Bible Strands
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Luke narrates the first weeks of the Jerusalem church, immediately after about three thousand were baptized on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41). The "they" is this new community, and the verse describes their settled rhythm.
The words — προσκαρτεροῦντες (proskarterountes), a present participle meaning "steadfastly continuing," is the grammatical engine: it makes the four items not a list of occasional activities but a persistent, habitual posture.
The thread — The same verb root appears in Acts 1:14, where the disciples "continued in prayer" before Pentecost, and Hebrews 10:25 warns against neglecting the gathering together that this verse describes in practice.
Why it lands — The verse names four concrete practices—teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer—as the non-negotiable shape of communal faith, presented not as a suggestion but as the observable life of the group.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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.
- Acts 1:14 With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- 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.
- Acts 2:46 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart,
- 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
- Acts 20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.
- 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.
- Colossians 1:23 if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
- Jude 1:20 But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
- Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,