Acts 20:36-38
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, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Paul has just delivered a profound, tear-jerking farewell, the text emphasizes his humble posture of kneeling. This isn't just a symbolic gesture of respect; it's a powerful, physical act that amplifies his sincerity and the depth of his connection with the Ephesian elders as they commit themselves to God's care.
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them of wolves to come and reminding them of his own diligent ministry. After speaking these final words, he humbly kneels with them in prayer, an act of deep reverence and submission to God. This prayer marks the solemn conclusion of their time together before they all break down in tears, sorrowing over the impending separation.
Why did Paul choose to kneel? This simple posture speaks volumes about our relationship with God.
Paul's act of kneeling was more than just a physical position; it was a profound expression of humility and reverence. In a culture where kneeling was often associated with supplication and submission, Paul adopts this posture as he concludes his farewell to the Ephesian elders.
A Posture of Humility:
Kneeling signifies recognizing God's supreme authority and our dependence on Him. It's an outward display of an inward state of lowliness before the Almighty.
A Sign of Reverence:
It communicates respect and awe for the One to whom we pray. This isn't a casual chat, but an audience with the Creator of the universe.
Stirring Devotion:
As the commentators note, this outward act can also serve to stir up our own devotion and that of those around us. It’s a visible commitment to our spiritual engagement.
This wasn't just a goodbye; it was an emotional parting filled with deep love and sorrow.
Paul's prayer, marked by kneeling, occurs after a powerful and emotional farewell speech. The response of the Ephesian elders – weeping, kissing him, and escorting him to the ship – underscores the profound bond they shared.
Shared Grief:
Their tears weren't just for the physical separation, but for the loss of Paul's ministry, guidance, and personal fellowship. This shows the deep impact of godly leadership and community.
Affectionate Parting:
Benson mentions their 'fervent kissing' and 'weeping sore,' indicating the depth of their connection. Paul's prayer here is a moment to entrust them all to God's care, acknowledging the pain of parting while affirming God's enduring presence.
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
This deeply emotional farewell highlights the profound bonds of ministry and the bittersweet reality of parting, set against the backdrop of Paul's perilous journey to Jerusalem.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, a pivotal period for establishing the church in this major Roman city.
c. AD 57
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem
Paul is determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, despite warnings of danger, to celebrate the feast and fulfill his mission.
c. AD 57— this verse
Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
Paul summons the Ephesian elders to Miletus and delivers a deeply emotional farewell address, warning them of false teachers and entrusting them to God.
c. AD 57
Devastated Farewell
The elders are overcome with grief, knowing they will not see Paul's face again, and express their sorrow through tears and embraces.
c. AD 57
This passage echoes the posture of kneeling as a universal sign of submission and reverence before God, highlighting the deep humility Paul displayed in Acts 20:36.
Ephesians 3:14Paul himself describes bending his knees in prayer, connecting the physical act in Acts 20:36 to a profound spiritual submission to the Father.
Daniel 6:10Daniel's consistent practice of praying with his knees bent, even in the face of extreme danger, parallels the solemnity and devotion seen in Paul's prayer.
Luke 22:41Jesus, in His moment of ultimate anguish, knelt to pray, showing that this posture is not just for ordinary prayer but for times of profound emotional and spiritual weight, as Paul likely felt.
Acts 21:5This passage shows Paul again kneeling to pray with the believers before his departure, reinforcing this as a significant and repeated act of spiritual connection and farewell.
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 Paul has just delivered a profound, tear-jerking farewell, the text emphasizes his humble posture of kneeling. This isn't just a symbolic gesture of respect; it's a powerful, physical act that amplifies his sincerity and the depth of his connection with the Ephesian elders as they commit themselves to God's care.
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them of wolves to come and reminding them of his own diligent ministry. After speaking these final words, he humbly kneels with them in prayer, an act of deep reverence and submission to God. This prayer marks the solemn conclusion of their time together before they all break down in tears, sorrowing over the impending separation.
Paul has just delivered a heartfelt farewell to the elders of Ephesus, warning them of wolves to come and reminding them of his own diligent ministry. After speaking these final words, he humbly kneels with them in prayer, an act of deep reverence and submission to God. This prayer marks the solemn conclusion of their time together before they all break down in tears, sorrowing over the impending separation.
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A Glimpse of Heaven:
Benson's final thought about the final judgment, where some will 'see his face no more,' adds a sober, eternal perspective to this earthly separation.
In the face of separation, Paul's ultimate act was to place the Ephesian church into God's capable hands.
After the emotional goodbyes and shared tears, Paul's prayer wasn't for himself, but for the flock. He entrusts them to the 'word of God's grace,' a powerful testament to his faith and their spiritual security.
God's Word as Foundation:
Paul directs them to God's word, not just as a source of comfort but as the means for their continued growth and sanctification. It's the enduring anchor in his absence.
The Power of Grace:
'The word of His grace' speaks to the transformative power of God's unmerited favor. This is what would sustain them, build them up, and prepare them for eternity.
A Lasting Legacy:
Even though Paul would no longer physically be with them, his legacy was in equipping them to rely on God's ongoing work through His word and Spirit. His prayer sealed this entrustment.
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.
odynōmenoi · Greek Adjective/Participle
A deep, heavy feeling of distress, sadness, or heartache, often stemming from loss or impending separation. In Scripture, it is a human reaction to the realities of a fallen world.
logos · Greek Noun
The divinely inspired message of God, often specifically referring to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the authoritative truth that convicts, encourages, and guides the believer's life.
Voyage to Tyre
Paul and his companions sail towards Jerusalem, stopping at various ports along the way.
c. AD 57
Arrival in Jerusalem
Paul finally arrives in Jerusalem, where he is soon arrested and imprisoned.
"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, being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not…" — While Paul has just delivered a profound, tear-jerking farewell, the text emphasizes his humble posture of kneeling. This isn't just a symbolic gesture of respect; it's a powerful, physical act that…
