Eutychus

Acts 20:7-12

Paul spoke to the believers who were gathered together on the first day of the week to break bread. Apparently, he continued speaking until it was midnight. During this time the long sermon resulted in a tragic accident.  A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window when he fell into a deep sleep. Not a good move! He fell out from the 3rd story and was taken up dead. Was he actually dead? How injured was he? Paul went down and bent over him. Taking Eutychus in his arms, Paul said, do not be alarmed for his life is in him. The service continued until daybreak, and Eutychus was alive. 

What a strange story! What is its significance? Is it saying that some sermons are too long for physical endurance? Or is it a warning against sitting in a window? Some things are certain. First, Eutychus was there. He wanted to hear what Paul had to say. Perhaps he was in the right place but at the wrong time. Secondly, Paul saw his accident as something that needed to be fixed. If Paul had been trying to teach a lesson on falling asleep in church, he would have left him injured or dead. But this was not the case. Paul had compassion on the young man and on those who were gathered there. No doubt Eutychus had family there, a family whose heart was distressed at the accident. Thirdly, this story shows that God cares about the small things. In the grand scheme of things someone falling out of a window is not a high priority. But to God the needs of all His children are important. Fourthly, the story shows the importance of ministering to people on all levels. Paul, the traveling preacher who had ignited the church, was there. I am sure that this group of people wanted nothing better than to sit at his feet and listen without interruptions. And now into the mix was this accident! Before the congregation could figure out what to do, Paul was there investing new life into the injured lad. Paul was not so important that he couldn't meet the need of this one, young man. He was not so important that he traveled with body guards who wouldn't allow him to touch people. Finally, whether or not any of these reasons are valid, the story does show compassion and concern. The early church was not just your regular church. It was a living organism growing at an astounding rate. Eutychus was part of this organism. Missing him would be like losing a limb. This is the body of Christ in action! Caring, loving, helping, rejoicing! Thank God I am part of that body as well.

Father,

I am not sure what this story is saying. Continue to teach me. Help me to be concerned about the physical needs of my local body of Christ. Help me to see the needs of people, and then give me the grace to help them.

In Jesus name,

Amen