Acts 20:36
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Acts 20:36
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul's kneeling prayer isn't just a sign of humility; it's a public, active embrace of dependence on God right after a weighty, personal farewell. It shows that even in moments of profound human connection and sorrow, prayer is the immediate, visible act of entrusting everything to the Almighty.
Paul has just delivered an emotional farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them to guard the flock and reminding them of his tireless ministry among them. In response, the elders weep openly, heartbroken by his words that they will see his face no more. This verse captures the moment of profound connection and sorrow as Paul concludes his address, kneeling down to offer a prayer with them all.
Why did Paul, a bold apostle, choose to kneel? It wasn't just a habit; it was a powerful statement of humility and devotion in a deeply emotional moment.
A Posture of Submission
Paul's choice to kneel when praying with the Ephesian elders is significant. Kneeling has long been recognized as a posture of reverence, submission, and humility before God.
Paul wasn’t ashamed to show his dependence on God, even in front of his spiritual family.
This wasn't just Paul's prayer; it was a prayer with them all. Imagine the scene: tears, embraces, and a shared plea to God in the face of a painful goodbye.
United in Heart and Prayer
The description of Paul kneeling and praying 'with them all' underscores the deep spiritual bond he shared with the Ephesian elders. This wasn't a solitary act but a communal expression of their shared faith and their sorrow.
Understand the original words
gony klinas · Greek Verb Phrase
The act of lowering the body to the ground as a physical expression of humility, submission, or profound reverence before God. It signifies a complete surrender of one's will to the Lord.
prosēuxato · Greek Verb
A solemn communication with God, involving adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It is the primary means by which believers maintain intimate communion with the Father.
This moment captures the profound emotional weight of Paul's ministry and the deep bonds he formed with the early church leaders. His farewell is not just a physical parting, but a spiritual entrustment, highlighting the human connection within the divine mission.
c. AD 53-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul undertakes his extensive third missionary journey, spreading the gospel throughout various regions of the Roman Empire.
c. AD 57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends a significant period in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, ministering and establishing the church there.
c. AD 57
Paul's Letter to the Corinthians
During his time in Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues within the community.
c. AD 57
Paul's Journey to Macedonia and Greece
After events in Ephesus, Paul travels through Macedonia and then spends three months in Greece, likely Corinth, ministering to the churches.
c. AD 58
This passage describes Solomon kneeling in prayer before God, highlighting kneeling as a posture of reverence and humility, just as Paul demonstrates in Acts 20:36.
Daniel 6:10Daniel is depicted praying with his window open toward Jerusalem, kneeling three times a day, reinforcing kneeling as a consistent practice of devotion and submission to God, even in challenging circumstances.
Luke 22:41Jesus Himself knelt to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, showing that even our Lord adopted this posture of humility and earnest petition when facing immense sorrow and trial.
Ephesians 3:14Paul explicitly states 'For this reason I bow my knees to the Father,' connecting his own practice of kneeling in prayer with the concept of prayer for others and the deep mysteries of God's grace.
pooleActs 20:36: "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
He kneeled down; a posture of great humility, becoming prayer, and frequently used on such occasions, especially in a time of great trouble and distress. Although bodily exercise alone do not profit, 1 Timothy 4:8 , yet we may, and must on occasion, in prayer bow the knee, lift up the hand and eye; 1. Because it is a reasonable thing to give our bodies in his service to God that made them. 2. By this we may sh…
barnesActs 20:36: "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all."
He kneeled down - The usual attitude of prayer. It is the proper posture of a suppliant. It indicates reverence and humility; and is represented in the Scriptures as the usual attitude of devotion, 2 Chronicles 6:13 ; Daniel 6:10 ; Luke 22:41 ; Acts 7:60 ; Acts 9:40 ; Acts 21:5 ; Romans 11:4 ; Philippians 2:10 ; Ephesians 3:14 ; Mark 1:40 .
Paul's kneeling prayer isn't just a sign of humility; it's a public, active embrace of dependence on God right after a weighty, personal farewell. It shows that even in moments of profound human connection and sorrow, prayer is the immediate, visible act of entrusting everything to the Almighty.
Paul has just delivered an emotional farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them to guard the flock and reminding them of his tireless ministry among them. In response, the elders weep openly, heartbroken by his words that they will see his face no more. This verse captures the moment of profound connection and sorrow as Paul concludes his address, kneeling down to offer a prayer with them all.
Paul has just delivered an emotional farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them to guard the flock and reminding them of his tireless ministry among them. In response, the elders weep openly, heartbroken by his words that they will see his face no more. This verse captures the moment of profound connection and sorrow as Paul concludes his address, kneeling down to offer a prayer with them all.
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Paul's Return Journey Through Macedonia
While returning from Greece, Paul travels back through Macedonia, visiting churches and disciples along the way.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
Paul stops at Miletus and calls for the elders of the church from Ephesus to meet him, delivering a heartfelt farewell address and charge.
"And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all." — Paul's kneeling prayer isn't just a sign of humility; it's a public, active embrace of dependence on God right after a weighty, personal farewell. It shows that even in moments of profound human conn…