[B-Greek] Acts 2:42--3 or 4?
James Harvey
jjharvey at ejama.com
Fri Oct 8 17:21:29 EDT 2004
While I have some hesitancy in a first-time posting to ask a question that
may not precisely fit the purpose of this list, I'd really appreciate some
help. I came across the following bold statement, and wonder if anyone is
able to confirm whether what is claimed of the meaning of the NT Greek is
correct. I had, up to now, assumed that the early church had continued in 4
things, but would value any comments can clarify.
Luke reports in Acts 2:42 that the Notzrim were steadfast in three main
activities: 1) The teaching of the apostles, 2) Fellowship in the Breaking
of Bread, 3) Prayer. In many translations it appears as if there are four
items in which the believers were steadfast. But the syntax of the Greek
text allows for only three items. The conjunction, "kai" meaning "and",
does not separate "the fellowship" and "the breaking of bread." Also the
case ending of the phrase "breaking of bread" is in the dative meaning "in"
or "by means of" showing that the "breaking of bread" was the means to and
the occasion for "the fellowship." The fellowship is regarded as an
integral and inseparable part of the breaking of bread. It is important to
see that the remembrance of Yeshua the Lord and Messiah, was the focus and
the center of their fellowship. When we see the nature of the breaking of
bread in its historical and cultural background we will understand why Luke
referred to the fellowship as being actualized in the Breaking of Bread.
Thanks!
James Harvey
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