New Testament
Acts 20:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
grieving most of all over his words that they would see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
Compare translations
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
What Acts 20:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, the people were deeply saddened by the thought of never seeing Paul again. His words had a profound impact on them, and they felt a strong sense of loss. They had shared many experiences and learned from him, and now they faced the reality of his departure. This farewell was not just about saying goodbye; it was about the relationships they had built and the lessons they had learned. The emotional weight of the moment was heavy, as they realized that their time together was coming to an end. Despite their sorrow, they chose to accompany him to the ship, showing their support and love. This act of companionship highlighted the bond they shared, even in the face of sadness. It reminds us that goodbyes can be hard, but the connections we make are what truly matter in life. Cherishing those relationships can help us navigate the difficult moments of parting with grace and gratitude. Their grief was a testament to the impact Paul had on their lives, and it encourages us to value our own connections.
How to apply Acts 20:38 to your life
When faced with goodbyes, take a moment to reflect on the relationships that matter most to you. Express your feelings to those you care about, and cherish the memories you’ve created together. Remember that even in parting, the bonds you share can continue to inspire and uplift you. Embrace the connections in your life with gratitude and love, as they shape who you are and how you navigate change. Celebrate the time spent together.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Farewell at Miletus (Acts 20:17–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 20:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 20:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 20:38 teach us about goodbyes?
Acts 20:38 highlights the emotional weight of goodbyes, showing that parting can evoke deep sorrow, especially when strong relationships are involved. It reminds us that goodbyes are not just about leaving but about the connections we've built and the impact we've had on each other's lives. This verse encourages us to cherish our relationships and acknowledge the feelings that come with farewells.
Why were the people grieving in Acts 20:38?
The people were grieving in Acts 20:38 because Paul had just informed them that they would not see him again. His departure marked the end of a significant chapter in their lives, filled with shared experiences and teachings. Their sorrow reflects the deep bonds they had formed with him and the profound impact he had on their spiritual journeys.
How can we apply the lessons from Acts 20:38 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Acts 20:38 by taking time to appreciate and express our feelings for those we care about, especially during farewells. It encourages us to reflect on the importance of our relationships and to celebrate the memories we've created together. By valuing our connections, we can navigate goodbyes with grace and gratitude.
What is the significance of accompanying someone to a ship in Acts 20:38?
Accompanying someone to a ship in Acts 20:38 symbolizes support and love during a difficult time. It shows that even in sorrow, the community was willing to stand by Paul, reinforcing their bond. This act of companionship highlights the importance of being present for one another, especially during moments of transition or loss.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.