So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him — while he was still a long way off, his father saw him: the father has been watching — the long distance at which the father sees the son implies ongoing expectation. Was filled with compassion (esplagchnisthē): the deepest compassion. He ran (prosdramōn): an undignified act for an older man in the ancient world. Threw his arms around him and kissed him: the physical welcome before any word is spoken.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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