Acts 20:7
What does Acts 20:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:7 means
On the first day of the week the believers gather to break bread, and Paul, planning to leave the next day, extends his teaching until midnight. This verse gives a window into early Christian practice: the Lord’s Day assembly, the centrality of teaching, and the shared meal that likely includes the Lord’s Supper. The late hour reflects eagerness to hear, especially with Paul’s departure imminent. Far from a casual drop-in, this is sustained, serious instruction meant to ground the church. The scene balances devotion and normal human limits—soon highlighted by Eutychus’s fatigue—yet it showcases the church’s hunger for the Word and fellowship in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And on the first day of the week, when we had come together for the holy meal, Paul gave them a talk, for it was his purpose to go away on the day after; and he went on talking till after the middle of the night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And on the first of the week, the disciples having been gathered together to break bread, Paul was discoursing to them, about to depart on the morrow, he was also continuing the discourse till midnight,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow. And he continued his speech until midnight.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the first day of the week, we being assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed to them, about to depart on the morrow. And he prolonged the discourse till midnight.
Context
After a week in Troas, the narrative focuses on a specific gathering. Paul’s imminent departure creates urgency for extended discourse. The environment (upper room, many lamps) and the length of the meeting will lead to the incident with Eutychus (verses 8–9). Then, God’s mercy through Paul will restore the young man (verse 10), and the meeting will continue until dawn (verse 11). This episode underscores both the human fragility in the church and the divine power that sustains its life and worship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 20:1
Now on the firstdayof the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet dark, unto the tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb.
- John 20:26
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
- Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2
Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.
- Acts 20:9
And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, borne down with deep sleep; and as Paul discoursed yet longer, being borne down by his sleep he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.
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