Acts 20:36

KJV

¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had thus {G5023} spoken {G2036}, he {G846} kneeled {G1119} down {G5087}, and prayed {G4336} with {G4862} them {G846} all {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he had finished speaking, Sha’ul kneeled down with them all and prayed.

Berean Standard Bible

When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.

American Standard Version

And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:36 marks a profoundly poignant moment in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, capturing his final interaction with the Ephesian elders at Miletus. After delivering a powerful farewell address, Paul demonstrates profound spiritual leadership and humility by kneeling with the entire group to pray, committing them to God's care and embodying his deep affection and reliance on divine strength as he prepares for an uncertain future in Jerusalem. This act underscores the spiritual gravity of their parting and the enduring power of communal prayer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the emotional climax and conclusion of Paul's farewell address to the Ephesian elders, whom he had summoned to Miletus (Acts 20:17-35). Having recounted his blameless conduct, diligent teaching, and selfless service among them, Paul then warns them of future challenges, including false teachers and internal divisions (Acts 20:29-30). He emphasizes his own example of hard work and generosity, famously quoting Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). The act of kneeling and praying together is the natural, spiritual culmination of this deeply personal and weighty discourse, solidifying their bond and entrusting their future to God as Paul prepares for a journey to Jerusalem where he anticipates suffering (Acts 20:22-23).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's third missionary journey was nearing its end, and his decision to meet the Ephesian elders at Miletus, a port city south of Ephesus, was practical, allowing him to avoid delays in Ephesus while still connecting with key leaders. Kneeling was a common posture for prayer in both Jewish and early Christian traditions, signifying reverence, humility, and earnest supplication before God. This gesture by Paul, a revered apostle, with the elders — the spiritual leaders of a significant church — was not merely a formality but a deeply meaningful act of shared dependence and spiritual solidarity, common in moments of significant transition or farewell in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 20:36 powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Paul's ministry and the book of Acts. It highlights **spiritual leadership** characterized by humility and service, as Paul, despite his apostolic authority, kneels alongside the elders, modeling dependence on God rather than asserting hierarchical distance. The scene also underscores the **power and importance of corporate prayer**, demonstrating how communal supplication fosters unity, provides comfort, and serves as a vital means of entrusting individuals and ministries to God's sovereign care, especially in times of uncertainty, as seen in the early church's consistent practice of prayer (e.g., [Acts 2:42](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Devotion of the Early Church")). Furthermore, the emotional depth of this farewell emphasizes the profound **pastoral bond** between Paul and the churches he founded, reflecting the apostle's deep affection and commitment to the spiritual well-being of his flock, a theme echoed in his letters (e.g., [Philippians 1:3-8](/philippians/1-3-8 "Philippians 1:3-8 - Paul's Affection for the Philippians")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spoken (Greek, _épō'_):** This verb signifies to "speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it refers to the completion of Paul's extensive and emotionally charged farewell address to the Ephesian elders. The use of this verb emphasizes the spoken nature of his final instructions, warnings, and exhortations, which were delivered with authority and deep personal investment.
* **kneeled (Greek, _góny'_):** Derived from the word for "knee," this term, in conjunction with "down," describes the physical posture Paul assumed. It denotes a position of humility, reverence, and earnest supplication. In ancient cultures, kneeling was a common and powerful non-verbal expression of submission, respect, and intense prayer, indicating a profound spiritual posture before God.
* **down (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb means "to place" or "to set," often implying a passive or horizontal posture. When combined with "kneeled" (góny), it forms the phrase "kneeled down," reinforcing the deliberate act of lowering oneself to the ground in a posture of deep reverence and earnest petition. It highlights the intentionality and solemnity of Paul's action.
* **prayed (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** This verb specifically means "to pray to God," "to supplicate," or "to worship." It indicates a direct and intentional communication with the divine. The use of this term here emphasizes that Paul's act was not merely a general expression of piety but a specific, earnest, and direct appeal to God, made corporately with the elders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had thus spoken":** This introductory clause sets the scene, indicating that Paul's act of prayer immediately followed the conclusion of his significant and heartfelt farewell discourse to the Ephesian elders. The phrase "thus spoken" refers back to the entirety of his preceding sermon and exhortation in Acts 20:18-35, highlighting the weight and finality of his verbal instructions before turning to spiritual intercession.
* **"he kneeled down":** This describes Paul's physical posture. His act of kneeling is a powerful visual demonstration of humility, reverence, and earnestness. For an apostle of his stature to kneel among the elders, rather than stand above them, models servant leadership and complete dependence on God, setting a profound example for those he was leaving behind.
* **"and prayed with them all":** This final clause reveals the communal nature of the prayer. Paul did not pray alone but included "them all"—the entire group of Ephesian elders. This corporate prayer session served to unite them in their shared reliance on God, to commit each other to divine care, and to seek God's blessing and guidance for the future, especially given the impending challenges Paul had just warned them about.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 20:36 employs several impactful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent in Paul's act of kneeling; it is not merely a physical posture but a powerful symbol of humility, submission, and profound reverence before God. This gesture underscores Paul's complete dependence on divine power, despite his apostolic authority. The scene is also rich in **pathos**, evoking deep emotion due to the context of a final, tearful farewell between Paul and the elders. The shared prayer intensifies this emotional connection, providing a sacred space for their grief and their mutual commitment to God. Finally, Paul's actions serve as a powerful **example** or **modeling**. He doesn't just teach about prayer or humility; he embodies it in a critical moment, providing a tangible pattern for the elders (and subsequent church leaders) to emulate in their own spiritual leadership and reliance on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 20:36 profoundly illustrates the essential role of prayer in Christian leadership and communal life. Paul, facing an uncertain and perilous future, does not rely on his own strength or past accomplishments but immediately turns to God in humble, corporate prayer. This act underscores the theological truth that effective ministry and spiritual perseverance are rooted in divine dependence. It also highlights the intimate connection between leaders and their flock, demonstrating that true spiritual authority is exercised in shared vulnerability and mutual commitment to God's will. The verse teaches that in moments of transition, challenge, or farewell, the most powerful and unifying act is to collectively seek God's presence and guidance, entrusting all things to His sovereign care and grace.

* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")
* [Ephesians 6:18](/ephesians/6-18 "Ephesians 6:18 - Praying at All Times")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:36 provides a timeless blueprint for spiritual leadership and the practice of faith in community. Paul's example calls believers, especially those in leadership, to cultivate a profound sense of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that true strength comes from surrendering to His will rather than relying on human wisdom or authority. In our own lives, particularly during times of transition, uncertainty, or significant farewells, this verse reminds us to prioritize prayer—not as a last resort, but as our primary and most natural response. Engaging in corporate prayer, whether in families, small groups, or church gatherings, fosters unity, strengthens bonds, and provides a powerful avenue for mutual encouragement and shared reliance on God's grace. It challenges us to entrust our loved ones, our ministries, and our future into God's hands, confident in His faithfulness to sustain and guide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's act of kneeling and praying with the elders challenge my understanding of leadership and humility?**
* **In what ways can I better prioritize and engage in corporate prayer within my own community or family?**
* **When facing moments of transition or uncertainty, what is my immediate response, and how can I cultivate a greater reliance on prayer?**
* **How can I more intentionally commit my loved ones and my future into God's care, following Paul's example?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul kneel to pray with the elders?**

Answer: Paul's act of kneeling was a deeply significant gesture, common in ancient prayer practices, signifying profound humility, reverence, and earnest supplication before God. For Paul, a revered apostle, to kneel alongside the elders, rather than standing above them, powerfully demonstrated his servant leadership and complete dependence on God. It was an act of solidarity, showing that he, too, relied on divine strength and grace, and it underscored the solemnity and sincerity of his final prayer with them, committing them to God's care.

**What is the significance of "praying with them all" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "prayed with them all" emphasizes the corporate nature of this prayer. It highlights the importance of communal prayer, especially during moments of significant transition or farewell. By praying together, Paul fostered unity among the elders, provided comfort in their shared grief, and collectively entrusted their future, and the future of the Ephesian church, into God's sovereign hands. This act reinforced their spiritual bond and mutual reliance on God's sustaining power as Paul departed for Jerusalem, where he anticipated suffering (see [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Acts 20:22-23 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 20:36, with Paul's humble posture and earnest prayer with the Ephesian elders, powerfully foreshadows and reflects the ultimate example of Christ-centered leadership and dependence on God. Just as Paul knelt, Jesus Himself often withdrew to pray, demonstrating profound reliance on His Father, most poignantly in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He "fell on His face and prayed" (Matthew 26:39; see also [Mark 14:35](/mark/14-35 "Mark 14:35 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane") and [Luke 22:41](/luke/22-41 "Luke 22:41 - Jesus' Prayer on the Mount of Olives")). Christ, though divine, exemplified perfect humility and submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (see [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")). Paul's intercessory prayer for the elders also mirrors Christ's ongoing intercession for His disciples and for all believers, as our great High Priest who "always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25; see also [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")). Thus, Paul's actions in Acts 20:36 are not merely an example of good leadership, but a Christ-like demonstration of self-giving love, humble service, and unwavering dependence on God, all fulfilled perfectly in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 21:5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Luke 22:41

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

Acts 7:60

And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Ephesians 3:14

¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

2 Chronicles 6:13

For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,