Act 20:7, 9 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 7. And upon the first day of the week . Showing thus that this day was then observed buy Christians as holy time. Comp. ; . To break bread . Evidently to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Comp. . So the Syriac understands it, by translating it, "to break the Eucharist," i.e. the eucharistic bread. It is probable that the apostles and early Christians celebrated the Lord's Supper on every Lord's-day. And continued his speech until midnight . The discourse of Paul continued until the breaking of day, . But it was interrupted about midnight by the accident that occurred to Eutychus. The fact that Paul was about to leave them on the next day, probably to see them no more, was the principal reason why his discourse was so long continued. We are not to suppose, however, that it was one continued or set discourse. No small part of the time might have been passed in hearing and answering questions, though Paul was the chief speaker. The case proves that such seasons of extraordinary devotion may, in peculiar circumstances, be proper. Occasions may arise where it will be proper for Christians to spend a much longer time than usual in public worship. It is evident, however, that such seasons do not often occur. (l) "first day" (m) "break bread" (++) "speech" "discourse"

Acts 20:7

Verse 7. And upon the first day of the week. Showing thus that this day was then observed buy Christians as holy time. Comp. 1Cor 16:2; Rev 1:10.

To break bread. Evidently to celebrate the Lord's Supper. Comp. Acts 2:46. So the Syriac understands it, by translating it, "to break the Eucharist," i.e. the eucharistic bread. It is probable that the apostles and early Christians celebrated the Lord's Supper on every Lord's-day.

And continued his speech until midnight. The discourse of Paul continued until the breaking of day, Acts 20:11. But it was interrupted about midnight by the accident that occurred to Eutychus. The fact that Paul was about to leave them on the next day, probably to see them no more, was the principal reason why his discourse was so long continued. We are not to suppose, however, that it was one continued or set discourse. No small part of the time might have been passed in hearing and answering questions, though Paul was the chief speaker. The case proves that such seasons of extraordinary devotion may, in peculiar circumstances, be proper. Occasions may arise where it will be proper for Christians to spend a much longer time than usual in public worship. It is evident, however, that such seasons do not often occur.

(l) "first day" 1Cor 16:2, Rev 1:10 (m) "break bread" Acts 2:42,46, 1Cor 10:16, 11:20-34 (++) "speech" "discourse"

Acts 20:9

Verse 9. And there sat in a window. The window was left open, probably to avoid the malice of their enemies, who might be disposed otherwise to charge them with holding their assemblies in darkness for purposes of iniquity. The window was a mere opening in the wall to let in light, as there was no glass known at that time; and as the shutters of the window were not closed, there was nothing to prevent Eutychus from falling down.

The third loft. The third story.

And was taken up dead. Some have supposed that he was merely stunned with the fall, and that he was still alive. But the obvious and therefore the safest interpretation is, that he was actually killed by the fall, and was miraculously restored to life. This is an instance of sleeping in public worship that has some apology. The late hour of the night, and the length of the services, were the excuse. But, though the thing is often done now, yet how seldom is a sleeper in a church furnished with an excuse for it. No practice is more shameful, disrespectful, and abominable, than that so common of sleeping in the house of God.