The account of the "Boy Who Fell Asleep" is found in the New Testament book of Acts, specifically in Acts 20:7-12. This narrative centers around a young man named Eutychus, whose experience serves as both a miraculous testament to the power of God and a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual lethargy.

Biblical Account:

The event takes place during the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. Paul and his companions are in Troas, where they gather with the local believers on the first day of the week to break bread and engage in teaching. The gathering occurs in an upper room, and Paul, knowing he must depart the next day, extends his message until midnight.

Acts 20:9 states, "And a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, was overcome by deep sleep as Paul kept on speaking. Overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third account and was picked up dead." The narrative highlights the physical and spiritual dangers of inattentiveness during the proclamation of God's Word.

Miraculous Restoration:

The account does not end with tragedy. Acts 20:10-12 continues, "But Paul went down, threw himself on the young man, and embraced him. 'Do not be alarmed,' he said, 'for his life is in him.' Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. After speaking until daybreak, he departed. And the people were greatly relieved to take the boy home alive."

Paul's actions mirror those of Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha, who also performed resurrections through the power of God (1 Kings 17:21-22; 2 Kings 4:34-35). This miracle serves as a testament to the apostolic authority granted to Paul and the life-giving power of the Gospel.

Theological Implications:

The account of Eutychus carries several theological implications. It underscores the importance of vigilance and attentiveness in spiritual matters. The physical sleep of Eutychus can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual slumber, a state against which believers are often warned (Romans 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Moreover, the incident highlights the grace and mercy of God, who restores life and offers second chances. It serves as a reminder of the hope of resurrection and the transformative power of Christ's presence among His people.

Practical Lessons:

From a practical standpoint, the account encourages believers to prioritize spiritual nourishment and community worship, even amidst the busyness of life. It also serves as a reminder to church leaders and teachers of the importance of engaging and edifying communication of the Word.

In summary, the account of the "Boy Who Fell Asleep" is a rich narrative that combines elements of warning, miracle, and hope, reflecting the dynamic and life-giving nature of the early Christian community and the enduring power of the Gospel.1 Kings 17:17-24
And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.
Topicalbible.org

"Good-For-Nothing"
... it is our Lord's will! He will take me away, and find better provision for
my boy.". She fell asleep. In the morning she seemed better ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/good-for-nothing.htm

The Repentant Father.
... expecting his boy to come home. It was time for the whaling vessel to return. One
night there came up a terrible gale, and this father fell asleep, and while ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the repentant father.htm

Introductory Notice to Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria.
... of the story, that Alexander decided the question of the boy-baptism in ... Athanasius
is the grandest figure of the primitive ages after the apostles fell asleep. ...
/.../introductory notice to alexander bishop.htm

The Birth of Saint George.
... Carelessness sat down on a bank and fell asleep. Soon Kalyb led the boy into the
recesses of the forest; then seizing him, in spite of his cries, she placed ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter one the birth of.htm

The Prince Returns
... He drank and turning himself with effort fell asleep. ... In the door with his head dropped
back between his shoulders gazing up at the sky overhead, sat the boy. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xii the prince returns.htm

Possessing, and "Working Out. "
... One summer my boy asked me to give him a piece of ground that he might have a ... One
night she fell asleep in a very troubled state of mind, and she had a dream. ...
/.../moody/sovereign grace/chapter iii possessing and working.htm

What the Big Chest Contained
... For this reason, my boy, watch your first impulses ... He ridiculed their threats when
they told what they expected to do to him; but when he fell asleep that night ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/byrum/how john became a man/chapter iii what the big.htm

Elijah the Great Heart of Israel.
... Then he gave the boy to his happy and grateful mother, saying, "See, thy son ... he was
discouraged because he was tired and hungry, for he fell asleep, and when ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii elijah the great.htm

"And we Beheld his Glory" --A Father's Faith.
... They were tired, and watching their Master in prayer, they fell asleep. ... and he described
the frightful state into which it had brought his boy, and added that ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvii and we beheld.htm

"There, Baby!" Said Diamond; "I'M So Happy that I Can Only Sing ...
... "We should have all starved, my precious Diamond," said his mother, whose pride
in her boy was even ... He threw himself down under a rose-bush, and fell asleep. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 25 there baby said.htm

What is the meaning of “I believe; help my unbelief” in Mark 9:24? | GotQuestions.org

How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Boy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus