Acts 20:11

When hee therefore was come vp againe, & had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, euen till breake of day, so he departed. Acts 20:11 (KJV)

This verse is part of a narrative describing Paul’s meeting with disciples in Troas. In this passage, Paul had spent time in Troas and was preparing to leave the next day. As he was planning to depart, the believers gathered together on the first day of the week to break bread, which likely refers to observing the Lord’s Supper or partaking in a common meal. The phrase “had broken bread, and eaten” suggests that the believers shared a meal together, likely including the observance of the Lord’s Supper.

It was customary for early Christian communities to come together for fellowship, teaching, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). This act of breaking bread not only symbolized unity among believers but also served as a memorial of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. The passage further mentions that Paul “talked a long while, even till break of day.” It indicates that Paul engaged in extensive teaching and discussion with the believers present.

This was a significant moment as Paul was bidding farewell to these believers whom he had worked closely with, and he wanted to impart his final words of encouragement and exhortation to them. The fact that the conversation lasted until daybreak reveals the intensity and depth of their discussion. It also shows the dedication and eagerness of the believers to receive instruction from Paul. The message and fellowship were so compelling that they continued for an extended period, even through the night.

Finally, after spending a substantial amount of time with the believers, Paul departed. This farewell encounter was emotionally charged, as Paul knew he would not see them again. Yet, he entrusted them to God’s care and went on his way to continue his missionary journey.