What does Acts 20:8 mean?

Paul is conversing with the church in Troas on the northeast coast of the Aegean Sea. They're in a room which is likely on the third story of a house. Paul and the church members have been talking for a long time. It's now midnight, and between the lamps and the people, it's likely getting hot and stuffy (Acts 20:7). Soon, a young man who is sitting by the window will fall asleep and fall to the ground, dead. Paul will bring him back to life and the group will continue talking until daybreak (Acts 20:9–12).

Like Jesus and the disciples at Passover, the church meets in an upper room. The higher the room in a building, the fewer floors need to be supported above it. In the highest room, there is only the roof. Although people do use the roof for living space, fewer supports are needed, allowing upper rooms to be more open. The windows on the higher floor will, normally, also allow for more air flow.

Luke uses the pronoun "we." At the very least, he and Paul are present. Likely, some of the men listed in Acts 20:4 are also there. People from modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, and Greece—Jews and Gentiles—gather all night to discuss Jesus, the purpose of the church, and their places in it. Together they take communion, reaffirming their commitment to Christ and each other. The Holy Spirit has told Paul that imprisonment awaits him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22–23). He must ensure the church in Troas is able to take care of itself.