Acts 20:8-9

Acts 20:8-9

[8] And  many  lights  in  the upper chamber,  where  gathered together.  [9] And  in  a window  a certain  young man  named  Eutychus,  being fallen  into a deep  sleep:  and as Paul  was long  preaching,  he sunk down  with  sleep,  and fell down  from  the third loft,  and  was taken up  dead. 

What does Acts 20:8-9 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Luke"s reference to the many lamps (Gr. lampades hikani, lit. many torches) suggests that it was the combination of a long message and lack of oxygen that caused Eutychus to fall asleep. The Greek word translated "young man" (meanias) elsewhere describes a boy of eight to14years old. However, his name suggests that he may have been a slave, in which case he could have been in his thirties. [1] Doctor Luke pronounced Eutychus (lit. fortunate) dead.
"The length of Paul"s preaching may incline us to sympathize with sleepy Eutychus. The well-developed synoptic theme of wakefulness puts a different perspective on the matter. Falling asleep is a serious failure with potentially grave consequences. Paul"s dedicated preaching makes demands on his audience. They must be dedicated listeners who hear the word and "bear fruit with perseverance (en upomone)" ( Luke 8:15). Eutychus failed and fell." [2]
"I confess that Paul"s experience has always been a comfort to me. When I look out at the congregation and see some brother or sister out there sound asleep, I say to myself, "It"s all right. Just let them sleep. Paul put them to sleep, too."" [3]