Acts 2:42
New International Version
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

New Living Translation
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

English Standard Version
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Berean Standard Bible
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Berean Literal Bible
Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles, and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.

King James Bible
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

New King James Version
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

New American Standard Bible
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

NASB 1995
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

NASB 1977
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.

Amplified Bible
They were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals together and to prayers.

Christian Standard Bible
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.

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

Contemporary English Version
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The disciples were devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Good News Translation
They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

International Standard Version
The believers continued to devote themselves to what the apostles were teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to times of prayer.

Majority Standard Bible
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

NET Bible
They were devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

New Heart English Bible
They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Weymouth New Testament
and they were constant in listening to the teaching of the Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer.

World English Bible
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and they were continuing steadfastly in the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of the bread, and the prayers.

Berean Literal Bible
Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles, and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.

Young's Literal Translation
and they were continuing stedfastly in the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of the bread, and the prayers.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they were persevering in the teaching of the sent, and in mutual participation, and breaking of bread, and prayers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles, and in the communication of the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles, and in the communion of the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.

New American Bible
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.

New Revised Standard Version
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they continued steadfastly in the teaching, of the apostles and they took part in prayer and in the breaking of bread.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And they were continuing in the teaching of the Apostles, and they became partakers in prayer and in breaking of the Eucharist.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And they attended constantly to the teaching of the apostles, and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.

Godbey New Testament
and they were persevering in the teaching of the apostles and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Haweis New Testament
And they persevered stedfastly in the doctrine of the apostles, and in communion, and in breaking bread, and in prayers.

Mace New Testament
they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Weymouth New Testament
and they were constant in listening to the teaching of the Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer.

Worrell New Testament
and they were constantly attending the teaching of the apostles and the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and the prayers.

Worsley New Testament
And they continued stedfast in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Fellowship of Believers
41Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to the believers that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.…

Cross References
Hebrews 10:25
Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, / and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” / In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” ...

Luke 24:30-35
While He was reclining at the table with them, He took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to them. / Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight. / They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us as He spoke with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” ...

1 John 1:3
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.”

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? / Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

John 6:53-58
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. / Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. / For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. ...

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.


Treasury of Scripture

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

they.

Acts 2:46
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,

Acts 11:23
Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Acts 14:22
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

fellowship.

Acts 4:23
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

Acts 5:12-14
And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch…

1 John 1:3,7
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ…

in breaking.

Acts 20:7,11
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight…

1 Corinthians 10:16,17,21
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? …

1 Corinthians 11:20-26
When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper…

and in prayers.

Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Acts 4:31
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Acts 6:4
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Jump to Previous
Apostles Attendance Attention Bread Breaking Broken Communion Constant Continually Continued Continuing Devoted Devoting Doctrine Fellowship Fixed Kept Listening Persevered Prayer Prayers Steadfastly Stedfastly Teaching Themselves Together United
Jump to Next
Apostles Attendance Attention Bread Breaking Broken Communion Constant Continually Continued Continuing Devoted Devoting Doctrine Fellowship Fixed Kept Listening Persevered Prayer Prayers Steadfastly Stedfastly Teaching Themselves Together United
Acts 2
1. The apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking various languages,
12. are admired by some, and derided by others;
14. whom Peter disproves;
37. he baptizes a great number who were converted;
41. who afterwards devoutly and charitably converse together;
43. the apostles working many miracles,
46. and God daily increasing his church.














They devoted themselves
The phrase "They devoted themselves" indicates a continuous, intentional commitment. The Greek word used here is "προσκαρτερέω" (proskartereó), which means to persist or to remain steadfast. This suggests that the early believers were not merely casual participants in their faith but were deeply committed to their spiritual practices. Historically, this devotion reflects the early church's response to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing a lifestyle of dedication and perseverance in the faith.

to the apostles’ teaching
The "apostles’ teaching" refers to the doctrine and instruction given by the apostles, who were eyewitnesses of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The Greek word for teaching is "διδαχή" (didaché), which implies a systematic and authoritative instruction. This teaching was foundational for the early church, as it was rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Old Testament scriptures. The apostles' teaching served as the bedrock for Christian doctrine and practice, ensuring that the early believers were grounded in truth.

and to the fellowship
The term "fellowship" is translated from the Greek word "κοινωνία" (koinonia), which denotes a deep, communal bond among believers. This fellowship was not merely social interaction but a spiritual partnership and sharing in the life of Christ. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another materially and spiritually, embodying the unity and love that Jesus prayed for in John 17.

to the breaking of bread
"Breaking of bread" is a phrase that encompasses both the communal meals shared among believers and the observance of the Lord's Supper, or Communion. The Greek term "κλάσις τοῦ ἄρτου" (klasis tou artou) suggests a ritualistic and communal act. This practice was a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and a celebration of the new covenant. Archaeological findings, such as early Christian meeting places, often include spaces designated for communal meals, highlighting the importance of this practice in the early church.

and to prayer
The word "prayer" is translated from the Greek "προσευχή" (proseuché), indicating both personal and corporate communication with God. The early church was marked by a strong emphasis on prayer, reflecting their dependence on God for guidance, strength, and provision. Scripturally, prayer was a vital aspect of Jesus' ministry and was taught to the disciples as a means of maintaining a close relationship with the Father. The early church's commitment to prayer underscores their reliance on the Holy Spirit and their desire to align with God's will.

(42) And they continued steadfastly.--The one Greek word is expressed by the English verb and adverb. As applied to persons, the New Testament use of the word is characteristic of St. Luke (Acts 2:46; Acts 6:4; Acts 8:13; Acts 10:7), and peculiar to him and St. Paul (Romans 12:12; Romans 13:6; Colossians 4:2). . . . Verse 42. - Teaching for doctrine, A.V.; in the breaking for and in breaking, A.V. and T.R.; the prayers for in prayer, A.V. And fellowship; better, as in the margin, in fellowship; not meaning the apostles' fellowship, but the fellowship of the Church - that common life of close brotherhood in which all that they did was done in common, and all that they possessed was possessed in common, so that there seemed to be but one heart and one mind amongst them all. Breaking of bread; in the Holy Eucharist (see Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; Luke 24:30; 1 Corinthians 11:24; 1 Corinthians 10:16; Acts 20:7). The prayers; the common prayers of the Church.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
They
Ἦσαν (Ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

devoted themselves
προσκαρτεροῦντες (proskarterountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4342: To persist, persevere in, continue steadfast in; I wait upon.

to
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

apostles’
ἀποστόλων (apostolōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.

teaching
διδαχῇ (didachē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

fellowship,
κοινωνίᾳ (koinōnia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2842: From koinonos; partnership, i.e. participation, or intercourse, or benefaction.

to the
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

breaking
κλάσει (klasei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2800: A breaking. From klao; fracture.

of bread
ἄρτου (artou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

prayer.
προσευχαῖς (proseuchais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.


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