Paul's Farewell
K. Gerok. Acts 20:37-38 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,… I. THE TEARS OF THE NOBLE SERVANTS OF GOD. 1. A painful tax of human weakness, which even the best have to pay in — (1) External trials. (2) Internal temptations. 2. A precious ornament of holy souls from which shines forth the faithfulness which follows the Lord in suffering, and the love which weeps over the misery of the world. 3. A fruitful seed for the beautiful harvest of joy, which shall ripen to those who weep — (1) Not only in heaven, when those who have sown in tears will reap in joy; but also — (2) Here, on the field of the heart, since their labour is not in vain in the Lord. II. THE SAYING OF SEPARATING LOVE (cf. John 16:16). 1. With its bitterness — sorrow of orphanage — reproaches of conscience, if we have neglected the hour of our merciful visitation. 2. With its sweet comfort. (1) Continued uniting in the Lord. (2) Reunion with the Lord. (K. Gerok.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, WEB: They all wept a lot, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him,