Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 6: A Week in Troas

Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | November 24 2025 | Acts 20:7-12

KEY VERSE: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7, ESV)

MESSAGE: 

In today’s devotional passage, Luke (the writer of the book of Acts) draws our attention to one remarkable event during Paul’s week in Troas—the story of Eutychus. The young man fell asleep during the gathering, fell from the third floor, died, and was restored to life through Paul’s ministry. We will explore that moment in the next devotional. Today, we draw attention to the early church’s worship practices reflected in this passage.

First, the believers met on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7 points to this practice, and other passages support it (1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). This custom likely grew from the appearances of the risen Christ to His disciples on the first day of the week, as recorded by the Gospel writers (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). The church has continued this pattern through the centuries.

Second, their worship was deeply anchored in the Word. Paul taught from evening until midnight (v. 7) and continued engaging them after the incident with Eutychus until dawn (v. 11). The Greek words dialegomai (vv. 7, 9) and homileo (v. 11) show that their time in Scripture involved teaching, dialogue, questions, and interaction—not just a one-way sermon. In verse 32, Paul later affirms the power of God’s Word to build believers and secure their inheritance.

Finally, the Lord’s Supper held a regular place in their worship. The breaking of bread was not a casual act; it was an act of obedience that carried spiritual significance. As taught in 1 Corinthians 11, careless participation has spiritual consequences. Therefore, sincere and reverent participation brings blessing.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

The early church gathered with intention—listening to Scripture, sharing the Lord’s Supper, and learning together. Let this shape your walk with Christ. Give the Word a central place in your life, approach communion with a prepared heart, and stay committed to worshipping faithfully with your church family.

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus Christ, revive in us a deep love for Your Word and strengthen our desire to worship with understanding and sincerity. Help us to learn, grow, and obey as Your early church did. Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING

Day 328 John 1-3  – The Word Become Flesh

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DAILY word study: PROLONG SPEECH

We are considering for today the Phrase“Prolonged His Speech”

The phrase comes from the Greek dielegeto, from the verb dialegomai, meaning to discuss, reason, dialogue, exchange ideas, or engage in a thoughtful conversation.

It was not a one–way sermon. It was interactive, deep, and meaningful. Paul didn’t extend his teaching because he liked long messages. He prolonged it because this was his final night with them, and the believers stayed because they valued the Word. The Greek idea shows it was a rich discussion—questions, answers, explanations, and encouragement all woven together.

Reflect on this:

This word invites us to rediscover the beauty of lingering around Scripture. When our hearts are eager for God, time becomes secondary. Deep spiritual growth often happens in those unhurried moments when we open the Word and allow it to speak.

𝔹𝔸ℙ𝕋𝕀𝕊𝕋 Daily Devotional | AUDIO VERSION | NOVEMBER 24 2025𝔹𝔸ℙ𝕋𝕀𝕊𝕋 Daily Devotional

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