated from the world, and lived in a holy Christian fellowship, strengthening and building up each other in their most holy faith

4.    They were frequent in breaking bread; in remembrance that Jesus Christ died for them

5.    They continued in prayers; knowing that they could be no longer faithful than while they were upheld by their God; and knowing also that they could not expect his grace to support them, unless they humbly and earnestly prayed for its continuance.

Calvin: Act 2:42 - In their doctrine // In fellowship

42.In their doctrine Luke doth not only commend in them the constancy of faith or of godliness, but he saith, also, that they did constantly give themselves to those exercises which serve to the confirmation of faith; to wit, that they studied continually to profit by hearing the apostles; that they gave themselves much to prayer; that they did use fellowship and breaking of bread very much.

As touching prayer and doctrine the sense is plain. Communication or fellowship, and breaking of bread, may be taken diversely. Some think that breaking of bread doth signify the Lord’s Supper; other some do think that it signifieth alms; other some that the faithful did banquet together ¹³⁸ among themselves. Some do think that κοινωνια, doth signify the celebrating of the Holy Supper; but I do rather agree to those others who think that the same is meant by the breaking of bread. For κοινωνια, unless it have somewhat added unto it, is never found in this sense; therefore, I do rather refer it unto mutual society and fellowship, unto alms, and unto other duties of brotherly fellowship. And my reason why I would rather have breaking of bread to be understood of the Lord’s Supper in this place is this, because Luke doth reckon up those things wherein the public estate of the Church is contained. Yea, he expresseth in this place four marks whereby the true and natural face of the Church may be judged. Do we then seek the true Church of Christ? The image thereof is lively depainted and set forth ¹³⁹ unto us in this place. And he beginneth with doctrine which is, as it were, the soul of the Church. Neither doth he name all manner of doctrine, but the doctrine of the apostles, that is, that which the Son of God had delivered by their hands. Therefore, wheresoever the pure voice of the gospel doth sound, where men continue in the profession thereof, where they exercise themselves in hearing the same ordinarily that they may profit, without all doubt there is the Church.

Hereby we may easily gather how frivolous the boasting of the Papists is, whilst that they carelessly ¹⁴⁰ thunder out with fall mouth the name of the Church; whereas, notwithstanding, they have most filthily corrupted the doctrine of the apostles. For if it be duly examined, we shall find no sound part at all; and in most points they do as much dissent from the same, and have as little agreement therewith as light with darkness. The rule of worshipping God, which ought to be fetched out of the pure Word of God alone, is only made and patched together ¹⁴¹ amongst the Papists, of the superstitious inventions of men. They have translated unto the merits of works the hope of salvation, which ought to have rested in Christ alone. The invocation of God is altogether polluted with innumerable profane dotings of men. Finally, whatsoever is heard amongst them, it is either a deforming of the apostles’ doctrine, or else a clear overthrowing (and destroying) of the same. Therefore, we may as easily refute the foolish arrogancy of the Papists, as they can cloak their dealings with the title of the Church. For this shall be the state, ¹⁴² whether they have retained the purity of doctrine, from which they are as far as hell is from heaven. But they are wise enough in that point, because they will have no controversy moved about doctrine. But we, as I have said, may freely contemn that vain visor, [mask,] forasmuch as the Spirit of God doth pronounce that the Church is principally to be (esteemed and) discerned by this mark, if the simplicity or purity of the doctrine delivered by the apostles do flourish (and be of force) in the same.

In fellowship This member and the last do flow from the first, as fruits or effects. For doctrine is the bond of brotherly fellowship amongst us, and doth also set open unto us the gate unto God, that we may call upon him. And the Supper is added unto doctrine instead of a confirmation. Wherefore, Luke doth not in vain reckon up these four things, when as he will describe unto us the well-ordered state of the Church. And we must endeavor to keep and observe this order, if we will be truly judged to be the Church before God and the angels, and not only to make boast of the name ¹⁴³ thereof amongst men. It is certain that he speaketh of public prayer. And for this cause it is not sufficient for men to make their prayers at home by themselves, unless they meet altogether to pray; wherein consisteth also the profession of faith.

TSK: Act 2:42 - they // fellowship // in breaking // and in prayers

they : Act 2:46, Act 11:23, Act 14:22; Mar 4:16, Mar 4:17; Joh 8:31, Joh 8:32; 1Co 11:2; Gal 1:6; Eph 2:20; Col 1:23; 2Ti 3:14; Heb 10:39; 2Pe 3:1, 2Pe 3:2, 2Pe 3:17, 2Pe 3:18; 1Jo 2:19

fellowship : Act 4:23, Act 5:12-14; 1Jo 1:3, 1Jo 1:7

in breaking : Act 20:7, Act 20:11; 1Co 10:16, 1Co 10:17, 1Co 10:21, 1Co 11:20-26

and in prayers : Act 1:14, Act 4:31, Act 6:4; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Col 4:2; Heb 10:25; Jud 1:20

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Act 2:42 - They continued stedfastly // Prayers

They continued stedfastly speaks the reality of their conversion, and that they were not only for the present affected with what they had heard and seen. These three parts of worship were frequently, if not always, in those purer times used together: though some understand by breaking of bread, their civil fellowship and community, yet breaking being a holy rite used by our Saviour, at the institution of his supper, Mat 26:26 , and breaking of bread being here put in conjunction with preaching and praying, the celebration of the eucharist, if not only meant, is chiefly to he understood in this place.

Prayers all those kinds of prayers mentioned by St. Paul, 1Ti 2:1 , as also their frequent praying, is implied. Thus, by a united force, they laboured to pull down mercies upon themselves and others, and to do violence unto the kingdom of heaven.

Haydock: Act 2:42 - In the communication of the breaking of bread

In the communication of the breaking of bread, by which some understand their ordinary meals, and eating together; others, of the celestial bread of the holy Sacrament, Greek: tou arton, panis illius, scilicet Eucharistiæ. The Eucharist is called both by St. Luke and St. Paul, the breaking of bread. (Menochius, in ver. 42. and 46.) ---

In the Syriac, for Greek: artou, is a term that means Eucharist, both here and in Acts xx. as the learned Joannes Harlemius remarks in Indice Bibliorum. ---

St. Luke also gives here some account of the manner of living of these first Christians. 1. They were together, united in perfect charity. 2. They were frequently in the temple, and praying together. 3. They had all possessions in common. 4. they went from house to house to convert souls, taking the food they found with joy, and simplicity of heart, their number daily increasing. 5. St. Luke says they were in favour, and esteemed by all the people. 6. The apostles did many prodigies and miracles, to confirm their doctrine, which struck others with great terror and horror for their past lives. (Witham)

Gill: Act 2:42 - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine // and fellowship // and in breaking of bread // and in prayers

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine,.... And which is the same with the doctrine of Christ, of which he is the author, preacher, and subject; the substance of which is peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation by him: this the apostles received from Christ, and constantly taught in their ministry; for which reason, it is called theirs; and this these young converts had embraced gladly; and were not only believers of it, but persevering believers; they were constant hearers of it; they continually attended on the ministry of the apostles, and held fast the form of sound words they had received from them; and stood fast in the faith of the Gospel, notwithstanding all the reproach cast upon it, and the afflictions they endured for it:

and fellowship; with the apostles and other saints, in spiritual conversation with them, in private, and in communion with them at the Lord's table in public: and so the Vulgate Latin reads this clause, in connection with the next, thus, "in the communication of breaking of bread"; to which agrees the Syriac version, and "they communicated in prayer, and in breaking of the eucharist"; though it seems better to understand this of a distinct branch of fellowship, or communication, and may rather intend liberality and beneficence, in which sense it is used, Rom 15:26 and so expresses their constant contributions towards the support of the apostles, as ministers of the word and of the poor members of the church; a duty which, in both its branches, is incumbent on those who have it in their power to perform, and which these first Christians were remarkable for:

and in breaking of bread; or "of the eucharist": as the Syriac version renders it, which was an usual name with the ancients for the Lord's supper; and which seems to be intended here, and not eating common bread, or a common meal; seeing it is here mentioned with religious exercises: and though the Jews used to begin their meals with breaking of bread, yet the whole repast, or meal, is never by them called by that name; and for what reason these saints should be commended for keeping their common meals, cannot be said, unless to show their sociableness, agreement, and brotherly love in eating together; and which is not hinted at here, but in Act 2:46 where it is mentioned as something distinct from this: it seems rather therefore to design, that they were constant at the Lord's table, kept their places there, and duly attended whenever the ordinance was administered:

and in prayers: not only in their closets, and in their families, but in the church; in the public prayers of the church, they observed all opportunities of this kind, and gladly embraced them.