How does Acts 20:6 connect with the significance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread? Setting the Scene—Acts 20:6 “And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.” Why the Feast Matters in Acts 20:6 • Time-marker: Luke uses the feast as a clear chronological anchor, showing the historical reliability of his record. • Shared heritage: Paul and his team are Gentile-missionaries who still honor Israel’s God-given calendar (Exodus 12:14; Leviticus 23:6). • Continuity of covenant: The gospel does not discard the Old Testament; it fulfills it (Matthew 5:17). Core Themes of the Feast of Unleavened Bread • Liberation: Commemorates Israel’s hasty exodus when leaven had no time to rise (Exodus 12:33-34). • Purity: Removing leaven symbolizes removing sin and corruption (Exodus 12:15). • New beginning: Marks the first week of Israel’s life as a redeemed nation. How Those Themes Echo in Acts 20:6 1. Missionary urgency—just as Israel left Egypt quickly, Paul’s team moves purposefully after the feast, spreading the message of the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). 2. Sin-free worship—Paul’s life and teaching emphasize holiness in the believing community (Acts 20:28-32), mirroring the feast’s call to purge leaven. 3. Gospel continuity—linking Old Testament redemption (Exodus) with New Testament proclamation (Acts) underlines one seamless redemptive story. Other Scriptures That Illuminate the Connection • Exodus 12:14-20—commands for the feast. • Deuteronomy 16:1-4—reminder not to delay or adulterate worship. • 1 Corinthians 5:7-8—Paul applies the feast’s symbolism to Christian living: “Therefore let us keep the feast… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” • Luke 22:1—shows Jesus Himself observing the same festival before His sacrifice. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today • Value Scripture’s historical markers—they confirm the trustworthiness of God’s Word. • Embrace holiness—discard the “old leaven” of sin and hypocrisy in daily life. • Celebrate fulfilled redemption—Christ is our Passover; remember His sacrifice with gratitude and purity. • Live with missionary urgency—the Exodus and Acts alike remind us that redemption propels us to move outward with the gospel. |
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