Acts 20:7-12
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.
8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were gathered together.
9 And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, Eutychus was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor, and was picked up dead.
10 But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for he is still alive.”
11 When Paul had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left.
12 They took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted.
Gathering of Troas Church (1)
The context
Paul is currently planning to go to Jerusalem passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He initially intended to sail from Corinth (Cenchreae port) to Jerusalem but, upon learning of a plot against him, he changed his plan. The revised itinerary became: Corinth to Philippi then to Troas. The seven companions traveled ahead by ship to Troas, while Paul and Luke joined them later in Troas. Paul visited Troas three times: (1) Acts 16:8-10: During this visit, Paul saw the vision of the Macedonian man (second missionary journey). His stay was brief. (2) 2 Corinthians 2:12-13: Paul arrived in Troas from Ephesus but did not meet Titus. His stay was brief again, as he soon departed for Philippi. (3) Acts 20:6: This time, Paul stayed for seven days. He was likely waiting for the next available ship. During this period, Paul had the opportunity to preach at a general gathering.
At the gathering
“On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.” (1) The gathering on “the first day of the week” was, in modern terms, a Saturday meeting after sunset. Among the believers were slaves who could only attend after their workday ended at sundown. (2) “To break bread.” (a) In those days, believers would bring food to share and eat together. (b) This was the highest form of fellowship and was called “Agape” (love feast). At the time, poor slaves often lived on one meal a day. (c) At the conclusion of the love feast, they held the Communion. (3) “Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day.” (a) Paul was in a hurry and planned to depart immediately after the gathering. (b) Aware that this might be his final visit, Paul taught for an extended period (if from 6 pm to midnight, that would be six hours). (c) Paul was now resolutely heading toward Jerusalem. The love feast in Troas carries elements reminiscent of the Last Supper. “There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were gathered together.” The gathering took place in an upstairs room. The large hall on the third floor was crowded with many people. The lamps were olive oil lamps used for lighting. As these lamps consumed a significant amount of oxygen, it caused the room to be oxygen deficient. Additionally, the overcrowded conditions further exacerbated the lack of oxygen. Next time we will learn about an unforeseen tragedy that will occur. When we move forward in alignment with God’s plan, there is nothing to fear. Even tragedies can be turned into blessings. Hallelujah!
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, when we walk according to Your plan, fear and tragedy are transformed into blessings. Today, I will walk by faith. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.