Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

2:42 The early church was devoted to the apostles' teaching, which would have included Jesus' earthly teaching plus what he taught the apostles in his 40 days of resurrection appearances. Fellowship (Gk. koinōnia, "participation, sharing") included the sharing of material goods (v. 44), the breaking of bread (vv. 42, 46), which likely covers both the Lord's Supper and a larger fellowship meal, and prayers in house meetings and likely also in the temple (vv. 42, 46).

2:43 The church experienced awe (reverent fear) in response to miracles (wonders), which served as signs of the Spirit's power and presence among them (v. 43). Miracles were occurring regularly (many . . . were being done), many more than the few that Luke records in detail.

2:44 all things in common. Though some people have referred to this situation as "early communism," this is clearly not the case, since (1) the giving was voluntary and not compelled by the government, and (2) people still had personal possessions, because they still met in "their homes" (v. 46) and many other Christians after this still owned homes (see 12:12; 17:5; 18:7; 20:20; 21:8, 16; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Philem. 2; 2 John 10). Further, Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that they did not have any obligation to sell their property and give away the money (Acts 5:4). In contrast to communist theory, the abolition of private property is not commanded or implied here. (See 1 Tim. 6:17-19; but also 1 Tim. 6:6-10.) On the other hand, there is a voluntary generosity in sharing possessions that is seen as commendable.

2:45 On generosity among Christians, cf. 2 Cor. 8:9-15.

2:47 praising God. One of the characteristics of true revival is a desire to spend much time in worship. And the Lord added to their number is again an affirmation of God's sovereignty in salvation, since he alone can change the human heart to enable true repentance and faith.