“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.”
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread (hē kyriakē, the Lord's day; literally 'the Lord's day' referring to Sunday). Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight — The Sunday assembly for eucharist (breaking bread, klasis artou) reflects emerging Christian weekly gathering, distinct from Jewish Sabbath. Paul's extended discourse (dialegō, to reason or discuss) until midnight suggests homiletical exuberance.
Church Fathers on Acts 20:7
And upon the 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 It was then the (season between Easter and) Pentecost. See how everything was subordinate to the preaching. It was also, it says, the Lord's day. Not even during night-time was he silent, nay he discoursed the rather then, because of stillness. Mark how he both made a long discourse, and…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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