36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, 38 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. (Acts 20:36-38 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. What a solemn and sacred farewell St. Paul and the elders of Ephesus take of each other: They kneeled down and prayed together; instead of a parting cup, here is a parting prayer, and this accompanied with tears: They all wept sore. There is a sufficient occasion for sorrow and weeping when the church loses a faithful pastor; it is a public loss, and many are concerned about it.
Observe, 2. How loth, how very loth, they were to part with the apostle, who had so exceedingly endeared himself unto them, by his holiness, humility, and universal usefulness. Accordingly, they accompany him unto the ship, and when gone off to sea, send a long look after him; being more especially grieved at these words, That they should see his face no more.
Learn thence, That a faithful minister of Christ is enjoyed with much love, and finally parted from with much sorrow, by those who believe and obey the gospel.
Parting work is hard work: how hard is it for a husband and wife, for parents and children to part! and perhaps it is as hard sometimes for ministers and people, who have lived in mutual endearments, to the glory of God, and singular comfort of each other, when they are pulled one from another alive by cruel persecutors, or when dying by the king of terrors.
The parting is sad; but, blessed be God, the next meeting will know no parting. When ministers and people meet together at the right hand of God in heaven, they shall never part more, but shall forever be with the Lord.