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.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G1161} he {G305} therefore was come up again {G305}, and {G2532} had broken {G2806} bread {G740}, and {G2532} eaten {G1089}, and {G5037} talked {G3656}{G1909} a long while {G2425}, even till {G891} break of day {G827}, so {G3779} he departed {G1831}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he went back upstairs, broke the bread and ate. He continued talking with them till daylight, then left.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking until daybreak, he departed.

American Standard Version

And when he was gone up, and had broken the bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even till break of day, so he departed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:11 describes the continuation and conclusion of a significant gathering in Troas, following the miraculous resurrection of Eutychus. After Paul had come back upstairs, he shared a meal, which likely included the Lord's Supper, and continued to teach and converse with the believers for an extended period, lasting until dawn. This final, intimate communion underscored the depth of their fellowship and Paul's unwavering commitment to spiritual nourishment and instruction before his departure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the narrative of Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his return trip to Jerusalem. Immediately preceding Acts 20:11, the dramatic incident of Eutychus's fall and subsequent miraculous resurrection by Paul is recounted in [Acts 20:9-10](/acts/20-9-10 "Acts 20:9-10 - The Resurrection of Eutychus"). Paul had been preaching late into the night, causing Eutychus to fall from a third-story window. Paul's immediate action to restore the young man to life not only averted tragedy but also served as a powerful divine affirmation of his ministry. Acts 20:11 then describes the resumption of their fellowship and Paul's continued teaching, indicating that the miraculous intervention did not disrupt the spiritual purpose of their gathering but rather intensified its significance. This verse marks the peaceful, yet poignant, conclusion of Paul's time with the Troas believers before he embarks on the next leg of his journey, leading eventually to his farewell address to the Ephesian elders in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Early Christian gatherings, particularly in the Greco-Roman world, often involved shared meals, known as "love feasts" or *agape* meals, which frequently incorporated the observance of the Lord's Supper. These gatherings were not merely ceremonial but were central to the community's life, fostering deep fellowship, mutual encouragement, and spiritual instruction. The phrase "broken bread" (Greek: *klasanta arton*) held significant cultural weight, referring to the common practice of sharing a meal, but within the Christian context, it also carried the profound theological meaning of the Eucharist or Lord's Supper, as seen in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper"). The extended duration of Paul's discourse "till break of day" was not uncommon for ancient philosophical or religious teachers and their eager disciples, reflecting a deep hunger for knowledge and spiritual truth among the early believers. Travel in the ancient world was often undertaken at dawn to maximize daylight and avoid the heat of the day, making Paul's departure at "break of day" a practical necessity for his onward journey.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:11 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Communion**, highlighting the importance of shared meals and spiritual unity among believers. The act of breaking bread was a tangible expression of their common faith and bond in Christ, echoing the practices of the early church described in [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Devotion of the Early Church"). Secondly, it exemplifies **Dedicated Teaching and Discipleship**. Paul's willingness to speak "a long while, even till break of day" showcases his profound commitment to diligently teaching the Word and nurturing the faith of his converts, a hallmark of his apostolic ministry (cf. [Acts 20:20](/acts/20-20 "Acts 20:20 - Paul's Comprehensive Teaching")). This tireless effort reflects the urgency and importance of gospel proclamation and spiritual formation. Thirdly, the verse, in its immediate aftermath of Eutychus's resurrection, subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Power and Resurrection**, demonstrating that God's power was actively at work through Paul, not only in miraculous healing but also in sustaining the spiritual life of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **come up again (Greek, _anabaínō'_):** This verb signifies a movement upwards, here specifically Paul's return to the upper room after descending to attend to Eutychus. The action of "coming up again" (G305) is crucial as it marks the resumption of the gathering, emphasizing that the miraculous event did not end their time together but rather confirmed the divine presence and allowed for the continuation of their fellowship and instruction.
* **broken (Greek, _kláō'_):** This verb (G2806) specifically means "to break," often referring to the breaking of bread. In the context of early Christian gatherings, especially after a long night of teaching, this act carries significant weight. While it denotes a common meal, it strongly alludes to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, a central act of worship and remembrance for the early church, symbolizing unity and Christ's sacrifice.
* **talked (Greek, _homiléō'_):** This verb (G3656) means "to be in company with" or "to converse." It highlights Paul's continued interaction with the believers, not just in formal preaching but in extended, intimate conversation and teaching. The duration, "a long while, even till break of day," underscores the depth of their engagement and the spiritual hunger of the audience, as well as Paul's dedication to imparting truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When he therefore was come up again,"**: This phrase directly follows the miraculous resurrection of Eutychus, indicating Paul's return from the ground floor to the upper room where the assembly was gathered. The "therefore" (G1161, *dé*) links this action as a consequence or continuation of the preceding events, showing that the dramatic miracle did not disrupt but rather affirmed the purpose of their meeting.
* **"and had broken bread,"**: This action signifies the sharing of a meal. In the context of early Christian gatherings, especially after a long period of teaching and fellowship, this act almost certainly refers to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, a communal meal of remembrance and unity. It was a central practice for the early church, symbolizing their communion with Christ and with one another.
* **"and eaten,"**: This simple clause confirms that the "breaking of bread" was indeed followed by the actual consumption of food, emphasizing the physical aspect of their shared meal and fellowship. It suggests a time of nourishment, both physical and spiritual, after the intense events of the night.
* **"and talked a long while, even till break of day,"**: This highlights Paul's tireless dedication to teaching and conversing with the believers. The phrase "a long while" (G2425, *hikanós*) and the specific temporal marker "till break of day" (G891, *áchri* G827, *augḗ*) underscore the extraordinary duration of their spiritual engagement. It speaks to the profound spiritual hunger of the congregation and Paul's unwavering commitment to imparting God's truth.
* **"so he departed."**: This final clause marks the conclusion of Paul's time in Troas and his onward journey. The word "so" (G3779, *hoútō*) indicates that his departure was a direct result or consequence of the preceding actions—having ministered fully and completed his time with them. It signifies a transition, as Paul moves on to the next phase of his missionary endeavors.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Narrative Progression** is evident in the straightforward, chronological account of Paul's actions, moving from his ascent to the room, through the shared meal and extended discourse, to his eventual departure. This simple yet effective progression creates a sense of continuity and purpose. The phrase "talked a long while, even till break of day" utilizes **Hyperbole** or perhaps **Understatement** to emphasize the extraordinary dedication of Paul and the eagerness of his audience. While literally true that he spoke until dawn, the phrasing highlights the depth of their spiritual engagement and Paul's unwavering commitment, making the duration itself a testament to the power of the Word. Furthermore, the act of "broken bread" carries significant **Symbolism**. Beyond a simple meal, it functions as a powerful symbol of Christian fellowship, unity, and almost certainly the **Eucharist** or Lord's Supper, which commemorates Christ's sacrifice. This symbolic act reinforces the spiritual nourishment and communal bond shared by the early believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:11 beautifully encapsulates the essence of early Christian community life: deep fellowship, sustained spiritual instruction, and the powerful presence of God even amidst human frailty. The "breaking of bread" transcends a mere physical meal, pointing to the profound spiritual communion found in the Lord's Supper, which unites believers with Christ and with one another in remembrance of His atoning sacrifice. Paul's tireless teaching until dawn underscores the value placed on the Word of God and the dedication required for effective spiritual leadership, mirroring Christ's own commitment to teaching. This verse, following the resurrection of Eutychus, also subtly reinforces the theme of God's life-giving power at work through His apostles, providing comfort and assurance to the nascent church.

* [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")
* [1 Corinthians 10:16-17](/1_corinthians/10-16-17 "1 Corinthians 10:16-17 - The Cup of Blessing and the Bread")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Exhortation to Love and Good Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational elements of vibrant Christian community: intentional fellowship, dedicated teaching, and a deep hunger for God's Word. Paul's perseverance in ministry, even after a dramatic miracle and through the night, challenges us to consider our own commitment to spiritual growth and the nourishment of others. Are we willing to invest significant time and energy in communal worship, the study of Scripture, and genuine fellowship, even when it demands sacrifice? This passage encourages us to prioritize gathering with fellow believers, not just for a quick service, but for meaningful engagement that fosters spiritual depth and unity. It also calls leaders to emulate Paul's tireless dedication in equipping the saints, and it encourages believers to eagerly receive instruction, recognizing the transformative power of God's truth. Ultimately, it reminds us that true Christian life is a journey of continuous learning, shared experience, and unwavering faith, sustained by the presence of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Paul's tireless teaching inspire or challenge your own commitment to spiritual growth and discipleship?**
* **In what ways can your community of faith cultivate a deeper hunger for God's Word and more extended, meaningful fellowship, similar to the gathering in Troas?**
* **What does the "breaking of bread" in this context teach us about the significance of communion and shared meals in Christian life today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "broken bread" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "broken bread" (Greek: *klasanta arton*) carries dual significance. On one hand, it refers to the common practice of sharing a meal, a fundamental act of hospitality and fellowship in the ancient world. On the other hand, within the context of early Christian gatherings, especially after a period of intense teaching and following a miracle, it almost certainly alludes to the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or Eucharist. This sacred meal, instituted by Jesus Himself ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper")), was central to early Christian worship, symbolizing Christ's body broken for the forgiveness of sins and uniting believers in communion with Him and with each other. The early church was devoted to "the breaking of bread" as a core practice ([Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Devotion of the Early Church")), indicating its profound spiritual and communal importance.

**Why did Paul talk "a long while, even till break of day"?**

Answer: Paul's extended discourse, lasting until dawn, highlights several key aspects. Firstly, it demonstrates Paul's profound dedication and commitment to teaching the Word of God and nurturing the faith of the believers. He was willing to expend himself fully for the spiritual benefit of the church. Secondly, it reflects the deep spiritual hunger and eagerness of the believers in Troas, who were so captivated by Paul's instruction that they remained attentive for hours, even after a dramatic event like Eutychus's resurrection. This kind of extended teaching was not uncommon for ancient philosophical or religious teachers and their devoted disciples. It underscores the value placed on comprehensive spiritual instruction and the transformative power of God's truth in the early church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:11, while describing a post-resurrection gathering and Paul's ministry, resonates deeply with Christ-centered fulfillment. The act of "breaking bread" profoundly foreshadows and remembers Christ, who is the true [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), given for the life of the world. His body was literally "broken" on the cross, and His sacrifice is commemorated in the Lord's Supper, which the Troas believers likely observed. Furthermore, the tireless teaching of Paul, extending "till break of day," reflects the very heart of Christ's ministry, who taught tirelessly, often to large crowds and for extended periods, revealing the [mysteries of the Kingdom of God](/mark/4-11 "Mark 4:11 - The Mystery of the Kingdom"). The power to raise Eutychus from the dead, immediately preceding this verse, is a direct manifestation of the resurrection power of Christ, who [overcame death Himself](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life") and promised His followers that they would do even greater works through His Spirit ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). Finally, Paul's departure at dawn, after fully ministering to the saints, mirrors Christ's own ascension after completing His earthly ministry, leaving His disciples equipped and empowered by the Spirit to continue His work until His glorious return ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 20:7

¶ And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Acts 20:9

And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead.