Acts 20 11

Acts 20:11 kjv

When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Acts 20:11 nkjv

Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.

Acts 20:11 niv

Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.

Acts 20:11 esv

And when Paul had gone up and had broken bread and eaten, he conversed with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed.

Acts 20:11 nlt

Then they all went back upstairs, shared in the Lord's Supper, and ate together. Paul continued talking to them until dawn, and then he left.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 11 Meaning

Acts 20:11 describes the immediate actions of Paul and the believers in Troas after Eutychus was miraculously revived. It details Paul's return to the upper room, the partaking of a meal (likely combining a fellowship meal with the Lord's Supper, signified by "broken bread"), his continued extensive teaching that lasted until dawn, and his eventual departure. The verse highlights Paul's profound dedication to teaching, the deep fellowship within the early church, and the communal nature of their gatherings, even amidst extraordinary circumstances.

Acts 20 11 Context

Acts 20:11 follows the miraculous raising of Eutychus, a young man who had fallen from a third-story window during Paul's prolonged discourse. Paul was in Troas during his third missionary journey, making his way back to Jerusalem. He had deliberately waited in Troas for seven days to be with the local believers, gathering with them "on the first day of the week," a significant indicator of early Christian Sunday worship and communal gathering (Acts 20:6-7). This gathering included extensive teaching from Paul, who sensed his time with them might be short. The event of Eutychus's fall and subsequent revival had disrupted the meeting but not ended it. The immediate historical context highlights Paul's fervent commitment to teaching the Word, the early church's practice of gathering, sharing meals, and observing the Lord's Supper, and the profound presence of God's power even in challenging circumstances. Paul's eventual departure (implied at the very end of the verse) marks a continuation of his mission journey, underscoring his tireless dedication.

Acts 20 11 Word analysis

• And having gone up (ἀναβὰς - anabas): From ἀναβαίνω (anabainō), meaning to go up, ascend. This indicates Paul physically returned to the upper room, the main meeting place where the church was gathered, after he had gone down to tend to Eutychus. This signifies continuity and an un-interrupted focus on their fellowship, not allowing the incident to halt their purpose.
• and having broken bread (κλάσας ἄρτον - klasas arton):
  • κλάσας (klasas): Aorist participle of κλάω (klaō), "to break." Used consistently in the New Testament for breaking bread, often with significant theological implications.
  • ἄρτον (arton): "Bread." This phrase is deeply significant in Christian tradition. While it could refer to a common meal (sharing food), given the context of a church gathering on the "first day of the week" and Paul's departure, it most strongly implies the observance of the Lord's Supper, likely in conjunction with a communal fellowship meal (agape feast), as was common practice in the early church. This act was a central component of their worship and community life (Acts 2:42, 2:46; 1 Cor 10:16, 11:23-26). It symbolizes communion with Christ and among believers.
• and having eaten (γευσάμενός τε - geusamenos te):
  • γευσάμενός (geusamenos): Aorist participle of γεύομαι (geuomai), meaning "to taste, to eat." This confirms the consumption of a regular meal, distinct from the breaking of bread if "broken bread" specifically refers to the Lord's Supper elements. It emphasizes the physical sustenance and shared experience of food, binding the community together. The "τε" (te) serves to connect this action closely to the previous "breaking bread."
• and having conversed for a long while (ὁμιλἠσας ἐφ᾽ ἱκανὸν - homilesas eph' hikanon):
  • ὁμιλἠσας (homilesas): Aorist participle of ὁμιλέω (homileō), "to associate with, converse, speak, teach." This is where the English word "homily" (a sermon) originates. It means Paul engaged in a serious discourse, teaching, and sharing with the believers. This was not mere casual talk but purposeful instruction, as indicated by its earlier description in Acts 20:7.
  • ἐφ᾽ ἱκανὸν (eph’ hikanon): "For a considerable/sufficient/long time." This phrase reiterates Paul's extended commitment to teaching. Despite the late hour, the prior incident, and his travel schedule, he prioritized imparting truth to the congregation, reflecting his deep love and pastoral concern.
• even till daybreak (ἄχρι αὐγῆς - achri auges): This specifies the immense duration of Paul's teaching and fellowship, highlighting his endurance and the earnestness of the believers. It indicates their meeting extended throughout the entire night.
• he thus departed (οὕτως ἐξῆλθεν - houtos exelthen):
  • οὕτως (houtōs): "Thus, so, in this manner." It summarizes his actions, indicating that after all these significant acts—reinstating fellowship, partaking in the meal, and extensively teaching—he then proceeded with his journey.
  • ἐξῆλθεν (exelthen): Aorist of ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai), "to go out, depart." Paul finally left Troas to continue his mission, a recurring pattern in his ministry.

Acts 20 11 Bonus section

The sequence of events in Acts 20:7-12 provides a vivid snapshot of Sunday worship in the early church. The mention of "the first day of the week" is a clear indication that early Christians shifted their primary day of corporate worship from the Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This practice, initiated by the apostles, becomes a foundational element of Christian liturgical tradition, further reinforced by 1 Cor 16:2 which speaks of setting aside offerings on the first day of the week.

The incident with Eutychus, sandwiched between Paul's extended preaching and the continued fellowship and teaching in Acts 20:11, demonstrates a powerful affirmation of Paul's apostolic authority and the divine anointing on his ministry. His compassionate and confident action in going down and raising Eutychus was not a show of human power, but God's work through him, silencing potential doubt or fear and bringing great comfort ("they were greatly encouraged"). The lack of fanfare after Eutychus's revival, and Paul's immediate return to "breaking bread" and teaching, underscores that the miraculous intervention served to facilitate the continuation of the assembly's spiritual purpose, not to overshadow it. The focus quickly returned to Christ and the Word, showing the proper role of signs and wonders within the broader scope of ministry.

Acts 20 11 Commentary

Acts 20:11 concisely yet profoundly captures the essence of early Christian community life and Pauline ministry. After the powerful display of divine intervention in Eutychus's revival, Paul immediately refocused the community on its central purposes: worship, fellowship, and instruction. The act of "breaking bread" speaks volumes, encompassing both the intimate sharing of a common meal that fostered unity and, most critically, the spiritual communion of the Lord's Supper, remembering Christ's sacrifice. This sacred meal served as an anchor for their faith, solidifying their identity as the body of Christ. Following this, Paul's prolonged teaching "till daybreak" exemplifies his unwavering dedication to expounding God's Word, emphasizing that spiritual nourishment was paramount, even over physical rest. It illustrates a leader driven by pastoral care, pouring out himself to strengthen the flock before his departure. The events surrounding Eutychus, far from disrupting their gathering, only deepened their resolve and appreciation for both divine power and diligent teaching. This verse encapsulates enduring spiritual disciplines: worship, fellowship, teaching, and unwavering commitment to mission.

Examples for practical usage:

• Persistent teaching: Modern believers are called to give and receive persistent, deep teaching, valuing spiritual growth above convenience.
• Intentional fellowship: Christians should prioritize meaningful communal gatherings, integrating both shared meals and spiritual ordinances like the Lord's Supper.
• God's presence in crises: Even amidst unexpected challenges (like Eutychus's fall), the church's core mission of worship and instruction can powerfully continue, demonstrating God's sustaining grace.