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1 Samuel 20:41
And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out ofa place toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David exceeded.

2 Samuel 15:30
And David went up by the ascent ofmount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people thatwas with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

2 Kings 20:3
I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have donethat which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

fell.

Genesis 45:14
And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.

Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself unto him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.

kissed.

Romans 16:16
Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Corinthians 16:20
All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2 Corinthians 13:12
Greet one another with an holy kiss.

as they embraced Paul
The act of embracing is a physical expression of love and fellowship. In the Greco-Roman world, such gestures were common among friends and family, symbolizing unity and mutual support. This embrace signifies the strong spiritual and personal connection between Paul and the Ephesian elders. It also reflects the biblical principle of unity in the body of Christ, as seen in passages likeEphesians 4:3, where believers are encouraged to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

and kissed him
Kissing was a customary greeting and farewell gesture in the ancient Near East, often used to show respect, affection, and loyalty. In the New Testament, the "holy kiss" is mentioned as a sign of Christian fellowship (Romans 16:16,1 Corinthians 16:20). This act of kissing Paul is a demonstration of the deep respect and love the Ephesian elders had for him. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices and relationships that are part of Christian ministry. The kiss, in this context, is a symbol of the heartfelt connection and the sorrow of parting, as Paul had shared his life and teachings with them, embodying the love of Christ.

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 …” 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 …” 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.” 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).

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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