Raised from the dead

Acts 20:7-12.

Although Paul was in Troas for several days, the disciples did not come together for breaking of bread until the first day of the week. This probably is the last of the seven days, since Paul and his party left shortly thereafter. “the disciples came together to break bread” breaking bread – interpreted in context – is partaking a communal meal, rather than the Lord’s supper. Compare the statement in verse 11 – “When he…had broken bread, and eaten…” The disciples who “came together” would be those who had gone before Paul (vs. 4-5), those who came with him later (v. 6), and some disciples who resided in Troas (such as Eutychus).

Verse 7b-8: This is the last day before the party’s departure. Paul preached to them and “continued his speech until midnight.” The meeting was in an upper chamber, that had the benefit of “many lights.”

Verse 9: A young tired sleepy man named Eutychus sat in a window. Paul preached a long time. During this time Eutychus fell asleep, and fell from his perch three floors to the ground. This must have happened about midnight, since that time appears to be the time of the conclusion of the sermon. Eutychus “was taken up dead.” Doubtless a death by falling might write the unexcepted conclusion of a sermon.

Verse 10: Paul stopped his sermon and went down to check on the fallen man. Paul “fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.” This statement has been variously interpreted as Paul raising Eutychus from the dead, or Paul simply discovering that Eutychus was still alive. He was “taken up dead” – that is, dead – and after Paul fell on him and embraced him, then his life was in him. Paul did not check his vitals as a doctor and then pronounce him alive. He, as an apostle, raised Eutychus from the dead.

Verse 11: The dead is alive, the sermon is ended, and the disciples conclude by doing what they came together for – they broke bread and ate. While eating they “talked a long while, even till break of day.” After daybreak, Paul and his company took leave of Troas.

Verse 12: An event that might well have ended in death ended in life. The disciples rejoiced in the fact; they “were not a little” – but a lot – comforted!