There were many lamps
The presence of many lamps in the upper room where the believers were gathered is significant. In the ancient world, lamps were not only a source of light but also a symbol of spiritual illumination and divine presence. The Greek word used here, "lampas," refers to a torch or a portable lamp. The abundance of lamps could symbolize the light of Christ shining in the midst of His followers, illuminating their hearts and minds as they listened to Paul's teachings. This imagery aligns with Jesus' declaration in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world."

in the upper room
The setting of an upper room is noteworthy. In Jewish tradition, upper rooms were often used for prayer and significant gatherings. This particular upper room in Troas may remind readers of the upper room in Jerusalem where the Last Supper took place (Luke 22:12) and where the disciples gathered after Jesus' ascension (Acts 1:13). The upper room serves as a place of intimacy, fellowship, and divine encounter, emphasizing the sacredness of the gathering.

where we were assembled
The act of assembling together is a fundamental aspect of the early Christian community. The Greek word "sunago," meaning to gather or come together, underscores the importance of fellowship and unity among believers. This assembly in Troas reflects the early church's commitment to communal worship, teaching, and mutual edification, as seen throughout the book of Acts. Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to forsake assembling together, highlighting the value of corporate worship and support.

and Paul spoke
Paul's role as a speaker in this gathering is central. The Greek word "dialegomai," translated as "spoke," implies a dialogue or discussion rather than a monologue. This suggests that Paul's teaching was interactive, engaging the listeners in conversation and reflection. Paul's dedication to teaching and preaching the Gospel is a recurring theme in Acts, demonstrating his commitment to spreading the message of Christ and nurturing the faith of believers.

to them
The audience, "to them," refers to the believers gathered in Troas. This phrase highlights the personal and direct nature of Paul's ministry. His teachings were not abstract or distant but were tailored to the needs and circumstances of the specific community he was addressing. This personal approach is a model for Christian ministry, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique spiritual needs of each congregation.

(8) And there were many lights in the upper chamber.--We learn from Acts 20:9 that it was on the third floor of the house. In the high narrow streets of Eastern towns the upper storey is often chosen for social or devotional purposes, partly as more removed from the noise of the street, partly as giving access to the roof of the house. Such a room in a good sized house might well hold two or three hundred people. It is a fair inference also that the vividness and minuteness of the account indicate that we have the narrative of an eye-witness. The lamps or torches (see Notes on Matthew 5:15; Matthew 25:3; John 5:35) are probably mentioned, partly as accounting for the sleep of Eutychus by the heat and closeness of the room, partly, perhaps, as an indirect answer to the calumny loudly asserted afterwards (Tertull. Apol. c. 8), and probably even then whispered, that at the meetings of the Christians the lamps were extinguished and free scope given for deeds of shameless licence. There is no ground for assuming that the lamps at this early period had any distinctive ritual or symbolic character, though it would be a natural expression of respect that two or more should be placed in front of the Apostle, or other presiding elder, at such a meeting, on either side of the loaf which was to be broken, and the cup which was to be blest. The position of the celebrant (to use a later, but convenient term) may have been, as in the original institution of the Supper, recumbent on the triclinium, or couch, which was at this time used by both Greeks and Romans. It is obvious, however, that this would be an inconvenient posture for distribution to a large assembly, and the special mention of "the Lord's table" in 1Corinthians 10:21, leads to the conclusion that there was a separate high table (to borrow the familiar language of a college or Inn of Court) at which the celebrant and other ministers sat, their backs to the wall, their faces to the people, and that from that table they distributed the bread and wine, either by taking them, or sending them by the deacons or other ministers, to those who sat in the body of the room, or by giving it to the congregation as they came up to the table in detachments. The later practice of the Church, and the absence of any indication in patristic writings that there was an abrupt change, makes the latter the more probable alternative. The table, so placed, served as a transition stage between the triclinium and the altar of the later basilica. The primitive arrangement in which the priest faces the congregation and stands behind the altar, it may be noted, was at first retained in most of the basilicas, and survives to the present day in some of the churches of that type in Rome--as, for example, in that of S. Clemente. This, therefore, and not any eastward or southward position, may claim to be, as has been well said, "at once the most primitive, the most Catholic, the most Protestant" of Eucharistic usages.

Verse 8. - We for they, A.V. and T.R. It is not obvious why St. Luke mentions the many lights. Some say to mark the solemnity of the first day of the week (Kuinoel); some, to remove all possible occasion of scandal as regards such midnight meetings (Bengel); some, to explain how the young man's fall was immediately perceived (Meyer); others, to account for the young man's drowsiness, which would be increased by the many lights, possibly making the room hot (Alford); for ornament (Olshausen). But possibly it is the mere mention by an eye-witness of a fact which struck him. It is obvious that the room must have been lit for a night meeting - only perhaps there were more lights than usual.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

there were
Ἦσαν (Ēsan)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

many
ἱκαναὶ (hikanai)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit.

lamps
λαμπάδες (lampades)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2985: A torch, lamp, lantern. From lampo; a 'lamp' or flambeau.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

upper room
ὑπερῴῳ (hyperōō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5253: Neuter of a derivative of huper; a higher part of the house, i.e. Apartment in the third story.

where
οὗ (hou)
Adverb
Strong's 3757: Where, whither, when, in what place. Genitive case of hos as adverb; at which place, i.e. Where.

we were
ἦμεν (ēmen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

gathered.
συνηγμένοι (synēgmenoi)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4863: From sun and ago; to lead together, i.e. Collect or convene; specially, to entertain.


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NT Apostles: Acts 20:8 There were many lights in the upper (Acts of the Apostles Ac)