Acts 20:7

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:7 offers a pivotal snapshot of early Christian communal life, detailing a gathering of disciples in Troas on the first day of the week for fellowship and the breaking of bread. This assembly was marked by an extensive sermon delivered by the Apostle Paul, who was preparing for his imminent departure, underscoring the profound importance of teaching and spiritual nourishment within the nascent church. The verse vividly portrays the dedication of both the apostle and the believers, who continued in earnest discussion until the late hours of the night.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Paul's third missionary journey, specifically during his return trip to Jerusalem. Having spent three months in Greece, Paul is now making his way back, stopping in various cities to strengthen the churches he had founded. The immediate preceding verses (Acts 20:1-6) describe Paul's movements from Greece through Macedonia to Troas, where he stayed for seven days. The urgency of his departure "on the morrow" (Acts 20:7) sets the scene for this final, extended gathering with the Troas disciples, highlighting the significance of this farewell meeting before he continued his journey towards Jerusalem, where he anticipated facing significant challenges. The subsequent verses (Acts 20:8-12) recount the miraculous raising of Eutychus, an event that further emphasizes the spiritual power present at this gathering and the depth of Paul's commitment to the believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Troas, a significant port city in ancient Mysia on the northwest coast of Asia Minor, which served as a crucial transit point for travel between Asia and Europe. Paul had previously visited Troas (Acts 16:8-11) and had a strong connection there, even experiencing a vision calling him to Macedonia. The phrase "first day of the week" is profoundly significant, marking a departure from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) and establishing a distinct Christian pattern of worship. This shift likely emerged from the early church's profound commemoration of Christ's resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week [Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection Morning"). The practice of "breaking bread" was a common Jewish custom for sharing a meal, but in the early Christian context, it quickly became associated with the Lord's Supper, a central act of remembrance and fellowship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes found throughout the book of Acts and Paul's epistles. Firstly, it underscores the **corporate nature of early Christian worship and fellowship**, emphasizing the regular gathering of believers for shared spiritual life and mutual encouragement, a theme echoed in [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together"). Secondly, the centrality of **the Word of God and its proclamation** is highlighted by Paul's extended preaching, reflecting the apostolic emphasis on teaching and equipping the saints, a foundational aspect of the church's mission (cf. [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Early Church's Devotion")). Thirdly, the practice of **"breaking bread"** points to the early church's regular observance of the Lord's Supper, a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, as further expounded upon by Paul in [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sábbaton (Greek, _sábbaton'_):** This word, derived from Hebrew, refers to the Sabbath, the day of weekly repose. In the context of "first day of the week" (Greek: _mia ton sabbatōn_, literally "one of the Sabbaths" or "the first day after the Sabbath"), it clearly designates Sunday, marking the distinct Christian practice of gathering on the day of Christ's resurrection, setting it apart from the Jewish Sabbath.
* **kláō (Greek, _kláō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to break," specifically used here in the context of "breaking bread." While it can refer to the simple act of sharing a meal, in the context of early Christian gatherings, especially with apostolic presence, it carries the strong implication of the communal meal that included or was synonymous with the celebration of the Lord's Supper, commemorating Christ's body broken for humanity.
* **lógos (Greek, _lógos'_):** This multifaceted term refers to "something said (including the thought)," a "topic," "reasoning," or "speech." Here, it denotes Paul's "speech" or "discourse." In a broader theological sense, especially in John's Gospel, _lógos_ can refer to the Divine Expression, Christ Himself. In this verse, it emphasizes the content and substance of Paul's extended teaching, which would have been centered on the Gospel and Christian doctrine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And upon the first day of the week,"**: This phrase establishes the specific timing of the gathering, indicating a deliberate shift from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to Sunday as the primary day for Christian assembly. This choice was deeply rooted in the significance of Christ's resurrection on that day.
* **"when the disciples came together to break bread,"**: This describes the purpose of their assembly. "Breaking bread" signifies a communal meal, but in this early Christian context, it strongly implies the observance of the Lord's Supper, a central act of worship and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, often accompanied by fellowship and teaching.
* **"Paul preached unto them,"**: This highlights the central activity of the gathering: the authoritative teaching and exhortation by the Apostle Paul. His preaching was not merely informative but transformative, aimed at edifying and guiding the believers.
* **"ready to depart on the morrow;"**: This clause adds a layer of urgency and significance to Paul's sermon. Knowing it was likely his last opportunity to address these disciples before his journey, he poured himself into this final teaching, emphasizing his pastoral care and dedication.
* **"and continued his speech until midnight."**: This detail underscores the extraordinary length and intensity of Paul's discourse, reflecting both the profound hunger of the disciples for the Word and Paul's unwavering commitment to impart spiritual truth, even at the cost of personal comfort or time.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Narrative Detail** is prominent, providing precise information about the time ("first day of the week"), place (implied Troas gathering), and duration ("until midnight"), which grounds the spiritual event in historical reality and lends credibility to the account. The phrase "to break bread" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical meal but a deeply spiritual act of communion and remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, a practice that became foundational to Christian identity. Furthermore, Paul's decision to preach "until midnight" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, dramatically highlighting the intensity of his teaching and the disciples' earnest desire for instruction, underscoring the vital importance of the preached Word in the early church. The impending departure of Paul ("ready to depart on the morrow") also creates a sense of **Urgency** and **Pathos**, making this final sermon particularly poignant and memorable for the Troas community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:7 provides a foundational glimpse into the liturgical and communal practices of the early church, demonstrating a clear pattern of gathering on the first day of the week, engaging in the breaking of bread (likely the Lord's Supper), and prioritizing the teaching of God's Word. This verse offers significant theological insight into the nascent church's identity, distinguishing its worship from Jewish customs while maintaining continuity with the Old Testament's emphasis on communal gathering. It underscores the belief that the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week inaugurated a new covenant era, making Sunday the preeminent day for Christian assembly and worship. The prolonged preaching of Paul also highlights the vital role of apostolic teaching in shaping doctrine and nurturing spiritual growth, establishing a precedent for the centrality of expository preaching in Christian worship.

* [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to Disciples on Resurrection Day")
* [1 Corinthians 16:2](/1_corinthians/16-2 "1 Corinthians 16:2 - Collection on the First Day of the Week")
* [Luke 24:30-31](/luke/24-30-31 "Luke 24:30-31 - Jesus Breaks Bread with Disciples at Emmaus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:7 serves as a powerful model for contemporary Christian practice, inviting believers to reflect on the enduring principles of communal worship, the centrality of God's Word, and the significance of the Lord's Supper. The early church's dedication to gathering on the first day of the week, even for extended periods, challenges us to prioritize corporate worship and fellowship in our own lives, recognizing its vital role in spiritual growth and mutual encouragement. Paul's tireless preaching until midnight exemplifies the profound value placed on the diligent exposition of Scripture, urging us to cultivate a deep hunger for God's truth and to commit ourselves to both hearing and applying His Word. Furthermore, the practice of breaking bread reminds us of the continuous need to remember Christ's atoning sacrifice and His abiding presence among His people, fostering a spirit of gratitude, unity, and self-examination. This verse calls us to a dedicated and intentional approach to our faith, mirroring the earnestness of both the apostle and the disciples in Troas.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the early church's commitment to gathering on "the first day of the week" challenge my own priorities regarding corporate worship and fellowship?**
* **What does Paul's extended preaching until midnight reveal about the value I place on the teaching of God's Word in my life?**
* **In what ways can my participation in the "breaking of bread" (Communion/Lord's Supper) become a more profound and meaningful act of remembrance and anticipation?**
* **How can I emulate Paul's pastoral diligence and passion for sharing the Gospel in my own sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why did the early Christians meet on the "first day of the week" instead of the Jewish Sabbath?**

Answer: The shift from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to the "first day of the week" (Sunday) as the primary day of Christian assembly was deeply rooted in the pivotal event of Jesus Christ's resurrection. The Gospels consistently record that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week [Matthew 28:1](/matthew/28-1 "Matthew 28:1 - The Resurrection"), [Mark 16:2](/mark/16-2 "Mark 16:2 - The Resurrection"), [Luke 24:1](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Resurrection Morning"), [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - Mary Magdalene at the Tomb"). This new day symbolized the new creation and the new covenant inaugurated by Christ's victory over sin and death. Therefore, gathering on Sunday became a distinctive mark of Christian identity and a weekly celebration of the resurrection.

**What does "to break bread" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: While "breaking bread" could simply refer to sharing a common meal, in the context of early Christian gatherings, especially when apostles were present and it was a specific assembly of disciples, it carries the strong implication of the Lord's Supper (also known as Communion or Eucharist). This act was a central component of early Christian worship, instituted by Jesus Himself [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). It served as a sacred remembrance of Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, and a fellowship meal that symbolized the unity of believers in Christ.

**Was Paul's sermon truly "until midnight," and what does that imply?**

Answer: Yes, the text explicitly states Paul "continued his speech until midnight." This detail is significant and implies several things: the profound dedication of Paul to impart as much spiritual truth as possible before his departure, the deep hunger and attentiveness of the disciples to receive his teaching, and the spiritual intensity of the gathering. It underscores the high value placed on the proclamation and reception of God's Word in the early church, demonstrating that spiritual instruction was not a casual affair but a matter of utmost importance, warranting extended time and focus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:7, with its depiction of the early church gathering on the "first day of the week" to "break bread" and hear Paul's extended preaching, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. The very reason for the shift from the Jewish Sabbath to the first day of the week is the glorious resurrection of Christ, which occurred on that day [John 20:1](/john/20-1 "John 20:1 - The Resurrection Morning"). This new day signifies the new creation ushered in by Christ's victory over sin and death, making Him the Lord of the Sabbath and the new covenant. The act of "breaking bread" points directly to Christ's institution of the Lord's Supper, a perpetual remembrance of His body broken and blood shed for the redemption of humanity [Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). In this sacred meal, believers participate in the fellowship of His suffering and anticipate His return. Furthermore, Paul's tireless preaching of the "lógos" (word/speech) until midnight is fundamentally Christ-centered, as the content of his message was always the Gospel of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and Lordship [1 Corinthians 2:2](/1_corinthians/2-2 "1 Corinthians 2:2 - Paul's Sole Focus on Christ"). Christ Himself is the ultimate Word of God incarnate [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), and Paul's ministry was to make this living Word known, equipping believers to live in light of His finished work and glorious future. Thus, every element of this early church gathering in Troas implicitly and explicitly points to the centrality and supremacy of Jesus Christ.

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

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.