And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
While kneeling was the common posture for prayer, Paul's act here signifies more than just reverence; it's a profound moment of humility and shared vulnerability after a powerful, emotionally charged farewell. It shows that even as a seasoned apostle with divine authority, he submitted himself and their collective needs entirely to God in their shared sorrow and parting.
And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell, reminding the Ephesian elders of his ministry among them and warning them to guard the flock. After this moving speech, he leads them in a moment of profound communal prayer, kneeling together as a humble expression of their shared devotion and sorrow. This intimate moment of prayer and weeping seals their parting, highlighting the deep emotional bond forged through years of ministry.
Paul's final act with the Ephesian elders wasn't a grand speech, but a humble prayer. What does his posture tell us about approaching God?
Paul kneels to pray with the elders. This isn't just a physical act; it's a profound statement of reverence, humility, and submission to God.
A Posture of Reverence:
Kneeling is a universal sign of respect. In Scripture, it signifies acknowledging God's supreme authority and power.
Expressing Humility:
It's a physical act that mirrors the internal state of a contrite heart, recognizing our dependence on God's grace.
Stirring Devotion:
Outward postures can powerfully influence our inner spiritual state, reminding us of the seriousness and intimacy of prayer.
The scene at Miletus is thick with emotion. What was the source of their deep sorrow, and what does it reveal about Paul's ministry?
The farewell between Paul and the Ephesian elders was intensely emotional, marked by weeping and deep affection. This wasn't just a sad parting; it was a testament to the powerful spiritual bond forged through shared ministry.
The Pain of Separation:
The elders sorrowed most because they knew they would 'see his face no more' in that region. This highlights the deep personal connections Paul cultivated.
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A Ministry's Legacy:
Their tears underscore the profound impact of Paul's teaching and presence. He didn't just impart knowledge; he invested his life, leaving an indelible mark.
Affectionate Parting:
The 'kissing' mentioned in some translations emphasizes the intense, loving relationship between Paul and these spiritual leaders.
Paul doesn't leave the Ephesian elders adrift. What was his ultimate strategy for their future, and how does it apply to us today?
After their emotional farewell, Paul's final act was to entrust the elders and the church to God's care. This reveals a crucial aspect of spiritual leadership and personal faith.
The Word of God's Grace:
Paul commends them to 'the word of God's grace.' This isn't just a passive recommendation; it's an active trust in God's power to sustain, sanctify, and grow His people through His Word.
Foundation for Hope and Growth:
This 'word' is the source of their hope and the means by which they will continue to grow spiritually, even in Paul's absence.
A Model for Leadership:
True leadership means not only guiding and teaching but also ultimately placing the flock into the loving, capable hands of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
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.
klaythmos · Greek Noun
The shedding of tears, often expressing intense grief, deep affection, or emotional distress. In a communal setting, it reflects the depth of shared bond and sorrow.
katephiloun · Greek Verb
A physical action expressing love, fellowship, or intense affection. In the New Testament, it is often associated with the 'holy kiss,' symbolizing the unity and peace shared among the family of God.
This verse captures a profoundly emotional farewell, highlighting the deep bonds Paul forged during his extensive ministry in cities like Ephesus. His knowing he would likely not see them again, and their tearful response, underscores the very real human cost and sacrifice involved in the early spread of the Gospel.
c. AD 53-56
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
While the exact timeline of Paul's journeys is debated, many scholars place his significant imprisonment in Rome around this period, during which he wrote letters like Ephesians and Philippians.
c. AD 57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a considerable amount of time in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, establishing and strengthening the church there. This was a period of intense ministry but also significant opposition.
c. AD 57-58— this verse
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
Paul felt a strong calling to return to Jerusalem, despite warnings of danger. He gathered the elders of Ephesus at Miletus to say goodbye, knowing he would likely not see them again.
c. AD 58
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Paul was arrested, falsely accused, and subsequently imprisoned for several years before being sent to Rome for trial.
c. AD 62-64
Paul's Later Ministry and Imprisonment
Following his release from his first Roman imprisonment, Paul likely continued his ministry, possibly visiting Crete and Nicopolis, before a final imprisonment in Rome, which led to his execution.
This passage describes Solomon kneeling before the altar to pray, highlighting kneeling as a posture of humility and reverence before God, just as Paul does here.
Daniel 6:10Daniel is shown praying three times a day with his window open toward Jerusalem, establishing a pattern of consistent prayer in a specific posture, which aligns with Paul's devout act.
Luke 22:41Jesus Himself knelt to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, demonstrating that even the Son of God took this humble posture in a time of intense sorrow and struggle, underscoring its significance.
Ephesians 3:14Paul writes about kneeling to the Father in prayer, showing that this posture was characteristic of his approach to God, and likely reflects the substance of the prayer he offered in Acts 20.
Philippians 2:10This verse speaks of all creation eventually kneeling before Jesus, connecting the act of kneeling in prayer to ultimate submission and reverence before divine authority, which Paul embodies.
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 .
While kneeling was the common posture for prayer, Paul's act here signifies more than just reverence; it's a profound moment of humility and shared vulnerability after a powerful, emotionally charged farewell. It shows that even as a seasoned apostle with divine authority, he submitted himself and their collective needs entirely to God in their shared sorrow and parting.
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell, reminding the Ephesian elders of his ministry among them and warning them to guard the flock. After this moving speech, he leads them in a moment of profound communal prayer, kneeling together as a humble expression of their shared devotion and sorrow. This intimate moment of prayer and weeping seals their parting, highlighting the deep emotional bond forged through years of ministry.
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell, reminding the Ephesian elders of his ministry among them and warning them to guard the flock. After this moving speech, he leads them in a moment of profound communal prayer, kneeling together as a humble expression of their shared devotion and sorrow. This intimate moment of prayer and weeping seals their parting, highlighting the deep emotional bond forged through years of ministry.
"And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him," — While kneeling was the common posture for prayer, Paul's act here signifies more than just reverence; it's a profound moment of humility and shared vulnerability after a powerful, emotionally charged…
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Last reviewed October 2026