Acts 20:8 kjv
And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
Acts 20:8 nkjv
There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
Acts 20:8 niv
There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.
Acts 20:8 esv
There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.
Acts 20:8 nlt
The upstairs room where we met was lighted with many flickering lamps.
Acts 20 8 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 2:42 | ...breaking of bread and prayers. | Continuing steadfastly in teaching and fellowship, |
| Acts 2:46 | Breaking bread in their homes, | Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, |
| 1 Corinthians 10:16 | The cup of blessing that we bless, | The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? |
| 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you... | For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. |
| John 13:1 | Now before the Feast of the Passover, | When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, "Most assuredly, most assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." |
| Romans 12:1 | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the merciful acts of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, | I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the merciful acts of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. |
| Exodus 20:8-10 | "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. | "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work... |
| Mark 2:27-28 | And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath... | And he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath, so the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath." |
| Revelation 1:10 | I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, | I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard a voice behind me, like a trumpet. |
| Matthew 16:18 | ...and on this rock I will build my church, | ...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. |
| John 20:19, 26 | On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, | On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you!" ... Now eight days later his disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, though the doors were locked, and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" |
| Acts 20:11 | And when he went up and broke bread and ate, | And when he went up and broke bread and ate, he talked with them a long while, until daylight, and so departed. |
| 1 Corinthians 16:2 | On the first day of every week, | On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside for what the poor among the saints at Jerusalem are in need of. |
| Hebrews 10:24-25 | And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... | And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. |
| Colossians 3:17 | And whatever you do, in word or deed, | And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. |
| Acts 19:8-10 | And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, | And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. But when some became stubborn and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. |
| 2 Corinthians 9:7 | Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, | Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. |
| Galatians 3:28 | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, | There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| Acts 16:13 | On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the river... | On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the river, where we supposed there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered. |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 8 Meaning
The verse describes a common practice of early Christians meeting on the first day of the week to break bread, which signifies fellowship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. This practice established the Lord's Day as a distinct day of Christian worship.
Acts 20 8 Context
This verse occurs in the latter part of Paul's third missionary journey. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, and he makes a stop in Troas. He stays there for seven days. The context leading up to this verse shows Paul ministering to the believers in Troas. After a week of fellowship, teaching, and worship, they are gathered on the first day of the week. This day was becoming increasingly recognized as the Lord's Day for Christian gatherings, following Christ's resurrection. The practice of "breaking bread" was central to these meetings, symbolizing unity, communion with Christ, and remembrance of His sacrifice.
Acts 20 8 Word analysis
- When (Kai): This conjunction connects the previous verse's departure plans with the subsequent event of their gathering.
- on (en): Preposition indicating time or the day on which the event occurred.
- the first day (mia tōn sabbatōn): Literally "one of the Sabbaths." This refers to the day following the Sabbath, which is Sunday. It highlights the shift from the Sabbath observance in Judaism to the celebration of the Lord's Day in Christianity.
- of the week (tēs hebdomados): Of the seven-day week.
- when (sumballomenōn): Literally "when coming together" or "when meeting." This word signifies a gathering or assembly of people.
- the disciples (tōn mathētōn): The followers of Christ.
- were gathered (sunēchthēsan): Passive voice, meaning they were brought together or assembled.
- to break bread (tou klasai arton): To break bread. This phrase had a dual meaning: a simple shared meal and the commemorative act of the Lord's Supper.
- Paul (Paulō): The apostle Paul, the subject of the narrative.
- talked with them (homilōn autois): "Homileō" means to converse, discourse, or speak with. It implies an intimate and instructive communication.
- ready to depart on the next day (mellōn exeien tē epiaios heōthōn): Prepared to leave the following morning.
Word group analysis:
- "the first day of the week": This phrase signifies the Lord's Day, marking a significant transition from Jewish Sabbath observance to Christian commemoration of Christ's resurrection.
- "when the disciples were gathered to break bread": This describes the regular meeting for fellowship and communion, a central practice of the early church.
- "Paul talked with them, ready to depart on the next day": This shows Paul extending his ministry and instruction to the believers before his departure.
Acts 20 8 Bonus Section
The emphasis on "breaking bread" signifies not only the Lord's Supper but also the shared meals that accompanied it, a practice rooted in hospitality and fellowship. This integrated fellowship with remembrance of Christ demonstrated the holistic nature of early Christian community. The disciples' gathering was a response to their spiritual need and a manifestation of their new identity in Christ, set apart from Jewish observances but deeply connected to their heritage through the Messiah. The specific mention of "the first day of the week" confirms the early establishment of Sunday as the Lord's Day, commemorating Christ's resurrection on that day, as evidenced by Jesus' appearances to the disciples on multiple occasions on that very day (John 20:19, 26). This practice later receives further instruction and encouragement for ongoing observance in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:2.
Acts 20 8 Commentary
The gathering on "the first day of the week" establishes Sunday as the primary day of worship for Christians. The practice of "breaking bread" is more than just a meal; it's a solemn observance of the Lord's Supper, a remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, and a tangible expression of unity in Christ. Paul's engagement with the disciples, even with his imminent departure, underscores his dedication to teaching and strengthening the church. This act of fellowship before his leaving highlights the importance of communal worship and shared faith in the Christian life.
Practical Usage Examples:
- Churches regularly meet on Sundays for corporate worship and partake in the Lord's Supper.
- Believers are encouraged to share meals and fellowship, strengthening their bonds of love and support.
- Pastors and leaders are called to teach and minister to their congregations, particularly before transitioning to new assignments.