Acts 20:01-12 Revival despite Persecutions
20:01-06 Paul in Macedonia and Greece
20:07-12 Eutychus of Troas
Acts 20:01-06 Paul in Macedonia and Greece
Paul peacefully left Ephesus after the uproar had come to an end. He met the disciples over there and encouraged them to continue in faith. Finally, he arrived in Greece. Jews plotted against Paul to kill him. He travelled through Macedonia.
Paul had the companionship of Sopater ben of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia. These co-workers, disciples and young leaders went to Troas and waited over there to meet Paul. They spent seven days together.
Paul spent time with them to encourage and challenge them to stay in faith without wavering and to take care of the churches in those areas. It is good to know his companions who had some part in the mission work along with Paul. Later they all became leaders of the Church. We have a few of them mentioned at the later stage of Paul’s life.
Acts 20:07-12 Eutychus of Troas
For the first time, we hear the breaking of the bread by Paul during their night meeting. It seems that he was preaching throughout the night. This particular act describes the passion for ministry, vision for the mission and thirst for the souls.
A young man was seated on the window of an upstairs and listened to the messages. He had fallen asleep and fell from the upper room. He was declared dead. But Paul raised him alive through prayer. It is noteworthy that young people loved to hear the messages of Paul, and they were all very active even in the night meetings. Paul could have been an inspiring preacher, teacher of the word on those days. He attracted scholars, rich ladies and leaders of the society and even young men and women. His commitment and prayer brought so many to Christ.
Though Paul had to leave the next day, he spent that night preaching. He was a very calculative and time-oriented person. So he spent more profitably. That meeting went up to the break of daylight. Paul spoke to comfort them through and miracle. Paul became a powerful instrument in the hands of God.
Discussion:
1. Why does Luke mention the names of the companions of Paul?
2. Do we need to hold Night prayers even these days?
(For further studies on Acts of the Apostles refer to this site)
