Explaining the Ten Holy Habits of Discipleship in Acts 2

The early Christian community, as depicted in Acts 2:42-47, engaged in a set of practices that have been understood as foundational to discipleship. While the text does not explicitly list "ten holy habits," it describes the consistent activities of the believers in Jerusalem immediately following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ^[6]. These activities illustrate a communal life centered on devotion, fellowship, and mission.

The passage in Acts 2:42-47 (KJV) states: "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 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, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

From this passage, several key practices emerge:

Apostles' Doctrine: The early disciples devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles [Acts 2:42]. This implies a commitment to learning and understanding the foundational truths of the Christian faith as delivered by those who had been with Jesus ^[5]. This steadfastness in doctrine is a characteristic of Christian conduct ^[2].
Fellowship (Koinonia): The believers shared a deep sense of community and mutual support [Acts 2:42]. This fellowship extended to practical expressions, such as being "together" and having "all things common" [Acts 2:44]. This communal aspect reflects a commitment to unity and shared life.
Breaking of Bread: This phrase likely refers to both communal meals and the observance of the Lord's Supper [Acts 2:42]. The early church regularly gathered to share food, which fostered their fellowship, and to remember Christ's sacrifice through the eucharist.
Prayers: The disciples were devoted to prayer [Acts 2:42]. This included both corporate prayer, as they continued "daily with one accord in the temple," and likely individual prayer [Acts 2:46, 8, 11]. Prayer is a fundamental aspect of fearing and serving God ^[3].
Wonders and Signs: While primarily performed by the apostles, the presence of "many wonders and signs" among them [Acts 2:43] indicates a community where God's power was evident and active. This fostered a sense of "fear" or awe among the people.
Generosity and Sharing: The believers demonstrated radical generosity, selling "possessions and goods" and distributing to "all men, as every man had need" [Acts 2:45]. This practice highlights a commitment to caring for the poor and needy within the community, reflecting a Christian conduct of living righteously ^[2].
Temple Attendance: Despite their distinct Christian identity, the early disciples continued to participate in Jewish worship, "continuing daily with one accord in the temple" [Acts 2:46]. This shows their connection to their religious heritage while embracing the new covenant.
House-to-House Gatherings: In addition to temple worship, they also met "from house to house," breaking bread and eating "with gladness and singleness of heart" [Acts 2:46]. These smaller gatherings likely facilitated more intimate fellowship and teaching.
Praising God: The community was characterized by a spirit of praise and worship [Acts 2:47]. Glorifying God is a commanded act, due to Him for His holiness, mercy, and wondrous works ^[1]. This public praise contributed to their "favour with all the people."
Evangelism and Growth: The result of these practices was that "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" [Acts 2:47]. Their consistent witness and communal life served as a powerful testimony, leading to the growth of the church. This demonstrates diligence in the labors of love and seeking to make one's calling sure ^[4].

These practices collectively describe a vibrant, Spirit-filled community committed to the teachings of Christ, mutual support, worship, and outreach, serving as a model for Christian discipleship.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glorifying God — Commanded -- 1Ch 16:28; Ps 22:23; Isa 42:12. Due to him -- 1Ch 16:29. For his Holiness. -- Ps 99:9; Re 15:4. Mercy and truth. -- Ps 115:1; Ro 15:9. Faithfulness and truth. -- Isa 25:1. Wondrous works. -- Mt 15:31; Ac 4:21. Judgments. -- Isa 25:3; Eze 28:22; Re 14:7. Deliverance. -- Ps 50:15. Grace to others. -- Ac 11:18; 2Co 9:13; Ga 1:24. Obligation of saints to -- 1Co 6:20. Is acceptable through Christ -- Php 1:11; 1Pe 4:11. Christ, an example of -- Joh 17:4. Accomplished by Relying on his promises. -- Ro 4:20. Praising him. -- Ps 50:23. Doing all ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Masters — Authority of, established -- Col 3:22; 1Pe 2:18. Should, with their households, Worship God. -- Ge 35:3. Fear God. -- Ac 10:2. Serve God. -- Jos 24:15. Observe the Sabbath. -- Ex 20:10; De 5:12-14. Put away idols. -- Ge 35:2. Should select faithful servants -- Ge 24:2; Ps 101:6,7. Should receive faithful advice from servants -- 2Ki 5:13,14. Duty of, toward servants; To act justly. -- Job 31:13,15; Col 4:1. To deal with them in the fear of God. -- Eph 6:9; Col 4:1. To esteem them highly, if saints. -- Phm 1:16. To take care of them in sickness. -- Lu 7:3. To”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 2 This chapter directs to the means of attaining to the knowledge of divine things, and shows the profit and advantage arising from thence. The means are, embracing the doctrines of the Gospel, and retaining in memory and affection the ordinances of it, Pro 2:1; and an inclination of the ear and an application of the heart to the knowledge of these things, Pro 2:2. An earnest and importunate desire, expressed by prayer, after the same, Pro 2:3; and a diligent and unwearied search for them, as for silver and hid treasure, Pro 2:”
Acts (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Acts 2 (introduction): The day of pentecost being arrived, and the disciples assembled, the Holy Spirit descended as a mighty rushing wind, and in the likeness of fiery tongues sat upon them; in consequence of which, they were all enabled to speak different languages, which they had never learned, Act 2:1-4. An account of persons from various countries who there present, and were astonished to hear the apostles declare the wonderful works of God in their respective languages, Act 2:5-12. Some cavil, Act 2:13, and are confounded by Peter, who asserts that this work is of God; and”

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