Acts 20- Falling Asleep

Hmmm... How can we sanely navigate this text?

While Paul is giving his long-winded farewell address, Eutychus, falls asleep and falls from the third story window.

Let's explore this from a couple angles:

First, it is a reminder of our physical limitations. We need to humble ourselves enough to get the rest we need. This is an important lesson for our western culture. Slow down. Get some sleep. Trust that when you are sleeping God is able to take care of the world. Perhaps, if Eutychus had been well rested he would not have dozed. Additionally, the many candles in a crowded third story room would create very sleepy conditions. Between the smoke and the warmth, mixed with a cool breeze from the outside, it must have been rather easy to nod off. We must be careful that we are aware of how the physical effects the spiritual. Spurgeon says, "A mouthful of sea air, or a stiff walk in the wind's face would not give grace to the soul, but it would yield oxygen to the body, which is next best" (Lectures to My Students, page 158). Take care of your physical body. This will help to prepare you to train your spiritual body. Therefore, position yourself in a place where you can be most attentive to the Spirit.

Second, this story reminds me of a post from a couple days ago, In Need of Grace. Each of us can become so familiar with truth that it lulls us to sleep. Think about how this is quite possibly the last time that Paul was able to address this church in Troas. This final address is the occasion of the preaching. He obviously had much to say. And you can imagine there must have been weight to what he was saying. It doesn't seem to make sense that he would casually address this group for six hours, as if he was just rambling and shooting the breeze. And, even after raising Eutychus from the dead he continues till morning!?! No, Paul was standing on the brink of eternity preaching with all his soul for the progress and joy in the faith! To fall asleep during a sermon from the apostle Paul is, in a sense, a disregard of your own soul. A flippancy toward eternal things. When we grow casual to the ways of God we are in jeopardy of allow ourselves to spiritually fall asleep. Let this serve as a warning.

1) Position yourself physically to not hinder yourself spiritually

2) Do not grow casual to God's ways

Maybe the text doesn't allow for these conclusions, but doesn't your soul tell you they are true?