Acts 20:37

“And they all wept sore, etc.] 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, (<013304>Genesis 33:4) and Joseph on his brother Benjamin’s, and his father Jacob’s, (<014514>Genesis 45:14, 46:29). And it was usual with the eastern nations, particularly the Persians f1044, for friends and…”

“Wept sore - Wept much. Greek: “There was a great weeping of all.” And fell on Paul’s neck - Embraced him, as a token of tender affection. The same thing Joseph did when he met his aged father Jacob, Genesis 46:29. And kissed him - This was the common token of affection. See the Matthew 26:48 note; Luke 15:20 note; Romans 16:16 note; 1 Corinthians 16:20 note. return to 'Top of Page'”

“They all wept - Of old, men, yea, the best and bravest of men, were easily melted into tears; a thousand instances of which might be produced from profane as well as sacred writers. But now, notwithstanding the effeminacy which almost universally prevails, we leave those tears to women and children. Acts 20:38”

“wept: Sa1 20:41; Sa2 15:30; Kg2 20:3; Ezr 10:1; Job 2:12; Psa 126:5; Ti2 1:4; Rev 7:17, Rev 21:4 fell: Gen 45:14, Gen 46:29 kissed: Rom 16:16; Co1 16:20; Co2 13:12; Th1 5:26 Acts 20:38”