On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight. On the first day of the weekThis phrase indicates the early Christian practice of gathering on Sunday, the day of Jesus' resurrection. It marks a shift from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to the Lord's Day, reflecting the new covenant and the significance of Christ's resurrection. This practice is also mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and Revelation 1:10, showing its early adoption in Christian worship. Luk 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning… we came together to break bread. "Breaking bread" refers to the communal meal that included the Lord's Supper, a central act of worship in the early church. This practice is rooted in Jesus' Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:19-20) and serves as a remembrance of His sacrifice. It emphasizes fellowship and unity among believers, as seen in Acts 2:42, where the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Act 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, Paul's imminent departure highlights his missionary zeal and commitment to spreading the Gospel. His travels are a testament to the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This context underscores the urgency and importance of his message to the believers in Troas, as he sought to equip and encourage them before continuing his journey. Act 19:21 After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit… he talked to them Paul's discourse reflects his role as a teacher and apostle, entrusted with imparting doctrinal truths and practical guidance to the early church. His teaching was foundational for establishing and strengthening the faith of new believers, as seen in his letters to various churches, which form a significant portion of the New Testament. Act 17:2-3 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue… and kept on speaking until midnight. The extended nature of Paul's teaching session indicates the depth and importance of his message. It also reflects the eagerness of the early Christians to learn and grow in their faith. This dedication to teaching and learning is reminiscent of the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the Scriptures daily to verify Paul's teachings. The late hour also sets the stage for the subsequent event involving Eutychus, demonstrating the human limitations even amidst spiritual fervor. Act 28:23 So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who is central to this passage, delivering a lengthy message to the believers gathered in Troas. 2. The Disciples The early Christians gathered in Troas to worship and break bread together. 3. Troas A city in the Roman province of Asia, where Paul and the disciples were meeting. 4. Breaking Bread This refers to the communal meal shared by the early Christians, which included the Lord's Supper. 5. The First Day of the Week This indicates the day of the gathering, which is significant as it marks the early Christian practice of meeting on Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection. Teaching Points The Importance of GatheringThe early church prioritized meeting together regularly, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life. The Significance of Sunday Worship Gathering on the first day of the week reflects the centrality of the resurrection in Christian faith and practice. The Role of Teaching in Worship Paul's extended teaching session underscores the value of sound doctrine and the need for believers to be grounded in the Word. Communion as a Central Practice Breaking bread together was a vital part of early Christian worship, reminding believers of Christ's sacrifice and fostering unity. Time and Commitment in Worship Paul's willingness to speak until midnight shows the dedication and commitment to spiritual growth and community life. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the practice of meeting on the first day of the week tell us about the priorities of the early church, and how can we apply this to our own lives today?2. How does the breaking of bread in Acts 20:7 relate to the Lord's Supper, and what significance does this have for our understanding of communion? 3. In what ways can we ensure that teaching and sound doctrine remain central in our church gatherings, as demonstrated by Paul's example? 4. How can we foster a sense of community and fellowship in our own church settings, similar to the early Christians in Troas? 5. Reflect on the commitment shown by Paul and the disciples in Acts 20:7. How can we cultivate a similar dedication to worship and spiritual growth in our personal and communal lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Corinthians 16:2Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a collection on the first day of the week, indicating the early church's practice of gathering on Sundays. Luke 24:1 The resurrection of Jesus is discovered on the first day of the week, which is why early Christians began to gather on Sundays. Acts 2:42 The early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, showing the communal and spiritual practices of the early believers. Hebrews 10:25 Encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, highlighting the importance of communal worship and fellowship. People Aristarchus, Asians, Eutychus, Gaius, Paul, Secundus, Sopater, Thessalonians, Timotheus, Timothy, Trophimus, TychicusPlaces Asia, Assos, Chios, Derbe, Ephesus, Greece, Jerusalem, Macedonia, Miletus, Mitylene, Philippi, Samos, Syria, TroasTopics Assembled, Bread, Break, Continued, Continuing, Depart, Disciples, Discourse, Discoursed, Discoursing, Gathered, Holy, Intended, Intending, Kept, Leave, Meal, Message, Met, Middle, Midnight, Morning, Morrow, Paul, Preached, Preaching, Prolonged, Purpose, Ready, Speech, Spoke, Talk, Talked, Talking, Till, WeekDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 20:7 4921 day Library This Person Differs in NothingThis Person differs in nothing, from the Father, but only in this that He is begotten of Him. He is Eternal with the Father, as glorious and as intelligent. He is of the same mind in everything in all worlds, loveth the same objects in as infinite a measure. Is the means by which the Father loveth, acteth, createth, redeemeth, governeth, and perfecteth all things. And the means also by which we see and love the Father: our strength and our eternity. He is the Mediator between God and His creatures. … Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations January 19 Morning April 26 Evening February 9. "None of These Things Move Me" (Acts xx. 24). December 29. "I have not Shunned to Declare unto You all the Counsel of God" (Acts xx. 27). March 7. "It is More Blessed to Give than to Receive" (Acts xx. 35). A Fulfilled Aspiration Parting Words [Footnote: Preached Prior to a Long Absence in Australia. ] The Blessedness of Giving Parting Counsels Christian Perfection Two Essential Things The Minister's Farewell On Sleeping in Church It is Also Plain that the Public Prayers are not to be Couched in Greek... Our Inheritance The New Crusade --Serampore and the Brotherhood Fac-Similes The Epistles of Paul Moreover, if Discourse must be Bestowed Upon Any... Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept? Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms? Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Links Acts 20:7 NIVActs 20:7 NLT Acts 20:7 ESV Acts 20:7 NASB Acts 20:7 KJV Acts 20:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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