By Benjamin Winslett

Food for thought.

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. – Acts 20:7

Let’s engage in a brief word and concept study of this verse.

First, notice that this is Paul’s interaction with a church body (disciples), rather than his dealings with the population in general or with a Jewish synagogue. Second, notice that they came together on Sunday, indicating this was their Sunday worship time. Next, we observe that they broke bread, more than likely indicating The Lord’s Supper (communion). Finally, Paul preached unto them until midnight.

The word for ‘preached’ here is intriguing. It is the Greek word dialegomai, from which we get our English word dialogue. A dialogue is the opposite of a monologue (the speech of one) and implies strongly that a discussion occurred. His preaching was literally a discussion.

So, to expand on the verse:

And upon the first day of the week (Sunday), when the disciples came together ( for church) to break bread (communion), Paul preached (through dialogue) unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech (logos – something uttered) until midnight.

While it is certain that Paul maintained good, decent gospel order, it is also certain that a discussion was had between the disciples. Such can be profitable for us today, provided the same Biblical guidelines and safeties are in place.

Such include but are not limited to:

• Proper respect given to each
• The Pastor does the teaching
• Questions are not contentious
• Roles of the household are not disrespected
• The substance is edifying
• The happenings are glorifying to God

Originally published September 2013