⁴² They ·spent [devoted] their time learning the apostles’ teaching, ·sharing [fellowship], breaking bread [^Cthis may refer to a meal as in v. 46, or to the Lord’s Supper; Luke 22:14–20], and praying together.

The Believers Share

⁴³ The apostles were doing many miracles and signs, and ·everyone [every soul] felt great ·respect [fear; awe; Prov. 1:7] for God. ⁴⁴ All the believers were ·together [in one place; or in close fellowship] and ·shared everything [^Lhad/held all things in common]. ⁴⁵ They would sell their land and the things they owned and then divide ·the money [the proceeds; ^Lthem] and give it to anyone who needed it. ⁴⁶ The believers met together in the Temple [^Cnot the Temple building where only priests went, but the outer courts] every day. They ate together ·in their homes [or from home to home], sharing their food with joyful and ·sincere [or generous; or humble; or simple] hearts. ⁴⁷ They praised God and were ·liked by [looked upon favorably by] all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers.

² By ·helping each other with your troubles [^Lbearing each other’s burdens], you truly ·obey [accomplish; fulfill] the law of Christ.

¹⁰ [^LTherefore; So then] When we have the opportunity to ·help [do good to] anyone, we should do it. But ·we should give special attention [^Lespecially] to those who are in the ·family [household] of ·believers [^Lfaith].

¹⁵ Let the peace ·that Christ gives [of Christ] ·control [rule; arbitrate] your ·thinking [hearts], because you were all called together in one body [^Cthe church as the body of Christ] to have peace. Always be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the ·teaching [message; word] of Christ ·live in [or dwell among] you richly. Use all wisdom to teach and ·instruct [warn; admonish] each other by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with ·thankfulness [gratitude; grace] in your hearts to God.