What is "breaking of bread" in Acts 2:42?
Introduction. It is commendable that we be aware of definition. We must understand words and terms in order to have the proper understanding of various scripture passages and concepts (cf. Eph. 5: 10, 17).
The expression "breaking of bread" must be qualified. "Breaking of bread" signified the dividing of the bread cakes or loaves which were used by those in Bible times. Sometimes "breaking of bread" was used to eating a common meal (Mk. 6: 41; Acts 27: 35). The term is also used in connection with the religious memorial called the Lord's Supper. The two elements used in this observance were unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (Matt. 26: 17-29, elements present for the unleavened bread feast of the Passover). When Jesus instituted this memorial, He "took bread, blessed and broke it" (Matt. 26: 26 NKJV).
How can one determine whether "breaking of bread" refers to a common meal or to the Lord's Supper? The answer is by the context and the way in which the expression is used. For example, in Acts 27:35 the meal in which Paul engaged and in which we have the descriptive language "break bread" was obviously a common meal. The same is true in Acts 2: 46 where they broke bread "from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." However, "breaking of bread" in verse 42 is used in the atmosphere of worship, as such. A good rule then, is if "breaking of bread" is found in the environment of a meal, that is its meaning. If the expression is used in the setting of worship or the Lord's Supper, then "breaking of bread" refers to the memorial of the Lord's death.
Conclusion. After all has been considered, I must conclude "breaking of bread in Acts 2: 42 refers to the Lord's Supper, a regular act of worship (cf. Acts 20: 7).
The expression "breaking of bread" must be qualified. "Breaking of bread" signified the dividing of the bread cakes or loaves which were used by those in Bible times. Sometimes "breaking of bread" was used to eating a common meal (Mk. 6: 41; Acts 27: 35). The term is also used in connection with the religious memorial called the Lord's Supper. The two elements used in this observance were unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (Matt. 26: 17-29, elements present for the unleavened bread feast of the Passover). When Jesus instituted this memorial, He "took bread, blessed and broke it" (Matt. 26: 26 NKJV).
How can one determine whether "breaking of bread" refers to a common meal or to the Lord's Supper? The answer is by the context and the way in which the expression is used. For example, in Acts 27:35 the meal in which Paul engaged and in which we have the descriptive language "break bread" was obviously a common meal. The same is true in Acts 2: 46 where they broke bread "from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." However, "breaking of bread" in verse 42 is used in the atmosphere of worship, as such. A good rule then, is if "breaking of bread" is found in the environment of a meal, that is its meaning. If the expression is used in the setting of worship or the Lord's Supper, then "breaking of bread" refers to the memorial of the Lord's death.
Conclusion. After all has been considered, I must conclude "breaking of bread in Acts 2: 42 refers to the Lord's Supper, a regular act of worship (cf. Acts 20: 7).