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Acts 20

And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.

And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

These going before tarried for us at Troas.

And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

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.

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.

And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,

Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

What does Acts 20:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 20:7 describes an early Christian gathering, on the first day of the week, which we understand as Sunday, the day after the Jewish Sabbath.

The disciples came together to "break bread," which can be both a literal term for sharing a meal and a phrase indicative of partaking in the Lord's Supper or Communion, a practice that commemorates Jesus' Last Supper.

Paul's presence and preaching to the disciples are central in this scene.

He delivers a long sermon that extends until midnight, given his intention to depart the next day.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the narrative of Paul's missionary journeys through the Aegean region, during the first century A.D., as recorded by Luke in the Book of Acts.

During this time, the early Christian communities would gather on the first day of the week for worship, fellowship, teaching, and the breaking of bread.

The mentioning of "the first day of the week" is significant because it indicates an early Christian tradition that distinguishes it from the Jewish Sabbath, which is observed on the last day of the week (Saturday).

Theological Insights

Christian theologians have often used this verse to support the practice of Sunday worship, seeing it as evidence of the early church's observance of the first day of the week for communal worship activities.

Some traditions see "breaking bread" as a reference to the Eucharist or Communion, a sacrament commemorating Jesus' death and resurrection.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse may encourage modern Christians to regularly gather with their faith community for worship, teaching, and Communion.

It exemplifies the dedication to teaching and learning, as seen in Paul's lengthy discourse, highlighting the importance of patience and eagerness in receiving religious instruction.

Cross-References

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?"
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Paul's instructions on the Lord's Supper.
Acts 2:42 - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
Acts 2:46 - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,"

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of Acts 20:7 include:

"κλάσαι ἄρτον" (klasai arton) - "to break bread," with possible dual implications of sharing a meal and participating in the Eucharist.
"διελέγετο" (dielegeto) - "he conversed," "discoursed," or "preached," indicating Paul's active role in speaking and teaching.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparison with Jewish practices is immediate, wherein the breaking of bread is also a common feature of Sabbath meals and ceremonies.

In contrast, the Christian practice of breaking bread on the first day of the week represents both continuity with Jewish tradition and a distinctive development in early Christian worship.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn't directly intersect with scientific understandings, the allusion to time ("until midnight") and the description of a communal meal have indirect connections to natural human rhythms and the social bonding that occurs over shared meals, which are topics of interest in both sociological and biological sciences.

commentaries

Various Bible commentators highlight the significance of the first day of the week for Christian gatherings, reflecting a shift from Jewish tradition to a focus on the day of Christ's resurrection.

Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes Paul's urgency to convey his teachings before departing, and the endurance of the listeners who stayed up late to hear him.

John Gill's Exposition of the Bible suggests that the primary purpose of the meeting was for the Lord's Supper, complemented by preaching and praying.

These insights offer both practical and doctrinal clarity to the activities of the early Christian community.

Acts 20

Acts 20

What does Acts 20:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 20:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?