5/31 Acts 20:12

¹² And they took the youth away alive, and were not a little comforted.

Paul had made a stop at the church in Troas on his way to Jerusalem. On Sunday the church gathered and Paul preached. They had met in an upper room and the many bodies and lanterns made the room warm. Paul preached on until midnight, sharing his heart before he left the next day. And you thought your pastor was long-winded! One young man named Eutychus was sitting in the third story window listening to the message when he drifted off to sleep, fell to the ground, and died. I can't think of a more depressing way to end a church meeting.

Paul ran downstairs and embraced him and told the church not to worry, that the young man was alive. Paul could now add that the dead were raised to the things the Lord had worked through him (Matthew 10:8). That made a much better ending to their time of worship. In fact, the restoration of Eutychus' life just elevated their worship to a higher level. The service went on until dawn!

They were more than a little comforted. The word used for "comfort" is also the word used for "the Holy Spirit." They were more than a little exhorted. I guess I could say that again, after an all-night exhortation. Exhortation and comfort and the work of the Holy Spirit all apply. What a night that was!

Consider: Think about how passionate Paul was to share his heart to this congregation that he might not see again (Acts 20:22). Pray that this passion might burn in your heart.