Now there were many lamps
The presence of many lamps indicates a well-lit environment, which was necessary for evening gatherings. In the ancient world, oil lamps were commonly used for lighting, and their presence suggests a significant gathering, possibly to accommodate a large group. The use of lamps also symbolizes the light of the Gospel being shared among believers, reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:14-16 about being the light of the world.

in the upper room
The upper room was a common feature in Jewish homes, often used for dining or gatherings. It holds significant biblical importance, as it was in an upper room where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:12-13). This setting for the early church's meeting reflects continuity with Jesus' ministry and the intimate fellowship among believers. The upper room also symbolizes a place of prayer and unity, as seen in Acts 1:13-14, where the disciples gathered after Jesus' ascension.

where we were gathered
The use of "we" indicates the presence of the author, traditionally understood to be Luke, suggesting an eyewitness account. The gathering of believers in this context highlights the communal aspect of early Christian worship and fellowship. This assembly reflects the practice of the early church to meet regularly for teaching, breaking of bread, and prayer, as described in Acts 2:42. The gathering also emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian faith, as believers come together to support and encourage one another in their spiritual journey.

1. Paul
The apostle who is central to the events in Acts 20. He is on his third missionary journey and is visiting Troas.

2. Troas
A city in the northwest of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where Paul and his companions are gathered.

3. Upper Room
A significant location in early Christian gatherings, often used for meetings and teaching.

4. Eutychus
A young man who falls asleep and subsequently falls from the window during Paul's lengthy discourse (mentioned in the surrounding verses).

5. Gathering of Believers
The early Christians who are assembled to hear Paul speak, demonstrating the communal aspect of early Christian worship.The Importance of Fellowship
The gathering in the upper room emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship and community. Believers are encouraged to meet regularly for mutual edification and support.

Symbolism of Light
The presence of many lamps signifies the light of Christ in the midst of His people. Christians are called to be lights in the world, reflecting Christ's love and truth.

Vigilance in Worship
The setting of a late-night meeting with many lamps suggests the need for vigilance and attentiveness in worship. Believers should be spiritually alert and engaged in their faith practices.

The Role of Teaching
Paul's lengthy discourse indicates the value placed on teaching and learning in the early church. Christians should prioritize sound doctrine and biblical teaching in their spiritual growth.

Preparedness for Spiritual Gatherings
The practical aspect of having many lamps suggests being prepared for spiritual gatherings, ensuring that the environment is conducive to worship and learning.(8) And there were many lights in the upper chamber.--We learn from Acts 20:9 that it was on the third floor of the house. In the high narrow streets of Eastern towns the upper storey is often chosen for social or devotional purposes, partly as more removed from the noise of the street, partly as giving access to the roof of the house. Such a room in a good sized house might well hold two or three hundred people. It is a fair inference also that the vividness and minuteness of the account indicate that we have the narrative of an eye-witness. The lamps or torches (see Notes on Matthew 5:15; Matthew 25:3; John 5:35) are probably mentioned, partly as accounting for the sleep of Eutychus by the heat and closeness of the room, partly, perhaps, as an indirect answer to the calumny loudly asserted afterwards (Tertull. Apol. c. 8), and probably even then whispered, that at the meetings of the Christians the lamps were extinguished and free scope given for deeds of shameless licence. There is no ground for assuming that the lamps at this early period had any distinctive ritual or symbolic character, though it would be a natural expression of respect that two or more should be placed in front of the Apostle, or other presiding elder, at such a meeting, on either side of the loaf which was to be broken, and the cup which was to be blest. The position of the celebrant (to use a later, but convenient term) may have been, as in the original institution of the Supper, recumbent on the triclinium, or couch, which was at this time used by both Greeks and Romans. It is obvious, however, that this would be an inconvenient posture for distribution to a large assembly, and the special mention of "the Lord's table" in 1Corinthians 10:21, leads to the conclusion that there was a separate high table (to borrow the familiar language of a college or Inn of Court) at which the celebrant and other ministers sat, their backs to the wall, their faces to the people, and that from that table they distributed the bread and wine, either by taking them, or sending them by the deacons or other ministers, to those who sat in the body of the room, or by giving it to the congregation as they came up to the table in detachments. The later practice of the Church, and the absence of any indication in patristic writings that there was an abrupt change, makes the latter the more probable alternative. The table, so placed, served as a transition stage between the triclinium and the altar of the later basilica. The primitive arrangement in which the priest faces the congregation and stands behind the altar, it may be noted, was at first retained in most of the basilicas, and survives to the present day in some of the churches of that type in Rome--as, for example, in that of S. Clemente. This, therefore, and not any eastward or southward position, may claim to be, as has been well said, "at once the most primitive, the most Catholic, the most Protestant" of Eucharistic usages.

Verse 8. - We for they, A.V. and T.R. It is not obvious why St. Luke mentions the many lights. Some say to mark the solemnity of the first day of the week (Kuinoel); some, to remove all possible occasion of scandal as regards such midnight meetings (Bengel); some, to explain how the young man's fall was immediately perceived (Meyer); others, to account for the young man's drowsiness, which would be increased by the many lights, possibly making the room hot (Alford); for ornament (Olshausen). But possibly it is the mere mention by an eye-witness of a fact which struck him. It is obvious that the room must have been lit for a night meeting - only perhaps there were more lights than usual.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

there were
Ἦσαν (Ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

many
ἱκαναὶ (hikanai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

lamps
λαμπάδες (lampades)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2985: A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

upper room
ὑπερῴῳ (hyperōō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5253: Neuter of a derivative of huper; a higher part of the house, i.e. Apartment in the third story.

where
οὗ (hou)
Adverb
Strong's 3757: Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.

we were
ἦμεν (ēmen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

gathered.
συνηγμένοι (synēgmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.


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NT Apostles: Acts 20:8 There were many lights in the upper (Acts of the Apostles Ac)