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Finally, these new believers learn to pray individually and in groups (Acts 12:5). The word
“prayers” is plural in this verse, and refers to different types of prayer.

2:42 fellowship, koinonia (koy-nohn-ee-ah); Sharing, unity, close association, partnership,
participation, a society, a communion, a fellowship, contributory help, the brotherhood.
(Compare “coin,” “cenobite,” “epicene.”) Koinonia is a unity brought about by the Holy
Spirit. In koinonia the individual shares in common an intimate bond of fellowship with
the rest of the Christian society. Koinonia cements the believers to the Lord Jesus and to
each other.

2:42 Fellowship (koinonia), POWER OF UNITY. This first detailed description of the early
Christians is wonderfully revealing. The followers of Jesus, who had been baptized by the
Holy Spirit, literally devoted themselves to communication and unity with God and with
each other. In relationship to God, they “continued steadfastly” in the apostles’doctrine
(the Word of God) and in prayer. In relationship to one another, they devoted themselves
to fellowship and to breaking bread with one another. The word koinonia literally denotes
a deep sense of spiritual unity---of spiritual communion with the Lord and with each
other. With the coming of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the priorities of the followers of
Christ focused upon spiritual unity with their Lord and with our brothers and sisters in
Christ---within the church---the spiritual body of Christ. Every true Christian is a member
of the body of Christ and is related to Christ and to other believers as a member of that
body. This is the essence of true spiritual unity---the unity of the Spirit.

Act 2:43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by (dia: through)
the apostles.

“Fear” describes great reverence for the Lord and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is
the setting for signs and wonders to be performed in the congregation. Miracles began in
the early church through the leadership and later moved to the streets and operate
through the congregational members.

ALL THINGS IN COMMON

Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

New believers are now facing a time of catastrophic persecution and are united in helping
one another. In no way does this verse promote communism or communal living. Because
they are being threatened by the Romans and Jews, these new converts pool most of
their possessions to protect them from being taken or destroyed if their lives are not
spared by those who oppose them.

Act 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had
need.