The Beginning:
Paul arrived in Troas and stayed with the believers for several days. On the first day of the week, the church gathered to break bread, and Paul, preparing to depart the next day, spoke at length.
The Middle:
As Paul continued speaking late into the night, many lamps were burning in the upper room where they met. A young man named Eutychus sat in a window and, overcome by sleep, fell from the third story. When he was picked up, he was found dead.
The End:
Paul went down, bent over him, and embraced him, telling the believers not to be alarmed because “his life is in him.” Afterward, the believers returned upstairs, broke bread, and Paul continued speaking until daybreak before leaving. The community was greatly comforted, having received Eutychus back alive.
This account shows God’s power to give life even in the face of death and confirms the gospel’s advance through the apostolic mission. The restoration of Eutychus underscores that the risen Christ continued to work through the early church, strengthening believers and validating the ministry of the apostles. The story also highlights Christian worship centered on the Word and fellowship (“breaking bread”), with God’s sustaining presence among the gathered church.
Meeting in an upper room reflects early Christian practice of gathering in private homes or rented spaces rather than dedicated church buildings. The mention of “many lamps” fits such evening assemblies and suggests a crowded indoor setting, where open windows provided ventilation and seating—conditions that help explain how a listener could fall.
“And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.” — Acts 20:12
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. On what occasion did the believers gather when Paul spoke at length in Troas?
2. What happened to Eutychus while Paul continued speaking late into the night?