“On the first day of the week, we assembled to break bread. Paul spoke to them, and since he was about to depart the next day, he kept on talking until midnight.” (v. 7)

There is a theme that comes out of Acts 20.

You can see it readily in the latter half of the chapter, as Paul gives a farewell address to his friends from Ephesus. The apostle encourages, challenges, and strengthens his co-laborers in the Gospel—because he is convinced he will not see them again (on this side of glory).

But you also see it as he preaches in Troas.

There, knowing that he will only get one Lord’s Day to teach and preach, Paul speaks late into the night. He maximizes the opportunity. Because the time he’s given is limited—because life keeps moving and because the pace of his calling carries him onward—Paul pours into them.

What’s the theme, then?

Make the most of the time you’ve got. Give them what you can while you can, in the Spirit. Your time with your kids, with those neighbors, in that job, or among that community is limited—whether you think it is or not. Every assignment we’ve been given is short-term.

So tell them. Teach them. Don’t keep back what is meant to be proclaimed with urgency. Make the most of the time you are with them—and make the Gospel your utmost concern.

— Tyler