“When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship" (Acts 20:36-38 NIV).

I wonder what was really passing through their minds as Paul continued his speech after that statement. There was much to reflect upon. After all, Paul had spent three years among them teaching, preaching, training, and encouraging these leaders, longer than any other church he had visited or planted. Did their thoughts drift to the wonders and miracles he had worked among them, the great words he had spoken when he preached at their services, the challenges from the local community that he had so courageously confronted, and the profound Apostolic power that had poured from his Spirit-purified heart? Perhaps…but I think not.  

I think, more likely, memories of meals shared in their homes began to enter their minds…memories of the great Apostle, this wonderful warrior of the Word, playing with their children in the back yard, and laughing together over a good joke and a cup of wine. For when Paul had concluded his words, no one asked for Q & A time regarding the content of Paul’s speech. Instead, “They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him.” This was not a moment for professional protocol, for in this moment, the Ephesian elders remembered that above all, they had been Paul’s Ephesian friends, and now was the time to celebrate that friendship by grieving his final departure and saying good-bye. 

I also wonder about Luke. He too had spent much time with these men as Paul’s traveling companion. How consistent with the character of this compassionate physician, brilliant historian, and sensitive scribe to have captured the real essence of this moment. He was there as well, and he had feelings too. Yet he stayed focused long enough to record the important words of God’s great servant, even though I am sure that his heart was also breaking. These were his friends too, and it would be difficult for him to tear himself away from them (Acts 21:1).

But there was a job to do. So he held on long enough to record Paul’s words. And when he had finished his always-accurate account, I believe that he put the papyrus safely in his backpack for a later day. There would be time to analyze Paul’s words. There would be time to discuss his sermon’s important theological and practical implications…but not now. His job complete, I suspect that Luke set his backpack aside, and joined his grieving friends.  

And in this moment, the great Apostle, the gifted historian, and the good Ephesian elders were all reminded about what really matters. In this moment, they recognized the goal of their mission and realized the fruit of their labor. For they understood anew that, in the end, it is not in the works, or the wonders, or the words…but in the weeping that we are changed forever.

Blessings,

Arnie Gentile

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