Acts 20:37

Sunday, 8 October 2023

Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, Acts 20:37

The words are more literally rendered, “And there was much weeping of all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him” (CG).

Paul had just knelt and prayed with those he was with. Now, as their time together is quickly coming to a close, it says, “And there was much weeping of all.”

The true depth of their friendship is readily apparent from the words. Rather than a humorous salutation and hearty laughter, they were emotionally distraught at the coming separation. This mourning next brought them to physical embracing, as it says, “and having fallen upon the neck of Paul.”

Instead of happy, non-serious noogies, they embraced Paul as if they didn’t want him to leave, holding onto his neck. And more, “they were kissing him.”

The Greek word is a compound verb kataphileo. It thus made a grandiose salutation, reflecting great sorrow. Helps word study defines the verb as to “kiss passionately and fervently.” This was the moment that would separate them and they wanted the affection they bore for him to be remembered forever. The same verb is used in Luke 7 when the sinful woman went to Jesus and repeatedly kissed His feet and washed them with her tears.

Life application: It is still quite common for people to attempt to stoically face emotional situations. This is not the usual way things occurred in Scripture. Time and again, people are presented as conveying great levels of emotion.

Although false, ostentatious displays of emotion are a bit nauseating to deal with, there is nothing wrong with people openly showing the feelings they possess. It is a good release for the things that are often bottled up within us. Above all, God is the One who created us, so if you need to let out your emotions, He will understand. If they are positive emotions of joy, love, and awe, He will certainly appreciate them as well.

Lord God, You are worthy of all of our joy, praise, love, and devotion. Today, we praise You for who You are and for the magnificence of Your splendid glory. Dwell in our praises, O God. Amen.