In 58 AD shortly after the “days of unleavened bread,” Paul and Luke arrived in Troas where they joined Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia as well as Timothy.
The missionaries had been in Philippi for Passover, the Jewish commemoration of their liberation over 3,300 years ago by God from slavery in ancient Egypt that was ruled by the Pharaohs. This festival is held each spring celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation under the leadership of Moses.
“7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” (Acts 20:7)
The first day of the week followed the Sabbath, or day of rest, which in the Jewish calendar takes place from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Since Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the Jewish week, between the Saturday & Sunday sunsets, early Christians considered this day sacred and designated Saturday evening as the time they gathered to break bread, worship the Lord and fellowship.
Because it was likely he would not visit Troas again, at this gathering Paul preached and encouraged those present on the eve of his planned departure to Assos, the nearby seaport city located approximately 20 miles away which he planned to reach on foot.
“8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together. 9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.” (Acts 20:8-9)
Typically in those days, gatherings took place during the day. However as this was the first day of the week, Saturday after sunset, there was a need for lamps to burn to light the upper room. As Paul continued to preach late into the night, one of the disciples who was sitting in a window was overcome by sleep, then fell to his death from the third story window.
“10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” (Acts 20:10)
Paul suspended his preaching as God performed a miracle and brought Eutychus back to life after he had fallen from the third story window. This was another clear sign of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within Paul, who was divinely anointed to perform many miracles in the name of Jesus, the risen Christ and Savior.
“11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.” (Acts 20:11-12)
After God had brought back Eutychus from the dead by the hands of Paul, the missionary returned to the upper room where he broke bread one last time before he embarked on another journey, this time to Assos where he would continue to fulfill his mission to advance the gospel, share the truth about Jesus and lead people to Christ. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
