The Disciples Lead a Communal Life (Acts 2:42-47)

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.  43 Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.  44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.  46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Luke wrote in idealistic terms about the key characteristics of the early Jerusalem community comprised of the newly baptized followers of Jesus.  Everyone was steadfast in devotion to the teaching of the apostles and in sharing possessions.  The power of the Holy Spirit allowed the apostles to work many great wonders and signs in Jesus’ name in the community.  If there was need, the wealthier Christians would sell their possessions to satisfy the needs of the poor in the community.  The Jerusalem Christians worshipped daily in the Temple since, at that time there, was no separation between Christianity and Judaism.  They also participated daily in the Eucharistic celebration, the breaking of bread, which was held in their homes.  They were respected by the Jewish community and every day they added new converts.

Almighty God, grant us the grace to be truthful and realistic in our worship of you as we struggle daily with the hardships of our pilgrimage.  Help us to serve you with our whole heart and to be steadfast as we hope in the promises of Christ.  This we pray through Christ our Lord.  Amen!

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References

Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.

Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.