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 2:46KJV
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Acts 2:46 (KJV)

What does Acts 2:46 mean?

Acts 2:46 describes how the early followers of Jesus in Jerusalem met together every day with unity in the temple and shared meals in their homes, doing so with joyful and sincere hearts. The verse highlights their daily commitment to community, worship, and genuine fellowship.

The book of Acts records the actions of the first Christians after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Here, Luke is describing the life of the early church, showing how the believers gathered both in public (the temple) and in private homes. Their unity (“with one accord”) and gladness show a deep sense of togetherness and purpose as they shared both spiritual practices and everyday life.

The Greek behind Acts 2:46

  • ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothymadon, “with one accord”): This word means being of one mind or spirit, emphasizing the strong unity and harmony among the believers as they gathered.
  • ἀγαλλιάσει (agalliasei, “gladness”): This word points to an exuberant, joyful attitude, not just a quiet happiness. It shows that their gatherings were marked by genuine delight.
  • ἀφελότητι (aphelotēti, “singleness”): This term means simplicity or sincerity, suggesting that their hearts were undivided and genuine as they shared meals and life together.

Why Acts 2:46 matters

  • Acts 2:46 clears up the idea that early Christian worship was only private or hidden; instead, it shows a balance of public worship in the temple and personal fellowship in homes.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of unity and sincerity, not just outward religious activity, as central to the early Christian experience.
  • This description connects to the wider passage in Acts 2, where the focus is on the shared life and generosity of the first believers, helping readers see the practical outworking of their faith.

Where else these words appear

“gladness” Greek G20 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
  • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

“eat” Greek G3335 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
  • Acts 27:33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
  • Hebrews 6:7 For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

“continuing” Greek G4342 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 3:9 And he spake to his disciples, that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him.
  • Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

“accord” Greek G3661 · used in 12 verses

  • 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 5:12 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.
  • Acts 15:25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,