Life Restored and the Power of Fellowship
Acts 20:6–12 (NASB95)
6We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days. 7On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. 8There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. 9And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. 10But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” 11When he had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left. 12They took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted.
As Paul continues his journey, we are given a glimpse into a remarkable event during his time in Troas. The believers gather on the first day of the week to break bread and hear Paul teach, knowing he will soon depart. Paul speaks late into the night, eager to impart as much as possible to the young church. In the midst of this gathering, a young man named Eutychus, sitting in a third-story window, falls asleep and tragically falls to his death. However, Paul, filled with faith and the power of God, embraces the young man and declares that his life is restored. This miraculous event not only demonstrates God’s power to bring life where there is death but also serves as a profound encouragement to the believers. Afterward, Paul continues teaching until dawn, showing his unwavering commitment to equipping the church with the truth of the Gospel. The gathering ends with great comfort and joy as the young man is brought back alive, a testament to the life-giving power of God at work through His people.
This account challenges the modern church to prioritize gathering together as a community of faith, even in the midst of busy schedules and fatigue. It reminds us of the importance of being spiritually nourished through teaching, fellowship, and worship. Additionally, the restoration of Eutychus highlights the life-giving power of God, who works through His people to bring hope and renewal. As a church, let us commit to creating spaces where believers can be encouraged, equipped, and reminded of God’s power to transform lives. May we, like Paul and the early church, remain steadfast in our mission to proclaim the Gospel and trust in God’s ability to bring life and hope to every situation.