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.

And {G1161} upon {G1722} the first {G3391} day of the week {G4521}, when the disciples {G3101} came together {G4863} to break {G2806} bread {G740}, Paul {G3972} preached {G1256} unto them {G846}, ready {G3195} to depart {G1826} on the morrow {G1887}; and {G5037} continued {G3905} his speech {G3056} until {G3360} midnight {G3317}.

On Motza’ei-Shabbat, when we were gathered to break bread, Sha’ul addressed them. Since he was going to leave the next day, he kept talking until midnight.

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Since Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.

And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.

Commentary

Acts 20:7 provides a valuable glimpse into the practices of the early Christian church, particularly concerning their worship and fellowship, as the Apostle Paul concludes his ministry in Troas.

Context

This verse is set during Paul's third missionary journey, specifically in the city of Troas, on his way back to Jerusalem. Paul was "ready to depart on the morrow," indicating that this gathering was a significant farewell meeting with the local disciples. His extended stay in Troas (implied by the urgency of his departure) allowed for this important assembly, demonstrating the strong bond between Paul and the burgeoning Christian communities he helped establish. This setting underscores the earnestness of Paul's teaching and the disciples' desire for fellowship.

Key Themes

  • Early Christian Worship on Sunday: The phrase "upon the first day of the week" is crucial. It signifies the early church's practice of gathering on what we now call Sunday, distinguishing their worship from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday). This practice likely emerged to commemorate the day of Christ's resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week.
  • The Centrality of "Breaking Bread": When the disciples "came together to break bread," it refers to a communal meal that often included the celebration of the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or Eucharist. This act was a foundational element of early Christian fellowship and worship, remembering Christ's sacrifice and anticipating His return. Paul elaborates on its significance in his letters, emphasizing its remembrance of Christ's body and blood.
  • The Importance of Preaching and Teaching: Paul's decision to preach "until midnight" underscores the high value placed on the proclamation and teaching of God's Word in the early church. His sermon was not a casual talk but a fervent, lengthy discourse, reflecting his dedication to equipping the believers and his awareness that this might be his last opportunity with them. This commitment to teaching is a hallmark of effective spiritual leadership, as seen throughout Paul's ministry.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek phrase for "first day of the week" is mia ton sabbaton, literally "one of the Sabbaths" or "the first day after the Sabbath." This clearly indicates Sunday, reinforcing its significance as the day of Christian assembly.
  • "To break bread" (Greek: klasai arton) is a common New Testament phrase. While it can refer to a regular meal, in the context of a church gathering, especially with apostles, it strongly implies the observance of the Lord's Supper alongside or as part of a fellowship meal.

Practical Application

Acts 20:7 offers enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing Corporate Worship: The early church gathered regularly on the first day of the week, setting a pattern for Christian assemblies. This highlights the importance of communal worship, fellowship, and mutual encouragement among believers.
  • Valuing God's Word: Paul's all-night sermon demonstrates the profound importance of diligent and passionate teaching of Scripture. Believers should seek out and commit to understanding and applying God's truth in their lives, just as the disciples in Troas listened intently. This commitment to the Word of God remains central to Christian growth.
  • The Significance of Communion: The act of breaking bread reminds us to regularly remember Christ's atoning sacrifice and His ongoing presence among His people. It's a powerful symbol of our unity in Him and a call to examine ourselves.
  • Diligence in Ministry: Paul's willingness to preach for hours, even knowing he was departing, exemplifies a deep commitment to his calling and the spiritual well-being of the flock. This encourages all believers, especially leaders, to serve with unwavering dedication and passion for the Gospel.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 16:2

    Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

  • John 20:19

    ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

  • Acts 2:42

    ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

  • John 20:1

    ¶ The first [day] of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

  • Acts 20:11

    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.

  • Revelation 1:10

    I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Acts 28:23

    ¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.
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