Acts 2:47

praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.

'PRAISING GOD'-(Acts 3:8). 'continually praising God' (TCNT). In their public and private lives, in the temple and at home, these Christians continued to give God all the credit. How different from professed Christians whom seem to spend more of their time complaining.

'HAVING FAVOR WITH ALL THE PEOPLE'-'winning respect from all the people' (TCNT). For the time being, many Jewish people looked upon these Christians with respect and favor. But this wouldn't be true of all the people, especially the Jewish leaders as Chapter s 4-5 will reveal.

As always, some of those who admired these Christians may not become Christians themselves. Just as some of those who believed in Jesus, never professed or obeyed Him (John 12:42). Having warm feelings about Christianity doesn't make you. Christian.

'AND THE LORD ADDED'-Notice carefully, that when one was baptized, the Lord automatically added them to the Church. We don't find the early Church or the apostles "voting" on potential candidates for membership. 'the verb tense pictures continuous action. He went on adding.' (Reese p. 87) The Church is. vital and necessary relationship for the Christian (Acts 20:28). For it is the body of the saved (Ephesians 5:23). In the New Testament we don't find the apostles teaching people that they can be saved or Christians without worshipping and working with. local congregation of God's people.

'TO THEM'-i.e. the Church (KJV). Which is also the Kingdom of God. See Colossians 1:12.

'THOSE THAT WERE SAVED'-Seeing that the Church is purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28); and the blood of Christ is associated with the remission of sins (Matthew 26:28); and baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38); it makes perfect sense that the Lord immediately adds to the Church (the blood bought body) those who accept the gospel and are baptized (come into contact with the benefits of Christ's death).