Atos 2

41 Then those who gladly*Perhaps 3% of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit "gladly" (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). The word is significant and should not be omitted on such flimsy evidence. It emphasizes sincerity and commitment. received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles' teaching and in the fellowship, both in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.*I take "the breaking of the bread" to refer to the Lord’s Supper, which with the "prayers" gives the content of the "fellowship", but that fellowship cannot be disassociated from the Apostles' teaching. 43 Fear came upon every soul—many wonders and signs were taking place through the Apostles.*Evidently it was not just Peter; the others were also producing.

All things in common

44 Now all who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they started selling both possessions and goods and were distributing to all according as anyone had need.*No one wanted to go home to his own area; they did not want to miss anything (it appears that they were expecting the Lord’s return at any moment). But what happens after all the goods and possessions have been sold? God sends persecution, and if there is nothing to leave behind it is easier to go somewhere else and start over. 46 So day by day they continued steadfastly with one purpose in the temple*Since Jesus had formally abandoned the temple, Matthew 23:38-24:1, why were they still using it? It was probably the largest structure in town, and the only one that could hold their increasing number. It would also be strategic for evangelizing unconverted Jews. But it later became a snare, as illustrated by the episode that resulted in Paul’s imprisonment. and broke bread from house to house;*Here we have the regular meals. they received their share of food with gladness and singleness of heart,*This sort of thing can work for a while, but tends to go sour; see 6:1 below. [Many years ago I observed a community in Ann Arbor, Michigan try this, but they had trouble with free loaders and moochers.] 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And day by day the Lord added*Notice who does the adding, and He cannot be deceived. to the Church*Three percent of the Greek manuscripts, of inferior quality, omit "to the Church" (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.). those who were being saved.