Acts 20:7
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.
Acts 20:7 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Acts, it describes a significant gathering of the disciples on the first day of the week to break bread. This event marked the early Christian tradition of meeting on Sundays to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The mention of Paul preaching to the disciples until midnight highlights the devoted commitment of early Christians to learning and spreading the teachings of Christianity. It also signifies the importance of fellowship and communion among believers. Despite the late hour, Paul's dedication to sharing the gospel is evident in his lengthy speech. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together as believers to share in the Word of God and strengthen one another in faith. It sets a precedent for the Sunday worship practices observed by many Christian denominations around the world today.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from Acts 20:7 is that it emphasizes the importance of meeting regularly for worship and fellowship. The mention of "the first day of the week" is significant because it suggests that the early Christians gathered on Sundays to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This practice eventually evolved into what we now know as Sunday worship services in many Christian traditions. Additionally, the act of breaking bread together carries a strong symbol of unity and community among believers, as it is often associated with the Last Supper. Furthermore, the fact that Paul preached to the disciples until midnight highlights the dedication and commitment of early Christian leaders to sharing the Gospel and teaching others about the faith.
Acts 20:7 in other translations
American Standard Version
And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.
World English Bible
On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and continued his speech until midnight.
Douay-Rheims
And on the first day of the week, when we were assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being to depart on the morrow. And he continued his speech until midnight.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the first day of the weeke, the disciples being come together to breake bread, Paul preached vnto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued the preaching vnto midnight.