In Acts 20:7-13, we encounter a significant event during Paul’s missionary journey: his overnight stay in Troas. This passage provides valuable insights into the early Christian practices of worship, fellowship, and ministry. It also introduces us to a character that is well known for falling asleep during the preaching. I must admit that I find this a little comical and I’m sure I’m not alone. Let’s explore this narrative in detail and glean important lessons for our lives today.
Verse Analysis:
- Acts 20:7-13 (ESV):
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. But Paul went down and bent over him, and taking him in his arms, said, ‘Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.’ And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.”
Key Themes:
1. Christian Fellowship and Worship:
The First Day of the Week: The early Christians gathered on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to engage in corporate worship and fellowship (1 Corinthians 16:2). While Sunday is not the traditional Sabbath, the early church set the presidence for the future.
Breaking Bread: The believers in Troas engaged in the practice of breaking bread, likely referring to the celebration of the Lord’s Supper or communion (Luke 22:19). This act symbolized their unity in Christ and remembrance of His sacrifice.
2. Paul’s Teaching Ministry:
Prolonged Speech: Paul’s intention to depart the next day led him to prolong his speech until midnight. His commitment to teaching and exhorting the believers reflects his dedication to nurturing and edifying the early church (2 Timothy 4:2). Can you imagine if this happened today? How many would leave or complain? Our Lives are divided into sitcom segments these days. Always in a hurry. Lord, help us to slow down and sit at Jesus feet like Mary did.
3. Miraculous Intervention:
Eutychus’s Fall: The incident involving Eutychus, who fell asleep and fell from the third-story window, highlights the dangers of spiritual lethargy and the importance of remaining vigilant and engaged during times of spiritual instruction (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Now, I have to admit that falling asleep during the preaching is not uncommon, but to fall asleep in a window and fall out? That’s unusual.
Paul’s Miracle: Paul’s intervention and the subsequent restoration of Eutychus’s life serve as a testament to the miraculous power of God and His faithfulness to His servants (John 14:12). The Power given to the apostles was amazing. Even the power to restore life. I am certain no one else fell asleep that night.
4. Fellowship and Communion:
Continued Fellowship: Despite the interruption caused by Eutychus’s fall, the believers resumed their fellowship, sharing a meal together and engaging in conversation until daybreak. This emphasizes the importance of community and mutual encouragement among believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Acts 20:7-13 provides a rich narrative of Christian fellowship, worship, and ministry. Through Paul’s teaching ministry, the miraculous intervention of God, and the continued fellowship of believers, we are reminded of the importance of unity, vigilance, and mutual support in the body of Christ. May we emulate the example of the early church in our devotion to God and our commitment to one another. B