Paul's Journey to Jerusalem - Pt. 21: A Splendid Farewell (2)
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Dec 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | December 9 2025 | Acts 20:36-38
KEY VERSE: “And they accompanied him to the ship.” (Acts 20:38b, ESV)
MESSAGE:
Parting can be tough, and the final parting between loved ones can feel almost unbearable. The French even say that parting is a bit like death.
Before His departure, Jesus lamented over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34-35 because of their missed opportunity. In John 16:6, Jesus told the disciples that sorrow filled their hearts as they listened to Him speak about His departure. These moments remind us of the pain that farewells often bring. Yet in verse 7, Jesus made it clear that some departures bring blessing, even to those who feel the sorrow.
In Acts 20:22-24, Paul explained that the Spirit compelled his journey to Jerusalem. He knew that afflictions awaited him, yet he kept his focus on finishing the assignment God had given him—testifying to the gospel of grace.
A farewell filled with tears can still be splendid when it is tied to obedience. Acts 21:1 shows that this farewell was not easy, but it did not stop God’s work. Acts 20:37 gives us a vivid picture of the moment:
Much weeping—showing that even a seasoned servant like Paul had real human emotion.
Tears from the believers—showing their deep affection.
Embracing and kissing—simple expressions of love and connection.
Then Acts 20:38 teaches another vital principle: genuine farewells must speak truth. Naomi in Ruth 1 told the truth plainly. Paul also told them that he was on a journey from which he would not return. This truth deepened their sorrow, but it was necessary. Love does not hide reality.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Paul prayed for the people and encouraged them before he left, no matter how heavy the moment felt. He understood what awaited him but stayed committed to God’s direction. As far as possible, let your farewells point to continuity—because every separation in Christ still leads us back to walking with God.
PRAYER:
Lord, help us face every farewell with steady hearts. Keep us focused on walking with You until we receive our final inheritance. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: WEEPING The word weeping comes from the Greek klaiō, which means “to cry aloud,” “to lament,” or “to express deep emotion with tears.”
In Acts 20:37, the weeping was not a sign of weakness. It revealed genuine love and connection. These tears came from hearts that valued Paul and felt the weight of his departure. Scripture shows that God is not distant from such moments. Honest emotion often sits beside real faith.
Reflect on this:
When farewells stir deep feelings in you, let them remind you of the love God places in relationships. Tears can carry truth, affection, and the courage to release someone into God’s care.
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