What does Acts 20:11 mean?

Explanation

The verse Acts 20:11 pertains to a moment where the apostle Paul is meeting with early Christians.

The context is an upper room gathering with the believers in Troas.

The verse narrates that after a tragic incident where a young man named Eutychus falls asleep and drops out of a window, leading to what is presumed to be a fatal accident, Paul restores him back to life.

Following this miraculous event, Paul returns upstairs, breaks bread in the tradition of a shared meal or communion, eats with those present, engages in a prolonged discussion, and then leaves at dawn.

This passage highlights the communal and intimate nature of the early Christian gatherings, and also illustrates Paul's stamina and dedication to teaching and fellowship.

Historical Context

Acts 20:11 is situated towards the latter part of Paul's third missionary journey, around A.D. 57.

During this time, the Christian community often met on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread and share in the teachings of the apostles.

In this Jewish and Greco-Roman context, it was customary to gather in the evenings for meals and fellowship due to the day’s labor and heat.

Breaking bread had the dual significance of physical sustenance and spiritual communion, reflecting the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples.

Theological Insights

This passage can be viewed from various theological angles:

• Communion: Reflecting on the Last Supper, the breaking of bread is seen as an act of communion with Christ.
• Resurrection and Life: Paul's ability to restore Eutychus to life may be viewed as symbolic of Jesus’ resurrection power working through his apostles.
• Christian Fellowship: The passage stresses the importance of Christian fellowship and collective worship.
• Vigilance and Dedication: From a spiritual discipline perspective, it highlights the need for vigilance in faith as Paul teaches throughout the night.

Practical Applications

Acts 20:11 offers several practical applications for modern believers:

• The significance of communal worship and sharing meals in strengthening faith communities.
• The importance of dedication to learning and discussing spiritual matters.
• The value of hospitality and making time for deep spiritual conversations.
• Remaining alert and engaged in spiritual practices, indicating the need for both physical and spiritual sustenance.

Cross-References

• Acts 2:42 - "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
• 1 Corinthians 10:16 - "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"
• Acts 20:7 - "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."

Language Study

In the original Greek of the New Testament:

• "Broken bread" (κλάσας ἄρτον): Breaking bread is a term used in early Christianity related to the Lord's Supper, but also simply refers to partaking in a meal.
• "Eaten" (γευσάμενος): This term means more than just consuming food; it also carries the idea of experiencing or participating in something.
• "Talked a long while" (διαλέγομαι): This word suggests an interactive dialogue rather than a monologue, implying that Paul conversed and engaged with those present.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the broader cultural and religious landscape of the time:

• Sharing meals was a common practice in many ancient religions and was often associated with religious rituals.
• The Christian practice of breaking bread differed from that of Jewish customs and Greco-Roman religious meals largely due to its association with the remembrance of Jesus Christ.
• The communal aspect of the verse reflects the broader Greco-Roman culture where symposiums (social gatherings) were common.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, there are a few points of interest:

• Sleep-induced falls, such as the one suffered by Eutychus, are plausible and can result in serious injury or death.
• The sustenance from food and social interaction's psychological effects play a role in the well-being and cohesiveness of groups, as seen in the communal breaking of bread.
• The account of Paul restoring Eutychus to life might be studied through the lens of miracle or resurrection narratives, which remain outside the purview of scientific explanation.

commentaries

Different bible commentaries provide an array of viewpoints on Acts 20:11:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the importance of the word of God that Paul is eager to teach and that the people are eager to receive.

It also reflects the miracle of raising Eutychus as a demonstration of Paul's apostolic power.

• John Wesley's Explanatory Notes emphasize the compassionate act of breaking bread after the event, showcasing the apostle's care and attention to both spiritual and bodily needs.
• The Pulpit Commentary focuses on the informal and social nature of the gatherings of the early Church, where teaching and fellowship went hand in hand.