Paul now seals his farewell with prayer (compare Acts 1:24; 6:6; 13:3; 14:23). Falling on his knees, he acts out his total submission to the Lord (1 Chron 29:20; 2 Chron 6:13; Acts 21:5; Eph 3:14). The elders, in their affectionate devotion to Paul, join him in much weeping, just like the sound of mourning (Lk 7:13; 8:52; 23:28; compare Lk 6:21; Acts 21:13). They fall on Paul's neck and repeatedly kiss him. In ancient culture a parting kiss on cheek, forehead, shoulder or hand was a sign of grateful respect and love; erotic inclination was secondary (Lk 15:20; compare Gen 50:1; 1 Kings 19:20; 3 Macc 5:49). The emotion of the parting is especially heightened by the anguish of knowing they will not see Paul again. So they accompany him to the ship, possibly also supplying provisions for the journey (propempo; Rom 15:24).

Prayer for us too must be the natural way to seal the spiritual transaction of passing the torch to the leadership of the next generation. And when such business necessitates the departure of the previous leadership, prayer will bring out such filial emotion that it will be hard to tear ourselves away (Acts 21:1).