What is the meaning of Acts 20:37? They all Acts 20:37 begins, “They all ….” Every believer present—elders from Ephesus (Acts 20:17)—participated. • Unity of heart: “All these were continually united in prayer” (Acts 1:14). • Shared faith family: “The multitude of believers were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). The scene reminds us that fellowship in Christ is not selective; the whole body feels together. wept openly “…wept openly …” Emotion is not weakness; it is God-given. • Jesus Himself “wept” at Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:35). • Paul earlier wrote “out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears” (2 Corinthians 2:4). • Scripture calls us to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). The tears here flow from genuine love and the sober realization that Paul’s warnings of hardship (Acts 20:22-24) may mean final separation. as they embraced Paul “…as they embraced Paul …” Physical closeness underscored spiritual bond. • “After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them, he embraced them and departed” (Acts 20:1). • Joseph “fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept” (Genesis 45:14). • Paul later wrote, “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Christian affection is active, not distant. and kissed him. “…and kissed him.” In Mediterranean culture a kiss on the cheek was customary, yet Scripture elevates it to a holy sign of love. • “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Romans 16:16). • David and Jonathan “kissed each other and wept together” (1 Samuel 20:41). • Jesus noted the absence of such a kiss in Simon’s house (Luke 7:45), highlighting its meaning of honor and acceptance. Their kiss declared respect for the apostle and gratitude for his faithful ministry (Acts 20:20-21, 27). summary Acts 20:37 records literal events that display the deep, family-like bond Christ forges among believers. Every person present joined, tears flowed without shame, arms wrapped around Paul, and kisses sealed their love—all tangible proof that the gospel knits hearts together in unity, empathy, and holy affection. |
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