Acts 20:7

And vpon the first day of the weeke, when the disciples came together to breake bread, Paul preached vnto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his speach vntill midnight. Acts 20:7 (KJV)

Acts 20 records the travels and ministry of the apostle Paul. In this chapter he is on his way to Jerusalem and pauses in Troas, where the disciples gather. The events of Acts 20:7 occur during that stay. The verse opens, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” The reference to the first day of the week points to Sunday, the day the early church set apart to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This practice gave rise to the regular gathering of believers on Sundays for worship and fellowship.

The phrase “came together to break bread” reflects the early Christian habit of sharing a communal meal, often understood as the Lord’s Supper or Communion. It was a time of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and of mutual fellowship among believers. Paul seized the opportunity presented by this gathering to preach. Knowing that he would leave the next day, he spoke with fervor, and his sermon continued until midnight, demonstrating his dedication to proclaiming the gospel even when time was limited.

The passage highlights three key aspects of early Christian worship: the significance of the first day of the week, the communal breaking of bread, and the centrality of preaching the Word. For contemporary believers, Acts 20:7 encourages regular corporate worship, the practice of breaking bread together as a sign of unity in Christ, and a commitment to teaching and preaching that equips the body of Christ. As Paul’s example shows, believers should make the most of every gathering to edify one another and to spread the gospel message.