An unforeseen incident

(1) “And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill.”  The windows were left open to ventilate the room. Sitting by the window allowed access to fresh air, making it a prime spot, but was also dangerous. The term “young man” in Greek is “neanias,” which typically refers to boys aged 8 to 14. However, it can also be translated as “servant.” “Eutychus” is a typical slave name in Greek. He was likely a slave, possibly a man in his 30s. The name “Eutychus” means “fortunate” or “lucky.” If he was indeed a slave, he would have come to this gathering after completing a full day’s labor. (2) “Sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, Eutychus was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor.” What caused Eutychus to fall asleep? (a) He was physically exhausted (at the time, people typically rested at sunset and rose at dawn). (b) The room condition was conducive to drowsiness. (c) It was after a meal, which naturally induces sleepiness. (d) Paul’s message, which began after the meal, was long. (3) “And was picked up dead.” The gathering was interrupted when Eutychus fell. As people rushed downstairs, they found that Eutychus was dead. This is confirmed by Luke, a physician, leaving no room for alternative interpretations.

Eutychus’s experience and us

Let us remember that while there is room for human sympathy regarding Eutychus’s falling asleep, God’s standards of evaluation are strict. Consider the following biblical teachings: (1) Jonah 1:5-6 (The irresponsibility of a leader): Jonah was sleeping in the hold of the ship when a storm struck. (2) Matthew 26:40-41 (Insensitivity to God’s timing): the disciples fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane during a critical moment. (3) Mark 13:36-37 (Apathy toward eschatology): one should not be caught sleeping when the master unexpectedly returns. (4) Ephesians 5:14 (A summary of several verses from Isaiah): “For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.’” (5) 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (How to live in the end times): “So then, let’s not sleep as others do, but let’s be alert and sober.” “Being alert” has (a) a physical meaning, as well as (b) a spiritual meaning. These two cannot be separated. Let us guard ourselves to ensure we do not fall asleep.