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Acts 20:38

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 20:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.
Acts 20:38 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
35In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul`s neck and kissed him,
38sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they brought him on his way unto the ship.
← Acts 20:37Acts 21:1 →
← Full Chapter 20 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, etc.] In (<442025>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…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Sorrowing most of all ... - This was a most tender and affectionate parting scene. It can be more easily imagined than described. We may learn from it: (1) That the parting of ministers and people is a most solemn event, and should be one of much tenderness and affection. (2) The effect of true religion is to make the heart more tender; to make friendship more affectionate and sacred; and to unite more closely the bonds of love. (3) Ministers of the gospel should be prepared to leave their people with the same consciousness of fidelity and the same kindness and love which Paul evinced. They should live such lives as to be able to look back upon their whole ministry as pure and disinterested,…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sorrowing most for that word which he spake, that they should see his face no more - What sorrow will be in the great day, when God shall speak that word to all who are found on the left hand, that they shall see his face no more! Next: Acts Chapter 21”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:38 The poignancy of the occasion was heightened by awareness that they would never see him again (20:25).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Act 20:25 and: Act 15:3, Act 21:5, Act 21:16; Co1 16:11 Next: Acts Chapter 21”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification