What is The Mystery of Many Lamps in Acts 20?

1I – Introduction

2N – Narrative Context

3S – Scriptural Foundations

4P – Perspectives from Others

5I – Identifying Misunderstandings

6R – Relevance and Application for you

7E – Encouragement and Conclusion

8D – Did You Know?

I – Introduction

I remember listening to my mentor John Paul Jackson (JPJ) discussing a fascinating detail in Acts 20 that most people overlook. You see, there’s this intriguing passage where Paul is teaching in an upper room, and Luke, the careful historian, makes what seems to be an oddly specific observation about “many lights or flickering lamps.” A young man named Eutychus falls asleep during Paul’s lengthy discourse, plummets three stories to his death, and is miraculously restored to life through Paul’s embrace. But why, in the midst of such a dramatic narrative, does Luke pause to mention these numerous lamps?

N – Narrative Context

First-century Roman homes typically used oil lamps for lighting, with one or two being sufficient for most gatherings. The explicit mention of “many lamps” (πολλαὶ λαμπάδες in Greek) suggests something beyond mere practical illumination. These upper rooms, called cenacles, were common meeting places for early Christians, reminiscent of the Upper Room where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.

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S – Scriptural Foundations

The symbolism of light runs deep throughout Scripture. In Exodus 25:31-40, God instructs Moses about the seven-branched menorah, representing perfect divine light. Jesus declares in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” In Matthew 5:14-16, He tells His followers, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.”

The Book of Revelation frequently uses lamp imagery. In Revelation 1:20, the seven lampstands represent the seven churches. In Revelation 4:5, the seven lamps of fire before God’s throne represent the seven Spirits of God.

P – Perspectives from Others

Some scholars suggest the lamps were merely practical necessities for a nighttime gathering. Others propose they were meant to emphasize the length of Paul’s teaching session. However, I and JPJ believe Luke, under divine inspiration, was painting a deeper picture of spiritual significance.

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I – Identifying Misunderstandings

Many readers miss the symbolic importance of light in biblical narrative, treating such details as mere historical footnotes. Yet Scripture often, and I really do mean often uses physical elements to convey spiritual truths. The multiple lamps likely represented both the presence of the Holy Spirit, other angelic or supernatural beings of light and the gathering of believers, each carrying their own light of testimony. Literally being the light of the world as Jesus said they would be, which would lead to this upper room being filled with an atmosphere of faith. This can be seen in how eager these people were (staying up till dawn) to hear the Word of God being taught by Paul.

R – Relevance and Application for you

When we gather as believers today, we’re not just meeting for practical purposes. Each of us brings our own “lamp” – our testimony, our gifts, our light reflecting the Messiah. Just as those many lamps illuminated that upper room in Troas, our combined witness can illuminate our communities with God’s truth and love.

E – Encouragement and Conclusion

This seemingly simple detail about many lamps reveals God’s attention to symbolism and meaning in Scripture. It reminds us that when we gather in His name, we’re not alone – we’re part of a greater testimony, multiple lights both in the natural and supernatural shining together for His glory. The next time you gather with fellow believers, remember those lamps in Troas and consider how your light combines with others to illuminate the world for Jesus the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

Archaeological discoveries of first-century Roman oil lamps reveal that they typically burned for about two hours before needing refilling. Just like those lamps, we need a continuous refilling daily by the Holy Spirit to keep shining for King Jesus.

Discussion Question: How do you see the symbolism of light playing out in your own church gatherings? In what ways does your community of believers combine their “lamps” to shine brighter together?