Acts 2:42

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

'AND THEY'-the new converts, the 3000 baptized in Acts 2:41. Here we find some of the obligations of membership. Salvation brings responsibilities (Ephesians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

'CONTINUED STEDFASTLY'-4342. proskartereo pros-kar-ter-eh'-o; from 4314 and 2594; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to. thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in. place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to. person) to adhere closely to (as. servitor): -attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).

-'to give constant attention' (Rhm); 'regularly present' (TCNT); 'were in constant attendance' (Wey).

'IN THE APOSTLES' TEACHING'-Not that the Apostles invented the teaching, but that the teaching (doctrine) was being revealed through them (Ephesians 3:3; John 16:13). Jesus commanded that new converts be taught (Matthew 28:20).

Point to Note:

Carefully note what genuine conversion looks like. What are the fruits that follow when. person really does believe that Jesus is his or her Lord? Are they lax in attendance? Do they try to argue that what the apostles taught doesn't apply to us? Note that these Christians devoted themselves to following the teaching (doctrine) that the apostles delivered (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Churches which continue in the apostles teaching--are the same Churches that recognize Jesus as their Head (John 13:20; Luke 10:16).

Stott notes, 'We note that those new converts were not enjoying. mystical experience which led them to despise their mind or disdain theology...On the contrary, they sat at the apostles' feet, hungry to receive instruction, and they persevered in it.' (p. 82)

'FELLOWSHIP'-2842. koinonia koy-nohn-ee'-ah; from 2844; partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (pecuniary) benefaction: -(to) communicate(-ation), communion, (contri-)distribution, fellowship.

-'a relation between individuals which involves. common interest and. mutual, active participation in that interest and in each other.' (Vincent p. 457)

Points to Note:"Fellowship" here may be its own category. It may include the ideas of: (a) The 3000 realized that they now had the most important thing in common (1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 John 1:3.7). (b) Each one of them was participating to do what they could to spread the gospel, encourage each other, help each other out, etc..'Fellowship speaks of that common interest and mutual participation in those things which concern the welfare of each other.' (Reese p. 83) (c) It can also refer to financial assistance, which will be mentioned in this chapter (Acts 2:44-45; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:4; 1 Peter 1:5).

We should note that we don't find the word "fellowship" used in the Bible in reference to social or recreational activities.

The word "fellowship" here could also be linked with the breaking of bread and the prayers, i.e. that the fellowship under consideration was "in" those things. The ASV simply says, 'fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.'

'THE BREAKING OF BREAD'-i.e. the Lord's Supper. Reese notes, 'Some writers have urged that the thing spoken of here is. common meal..But it would be difficult to interpret this of an ordinary meal, for the Greek reads, 'THE breaking of THE bread"...The context evidently is speaking of the worship services of the church. The apostles' teaching, fellowship, and prayers, completely circle "the breaking of bread".' (p. 83) For passages on the Lord's Supper see: Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23 ff).

Point to Note:

According to the above verse these Christians regularly participated in the above things. We know that the Church partook of the Lord's Supper on the First Day of the Week (Acts 20:7). This verse infers ("continuing stedfastly"), that such was being done on. very frequent basis.. yearly, monthly or semi-annual Lord's Supper doesn't fit into Acts 2:42. But. weekly partaking would fit. See also Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 1 Corinthians 11:18.

'THE PRAYERS'-probably prayers together as. congregation. From 1 Corinthians 14:15; 1 Corinthians 14:26 we also learn that Christians sang when they assembled together.