They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
After the parting sermon that Paul preached to the elders of Ephesus, which was very affecting, we have here the parting prayer and tears, which were yet more affecting; we can scarcely read the account here given of them, and meditate upon them with dry eyes. I. They parted with prayer (Act 20:36): And, when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Commenting on Acts 20:36-38
Verse 38. Sorrowing most of all, etc. 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.
Paul chose the hard land route when the sea passage was twice as long, craving solitude perhaps more than comfort. He appointed to meet the ship at Assos, ordering his journey to suit his own purposes.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 20:13-38