Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 20:7

"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." — Acts 20:7 (ASV)

Though Paul himself had not undertaken a mission at Troas (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:12–13), the Gospel had radiated out from many centers of influence in Galatia, Asia, Macedonia, and Achaia to penetrate the Gentile world of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. Thus at Troas Paul and his colleagues found a group of believers and met with them “to break bread” and to give instruction regarding the Christian life. The mention of their meeting “on the first day of the week” is the earliest unambiguous evidence we have for Christians gathering together for worship on that day (cf. Jn 20:19, 26; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10). The Christians met in the evening, which was probably the most convenient time because of the necessity of working during the day. They met to celebrate the Lord’s Supper (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:16–17; 11:17–34). Paul “spoke to” the believers till midnight.