The disciples came together to break bread

Much is passed over in the first three verses of this chapter. However, once again we see Paul engaged in a ministry of ‘much exhortation’, v. 2, and facing renewed opposition from the Jews, v. 3. The dangers and trials of this particular stage of his journeys are passed over. Having sent on ahead certain of his companions he sails from Philippi to Troas, once again accompanied by Luke, who now remains with him until the end of the book of Acts, and beyond.

It is interesting to note that although Paul was working to a tight schedule - he wanted to be in Jerusalem at Pentecost, v. 16, less than six weeks away, cp. v. 6 - he was prepared to wait at Troas until the believers met ‘to break bread’, v. 7. A number of points can be inferred from this. Firstly, the importance of the breaking of bread: Paul did not want to miss it more often than he could help. Secondly, it was the focal point of the gathering: it is the reason given for their coming together, that is, it was not Paul’s preaching that drew them, with the breaking of bread tagged on as an extra. Thirdly, it was observed only on the first day of the week: the day was not changed simply because Paul was there and was in a hurry. Fourthly, although the day itself was fixed it was conducted at a time that was convenient for the believers: it is evident that they came together in the evening which was presumably the first opportunity that they had for doing so.

Note the dedication of these believers. They gathered at the end of, for some of them (Eutychus probably to be included), a hard day’s work. Then they were prepared to listen to Paul until midnight initially, then ‘even till break of day’, v. 11, thence to go back to another hard day’s work on the Monday. How many of us consider an hour’s ministry meeting to be long enough? How much do we appreciate the fellowship of saints and the nourishment of the word of God?

We cannot be too hard on Eutychus. How many of us in similar circumstances would have done the same? Perhaps he wanted the cooler air from the open window to help him to stay awake? At any rate, in the mercy of God tragedy was averted.