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| Volume 20 Number 9 September 2018 | Page 16 |
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| Volume 20 Number 9 September 2018 | Page 16 |
Louis Rushmore, Editor
Someone inquired, “What day of the week did Paul arrive in Troas?” More than one commentator on Acts 20:6 takes the reference to “seven days” literally. As such, then, the apostle would have arrived on Monday. He then purposely waited seven days until the first day of the week came around again—at which time, he and other Christians assembled to worship (Acts 20:7; cf., 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Prior to arriving in Troas, the apostle Paul sailed for five days from Philippi. The apostle and others of his day were obliged to make use of the schedules of merchant ships for their passage, and they were further reliant upon the winds, which expedited or hindered travel. Thus, the apostle did what he could to arrive in Troas in time to assemble with the saints of that city, necessitating him to linger seven days for the Lord’s Day to come.
Days of Unleavened Bread
Louis Rushmore, Editor
Some may ponder the relationship of the feasts of Passover and of Unleavened Bread or if they refer to the same Jewish feast. They were different, but related.
The Passover and the Feast of the Unleavened Bread were among “the feasts of the Lord” (Leviticus 23:4; cf., Mark 14:1). They were consecutive or back-to-back feasts—the Passover day beginning at twilight (Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 9:2-5), followed by seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6). Consequently, the feasts of the Passover and of the Unleavened Bread were viewed as one, protracted event (Exodus 12:1-20; Matthew 26:17; Luke 2:41-43, “Passover” and “days”; Acts 12:3-4, “during the Days of Unleavened Bread” and “after the Passover”). “Now on the first day of the Feast of the Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, ‘Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?’” (Matthew 26:17 NKJV; cf., Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7-9). “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover” (Luke 22:1).
The Passover reminded the Israelites that the Lord passed over their homes when He visited death upon the Egyptians (Exodus 12:21-30). The feast of Unleavened Bread caused the Israelites to remember their impromptu and hasty departure from Egyptian slavery—so suddenly and swiftly that they had no time for leavened bread to rise (Exodus 12:39). Therefore, the feasts of the Passover and of the Unleavened Bread were different, but related. Depending upon the perspective in which one may refer to them determines whether the feasts of the Passover and the Unleavened Bread are considered as two feasts or as one extended event. Biblical references in both testaments of the Bible evidence this.