Acts 2:42-47
Chapter 2
42
Second Report:
The First Christian Community
They remained faithful to the apostles’ teachings, the shared life, breaking of bread, and prayers.43
A profound fear fell on all the people, for many wonders and miraculous signs were performed by the apostles.
44
Now, all the believers lived together and shared everything they had.
45
They would sell their property and everything they owned, then distribute the proceeds to others based on their needs.
46
Every day, they gathered together in the temple area; they broke bread in their homes; they shared their food with great joy and simplicity of heart;
47
they praised God and gained the people’s favor.
And every day, the Lord was adding to their number those who were being saved.
Commentaries
Second Report: The First Christian Community.
Luke concludes the Pentecost story with a summary that highlights the community’s internal qualities: listening to the apostles’ teachings, constant prayer, “breaking of bread,” and sharing possessions. He notes the community’s rapid growth as a sign of the Spirit’s presence and a result of their fidelity to Jesus. The example set by Christians’ lives, both past and present, is the most potent factor in every evangelization effort.