Acts Chapter Twenty
Paul and his companions continued their travels on this, the third missionary journey. At Troas, something amazing happened.
Long services are nothing new. I always find it interesting that there are those who think that best thing in the world is a really quick, let’s get it over with, service. When there is a hunger for God, when the power and presence of God are felt, time really doesn’t mean anything. Paul was planning to leave the next day, so they kept going.
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.
Then what happened?
9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead.
Having someone fall from a third story window would have a tendency to get your attention. Look at how Luke records it, they picked him up dead. In modern times, that would end the meeting and lead to all kinds of investigations and charges and who knows what. Paul had a different response.
10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!"
The miracle power of God came through. A resurrection. As I have been reading this passage, the thought came to mind: what would we do in modern America if this happened? Luke simply reported the fact that the person came back to life. Today, we would probably call a press conference. It would go on TV and the internet. There would be speaking tours and book contracts. What happened that night? They had a meal. They kept the all night gathering going.
11Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left.
They ate. They kept talking. The meeting went all night.
In their travels, Paul met up with the elders from Ephesus. He knew this would be his last meeting with them and told them so. He had some important things to tell them. When people come to what they believe are the final goodbye’s, they speak about what they believe is most important.
What did Paul leave them with?
— I did not hesitate to preach anything that would be helpful to you.
— I served with humility and tears.
— All must turn to God in repentance.
— My life is worth nothing, only that I may finish the race and complete the task God gave me.
— I proclaimed the whole will of God.
— Keep watch over yourselves and the flock.
— Be on guard against distorted truths and savage wolves.
— It is more blessed to give than to receive.
The chapter ends with a powerful and emotional prayer meeting. Paul had meant so much to them and now he was leaving and saying he would not be back. This is one picture of the extreme value of eternity. The Lord has made some powerful promises about our eternal home. No departure on this earth is really permanent when it is among believers. This is not just something preachers say because it sounds spiritual. It is said because it is true and a divine source of strength. Always hold on to these truths.
One more thought about their prayer meeting. Powerful, emotional, give-it-your-all prayer is so necessary. Don’t wait till the sky is falling and you are at the end of your rope. With God’s help develop a powerful prayer life. It will amaze you.
