Paul the apostle, undaunted by the persecutions and afflictions which he endured, continued on his course, preaching the Word to all. He kept back nothing that was profitable for the people of God, declaring the whole counsel of God. Paul seemed to sense an urgency to fulfill this ministry to which he had been called. The time was short, and the honor of the Lord and of His testimony was at stake. All this, rather than discouraging the apostle, seemed to give him an increased incentive to hold on and finish his course. Christ filled his heart just as He filled the glory to which Paul was going. Christ was everything to him.

Paul lived what he preached. His practical walk was in keeping with his doctrine, and he would be found gathered with believers whenever it was possible for him to do so. Such was the case at Troas. Although Paul was rushing to arrive in Jerusalem, he tarried at Troas long enough to be able to spend the Lord’s Day—the first day of the week—with the Christians who gathered together there to break bread.

What a happy occasion this was for the apostle, and still is even now for the children of God! On the first day of the week, the resurrection day, we come together to break bread in remembrance of the Lord, who gave Himself an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. What a privilege to gather to remember Him and bring to Him, in some small measure, the worship and praise and thanksgiving from our grateful hearts. We are mindful too of His promise to return, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”