Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”

Extended Explanation

This verse gives us a glimpse into the early Christian practice of gathering for worship. The believers met on the first day of the week (Sunday), which is significant because it marks a shift from the Jewish Sabbath (Saturday) to the day of Jesus’ resurrection. This verse is one of the earliest biblical references to Christians meeting on Sundays.

The phrase “to break bread” likely refers to both a communal meal and the Lord’s Supper (communion). The early Christians often combined a shared meal with the observance of the Lord’s Supper, following the example Jesus set at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).

Paul, knowing he would be leaving the next day, took the opportunity to teach at length, continuing until midnight. This shows his dedication to instructing believers and making the most of his limited time with them. The long meeting also suggests that the believers were eager to learn and grow in their faith, even if it meant staying up late.

Historical Context

• The First Day of the Week – Early Christians began gathering on Sunday instead of Saturday to honor Jesus’ resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1). Over time, Sunday worship became the norm for Christian assemblies (1 Corinthians 16:2, Revelation 1:10).
• The Lord’s Supper – The breaking of bread was an essential part of Christian worship. Jesus instituted this practice at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20), and Paul later instructed believers on its significance (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
• Paul’s Urgency – Paul was on his way to Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by Pentecost (Acts 20:16). Because he was leaving soon, he took every opportunity to teach, even if it meant an unusually long sermon.
• Roman Work Schedules – Sunday was not a day off in the Roman world. Most people worked during the day, so believers likely gathered in the evening after their daily tasks, which explains why Paul’s teaching continued late into the night.

Theological Implications

1. Sunday as a Day of Worship – This verse supports the practice of Christian worship on Sunday, reinforcing that the resurrection of Jesus changed how believers approached the Sabbath and corporate gathering.
2. The Importance of Teaching and Discipleship – Paul’s willingness to teach until midnight highlights the central role of learning and growing in God’s Word. Spiritual maturity requires dedication to studying Scripture.
3. The Lord’s Supper as a Core Christian Practice – The breaking of bread was not just a meal but a time of remembering Christ’s sacrifice, reinforcing the deep connection between worship and the gospel.
4. Eagerness for God’s Word – The fact that believers stayed so late shows their hunger for biblical teaching. It challenges modern Christians to evaluate how much effort we put into learning and growing in our faith.

Literary Analysis

Luke, the author of Acts, includes small but significant details that help paint the scene.

• “On the first day of the week” signals a pattern of Sunday worship, showing that this was an established habit.
• “We came together to break bread” emphasizes the communal nature of the Christian faith.
• “Paul spoke… until midnight” shows the urgency of his message and the dedication of both Paul and the listeners.

Luke’s storytelling also sets up the dramatic event that follows—Eutychus, a young man, falls asleep and falls from a third-story window (Acts 20:9-12). This incident reinforces both the long teaching session and Paul’s commitment to serving the church even late into the night.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 28:1 – Jesus’ resurrection on the first day of the week.
• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Paul instructing believers to set aside offerings on Sundays.
• Revelation 1:10 – John referring to “the Lord’s Day,” which was likely Sunday.
• Luke 22:19-20 – Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper.
• Acts 2:42 – Early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the breaking of bread.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse encourages faithful commitment to worship, teaching, and fellowship. Just as the early believers gathered regularly to learn and take communion, modern Christians should prioritize corporate worship and biblical teaching.

It also challenges us to ask: How eager are we to grow in our faith? The believers in Troas were willing to stay up late because they valued God’s Word. In contrast, many today struggle to give even a small portion of their week to worship, study, and prayer.

Furthermore, this verse reminds us that the Lord’s Supper is not just a ritual—it’s a vital part of Christian worship. It helps us remember Christ’s sacrifice and unites us as His body.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is reflected in how He provides for His people—not just physically, but spiritually. He gave the early church teachers like Paul to strengthen their faith, and He continues to provide pastors and mentors today to help believers grow.

This verse also highlights God’s desire for fellowship with His people. The breaking of bread is a picture of community, showing that Christianity is meant to be lived together. God does not call us to follow Him alone—He calls us into a family of believers.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects to Jesus through:

1. The Lord’s Supper – Jesus commanded His disciples to break bread in remembrance of Him (Luke 22:19). The believers in Troas continued this practice, keeping Christ at the center of their worship.
2. Jesus as the Bread of Life – Breaking bread reminds us of Jesus’ teaching in John 6:35: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry.” Communion is a physical reminder of our dependence on Christ for spiritual life.
3. Jesus’ Resurrection and Sunday Worship – The shift to Sunday worship highlights the impact of Jesus’ resurrection, confirming that His victory over death changed how believers worshipped.
4. Jesus’ Example of Teaching – Like Paul, Jesus also took every opportunity to teach, often teaching large crowds for extended periods (Matthew 5-7). His disciples carried on this same mission after His ascension.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the example of the early church challenge your own commitment to worship and learning God’s Word?
2. How can you develop a deeper hunger for biblical teaching?
3. What does the breaking of bread mean to you? How can you make communion more meaningful in your own faith?
4. How can you help strengthen the Christian community around you, just as Paul did?
5. What does this verse teach us about the significance of gathering together as believers?

Acts 20:7 is a powerful reminder that Christianity is built on worship, teaching, fellowship, and remembering Christ’s sacrifice. The early church was eager to learn and devoted to gathering together. May we follow their example, making time for God’s Word, communion, and community in our own lives.