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

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

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

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

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

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

6. II. • Significant Truths from this Passage for Our Understanding • “To break bread” in Acts 20:7 is specific reference to the Lord’s Supper! • The expression “break bread” was an idiom that denoted the eating of a meal. • By a study of the context of the passages that refer to “breaking bread”: • It was a common meal in Luke 24:28-35; Acts 2:46; 27:34-48. • It was the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; 1 Corinthians 11:23-24. • With the definite articles, it was Lord’s Supper in Acts 2:42 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16-17).

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

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

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