Acts 20:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 20:7 mean?

Acts 20:7 describes how, on the first day of the week, the disciples gathered together to share a meal, and Paul spoke to them at length because he planned to leave the next day, continuing his message until midnight. The verse highlights both the timing of their meeting and the importance of Paul’s teaching before his departure.

In this scene, Paul is in Troas, meeting with local believers. The “first day of the week” refers to Sunday, and “breaking bread” often means sharing a meal, which may have included the Lord’s Supper. Paul takes this opportunity to teach the gathered group for an extended time, knowing he will leave soon, which shows the value he places on encouraging and instructing them before he goes.

The Greek behind Acts 20:7

• The word for “first” (μία, mia) and “week” (σαββάτων, sabbatōn) together are often understood as “the first day of the week,” pointing to Sunday. This detail helps clarify when early Christians gathered.
• “Break” (κλάω, klaō) and “bread” (ἄρτος, artos) together refer to sharing a meal. In the early church, this could mean a regular meal or a special gathering for the Lord’s Supper.
• “Preached” (διαλέγομαι, dialegomai) means to speak or discuss, often in a back-and-forth way. This suggests Paul was not just giving a speech but engaging with the group, possibly answering questions and teaching interactively.

Why Acts 20:7 matters

• Acts 20:7 is one of the earliest references to Christians meeting on Sunday, which later became the regular day of worship for many churches.
• The verse shows the importance of fellowship (“breaking bread”) and teaching in the early Christian community, especially when a leader like Paul was present.
• The detail that Paul spoke until midnight highlights both the eagerness of the listeners and the urgency Paul felt to encourage them before leaving, giving a glimpse into the life and priorities of the early church.