Acts 20:37-38
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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This parting is so emotional because they understood this was likely their last embrace, a profound farewell they'd perhaps never experience again. The deep affection and physical embrace show a profound spiritual connection, not just a polite goodbye.
This deeply emotional farewell follows Paul's urgent, final charge to the Ephesian elders to protect the church. After Paul concludes his speech and prayer, the elders express their profound grief and love, knowing they will likely never see him again. This moment of intense weeping and embracing highlights the deep spiritual bonds forged and the pain of separation felt by both the apostle and his spiritual children.
In a world that often teaches us to hide our emotions, this scene explodes with raw feeling. What does it reveal about genuine Christian fellowship?
This isn't just a sad goodbye; it's a powerful display of deep, uninhibited love. The elders of Ephesus don't just shake Paul's hand; they 'fell on his neck' and 'kissed him,' weeping 'sorely.' This echoes ancient customs of showing the highest affection, like when Joseph embraced his brothers.
What's striking is the absence of suppression. In ancient times, and even today, displays of deep emotion, especially for men, could be seen as weakness. Yet, here, everyone – all of them – gives way to their grief. This shows that true faith doesn't strip away our humanity or our natural affections; instead, it intensifies them and directs them towards God and His people.
Their tears were intense, but what future sorrow were they perhaps sensing? This parting held a deeper significance.
Paul's impending departure from Ephesus wasn't just a separation; it was likely a final farewell. He himself tells them, 'you will never see my face again' (Acts 20:38). This realization fuels the intense weeping.
Their grief is a human reaction to losing someone deeply loved and profoundly influential. But it also serves as a poignant foreshadowing. If separation from a beloved apostle brings such pain, how much greater will be the sorrow of those ultimately separated from God's presence?
Understand the original words
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.
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
This deeply emotional farewell highlights the profound bonds forged through shared ministry and the pain of parting, even when trusting in God's ultimate plan.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent over two years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, establishing a strong church and significantly impacting the region.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Following his time in Ephesus, Paul continued his extensive travels, spreading the gospel and strengthening churches throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
Paul summoned the elders of the Ephesian church to Miletus, knowing he would not see them again. He delivered a poignant farewell address, charging them with their responsibilities and expressing his deep affection.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul was eventually arrested and brought to Rome, where he spent his final years under house arrest, continuing to minister and write letters.
This passage describes Joseph falling on his father Jacob's neck and weeping, mirroring the deep affection and sorrow shown in the parting between Paul and the Ephesian elders.
1 Samuel 20:41The emotional farewell between David and Jonathan, where they wept and kissed each other, provides a powerful Old Testament parallel to the tender scene of Paul's parting with the Ephesian church leaders.
Luke 15:20The father's joyful embrace and kissing of the returning prodigal son highlights the profound affection and reconciliation that can be expressed through physical closeness and tears.
2 Timothy 1:4Paul himself recalls his longing to see Timothy and remember his tears, showing that such emotional expressions of love and longing were characteristic of his relationships.
clarkeActs 20:37: "And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"
Fell on Paul's neck - Leaned their heads against his shoulders, and kissed his neck. This was not an unusual custom in the east.
bengelActs 20:37: "And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,"
Acts 20:37 . Ἱκανὸς , great ) The tenderest and sweetest affections reign here. No book in the world equals Scripture, even as regards τὰ ἤθη καὶ πάθη , the manners and affections .— πάντων , of all ) Even tears are a proof of how much the successive ages of men degenerate. Formerly both men and good men, and heroes themselves (even among the Gentiles), were readily moved to tears, even in a body collectively. Jdg 2:…
This parting is so emotional because they understood this was likely their last embrace, a profound farewell they'd perhaps never experience again. The deep affection and physical embrace show a profound spiritual connection, not just a polite goodbye.
This deeply emotional farewell follows Paul's urgent, final charge to the Ephesian elders to protect the church. After Paul concludes his speech and prayer, the elders express their profound grief and love, knowing they will likely never see him again. This moment of intense weeping and embracing highlights the deep spiritual bonds forged and the pain of separation felt by both the apostle and his spiritual children.
This deeply emotional farewell follows Paul's urgent, final charge to the Ephesian elders to protect the church. After Paul concludes his speech and prayer, the elders express their profound grief and love, knowing they will likely never see him again. This moment of intense weeping and embracing highlights the deep spiritual bonds forged and the pain of separation felt by both the apostle and his spiritual children.
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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.
"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." — This parting is so emotional because they understood this was likely their last embrace, a profound farewell they'd perhaps never experience again. The deep affection and physical embrace show a pr…
