The Book of Acts

Paul’s Final Visit to Troas

 

“On the first day of the week, we gathered with the local believers to break bread together.” (Acts 20:7-12 NLT)

            While in Troas, Paul met with a group of local believers. There was an informal church that gathered there, and from the scriptures, it is apparent that Paul wasn’t involved in the starting of this congregation. In spite of that, and as a credit to the places Paul had been to, “the Gospel had radiated out from many centers of influence in Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, and Achaia to penetrate the Gentile world of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Thus at Troas Paul and his colleagues found a group of believers and met with them "to break bread" and to give instruction regarding the Christian life.” ^[1]

            The accounting of the death of the young man named Eutychus is yet another miraculous event in the life of the early church. The room was lit by many candles. That and the large crowd that had gathered in the upper room of this dwelling could have easily caused this young man to become drowsy and fall asleep.  As a result of his was sitting on the windowsill, he fell 3 stories to his death. Those gathered must have rushed down to see if the man had survived, though scripture doesn’t say so. We are told in verse 10 that Paul went downstairs. It didn’t say he ran or rushed to get down there. I believe that confidence in the Lord’s ability to use us to change a situation enabled Paul not to panic. He knew in his heart and in his spirit that if it isn’t time for a person to leave this earth, then Eutychus’ death would simply be a vehicle to show these believers the full power of God. Verse 10 says: “Paul went down, bent over him, and took him into his arms. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said, ‘he’s alive!’”

            Undaunted by this supposed tragedy, which turned into a lifesaving miracle, Paul went back upstairs and continued to preach until dawn. It would seem that the people there were hungry for God’s word, because there were no recorded complaints regarding Paul’s long-windedness. He was anointed by the Spirit to speak to them the truth of God and they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, especially after a dead man was made alive again. Once he was finished saying what he felt God wanted said, Paul left. The young man? He was taken home very much alive and feeling just fine. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible