Wake Up Eutychus!

Acts  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
0 ratings
· 8 views
Notes
Transcript

Intro/Recap

Today we’ll be heading into chapter twenty of Acts.
In chapter 19, these Jesus followers caused quite a bit of a stir, didn’t they!?
We’ve been following Paul on his missionary journeys, led by the Holy Spirit, to take the good news of Jesus throughout major cities and seaports, where the word would be multiplied and spread even further, as the way of Christ gains more and more disciples.
We’ve seen the baptism of the Holy Spirit arriving as a seal, as proof of the promise of their salvation, and as a testament to the greater power that is in Christ, beyond that of any baptism or teaching that came before…even that of John.
And the results have been nothing short of miraculous, as God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul. People’s bodies, souls, and hearts were being healed.
Their repentance revealed as such, in their willingness to give up their old ways and turn to follow that which is true and good, and truly good.
Of course, Paul and his friends continue to endure conspiracies and riots against them, and the end of the chapter culminates in a confrontation between Paul and those who worshipped Artemis.
You have to appreciate the epic setting and grand scale of this adventure. His voyage took him through the storied lands of Macedonia and Greece, where ancient cities whispered tales of gods and heroes.
Armed with scripture and dusty sandals, Paul crisscrossed these realms, not merely as a tourist but as a torchbearer of truth in even the darkest of places.
Verse 26 gets directly to the point of what caused the biggest uproar, particularly for the vast numbers of people who made a living on manufacturing gods and godly accessories.
Acts 19:26 LSB
“And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that things made with hands are not gods.
This is a very disruptive position for them to take, as it disrupts the very economy, the fabric of their society. But the good news is good enough that it’s worth all that disruption and risk in order to get the word out.
In this way, they are willing to endure the conflict, not for the sake of revolution but for the sake of bringing true resolution to the root of ALL conflict. To bring peace through love, where there is enmity even against self in the heart of humanity.

Pray

Lord, we ask that you focus our minds, open our eyes and ears, and soften our hearts to the truth. Speak through us, teach us, comfort, encourage, and uplift us in your spirit today.

Macedonia & Greece

Alright, now let’s break into chapter twenty.
We’ll start with just the first six verses, which give us a pretty brief summary of the next leg of their journey:
Acts 20:1–6 LSB
1 Now after the uproar had ceased, Paul having summoned and exhorted the disciples, said farewell and left to go to Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. 3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas within five days; and there we stayed seven days.
There are a lot of names, of people and places, in this passage, so I want to touch on these first.

The Places (v1-2, 5-6)

The places tell us the general path they took. In some ways retracing their steps from earlier in chapters 16 and 17. Up the coast of Asia Minor from Ephesus, by ship to Macedonia, probably to Philippi and Thessalonica, then to Greece (Probably Corinth again), where he spends his winter writing the epistle to the Romans.
[MAP]
Macedonia (1)
Districts
Greece (2)
Syria x Macedonia (3)
Troas (5)

The People (v4)

His travel companions are mentioned by name.
Sopater of Berea, Pyrrhus’s son. Remember the Bereans? The faithful, wonderful Bereans? It’s a positive thing to be known as a Berean in this story.
Aristarchus and Secundus (Thessalonians). Aristarchus was mentioned back in 19:29, and later continues to accompany Paul to Rome in chapter 27. Secundus on the other hand is not mentioned anywhere else.
Gaius of Derbe, which is in Lycaonia, central Asia Minor
Timothy, Tychicus, Trophimus of Asia.
This is THE Timothy mentioned back in 16, and of the New Testament letters bearing his name.
Tychicus is later Paul’s representative to several churches while he’s in prison, he appears in Ephesians, Colossians, and 2 Timothy.
And Trophimus is another guy who goes with Paul to Rome, though apparently is also partly to blame for him getting arrested! But we’ll get to that later.
We don’t know much else about his companions, but I think what we do know speaks volumes. I know I’ve brought this up before, but it bears repeating, that Paul, as individualistic as he may come across at times, never traveled alone, and never worked alone! He was not a “lone wolf,” he was a team player.
A team leader, in his case, to be sure, but I doubt it ever even occurred to him to try going on mission without companionship. Without help.
So, this is just your friendly reminder, brothers and sisters, that we dearly and desperately need each other. Let’s be available to each other, as much as it depends on us.

The Plot (v3)

Alright, so that list of people is in verse 4, but I don’t want to skip over what happens in verse 3.
This is kind of easy to miss because it’s so briefly and casually mentioned, but there IS a whole conspiracy, which seems to be against his very life, mentioned in verse 3.

The plot by the Jews … against Paul was evidently to assassinate him on board ship and dispose of his body at sea. Somehow the insidious plan became known to Paul and he decided not to go directly to the eastern Mediterranean but to go back through Macedonia. Possibly he had wanted to be in Jerusalem for Passover; now the best he could hope for would be Pentecost

Only the great orchestrator of the universe himself knows all the benefits that became of Paul’s trip being redirected and delayed, but certainly it was worth sparing his life.
Paul, as faithful and bold as he is, also sees no need to walk directly into an assassination plot that has been revealed to him.
In other words, being faithful and bold doesn’t mean being stupid or careless with your life. After all, it was Paul who wrote this:
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 LSB
Or do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
We ought not be careless with such a treasure, as much as we ought not be timid or selfish either.
And, I hope I don’t have to say this, but assassination plots are not the work of those who truly fear the Lord. Foiling them, perhaps, may be.

Troas

Alright, let’s keep moving, and talk about this stop they make in verse six.
As the days of Unleavened Bread (that is, Passover) waned, they anchored in Troas.
The city of Troas, located on the Aegean Sea, was developed in 310 BC by the Greeks, and eventually came under Roman rule and given status as a Roman colony. It became established as a primary seaport in that part of the empire, and so grew rapidly.
It was first mentioned back in chapter 16, when Paul visited Troas during his second missionary journey. You may recall it as being where they were prevented by the Spirit from entering Bithynia. And it’s in Troas that Paul has a vision of a Macedonian man calling them to come help him.
That was back in chapter 16, and now, in chapter 20, Paul has found his way back to this city, where he is not exactly a stranger.
Paul’s group stays there for a whole week, and makes good use of the time it would seem.

Eutychus

So, verse six settles us into Troas, and in verse seven we come to this really interesting narrative with some rather surprising details of Paul’s final few hours with them.
Keep in mind the author, Luke, as we read the following details:
Acts 20:7–16 (LSB)
7 And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began speaking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight.

First Day

You may notice here that Luke is using the Roman method of measuring days, midnight to midnight, the way we are used to, rather than the Jewish method of measuring sundown to sundown.
This is also the clearest indication we have of the apostolic church meeting on Sundays, or “the first day” of the week. Most people probably still worked during the day, which is why they would be more prone to meet in the evening.
One could also trace the “first day” or “Sunday” tradition to the fact that Jesus’s resurrection and first appearances to His followers are said to have happened on that day, in John 20:19,26.
8 Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together.
This might seem like an odd detail, but several commentaries I have pointed out how this would have created a rather “sleepy” atmosphere, literally adding heat and reducing oxygen from the room, so possibly exacerbating the drowsiness of Eutychus, who we’re introduced to in the next verse:
9 And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the windowsill, sinking into a deep sleep. And as Paul kept on talking, he sunk into that sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead.
The name “Eutychus” means “fortunate” or “lucky” which you could say is either very ironic or very fitting to this scene. In one sense, he’s very unfortunate to have fallen, not just asleep, but fallen to his death, it would seem!
But, he is fortunate enough to have been sitting in the presence of Paul, the great apostle. The fact that he even had the privilege of falling asleep listening to Paul makes me jealous! I don’t envy the fall, but even that works out alright for our fortunate friend:
10 But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.”
11 And when he had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left.
12 And they took away the boy alive, and were not a little comforted.
Again, remember this is Luke, the physician; someone very interested in the physical healing of people’s bodies. In other words, we have the word of a doctor, confirming that they picked him up dead, then later went away with him alive.
Even if you were to argue that he wasn’t really “fully” dead, he was at least unconscious and injured enough that when he ended up living, it was clearly by the grace of God, through the intentions of Paul.
Paul’s method here, of “falling upon” and “embracing” the young man is in line with the manner of Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings 17:21 and 2 Kings 4:34-35. And in those stories there is no question as to the resurrections being from completely dead to completely alive. So, it’s certainly not out of line with God’s character to do do this.
Remember, Peter got to be there for Tabitha’s resurrection, too, back in chapter 9. Tabitha/Dorcas is brought back to life in verses 36-41 of chapter nine.
So again Paul’s experience abroad is reflecting what happened back “home” and demonstrating that God’s power truly is not constrained or limited by any geographical distance or socio-political borders.
Paul gives the kid a hug, and it brings him back to life.
You know, I have felt this way before…that the only thing I need in the world to survive is just one sympathetic embrace. For some of us, it takes that physical connection to allow for an emotional release. And I’ve felt the emotional energy of a person be restored through a simple, compassionate hug. I’ll say, especially in a marriage, sometimes just a genuine hug, with no words, can totally change the tone of a situation.
As diminutive as it may sound, it’s totally legit that sometimes, some people just need a hug! And that’s ok! We’re wired for physical connection, not for isolation.
But, that’s not what we’re talking about in this passage. This guy didn’t “just” need a hug! He was dead, or close enough to it. This was a bit more intense than just needing a pep talk.
But this description of Paul’s method and manner shows his clear, genuine concern for the boy, and communicates clearly, to God and those watching, his intention and petition for his life to return to him.

They Broke Bread

In verse 11, notice that Paul goes right back to teaching, but not before breaking bread with them! If you look back to verse 7, you’ll see that’s what they came here for in the first place!
Am I the only one that finds it kind of funny that all these people showed up to EAT, and Paul talks to them so long that one of them falls asleep before they ever eat anything?
At any rate, all this activity must have left them hungrier than ever! And they take this opportunity to share a meal, communion, a supper in the vein of the Lord’s own last supper in another “upper room” years ago.
Most likely, this would have included both a communion “ritual,” so to speak, with the bread and wine, along with a full, common meal to make sure everyone was actually fed, as well.
From there, Paul continues on his way back to Jerusalem, hoping to make it by Pentecost, about fifty days later than he’d originally planned.

Conclusion

What’s the point? Why is this story included?
Through this experience, the people are encouraged. And I think we can be encouraged by it too.
Firstly, it underscores once again the power of community and companionship in our spiritual journey. It’s not optional, it’s part of being a Christian.
Paul never traveled alone, and neither should we (philosophically speaking). While solitude and quiet meditation has an important place in our lives, we are reminded here of the importance of fellowship and mutual support. Just as Paul relied on his companions, we too must lean on our brothers and sisters in Christ, drawing strength and encouragement from one another.
Proverbs 27:17 LSB
17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
Matthew 18:20 LSB
20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”
Romans 12:5 LSB
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another,
Secondly, this passage highlights the importance of being adaptable and wise. Paul faced numerous threats and obstacles, yet he navigated them with discernment, often changing his plans to ensure his safety and the furtherance of his mission. In our own lives, we must also be open to God's leading, even when it means altering our course or facing unforeseen challenges.
Colossians 2:8 LSB
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Matthew 10:16 LSB
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.
Philippians 1:9–10 LSB
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ,
Thirdly, the resurrection of Eutychus is a powerful testament to God's life-giving power and the compassion of Christ's followers. Paul's immediate and heartfelt response to the young man's fall reminds us that our faith is not just about lofty ideals but about tangible acts of love and restoration. We are called to be agents of God's healing and resurrection power in a world that often feels broken and lifeless.
Ephesians 1:19–21 NLT
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. 21 Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come.
Finally, the act of breaking bread together, even after such a dramatic event, brings us back to the core of our faith: communion with God and with each other. It is in these moments of shared meals, prayers, and fellowship that we truly experience the presence of Christ among us. The early church's practice of meeting on the first day of the week, sharing meals, and listening to teaching is a model for us today. It emphasizes the rhythm of rest, reflection, and renewal that we need to maintain in our walk with God.
1 Corinthians 10:16–17 LSB
16 Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ? 17 Since there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
As we go forth this week, let us cherish our community, remain alert and discerning in the midst of chaos, act with compassion, and find our strength in the simple yet profound act of breaking bread together. In doing so, we embody the love and power of Christ, bringing hope and encouragement to all we encounter.

Communion?

Related Media
See more
Related Sermons
See more
Earn an accredited degree from Redemption Seminary with Logos.