And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
All Commentaries on Acts 2:42 Go To Acts 2
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
In the communication of the breaking of bread, by which some understand their ordinary meals, and eating together; others, of the celestial bread of the holy Sacrament, tou artou, panis illius, scilicet Eucharistiæ. The Eucharist is called both by St. Luke and St. Paul, the breaking of bread. (Menochius, in ver. 42. and 46.)
In the Syriac, for artou, is a term that means Eucharist, both here and in Acts xx. as the learned Joannes Harlem us remarks in Indice Bibliorum.
St. Luke also gives here some account of the manner of living of these first Christians. 1. They were together, united in perfect charity. 2. They were frequently in the temple, and praying together. 3. They had all possessions in common. 4. They went from house to house to convert souls, taking the food they found with joy, and simplicity of heart, their number daily increasing. 5. St. Luke says they were in favour, and esteemed by all the people. 6. The apostles did many prodigies and miracles, to confirm their doctrine, which struck others with great terror and horror for their past lives. (Witham)
