Acts 20:37

37 Everyone cried a lot as they put their arms around Paul and kissed him.

Acts 20:37 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:37

And they all wept sore
At the thoughts of parting with such a faithful and affectionate friend and servant of Christ; and no doubt but their affections were greatly moved by his prayers for them, as well as by his discourse to them. Christians are not Stoics, religion does not take away and destroy the natural affections, but regulates and governs them, and directs to a right use of them:

and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him;
as Esau fell on Jacob's neck and kissed him, ( Genesis 33:4 ) and Joseph on his brother Benjamin's, and his father Jacob's, ( Genesis 45:14 ) ( 46:29 ) . And it was usual with the eastern nations, particularly the Persians ^F12, for friends and relations to kiss at parting, as well as at meeting; see ( Ruth 1:9 Ruth 1:14 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F12 Xenophon. Cyclopedia, l. 1. c. 20.

Acts 20:37 In-Context

35 I have given you an example that by working hard like this we should help the weak. We should remember the words that the Lord Jesus said, 'Giving gifts is more satisfying than receiving them.'"

36 When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with all of them.

37 Everyone cried a lot as they put their arms around Paul and kissed him.

38 The thought of not seeing Paul again hurt them most of all. Then they took Paul to the ship.