Commentators have long since seen a parallel between this account and that of Elijah in 1 Kings 17.17 ff. and of Elisha in 2 Kings 4.34 ff. Threw himself on him must not, of course, be translated literally in most languages. Rather, one may employ an expression such as “stretched himself out over him.”

In the use of terms to describe this action and the subsequent action of “hugging him,” it is most important to avoid any expression which would suggest sexual behavior or interest.

Don’t worry translates a present imperative, which normally means for one to stop doing the action that he is already in the process of doing (see New English Bible “stop this commotion”). The reference that Paul is making is either to the mental anxiety of worry (see Jerusalem Bible “there is no need to worry” and Phillips “don’t be alarmed”) or to the Oriental custom of showing grief by loud noises.

He is still alive does not contradict what was said in the preceding verse; Luke intends the readers to understand that the boy regained his life when Paul threw himself on him and hugged him.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .