Acts 20:1–12: Turmoil and Tragedy
Introduction
Paul’s journey to Jerusalem will involve no small amount of heartbreak. After conflict in Ephesus, he goes through a pastorally stretching part of his journey on the way to Troas. Luke does not tell us much about the conflict in which Paul was embroiled, but Paul himself tells us much more about this season of his life in his letters to the Corinthians. Beyond that conflict, Paul encounters deep tragedy and sorrow in Troas as a young man falls to his death while Paul is preaching. Although Eutychus does rise from the dead, even Jesus wept before he raised Lazarus (John 11:35). How do we get through seasons of pain like this? In turmoil and tragedy, rely on God who raises the dead.
Discussion Questions
1. What was the “uproar” (v. 1)? What do we learn about the conflict that Paul endures from vv. 1–6? What do we learn about the conflict that Paul endures from 1 and 2 Corinthians? How much did that conflict weigh on Paul? Why do you think that Luke never mentions it? How do we see Paul continue forward in ministry in spite of the incredible turmoil that he was facing in his anxiety for the churches? What does he tell us in 2 Corinthians 1:9?
2. What is important about how Luke sets the scene in v. 7? What is the literal translation of “the first day of the week”? What does Luke indicate when he says that the church “gathered together to break bread”? What kind of “talk” is Paul giving with the people in Troas? What do we see from this scene about the structure that our own worship services should take? What is different about this particular service?
3. What factors contribute to Eutychus’s drowsiness (v. 7)? Why was he near the window (v. 8)? What happened to him when he fell from the window (v. 9)? Whom does Paul resemble when he bends over Eutychus and Eutychus comes back from the dead (v. 10)? What effect do you think this tragedy had on the people? What did this miracle do to comfort the congregation (v. 12)? What can we learn from this miracle?
4. Where do you experience turmoil within your family, among your neighbors, or with your coworkers or fellow students? Where do you experience tragedy in the normal sorrows of life in your own life or the lives of those whom you love? How does Paul’s resilience and endurance through suffering in ministry teach us about pressing forward in the midst of suffering? How do these stories strengthen our faith in the God who protects and provides for us?
