Singleness of Heart

Sunday, January 15, 2023

“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,…” (Acts 2:46 KJV).

What is this, “singleness of heart?”

Today’s Scripture portrays the Messianic Church filled with the Holy Spirit, previewing Israel’s kingdom restoration and eternal life when Christ returns. Those saints are united, “with one accord” (see John 17:11,21-23; cf. Psalm 133:1; Ezekiel 37:21-23)—a picture of New Covenant living, Israel being God’s people and His being Israel’s God. “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,….” “Singleness of heart” is found thrice in the Authorized Version; the other two instances are Pauline passages for employees to follow on the job.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free” (Ephesians 6:5-8).

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons” (Colossians 3:22-25).

Our word “single” comes to us through Middle English, Old French, and Latin—and is related to “simplus,” Latin for “simple.” Think of it as, “What you see is what you get.” It is simple, not complicated! There is no hidden agenda, selfishness, deceit, hypocrisy, or pretense. “Singleness of heart” is a soul filled with sound Bible doctrine. No one is copying or simulating the life of Jesus Christ; it is His (!) very (!) life (!) manifested in and through His people!