What a fascinating occasion it must have been at Troas as the believers ‘came together to break bread’. Troas was where Paul had received the vision of the man from Macedonia. Troas had been the place of waiting until fresh orders were received. Troas became a springboard for the extension of gospel testimony into Europe. Now, years later, what a gathering! Read the list in verse 4 – these represent some of the ‘first fruits’ of the work in Europe and Asia. What trophies of grace. What an occasion to be together. One well remembers being in meetings as a youngster and casting an eye over what were considered then to be a galaxy of men of God, and wanting to be like them! I wonder if this was what was in Eutychus’s mind as he too gathered? Just a ‘certain young man’, rubbing shoulders with the spiritual elite of his day. Would to God we had, now, more young men and women like him who aspire to be distinguished in God’s service and who want to be in the company of those who know God.
It had obviously been a long day as now they gathered for this evening meeting, and Paul’s extended discourse didn’t make it any easier for Eutychus. The heat in the upper chamber must have added to his condition, for after a while firstly he had ‘fallen into a deep sleep’, then ‘sunk down with sleep’, and finally ‘fell down … and was taken up dead’.
There are two lessons here. First, preachers need to take account of the content and length of their messages to avoid such a response from the congregation, especially younger members. Second, we as believers need to see to it that Satan doesn’t lull us into sleep – deep sleep and a resultant fall! A testimony built up over years can be lost in a moment when we are lulled to sleep and fail to hear the voice of the Lord. Sadly, many feel that our mere attendance at meetings is an indication of spirituality when in reality we are sound asleep and haven’t heard or responded to the Spirit’s voice in years.
Thankfully Eutychus was revived, restored and returned, but with what embarrassment. Even best intentions can lead to this, so always ‘watch and pray’ – that being in the right company may enable us both to hear and respond to the Lord.
