42And they were persisting steadfastly in the teaching of the commissioned ones and in the shared participation, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. [2:43] And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were occurring through the commissioned ones. [2:44] And all who trusted were together and were holding all things in common, [2:45] and they were selling their possessions and properties and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [2:46] And day by day, persisting steadfastly in the temple with one accord, and breaking bread from house to house, they were partaking of food with gladness and simplicity of heart, [2:47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those being saved.
ACT 2:42-47
The Fellowship of Believers
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Mediterranean world, communal life was deeply rooted in shared practices and mutual support, particularly within Jewish and early Christian communities. The term (fellowship) would have evoked the tangible sharing of resources and life together, a radical departure from the hierarchical patronage systems of Roman society. The breaking of bread was not merely a meal but a symbolic act of unity, echoing Jewish table fellowship and Jesus’ own practices. Prayers in the temple and homes reflected Jewish piety, while the awe-inspiring wonders and signs performed by the apostles signaled divine validation of their message. Selling possessions and distributing proceeds as needed challenged the Greco-Roman emphasis on personal wealth and status, embodying a countercultural ethic of equality. The phrase (with one accord) underscored a shared purpose and passion, rare in a world often divided by social, economic, and ethnic lines. This passage portrays a community marked by devotion, unity, and radical generosity, rooted in Jewish tradition yet distinct in its expression.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
ACT 2:42
- KJV
- And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
- BSB
- They devoted themselves to the apostlesʼ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
- Koinōnos
- And they were persisting steadfastly in the teaching of the commissioned ones and in the shared participation, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
ACT 2:43
- KJV
- And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
- BSB
- A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.
- Koinōnos
- And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were occurring through the commissioned ones.
ACT 2:44
- KJV
- And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
- BSB
- All the believers were together and had everything in common.
- Koinōnos
- And all who trusted were together and were holding all things in common,
ACT 2:45
- KJV
- And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
- BSB
- Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.
- Koinōnos
- and they were selling their possessions and properties and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
ACT 2:46
- KJV
- 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,
- BSB
- 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,
- Koinōnos
- And day by day, persisting steadfastly in the temple with one accord, and breaking bread from house to house, they were partaking of food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
ACT 2:47
- KJV
- Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
- BSB
- praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
- Koinōnos
- praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those being saved.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Where the historical framing draws from
- Josephus, AntiquitiesAntiquities 18.3.3
›Josephus, Antiquities Antiquities 18.3.3
“for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles.”
Cited to ground: awe-inspiring wonders and signs performed by the apostles signaled divine validation of their message
Translator's notes
ACT 2:42
- steadfastly continuing:The word translated 'steadfastly continuing' implies a persistent, obstinate adherence to something, often despite difficulty or discomfort. It suggests a strong, unwavering commitment.
- in fellowship,:The term used here for 'fellowship' describes a deep sense of shared participation, partnership, and communion, not just friendly association.
ACT 2:43
- soul:The word translated 'soul' in this context refers to the very essence of a person's life, their vital breath, and their inner being, often encompassing their emotions and will.
ACT 2:46
- with one accord:The phrase 'with one accord' conveys a sense of being of one mind and spirit, acting with a unified purpose and passion, not merely agreement.