Acts 2:44

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 2:44 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:44 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
44And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And all that believed were together, etc.] Not in one place, for no one house could hold them all, their number was now so large; but they “agreed together”, as the Arabic version renders it: all these believers were of one mind and judgment, as to doctrines, they agreed in their sentiments and principles of religion; and they were of one heart and soul, were cordially affected to each other, and mutually were assisting to one another in temporals, as well as in spirituals: and had all things common: that is, their worldly goods, their possessions and estates; no man called anything peculiarly his own; and whatever he had, his brother was welcome to, and might as freely take, and use it, as…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“all that believed were together, and had all things common--(See on Act 4:34-37).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“All that believed - That is, that believed that Jesus was the Messiah; for that was the distinguishing point by which they were known from others. Were together - Were united; were joined in the same thing. It does not mean that they lived in the same house, but they were united in the same community, or engaged in the same thing. They were doubtless often together in the same place for prayer and praise. One of the best means for strengthening the faith of young converts is for them often to meet together for prayer, conversation, and praise. Had all things common - That is, all their property or possessions. See Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-10. The apostles, in the time of the Saviour, evidently…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“had: Act 4:32, Act 5:4, Act 6:1-3; Co2 8:9, Co2 8:14, Co2 8:15, Co2 9:6-15; Jo1 3:16-18 Acts 2:45”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification