Eutychus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles. His account is found in Acts 20:7-12, during the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey. Eutychus is best known for the miraculous event that occurred when he fell from a window and was brought back to life by Paul.

Biblical Account

The account of Eutychus takes place in the city of Troas, where Paul and his companions stayed for seven days. On the first day of the week, the believers gathered to break bread, and Paul, intending to leave the next day, spoke to them. Acts 20:7 states, "On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people, and because he intended to leave the next day, he kept on talking until midnight."

The gathering took place in an upper room, and many lamps were lit, creating a warm and possibly stuffy environment. Eutychus, a young man, was sitting in a window. As Paul continued speaking, Eutychus became drowsy and eventually fell into a deep sleep. Acts 20:9 describes the incident: "And a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, was overcome by deep sleep. As Paul kept on speaking, he fell down from the third account and was picked up dead."

The fall from the third account was fatal, and Eutychus was presumed dead. However, Paul went down, bent over him, and embraced him. Acts 20:10 records Paul's words and actions: "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.'"

After this miraculous intervention, Eutychus was brought back to life. The believers were greatly comforted by this event. Acts 20:12 concludes the account: "And they took the boy home alive, and were greatly comforted."

Theological Significance

The account of Eutychus highlights several key themes in Christian theology. First, it underscores the power of God to perform miracles through His apostles, affirming the divine authority and mission of Paul. The resurrection of Eutychus serves as a testament to the life-giving power of the Gospel and the hope of resurrection for all believers.

Additionally, the incident emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship and the breaking of bread, which is a reference to the Lord's Supper. The gathering of believers on the first day of the week reflects the early Christian practice of meeting on Sunday, the day of Christ's resurrection, to worship and remember His sacrifice.

The account also serves as a reminder of the human condition, as Eutychus's drowsiness and fall illustrate the physical limitations and vulnerabilities of individuals, even in spiritual settings. It encourages vigilance and attentiveness in the pursuit of spiritual growth and understanding.

Cultural and Historical Context

Troas, where the event took place, was a significant city in the Roman province of Asia, located near the ancient city of Troy. The use of an upper room for gatherings was common in the ancient world, providing a private space for meetings and worship.

The presence of many lamps in the room, as mentioned in Acts 20:8, suggests a well-attended gathering, possibly indicating the growing number of believers in Troas. The detail of the lamps also adds to the narrative, as the heat and smoke from the lamps may have contributed to Eutychus's drowsiness.

In summary, Eutychus's account is a powerful narrative of divine intervention, the early Christian community's practices, and the enduring hope found in the resurrection.Eu'tychus (1 Occurrence)

Acts 20:9
A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.
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Eu'tychus (1 Occurrence)
Eu'tychus. Eutychus, Eu'tychus. Evaded . Multi-Version Concordance
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Eutychus (1 Occurrence)

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