Acts 20:38

38 They knew they would never see him again - he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.

Acts 20:38 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:38

Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake
In ( Acts 20:25 ) it filled them with sorrow to part with him; but this was increased, and made almost intolerable by what he said,

that they should see his face no more:
could they have hoped to have seen him again, it would have made their parting with him more easy; but to be told they should never see him more in this world, it cut them to the heart; which shows what a share the apostle had in their hearts and affections, and not without good reason: however, that they might have a sight of him as long as they could, they went along with him to see him take shipping, and to see the last of him.

And they accompanied him unto the ship:
which lay at Miletus waiting for him.

Acts 20:38 In-Context

36 Then Paul went down on his knees, all of them kneeling with him, and prayed.
37 And then a river of tears. Much clinging to Paul, not wanting to let him go.
38 They knew they would never see him again - he had told them quite plainly. The pain cut deep. Then, bravely, they walked him down to the ship.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.