Acts 20:36

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

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

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

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

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

Acts 20:36 captures a deeply moving and significant moment in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, serving as a powerful testament to his spiritual leadership, humility, and profound connection with the believers he served.

Context

This verse concludes Paul's emotional and weighty farewell address to the elders of the church in Ephesus, whom he had summoned to meet him at Miletus. Paul knew this would likely be his last encounter with them, as he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, anticipating bonds and afflictions (Acts 20:22-23). His preceding discourse (Acts 20:17-35) was a powerful summary of his blameless conduct, diligent teaching, and selfless service, culminating in his famous words about the blessing of giving. The act of kneeling and praying together underscores the gravity of the moment and Paul's spiritual reliance.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Leadership & Humility: Paul, as a revered apostle, models profound humility by kneeling to pray with the elders, not above them. This act demonstrates that true spiritual authority is exercised through service and dependence on God.
  • The Power of Corporate Prayer: This scene highlights the importance and comfort found in communal prayer, especially during times of transition, sorrow, or uncertainty. It fosters unity and shared reliance on God's grace.
  • Emotional Connection & Farewell: The prayer serves as a spiritual culmination of a deeply emotional farewell. It provides a sacred space for the leader and his flock to commit each other to God's care.
  • Dependence on God: Facing an uncertain future, Paul's immediate response is to turn to God in prayer, inviting the elders to join him in seeking divine strength and guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "kneeled down" is gonatizō (γονατίζω), which emphasizes a posture of reverence, humility, and earnest supplication. While common in prayer, its specific mention here highlights the profound sincerity and solemnity of Paul's prayer with the Ephesian elders. It signifies a deep respect for God and a humble submission to His will, a practice often seen in instances of fervent prayer throughout the New Testament.

Practical Application

Acts 20:36 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Prioritizing Prayer: In moments of significant transition, challenge, or farewell, prayer should be our first and most natural response. It grounds us in God's sovereignty and provides spiritual comfort.
  • Humility in Service: Leaders, whether in the church, home, or workplace, are called to serve with humility, recognizing their dependence on God and fostering a spirit of unity among those they lead. Paul's example encourages leaders to put others before themselves.
  • The Strength of Corporate Prayer: There is immense power and encouragement when believers pray together. This verse encourages churches and small groups to regularly engage in corporate prayer, lifting one another up and seeking God's will collectively. The promise that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is there, resonates deeply with this scene.
  • Committing to God's Care: Paul's prayer was an act of commending the elders and the church to God's gracious keeping, especially as he departed. This reminds us to entrust our loved ones, our ministries, and our future into the hands of God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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