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787 B
787 B
Connecting Statement:
Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.
he knelt down and prayed
It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. It was a sign of humility before God. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction)
embraced Paul
"hugged him closely" or "put their arms around him"
kissed him
Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.
they would never see his face again
The word "face" here represents Paul's physical body. AT: "will not see me anymore on this earth" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)