The Christians returned to their third-story room and resumed their meeting. The Greek phrase klasas ton arton kai geusamenos, "broken the bread and eaten," can refer to an ordinary meal rather than the Lord"s Supper. [1] Or the Lord"s Supper may be in view here. [2] Paul then continued speaking until daybreak. He and the Troas Christians realized that this might be their final opportunity to meet together, so in spite of the unusual incident involving Eutychus they made the most of their opportunity. [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Acts 20:1-12 - A Messenger Of Truth And Life
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians should be read with the introductory verses of this chapter, as it reveals the Apostle's inner mind at this time. He seems to have been less impressed with the imminent peril from which he had been rescued, and more solicitous as to the condition of the church at Corinth, to which he had addressed his first Epistle during the early days of his Ephesian ministry.
Into how small a compass, Acts 20:3, the evangelist crowds the three months' ministry in Greece, where he visited the scenes of his memorable first journey. In a few lines he enumerates the companions of his return journey, and before we are well aware we are back again in Troas and on our way to Jerusalem.
Notice that reference to the breaking of bread on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7. This proves that the primitive Church was adopting the first day of the week for its characteristic meal; and as the Gentile element became predominant, it is easy to see how gradually and inevitably Sunday superseded Saturday as the rest day. See also Colossians 2:16. It is possible that Eutychus was not already dead, although believed to be so. In that case, Paul's loving embrace and prayer restored him from the swoon that might easily have become death. Can we not imagine the theme of that talk which lasted till dawn! [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 20
1Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas 7He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches 9Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life 13Paul continues his travels; 17and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself, 28commits God's flock to them, 29warns them of false teachers, 32commends them to God, 36prays with them, and departs
Greek Commentary for Acts 20:11
When he was gone up [αναβας] Second aorist active participle in sharp contrast to καταβας katabas (went down) of Acts 20:10. [source]
Had broken bread [κλασας τον αρτον] Probably the Eucharist to observe which ordinance Paul had come and tarried (Acts 20:7), though some scholars distinguish between what took place in Acts 20:7 and Acts 20:11, needlessly so as was stated on Acts 20:7. And eaten (και γευσαμενος kai geusamenos). The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. And had talked with them a long while Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
And eaten [και γευσαμενος] The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. [source]
And had talked with them a long while [επ ικανον τε ομιλησας] Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
So he departed [ουτως εχηλτεν] Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
Having gone up [] From the court to the chamber above. [source]
Talked [ὁμιλήσας] Rather, communed. It denotes a more familiar and confidential intercourse than discoursed, in Acts 20:7. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 20:11
Luke 24:14They communed [ωμιλουν] Imperfect active of ομιλεω homileō old and common verb (from ομιλος homilos in company with). In the N.T. only here (and Luke 24:15) and Acts 20:11; Acts 24:26. Our word homiletics is derived from this word for preaching was at first largely conversational in style and not declamatory. [source]
Acts 10:27As he talked with him [sunomilōn autōi)] Present active participle of sunomileō rare compound and here alone in the N.T., with associative instrumental case. The uncompounded verb is common enough though in the N.T. only in Luke 24:14 which see and Acts 20:11; Acts 24:26. [source]
Acts 20:7When we were gathered together [συνηγμενων ημων] Genitive absolute, perfect passive participle of συναγω sunagō to gather together, a formal meeting of the disciples. See this verb used for gatherings of disciples in Acts 4:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 14:27; Acts 15:6,Acts 15:30; Acts 19:7,Acts 19:8; 1 Corinthians 5:4. In Hebrews 10:25 the substantive επισυναγωγην episunagōgēn is used for the regular gatherings which some were already neglecting. It is impossible for a church to flourish without regular meetings even if they have to meet in the catacombs as became necessary in Rome. In Russia today the Soviets are trying to break up conventicles of Baptists. They probably met on our Saturday evening, the beginning of the first day at sunset. So these Christians began the day (Sunday) with worship. But, since this is a Gentile community, it is quite possible that Luke means our Sunday evening as the time when this meeting occurs, and the language in John 20:19 “it being evening on that day the first day of the week” naturally means the evening following the day, not the evening preceding the day. To break bread (κλασαι αρτον klasai arton). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of κλαω klaō The language naturally bears the same meaning as in Acts 2:42, the Eucharist or the Lord‘s Supper which usually followed the Αγαπη Agapē See note on 1 Corinthians 10:16. The time came, when the Αγαπη Agapē was no longer observed, perhaps because of the abuses noted in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Rackham argues that the absence of the article with bread here and its presence (τον αρτον ton arton) in Acts 20:11 shows that the Αγαπη Agapē is ] referred to in Acts 20:7 and the Eucharist in Acts 20:11, but not necessarily so because τον αρτον ton arton may merely refer to αρτον arton in Acts 20:7. At any rate it should be noted that Paul, who conducted this service, was not a member of the church in Troas, but only a visitor. Discoursed Imperfect middle because he kept on at length. Intending (μελλω mellō). Being about to, on the point of. On the morrow Locative case with ημεραι hēmerāi understood after the adverb επαυριον epaurion If Paul spoke on our Saturday evening, he made the journey on the first day of the week (our Sunday) after sunrise. If he spoke on our Sunday evening, then he left on our Monday morning. Prolonged his speech (Παρετεινεν τον λογον Pareteinen ton logon). Imperfect active (same form as aorist) of παρατεινω parateinō old verb to stretch beside or lengthwise, to prolong. Vivid picture of Paul‘s long sermon which went on and on till midnight (μεχρι μεσονυκτιου mechri mesonuktiou). Paul‘s purpose to leave early next morning seemed to justify the long discourse. Preachers usually have some excuse for the long sermon which is not always clear to the exhausted audience. [source]
Acts 20:7To break bread [κλασαι αρτον] First aorist active infinitive of purpose of κλαω klaō The language naturally bears the same meaning as in Acts 2:42, the Eucharist or the Lord‘s Supper which usually followed the Αγαπη Agapē See note on 1 Corinthians 10:16. The time came, when the Αγαπη Agapē was no longer observed, perhaps because of the abuses noted in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Rackham argues that the absence of the article with bread here and its presence (τον αρτον ton arton) in Acts 20:11 shows that the Αγαπη Agapē is ] referred to in Acts 20:7 and the Eucharist in Acts 20:11, but not necessarily so because τον αρτον ton arton may merely refer to αρτον arton in Acts 20:7. At any rate it should be noted that Paul, who conducted this service, was not a member of the church in Troas, but only a visitor. [source]
Acts 24:26The oftener [πυκνοτερον] Comparative adverb of πυκνος puknos old word, in N.T. only here and Luke 5:33 which see and 1 Timothy 5:23. Kin to πυγμη pugmē (Mark 7:3) which see from πυκω pukō thick, dense, compact. Paul kept on not offering a bribe, but Felix continued to have hopes (present tense ελπιζων elpizōn), kept on sending for him (present tense μεταπεμπομενος metapempomenos), and kept on communing (imperfect active ωμιλει hōmilei from ομιλεω homileō old word as in Acts 20:11; Luke 24:14, which see, only N.T. examples of this word). But he was doomed to disappointment. He was never terrified again. [source]
Acts 20:11Had broken bread [κλασας τον αρτον] Probably the Eucharist to observe which ordinance Paul had come and tarried (Acts 20:7), though some scholars distinguish between what took place in Acts 20:7 and Acts 20:11, needlessly so as was stated on Acts 20:7. And eaten (και γευσαμενος kai geusamenos). The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. And had talked with them a long while Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
2 Corinthians 4:4Shine [αὐγάσαι] Only here in the New Testament. From αὐγή brightnesswhich also occurs but once, Acts 20:11, daybreak. In classical Greek of the sun especially. Rev., dawn is legitimate as a translation, but hardly here, since Paul is going back to the figure of 2 Corinthians 3:18. [source]
What do the individual words in Acts 20:11 mean?
Having gone upthenandhaving brokenthebreadhaving eatenforlongandhaving talkeduntildaybreaksohe departed
Greek Commentary for Acts 20:11
Second aorist active participle in sharp contrast to καταβας katabas (went down) of Acts 20:10. [source]
Probably the Eucharist to observe which ordinance Paul had come and tarried (Acts 20:7), though some scholars distinguish between what took place in Acts 20:7 and Acts 20:11, needlessly so as was stated on Acts 20:7. And eaten (και γευσαμενος kai geusamenos). The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. And had talked with them a long while Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. [source]
Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
From the court to the chamber above. [source]
Rather, communed. It denotes a more familiar and confidential intercourse than discoursed, in Acts 20:7. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 20:11
Imperfect active of ομιλεω homileō old and common verb (from ομιλος homilos in company with). In the N.T. only here (and Luke 24:15) and Acts 20:11; Acts 24:26. Our word homiletics is derived from this word for preaching was at first largely conversational in style and not declamatory. [source]
See on talked, Acts 20:11. [source]
Rev., correctly, desired to eat. Γευέσθαι is rendered both to eat and to taste, more frequently the latter. See Matthew 27:34; John 2:9; 1 Peter 2:3; and compare Acts 20:11. [source]
Present active participle of sunomileō rare compound and here alone in the N.T., with associative instrumental case. The uncompounded verb is common enough though in the N.T. only in Luke 24:14 which see and Acts 20:11; Acts 24:26. [source]
Genitive absolute, perfect passive participle of συναγω sunagō to gather together, a formal meeting of the disciples. See this verb used for gatherings of disciples in Acts 4:31; Acts 11:26; Acts 14:27; Acts 15:6, Acts 15:30; Acts 19:7, Acts 19:8; 1 Corinthians 5:4. In Hebrews 10:25 the substantive επισυναγωγην episunagōgēn is used for the regular gatherings which some were already neglecting. It is impossible for a church to flourish without regular meetings even if they have to meet in the catacombs as became necessary in Rome. In Russia today the Soviets are trying to break up conventicles of Baptists. They probably met on our Saturday evening, the beginning of the first day at sunset. So these Christians began the day (Sunday) with worship. But, since this is a Gentile community, it is quite possible that Luke means our Sunday evening as the time when this meeting occurs, and the language in John 20:19 “it being evening on that day the first day of the week” naturally means the evening following the day, not the evening preceding the day. To break bread (κλασαι αρτον klasai arton). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of κλαω klaō The language naturally bears the same meaning as in Acts 2:42, the Eucharist or the Lord‘s Supper which usually followed the Αγαπη Agapē See note on 1 Corinthians 10:16. The time came, when the Αγαπη Agapē was no longer observed, perhaps because of the abuses noted in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Rackham argues that the absence of the article with bread here and its presence (τον αρτον ton arton) in Acts 20:11 shows that the Αγαπη Agapē is ] referred to in Acts 20:7 and the Eucharist in Acts 20:11, but not necessarily so because τον αρτον ton arton may merely refer to αρτον arton in Acts 20:7. At any rate it should be noted that Paul, who conducted this service, was not a member of the church in Troas, but only a visitor. Discoursed Imperfect middle because he kept on at length. Intending (μελλω mellō). Being about to, on the point of. On the morrow Locative case with ημεραι hēmerāi understood after the adverb επαυριον epaurion If Paul spoke on our Saturday evening, he made the journey on the first day of the week (our Sunday) after sunrise. If he spoke on our Sunday evening, then he left on our Monday morning. Prolonged his speech (Παρετεινεν τον λογον Pareteinen ton logon). Imperfect active (same form as aorist) of παρατεινω parateinō old verb to stretch beside or lengthwise, to prolong. Vivid picture of Paul‘s long sermon which went on and on till midnight (μεχρι μεσονυκτιου mechri mesonuktiou). Paul‘s purpose to leave early next morning seemed to justify the long discourse. Preachers usually have some excuse for the long sermon which is not always clear to the exhausted audience. [source]
First aorist active infinitive of purpose of κλαω klaō The language naturally bears the same meaning as in Acts 2:42, the Eucharist or the Lord‘s Supper which usually followed the Αγαπη Agapē See note on 1 Corinthians 10:16. The time came, when the Αγαπη Agapē was no longer observed, perhaps because of the abuses noted in 1 Corinthians 11:20. Rackham argues that the absence of the article with bread here and its presence (τον αρτον ton arton) in Acts 20:11 shows that the Αγαπη Agapē is ] referred to in Acts 20:7 and the Eucharist in Acts 20:11, but not necessarily so because τον αρτον ton arton may merely refer to αρτον arton in Acts 20:7. At any rate it should be noted that Paul, who conducted this service, was not a member of the church in Troas, but only a visitor. [source]
Comparative adverb of πυκνος puknos old word, in N.T. only here and Luke 5:33 which see and 1 Timothy 5:23. Kin to πυγμη pugmē (Mark 7:3) which see from πυκω pukō thick, dense, compact. Paul kept on not offering a bribe, but Felix continued to have hopes (present tense ελπιζων elpizōn), kept on sending for him (present tense μεταπεμπομενος metapempomenos), and kept on communing (imperfect active ωμιλει hōmilei from ομιλεω homileō old word as in Acts 20:11; Luke 24:14, which see, only N.T. examples of this word). But he was doomed to disappointment. He was never terrified again. [source]
Probably the Eucharist to observe which ordinance Paul had come and tarried (Acts 20:7), though some scholars distinguish between what took place in Acts 20:7 and Acts 20:11, needlessly so as was stated on Acts 20:7. And eaten (και γευσαμενος kai geusamenos). The word is used in Acts 10:10 of eating an ordinary meal and so might apply to the Αγαπη Agapē but it suits equally for the Eucharist. The accident had interrupted Paul‘s sermon so that it was observed now and then Paul resumed his discourse. And had talked with them a long while Luke, as we have seen, is fond of ικανος hikanos for periods of time, for a considerable space of time, “even till break of day” Old word for brightness, radiance like German Auge, English eye, only here in the N.T. Occurs in the papyri and in modern Greek for dawn. This second discourse lasted from midnight till dawn and was probably more informal (as in Acts 10:27) and conversational He had much to say before he left. So he departed (ουτως εχηλτεν houtōs exēlthen). Thus Luke sums up the result. Paul left (went forth) only after all the events narrated by the numerous preceding participles had taken place. Effective aorist active indicative εχελτεν exelthen ουτως Houtōs here equals τυμ δεμυμ tum demum now at length (Acts 27:7) as Page shows. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. From αὐγή brightnesswhich also occurs but once, Acts 20:11, daybreak. In classical Greek of the sun especially. Rev., dawn is legitimate as a translation, but hardly here, since Paul is going back to the figure of 2 Corinthians 3:18. [source]