John Calvin 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)

And in one day. Either he means the first day of the week, which was next after the Sabbath, or some particular Sabbath. The latter seems more probable to me, because that day was more suitable for the whole assembly, according to custom.

But since it is not unusual for the Evangelists to use "one" instead of "the first," according to the custom of the Hebrew language (Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1), it is quite consistent that they came together on the day after the Sabbath. Furthermore, it would be too dismissive an interpretation to treat this as just any day.

For what purpose is the Sabbath mentioned, except to note the opportune and chosen time? Also, it is likely that Paul waited for the Sabbath so that on the day before his departure he might more easily gather all the disciples in one place.

And the zeal of them all is worth noting, since it was no trouble for Paul to teach until midnight, even though he was ready to begin his journey, nor were the rest weary of learning. For he had no other reason to continue his speech so long, except for the desire and attentiveness of his audience.

To break bread. Although breaking of bread sometimes signifies among the Hebrews a household meal, yet I interpret it as the Holy Supper in this place, for two reasons. For since we may easily gather from what follows that a considerable crowd was gathered there, it is unlikely that any supper could be prepared in a private house.

Again, Luke will later declare that Paul took bread not at suppertime, but after midnight. To this is added the fact that Luke does not say Paul took food to eat, but only to taste. Therefore, I think that they had appointed a solemn day among themselves for celebrating the Holy Supper of the Lord, which would be convenient for them all.

And so that Paul might, in a way, compensate for his upcoming longer absence, he continued his speech longer than he usually did.

The large number of people I mentioned is inferred from the fact that there were many lights in the upper chamber. This was not done for any pomp or ostentation, but only out of necessity.

For when there is no need, it is ambition and vanity that make people incur expense.

Furthermore, it was fitting that the entire place should be well-lit, lest the holy assembly be suspected of any wickedness or dishonesty.

Consider also another conjecture: if the room had been empty, those present would not have allowed Eutychus to sit on a windowsill.

For it would have been a gross impropriety, showing contempt for the heavenly doctrine, to move away to a window, since there was enough room elsewhere.