Paul's Farewell Visit To Troas

Acts 20:7  

"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."

   At Troas a young man named Eutychus accidentally falls to his death from an upper balcony after falling asleep during a midnight sermon preached by Paul. To a great relief to all, Paul raises him from the dead and continues his sermon. At dawn Paul leaves for Jerusalem.

   Although Paul was in Troas seven days (v. 6), apparently neither he or the local church met for breaking of bread until the first day of the week (v. 7). The fact that Paul and others sometimes attended Sabbath services in Jewish Synagogues (17:1-3) does not prove that the apostolic Church kept the seventh day as a special day of worship. It only shows that the early missionaries took the Gospel message wherever and whenever they found people gathered together. This fact can be seen in all Paul's Missionary Journeys.

   This witness was carried on daily in every possible way. (cf. 1 Cor. 9:19-22). The early churches were specifically warned against submitting themselves to the bondage of any legalistic observance of Sabbath days, (Col. 2:16, cf. Gal. 4:9-11). These same churches voluntarily chose the first day of the week as an appropriate time for fellowship and worship (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2), the day on which the Lord arose and repeatedly appeared to His disciples, (John 20:19-24, 25-29). 

   My Friends, It was a new day for a new people belonging to a new creation, a day of commemoration, joy, service and spiritual rest. What the disciples had and felt that day, we as believers have all of it, all day every day, because of that same Jesus that died on Calvary for the world.

Amen!

Reading: Acts 20:7:16

Ref: HG SB  

May God Bless you

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry