Lesson 26: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey (2): From Ephesus to Troas (20:1-12)

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study A.After preaching there for three years, Paul departed from Ephesus (20:1). 1.The Ephesian church had grown strong & would have a key role in early Christianity. 2.Many lessons can be learned from the history of this congregation. I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study B.Paul traveled thru Macedonia & Greece, to strengthen & embolden the disciples (20:1-6a). 1.On this journey, Paul was also teaching about and collecting benevolent funds. 2.Paul traveled from Ephesus to Troas, to meet up with Titus (2 Cor. 2:12). 3.Paul traveled to Greece again (probably Corinth) and stayed three months (20:2-3). 4.Paul traveled through Macedonia and was joined by several fellow-workers (20:4-6). I.

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study C.Paul remained in Troas to partake of the Lord’s Supper with the church (20:6b-12). 1.Although in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, Paul “stayed seven days” in Troas (20:6b). 2.The words “came together” are in the passive voice (not the active voice). 3.The infinitive of purpose emphasizes the reason for the gathering—“to break bread.” I.

A.The Lord authorized the first day of the week as His day of worship! 1.Acts 20:7 does not just casually mention the first day of the week. 2.The Lord specifically identified Sunday as His day of “gathered-together” worship. 3.Note the supreme significance of the first day of the week in the New Testament: 4.God is the Author, Director and Object of New Testament worship! II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

B.“To break bread” in Acts 20:7 is specific reference to the Lord’s Supper! 1.The expression “break bread” was an idiom that denoted the eating of a meal. 2.By a study of the context of the passages that refer to “breaking bread”: a)It was a common meal in Luke 24:28-35; Acts 2:46; 27: b)It was the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; 1 Corinthians 11: c)With the definite articles, it was Lord’s Supper in Acts 2:42 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16-17). II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

C.The Lord designed the Lord’s Supper as the central purpose of the weekly assembly! 1.The N.T. church gathered to worship “every” (kata) first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). 2.The purpose of their “coming together” was “to eat the Lord’s Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20). 3.The Lord’s gives us an example in Acts 20:7 of the early church doing this very thing. 4.Thus, the Lord’s Supper is to be observed every Sunday in the assembly of the church. II. Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding

Overview of the Passage & Helpful Facts for Further Bible Study C.Paul remained in Troas to partake of the Lord’s Supper with the church (20:6b-12). 1.Although in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, Paul “stayed seven days” in Troas (20:6b). 2.The words “came together” are in the passive voice (not the active voice). 3.The infinitive of purpose emphasizes the reason for the gathering—“to break bread.” 4.As part of this worship assembly, Paul preached to the brethren (20:7-9a). 5.After raising Eutychus, Paul ate & visited (separate from worship assembly) (20:9b-12). I.

A.When others reject our efforts with the gospel, let us not give up but keep on keeping on! B.Let us make worship on the first day of the week an uncompromisable priority in our lives! III. Practical Points of Application for Our Lives