Acts 20:37

Translations

Modern

They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.

Traditional

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,

Literal

Then there was much weeping among all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him,

Latin

Magnus autem fletus factus est omnium: et procumbentes super collum Pauli, osculabantur eum,

Original

Greek

English

They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.

Notes

Acts 20:18–38

Paul’s message to the elders (leaders) of the church in Ephesus describes his life and work among them. He also calls these leaders to show the same kind of commitment as they continue the ministry.

In this message, Paul points to his own life as an example. He shows his honesty and care for people (20:18–21, 26, 31). He also speaks about what will happen in the future (20:22–23, 25, 29–30). He warns them about false teachers (people who teach wrong ideas about God; 20:29–30). And he urges the elders to stay alert and faithful (20:28, 31).

Through his example, Paul shows what it means to lead as a servant, with sacrifice and careful attention.

Theme notes and profiles

Ephesus Paul (Saul)

Events

Paul speaks to Ephesian Elders

Related verses

2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
2 Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
1 Thessalonians 5:26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.
1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Ezra 10:1
While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well.
Genesis 46:29
Joseph prepared his chariot and went there to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, embraced him, and wept profusely.
Genesis 45:14
Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept as they embraced.
2 Samuel 15:30
But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went up. His head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. And all the people with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went.

People

Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Glossary

Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Elder Letter to the Colossians Luke, Gospel of Paul the Apostle Travel

Topics

Christian Minister: Beloved Christian Minister: Say Good-Bye to the Congregation Communion of Saints: Paul Ephesus: Paul Visits and Preaches In Kiss of Affection Miletus: Paul Sends to Ephesus for the Elders of the Congregation, and Addresses Them At Paul: Declares he Was Going Bound in Spirit to Jerusalem Prudence: His Lack of Travellers: Friends of Frequently Took Leave of Them with Sorrow

Acts 20:37

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