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2ACTfrontintromw280

Introduction to Acts

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Acts

  1. The beginning of the church and its mission (1:12:41)
  2. The early church in Jerusalem (2:426:7)
  3. Increasing opposition and the martyrdom of Steven (6:87:60)
  4. The persecution of the church and Philips ministry (8:140)
  5. Paul becomes an apostle (9:131)
  6. The ministry of Peter and the first Gentile converts (9:3212:24)
  7. Paul, the apostle to Gentiles, the Jewish law, and council of church leaders at Jerusalem (12:2516:5)
  8. The expansion of the church into the middle Mediterranean area and Asia Minor (16:619:20)
  9. Paul travels to Jerusalem and becomes a prisoner in Rome (19:2128:31)

What is the Book of Acts about?

The Book of Acts tells the story of the early church as more and more people became believers. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book began when Jesus went back to heaven and ended about thirty years later.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Acts of the Apostles.” Or translators may choose a title that may be clearer, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

Who wrote the Book of Acts?

This book does not give the name of the author. However, it is addressed to Theophilus, the same person to whom the Gospel of Luke is addressed. Also, in parts of the book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person traveling with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought Luke is the author of the Book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. He saw many of the events described in the Book of Acts.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the Church?

The Church is the group of people who believe in Christ. The Church includes both Jew and Gentile believers. The events in this book show God helping the Church. He empowered believers to live righteous lives through his Holy Spirit.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What are the major issues in the text of the Book of Acts?

These are the most significant textual issues in Acts:

The following verses are found in older versions of the Bible, but they are not in the best ancient copies of the Bible. Some modern versions put the verses in square brackets ([]). The ULT and UST put them in a footnote.

  • “Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized. The Ethiopian answered, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” (Acts 8:37).
  • “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.” (Acts 15:34)
  • “And we wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias, the officer, came and forcibly took him out of our hands, sending him to you.” (Acts 24:6b-8a)
  • “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.” (Acts 28:29)

In the following verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. Translators will need to choose which reading to translate. The ULT has the first readings but include the second readings in footnotes.

  • “They returned from Jerusalem” (Acts 12:25). Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem (or to there).”
  • “he put up with them” (Acts 13:18). Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
  • “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” (Acts 15:17-18). Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

3ACT1introvyg90

Acts 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter records an event, commonly known as the “Ascension,” when Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. He will not come back until he returns at his “second coming.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]])

The UST has set the words “Dear Theophilus” apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You might want to start this book the way people start letters in your culture.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the two quotes from Psalms in 1:20.

Special concepts in this chapter

Baptize

The word “baptize” has two meanings in this chapter. It refers to the water baptism of John and to the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

“He spoke about the kingdom of God”

Some scholars believe that when Jesus “spoke about the kingdom of God,” he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God did not come before he died. Others believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was alive and that here Jesus was explaining that it was beginning in a new form.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John son of Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.

In Mark:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James the son of Zebedee and John the son of Zebedee (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

In Luke:

Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon (who was called the Zealot), Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot.

Thaddaeus is probably the same person as Jude, the son of James.

Akeldama

This is a phrase in Hebrew or Aramaic. Luke used Greek letters so his readers would know how it sounded, and then he told what it means. You should probably spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain the meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

4ACT11q9epτὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην1The former book I wrote

The former book is the Gospel according to Luke.

5ACT11ryj5translate-namesὦ Θεόφιλε1O Theophilus

Luke wrote this book to a man named Theophilus. Some translations follow their own cultures way of addressing a letter and write “Dear Theophilus” at the beginning of the sentence. Theophilus means “friend of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

6ACT12n435figs-activepassiveἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας…ἀνελήμφθη1until the day when he was taken up

This refers to Jesus ascension into heaven. Alternate translation: “until the day on which God took him up to heaven” or “until the day that he ascended into heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

7ACT12a394ἐντειλάμενος…διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1having given commands through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit led Jesus to instruct his apostles on certain things.

8ACT13dup3μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν1After his suffering

This refers to Jesus suffering and death on the cross.

9ACT13yc16οἷς…παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα1he … presented himself alive to them

Jesus appeared to his apostles and to many other disciples.

10ACT14d3krfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Jesus. Except where otherwise noted, the word “you” in the book of Acts is plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

11ACT14lw3e0Connecting Statement:

This event happened during the 40 days that Jesus appeared to his followers after he had risen from the dead.

12ACT14vb7gσυναλιζόμενος1meeting together with them

“When Jesus was meeting together with his apostles”

13ACT14sg4hfigs-metonymyτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πατρὸς1the promise of the Father

This is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father promised to send” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

14ACT14tj6rἣν1which

If you translated the previous phrase to include the words “Holy Spirit,” you can change the word which to “whom.”

15ACT15uu4kἸωάννης μὲν ἐβάπτισεν ὕδατι; ὑμεῖς δὲ ἐν Πνεύματι βαπτισθήσεσθε Ἁγίῳ1John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit

Jesus contrasts how John baptized people in water with how God would baptize believers in the Holy Spirit.

16ACT15fnq5Ἰωάννης μὲν ἐβάπτισεν ὕδατι1John indeed baptized with water

“John indeed baptized people with water”

17ACT15dzj1figs-activepassiveὑμεῖς…βαπτισθήσεσθε1you will be baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will baptize you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

18ACT16n9wt0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the apostles.

19ACT16f7ujεἰ ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ, ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ1are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time

“will you now make Israel a great kingdom again”

20ACT17y1fufigs-doubletχρόνους ἢ καιροὺς1the times or the seasons

Possible meanings are (1) the words times and seasons refer to different kinds of time. Alternate translation: “the general period of time or the specific date” or (2) the two words are basically synonymous. Alternate translation: “the exact time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

21ACT18ld4kλήμψεσθε δύναμιν,…καὶ ἔσεσθέ μου μάρτυρες1you will receive power … and you will be my witnesses

The apostles will receive power that will enable them to be witnesses for Jesus. Alternate translation: “God will empower you … to be my witnesses”

22ACT18vb4mfigs-idiomἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς1to the end of the earth

Possible meanings are (1) “all over the world” or (2) “to the places on earth that are farthest away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

23ACT19e1q1figs-explicitβλεπόντων αὐτῶν1as they were looking up

“as they watched.” The apostles were looking up at Jesus because Jesus rose into the sky. Alternate translation: “as they were looking up at the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

24ACT19l1cqfigs-activepassiveἐπήρθη1he was raised up

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he rose up into the sky” or “God took him up into the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

25ACT19ug58νεφέλη ὑπέλαβεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1a cloud hid him from their eyes

“a cloud blocked their view so that they could no longer see him”

26ACT110enu1ἀτενίζοντες…εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν1looking intensely into heaven

“staring at the sky” or “gazing at the sky”

27ACT111gpg3ἄνδρες, Γαλιλαῖοι1Men, Galileans

The angels address the apostles as men who are from Galilee.

28ACT111cue7ἐλεύσεται ὃν τρόπον1will return in the same manner

Jesus will return in the sky, just as clouds covered him when he arose into heaven.

29ACT11111a2εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν…εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν2

In its third occurrence in this verse, the term heaven likely means “the sky,” as in the previous verse. However, in its second occurrence, the term likely means “heaven” itself. It would not be appropriate to say in your translation that Jesus was just “taken up from you into the sky.” Alternate translation: “into heaven … into the sky”

30ACT112x2nkτότε ὑπέστρεψαν1Then they returned

“Then the apostles returned”

31ACT112p19gfigs-explicitΣαββάτου ἔχον ὁδόν1a Sabbath days journey

This refers to the distance which, according to Rabbinical tradition, a person was allowed to walk on a Sabbath day. Alternate translation: “about one kilometer away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

32ACT113vis2καὶ ὅτε εἰσῆλθον1When they had arrived

Verse 12 says they were returning to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “When they had reached their destination”

33ACT113zt12τὸ ὑπερῷον1the upper chamber

“the room on the upper level of the house”

34ACT114z6cfοὗτοι πάντες ἦσαν…ὁμοθυμαδὸν1They were all … with one accord

This means that the apostles and believers there all shared a common commitment and purpose, and there was no strife among them.

35ACT114u4prπροσκαρτεροῦντες…τῇ προσευχῇ1diligently continuing in prayer

This means that the disciples prayed together regularly and frequently.

36ACT115cup20Connecting Statement:

This event happened during the time that Peter and the other believers were staying together in the upper room.

37ACT115il8wwriting-neweventἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1In those days

These words mark the beginning of a new part of the story. They refer to the period of time after Jesus ascended while the disciples were meeting in the upper chamber. Alternate translation: “During that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

38ACT115tl5mtranslate-numbersἑκατὸν εἴκοσι1120

“one hundred and twenty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

39ACT115liz1ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἀδελφῶν1in the midst of the brothers

Here the word brothers refers to fellow believers and includes both men and women.

40ACT116i8tlfigs-activepassiveἔδει πληρωθῆναι τὴν Γραφὴν1it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that we read about in scripture had to take place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

41ACT116f3umfigs-metonymyδιὰ στόματος Δαυεὶδ1by the mouth of David

The word mouth refers to the words that David wrote. Alternate translation: “through the words of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

42ACT117tmv1writing-background0General Information:

In verses 18-19 the author tells the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peters speech. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

43ACT117tmv2figs-exclusive0General Information:

Although Peter is addressing the entire group of people, here the word “us” refers only to the apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

44ACT117q73y0Connecting Statement:

In verse 17 Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.

45ACT118dd58οὗτος1this man

The words this man refers to Judas Iscariot.

46ACT118w83jfigs-explicitμισθοῦ τῆς ἀδικίας1the wages of his unrighteousness

The words his unrighteousness refer to Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus to the people who killed him. Alternate translation: “the money that he earned from the evil thing that he did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

47ACT118kg3qfigs-explicitπρηνὴς γενόμενος, ἐλάκησεν μέσος, καὶ ἐξεχύθη πάντα τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ1having fallen headfirst, his belly burst open, and all his inward parts were poured out

This suggests that Judas fell from a high place, rather than just falling down. The fall was severe enough to cause his body to burst open. Other passages of scripture mention that he hanged himself. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

48ACT119mxf3Χωρίον Αἵματος1Field of Blood

When the people living in Jerusalem heard of the way in which Judas died, they renamed the field.

49ACT120d7pk0General Information:

Based on the situation with Judas that Peter just recounted, he recalls two Psalms of David that relate to the incident. The quote ends at the end of this verse.

50ACT120mz130Connecting Statement:

Peter continues his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.

51ACT120ip5wfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται γὰρ ἐν βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν1For it is written in the Book of Psalms

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For David wrote in the Book of Psalms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

52ACT120mc45figs-parallelismγενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος, καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ1Let his dwelling place be made desolate, and do not let a person live in it

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

53ACT120chq4figs-metaphorἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ1his dwelling place

Possible meanings are (1) that the words dwelling place refers to the field where Judas died or (2) that the words dwelling place refers to Judass home and is a metaphor for his family line. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

54ACT120lsm2γενηθήτω…ἔρημος1Let … be made desolate

“Let … become empty”

55ACT121xz69figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” refers to the apostles and does not include the audience to whom Peter is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

56ACT121t9160Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech to the believers that he began in Acts 1:16.

57ACT121c5k2δεῖ οὖν1Therefore, it is necessary for

Based on the scriptures that he quoted and on what Judas had done, Peter tells the group what they must do.

58ACT121zuf7figs-idiomεἰσῆλθεν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς1the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us

Going in and out among a group of people is a metaphor for openly being part of that group. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus lived among us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

59ACT122mrx7ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος Ἰωάννου ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ἧς ἀνελήμφθη ἀφ’ ἡμῶν, μάρτυρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ σὺν ἡμῖν, γενέσθαι ἕνα τούτων1beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was taken up from us—one of these to become a witness with us of his resurrection

The qualification for the new apostle that began with the words “it is necessary for, of the men who accompanied us” in verse 21 ends here. The subject of the verb “it is necessary for” is thus “one of these.” Here is a reduced form of the sentence: “it is necessary for … one of these men who accompanied us … beginning from the baptism of John … to be a witness with us.”

60ACT122qb8jfigs-abstractnounsἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος Ἰωάννου1beginning from the baptism of John

The noun baptism can be translated as a verb. Possible meanings: (1) “beginning from when John baptized Jesus” or (2) “beginning from when John baptized people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

61ACT122yi3afigs-activepassiveἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ἧς ἀνελήμφθη ἀφ’ ἡμῶν1to the day that he was taken up from us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until the day when Jesus left us and rose up to heaven” or “until the day that God took him up from us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

62ACT122g3n9μάρτυρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ σὺν ἡμῖν, γενέσθαι1to become a witness with us of his resurrection

“must begin to testify with us about his resurrection”

63ACT123lz7yfigs-explicitἔστησαν δύο1They stood up two men

Here the word they refers to all of the believers who were present. Alternate translation: “they proposed two men who fulfilled the requirements that Peter listed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

64ACT123s1fffigs-activepassiveἸωσὴφ τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν, ὃς ἐπεκλήθη Ἰοῦστος1Joseph who is called Barsabbas, who was also named Justus

This can be translated with an active form. Alternate translation: “Joseph, whom people also called Barsabbas and Justus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

65ACT124zd1ffigs-explicitπροσευξάμενοι, εἶπαν1having prayed, they said

Here the word they refers to all of the believers, but it was probably one of the apostles who spoke these words. Alternate translation: “the believers prayed together and one of the apostles said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

66ACT124se6mfigs-metonymyσὺ Κύριε, καρδιογνῶστα πάντων1You, Lord, know the hearts of everyone

Here the word hearts refers to the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “You, Lord, know the thoughts and motives of everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

67ACT125mg47figs-doubletλαβεῖν τὸν τόπον τῆς διακονίας ταύτης καὶ ἀποστολῆς1to take the place of this ministry and apostleship

Here the word apostleship defines what kind of ministry this is. Alternate translation: “to take Judas place in this apostolic ministry” or “to take Judas place in serving as an apostle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

68ACT125ryv6ἀφ’ ἧς παρέβη Ἰούδας1from which Judas turned away

Here the expression turned away means that Judas stopped performing this ministry. Alternate translation: “which Judas stopped fulfilling”

69ACT125tx6nfigs-euphemismπορευθῆναι εἰς τὸν τόπον τὸν ἴδιον1to go to his own place

This phrase refers to Judas death and likely to his judgment after death. Alternate translation: “to go where he belongs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

70ACT126r84cἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς1they cast lots for them

The apostles cast lots to decide between Joseph and Matthias.

71ACT126w4phἔπεσεν ὁ κλῆρος ἐπὶ Μαθθίαν1the lot fell to Matthias

The lot indicated that Matthias was the one to replace Judas.

72ACT126fk4xfigs-activepassiveσυνκατεψηφίσθη μετὰ τῶν ἕνδεκα ἀποστόλων1he was numbered with the eleven apostles

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the believers considered him to be an apostle with the other eleven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

73ACT2introx8fr0

Acts 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:17-21, 25-28, and 34-35.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in 2:31.

The events described in this chapter are commonly called “Pentecost.” Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Tongues

The word “tongues” has two meanings in this chapter. Luke describes what came down from heaven (Acts 2:3) as tongues that looked like fire. This is different from “a tongue of flame,” which is a fire that looks like a tongue. Luke also uses the word “tongues” to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them (Acts 2:4).

Last days

No one knows for sure when the “last days” (Acts 2:17) began. Your translation should not say more than the ULT does about this. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])

Baptize

The word “baptize” in this chapter refers to Christian baptism (Acts 2:38-41). Though the event described in Acts 2:1-11 is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised in Acts 1:5, the word “baptize” here does not refer to that event. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

The prophecy of Joel

Many of the things that Joel said would happen did happen on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:17-18), but some things Joel spoke of did not happen (Acts 2:19-20). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Wonders and signs

These words refer to things that only God could do that showed that Jesus is who the disciples said he is.

74ACT21i4sa0General Information:

This is a new event; it is now the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover.

75ACT21i4sb0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the apostles and the other 120 believers that Luke mentions in Acts 1:15.

76ACT22jc1wἄφνω1suddenly

This word refers to an event that happens unexpectedly.

77ACT22qjc3ἐγένετο…ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος1there came from heaven a sound

Possible meanings are (1) heaven refers to the place where God lives. Alternate translation: “a sound came from heaven” or (2) heaven refers to the sky. Alternate translation: “a sound came from the sky”

78ACT22jec5ἦχος, ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας1a sound like a strong, rushing wind

“a noise that sounded like a very strong wind blowing”

79ACT22t4y4ὅλον τὸν οἶκον1the whole house

This may have been a house or a larger building.

80ACT23re3tfigs-simileὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς…γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός1there appeared to them … tongues like fire

These might not be actual tongues or fire, but something that looked like them. Possible meanings are (1) tongues that looked like they were made of fire or (2) small flames of fire that looked like tongues. When fire burns in a small space, such as on a lamp, the flame can be shaped like a tongue. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

81ACT23xtk4διαμεριζόμεναι γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν1distributed tongues like fire, and they sat upon each one of them

This means that the tongues like fire spread out so that there was one on each person.

82ACT24v7hifigs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν πάντες Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, καὶ1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit filled all of those who were there and they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

83ACT24nr9fλαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις1speak in other tongues

They were speaking in languages that they did not already know.

84ACT25dz1lwriting-background0General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to the believers; the word “his” refers to each person in the multitude. Verse 5 gives background information about the large number of Jews who were living in Jerusalem, many of whom were present during this event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

85ACT25yft2ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς1godly men

Here godly men refers to people who were devout in their worship of God and tried to obey all of the Jewish laws.

86ACT25stq9figs-hyperboleπαντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν1every nation that is under heaven

“every nation in the world.” The word every is an exaggeration that emphasizes that the people came from many different nations. Alternate translation: “many different nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

87ACT26bpj7figs-activepassiveγενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης1And when this sound happened

This refers to the sound that was similar to a strong wind. Alternate translation: “When they heard this sound” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

88ACT26u9hcτὸ πλῆθος1the multitude

“the large crowd of people”

89ACT27m8kdfigs-doubletἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ ἐθαύμαζον1And they were all amazed and were marveling

These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of amazement. Alternate translation: “And they were greatly amazed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

90ACT27wnk2figs-rquestionοὐχ ἰδοὺ, ἅπαντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι1Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

The people ask this question to express their amazement. The question could be changed to an exclamation. Alternate translation: “All of these Galileans could not possibly know our languages!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])

91ACT28hzm8figs-rquestionκαὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν1So how are we hearing, each in our own language in which we were born?

Possible meanings are (1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses how amazed they were or (2) this is a real question for which the people wanted an answer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

92ACT28wb5tτῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν1in our own language in which we were born

“in our own languages that we have learned from birth”

93ACT29f1vetranslate-namesΠάρθοι,…Μῆδοι,…Ἐλαμεῖται1Parthians … Medes … Elamites

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

94ACT29dm23translate-namesτὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν;…Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον,…Ἀσίαν;1in Mesopotamia … in Judea … in Cappadocia … in Pontus … in Asia

These are names of large areas of land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

95ACT210tmb4translate-namesΦρυγίαν,…Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον,…Λιβύης…Κυρήνην1Phrygia … Pamphylia … in Egypt … of Libya … Cyrene

These are names of large areas of land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

96ACT211jnp7translate-namesΚρῆτες…Ἄραβες1Cretans … Arabians

These are names of people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

97ACT211w8jyπροσήλυτοι1proselytes

converts to the Jewish religion

98ACT212el2ffigs-doubletἐξίσταντο…καὶ διηποροῦντο1they were … amazed and were perplexed

These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that the people could not understand what was happening. Alternate translation: “they were … surprised and were confused” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

99ACT213fg59figs-idiomγλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν1They are full of new wine

Some people accuse the believers of having drunk too much wine. Alternate translation: “They are drunk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

100ACT213jj1nγλεύκους1new wine

This refers to wine that is in the process of fermentation.

101ACT214k5hr0Connecting Statement:

Peter begins his speech to the Jews who were there on the Day of Pentecost.

102ACT214c919σταθεὶς…σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα1having stood with the eleven

All the apostles stood up in support of Peters statement.

103ACT214d9tbἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ1raised his voice

This is an idiom for “spoke loudly.” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

104ACT214ei5jfigs-activepassiveτοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω1let this be known to you

This means that Peter is about to explain the meaning of what the people had witnessed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “know this” or “let me explain this to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

105ACT214qp16figs-metonymyἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου1pay attention to my words

Peter was referring to what he was saying. Alternate translation: “listen carefully to what I am saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

106ACT215h28qfigs-explicitἔστιν…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας1it is the third hour of the day

“it is only nine oclock in the morning.” Peter expected his audience to know that people do not get drunk that early in the day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

107ACT216ktw90General Information:

Here Peter tells them a passage about which the prophet Joel wrote in the Old Testament that relates to what is happening with the languages in which the believers spoke. This is written in the form of poetry as well as being a quotation.

108ACT216f9hzfigs-activepassiveτοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ1this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this is what God told the prophet Joel to write” or “this is that which the prophet Joel spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

109ACT217ijl8ἔσται1it will be

“this is what will happen” or “this is what I will do”

110ACT217u2d1figs-idiomἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα1I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh

Here the words pour out mean to give generously and abundantly. Alternate translation: “I will give my Spirit abundantly to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

111ACT218uwd70Connecting Statement:

Peter continues to quote the prophet Joel.

112ACT218nd34ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου1on my servants and on my female servants

“on both my male and my female servants.” These words emphasize that God will pour out his Spirit on all of his servants, both men and women.

113ACT218wz2ifigs-idiomἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου1I will pour out my Spirit

Here the words pour out mean to give generously and abundantly. See how you translated this in Acts 2:17. Alternate translation: “I will give my Spirit abundantly to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

114ACT219p5ziἀτμίδα καπνοῦ1vapor of smoke

“thick smoke” or “clouds of smoke”

115ACT220ylv70Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes quoting the prophet Joel.

116ACT220a6yhfigs-activepassiveὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος1The sun will be turned to darkness

This means that the sun will appear to be dark instead of light. Alternate translation: “The sun will become dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

117ACT220f34kfigs-metaphorἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα1the moon to blood

This means that the moon will appear to be red like blood. Alternate translation: “the moon will appear to be red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

118ACT220swb2figs-doubletἡμέραν…τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἐπιφανῆ1of the great and remarkable day

The words great and remarkable share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of greatness. Alternate translation: “the very great day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

119ACT220lc4gἐπιφανῆ1remarkable

beautiful

120ACT221vql5figs-activepassiveπᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου σωθήσεται1everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord will save everyone who calls on him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

121ACT222sa780Connecting Statement:

Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.

122ACT222g6vjἀκούσατε τοὺς λόγους τούτους1hear these words

“listen to what I am about to say”

123ACT222f2t1ἀποδεδειγμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς δυνάμεσι, καὶ τέρασι, καὶ σημείοις1attested to you by God with the mighty deeds, and wonders, and signs

This means that God proved that he had appointed Jesus for his mission, and proved who he was by his many miracles.

124ACT223s38bfigs-abstractnounsτῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ1by the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God

The nouns counsel and foreknowledge can be translated as verbs. This means that God planned out and knew beforehand what would happen to Jesus. Alternate translation: “because God planned out and knew beforehand everything that would happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

125ACT223i6unfigs-activepassiveἔκδοτον1handed over

Possible meanings: (1) “you gave into the hands of his enemies” or (2) “Judas betrayed to you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

126ACT223f5knδιὰ χειρὸς ἀνόμων, προσπήξαντες ἀνείλατε1by the hand of lawless men, you put to death, nailing him to a cross

Although lawless men actually crucified Jesus, Peter accuses the crowd of having killed him because they demanded his death.

127ACT223e38afigs-metonymyδιὰ χειρὸς ἀνόμων1by the hand of lawless men

Here hand refers to the actions of the lawless men. Alternate translation: “through the actions of lawless men” or “by what lawless men did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

128ACT223f6kdἀνόμων1lawless men

Possible meanings are (1) the unbelieving Jews who accused Jesus of crimes or (2) the Roman soldiers who performed the execution of Jesus.

129ACT224ei37figs-idiomὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνέστησεν1He is the one whom God raised up

Here raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

130ACT224s8j3figs-metaphorλύσας τὰς ὠδῖνας τοῦ θανάτου1freeing him from the agony of death

Peter speaks of dying as if death were a person who ties people up with painful ropes and holds them captive. He speaks of God ending Christs death as if God broke the ropes that held Chist and set Christ free. Alternate translation: “ending the pains of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

131ACT224ykq4figs-activepassiveκρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1for him to be held by it

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for death to hold him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

132ACT224vuf4figs-personificationκρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1for him to be held by it

Peter speaks of Christ remaining dead as if death were a person who held him captive. Alternate translation: “for him to remain dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

133ACT225dd5a0General Information:

Here Peter quotes a passage that David wrote in a Psalm which relates to Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words “I” and “my” refer to Jesus and the words “Lord” and “he” refer to God.

134ACT225n2lsfigs-synecdocheἐνώπιόν μου1before me

Alternate translation: “in my presence” or “with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

135ACT225l6xpfigs-synecdocheἐκ δεξιῶν μού1at my right hand

To be at someones right hand often means to be in a position to help and sustain. Alternate translation: “right beside me” or “with me to help me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

136ACT225s4ypfigs-activepassiveμὴ σαλευθῶ1I should not be moved

Here the word moved means to be troubled. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people will not be able to cause me trouble” or “nothing will trouble me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

137ACT226z8vwfigs-synecdocheηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου1my heart was glad and my tongue exulted

People consider the heart to be the center of emotions and the tongue to voice those emotions. Alternate translation: “I was glad and rejoiced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

138ACT226zz6kfigs-synecdocheἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1my flesh … will live in hope

Possible meanings of the word flesh are (1) he is a mortal who will die. Alternate translation: “Even though I am only mortal, I will have confidence in God” or (2) it is synecdoche for his entire person. Alternate translation: “I will live with confidence in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

139ACT227whi30General Information:

Since Peter says that David said these words about Jesus, the words “my,” “Holy One,” and “me” refer to Jesus and the words “you” and “your” refer to God.

140ACT227m3ij0Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes quoting David.

141ACT227rld3figs-123personοὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay

The Messiah, Jesus, refers to himself with the words your Holy One. Alternate translation: “neither will you allow me, your Holy One, to see decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

142ACT227l5cdfigs-explicitἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1to see decay

Here the word see means to experience something. The word decay refers to the decomposition of his body after death. Alternate translation: “to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

143ACT228gsk6ὁδοὺς ζωῆς1the paths of life

“the ways that lead to life”

144ACT228y7gffigs-metonymyπληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου1you will fill me with gladness with your face

Here the word face refers to the presence of God. Alternate translation: “very glad when I see you” or “very glad when I am in your presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

145ACT228ej5mεὐφροσύνης1with gladness

“with joy” or “with happiness”

146ACT229wh970General Information:

In verses 29 & 30, the words he,” “his,” and “him” refer to David. In verse 31, the first “He” refers to David and the words within the quote “He” and “his” refer to Christ.

147ACT229pv1x0Connecting Statement:

Peter continues his speech that he began in Acts 1:16 to the Jews that surround him and the other believers in Jerusalem.

148ACT229ps7cἀδελφοί1brothers

“my fellow Jews”

149ACT229vtc6figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἐτελεύτησεν καὶ ἐτάφη1he both died and was buried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he died and people buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

150ACT230hq71figs-metonymyἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ, καθίσαι ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1to set from the fruit of his loins upon his throne

“that God would set one of Davids descendants upon Davids throne.” Alternate translation: “that God would appoint one of Davids descendants to be king in Davids place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

151ACT230x11qfigs-idiomἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ1from the fruit of his loins

Here the word fruit refers to what his loins produces. Alternate translation: “one of his descendants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

152ACT231tn4bfigs-activepassiveοὔτε ἐνκατελείφθη εἰς ᾍδην1He was neither abandoned to Hades

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God did not abandon him to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

153ACT231up5xfigs-explicitοὔτε ἡ σὰρξ αὐτοῦ εἶδεν διαφθοράν1nor did his flesh see decay

Here the word see means to experience something. The word decay refers to the decomposition of his body after death. See how you translated this in Acts 2:27. Alternate translation: “nor did his flesh decay” or “nor did he remain dead long enough for his flesh to decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

154ACT232kw6afigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here, the second word “this” refers to the disciples speaking in other languages when they received the Holy Spirit. The word “we” refers to the disciples and those that witnessed the risen Jesus after his death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

155ACT232udn1figs-idiomἀνέστησεν ὁ Θεός1God raised him up

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

156ACT233kij2figs-activepassiveτῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ ὑψωθεὶς1having been exalted to the right hand of God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because God has exalted Jesus up to his right hand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

157ACT233c9mrfigs-idiomτῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ ὑψωθεὶς1having been exalted to the right hand of God

Here right hand of God is an idiom that means that Christ will rule as God, with Gods authority. Alternate translation: “Christ is in the position of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

158ACT233c1drfigs-idiomἐξέχεεν τοῦτο ὃ1he has poured out this which

Here the words poured out mean that Jesus, who is God, made these events to happen. It is implicit that he does this by giving the Holy Spirit to the believers. Alternate translation: “he has caused to happen these things that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

159ACT233wsg9figs-idiomἐξέχεεν1he has poured out

Here the words poured out mean to give generously and abundantly. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 2:17. Alternate translation: “he has given abundantly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

160ACT234i8wu0General Information:

Peter again quotes one of Davids Psalms. David is not speaking of himself in this Psalm. “The Lord” and “my” refer to God; “my Lord” and “your” refer to Jesus the Messiah.

161ACT234m7fy0Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 1:16.

162ACT234kvn8translate-symactionκάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1Sit at my right hand

To sit at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “Sit in the place of honor beside me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

163ACT235nf1xfigs-metaphorἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου1until I make your enemies the stool for your feet

This means that God will completely defeat the Messiahs enemies and make them subject to him. Alternate translation: “until I make you victorious over all of your enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

164ACT236pnp5figs-idiomπᾶς οἶκος Ἰσραὴλ1all the house of Israel

This refers to the entire nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “every Israelite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

165ACT237xan10General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the people in the crowd to whom Peter spoke.

166ACT237w1ma0Connecting Statement:

The Jews respond to Peters speech and Peter answers them.

167ACT237zls6ἀκούσαντες1when they heard this

“when the people heard what Peter had said”

168ACT237s85qfigs-activepassiveκατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1they were pierced in the heart

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Peters words pierced their hearts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

169ACT237l15xfigs-idiomκατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1they were pierced in the heart

This means that the people felt guilty and became very sad. Alternate translation: “they were deeply troubled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

170ACT238cmb7figs-activepassiveβαπτισθήτω1be baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “allow us to baptize you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

171ACT238geb2figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1in the name of Jesus Christ

Here In the name of is a metonym for “by the authority of” Alternate translation: “by the authority of Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

172ACT239v8viπᾶσι τοῖς εἰς μακρὰν1all who are at a distance

This means either (1) “all people who live far away” or (2) “all people who are far from God.”

173ACT240k1kjwriting-endofstory0

This is the end of the part of the story that happened on the Day of Pentecost. Verse 42 begins a section that explains how the believers continued to live after the Day of Pentecost. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

174ACT240v6ipfigs-doubletδιεμαρτύρατο, καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτοὺς1he testified and urged them

“he seriously told them and begged them.” Here the words testified and urged share similar meanings and emphasize that Peter urged them strongly to respond to what he was saying. Alternate translation: “he strongly urged them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

175ACT240wtd5figs-explicitσώθητε ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς τῆς σκολιᾶς ταύτης1Save yourselves from this perverse generation

The implication is that God will punish this perverse generation. Alternate translation: “Save yourselves from the punishment that these wicked people will suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

176ACT241r9qzfigs-idiomοἱ…ν ἀποδεξάμενοι τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ1they received his word

Here the word received means that they accepted what Peter said to be true. Alternate translation: “they believed what Peter said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

177ACT241kz64figs-activepassiveοἱ…ἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

178ACT241a47ffigs-activepassiveπροσετέθησαν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ, ψυχαὶ ὡσεὶ τρισχίλιαι1there were added in that day about 3,000 souls

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “about 3,000 souls joined the believers on that day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

179ACT241sv5jfigs-synecdocheψυχαὶ ὡσεὶ τρισχίλιαι1about 3,000 souls

Here the word souls refers to people. Alternate translation: “about 3,000 people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

180ACT242gc59figs-synecdocheτῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου1in the breaking of bread

Bread was part of their meals. Possible meanings are (1) this refers to any meals they might eat together. Alternate translation: “eating meals together” or (2) this refers to the meals they would eat together in order to remember Christs death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “eating the Lords Supper together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

181ACT243gi9vfigs-synecdocheἐγίνετο δὲ πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος1And fear came upon every soul

Here the word fear refers to deep respect and awe for God. The word soul refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “And each person felt a deep respect and awe for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

182ACT243ys3yfigs-activepassiveπολλά τε τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετο1and many wonders and signs took place through the apostles

Possible meanings are (1) “the apostles performed many wonders and signs” or (2) “God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

183ACT243q6dmτέρατα καὶ σημεῖα1wonders and signs

“miraculous deeds and supernatural events.” See how you translated this in Acts 2:22.

184ACT244u8qkπάντες δὲ οἱ πιστεύοντες ἦσαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ1And all those believing were in the same place

Possible meanings are (1) “all who believed were together in the same place” or (2) “all of them believed the same thing.”

185ACT244jy2wεἶχον ἅπαντα κοινά1had all things in common

“shared their belongings with one another”

186ACT245h8tnτὰ κτήματα καὶ τὰς ὑπάρξεις1their property and their possessions

“their land and the things they owned”

187ACT245f74sfigs-metonymyδιεμέριζον αὐτὰ πᾶσιν1distributed them to all

Here the word them refers to the profit that they made from selling their property and possessions. Alternate translation: “distributed the proceeds to all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

188ACT245n9hiκαθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν1as anyone might have need

They distributed the proceeds that they earned from selling their property and possessions to any believer who had a need.

189ACT246in43προσκαρτεροῦντες ὁμοθυμαδὸν1they continued with one purpose

Possible meanings are (1) “they continued meeting together” or (2) “they all continued to have the same attitude.”

190ACT246q1gefigs-synecdocheκλῶντές…κατ’ οἶκον ἄρτον1breaking bread in each house

Bread was part of their meals. Alternate translation: “they eat meals together in their homes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

191ACT246i2ykfigs-metonymyἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας1with exultation and sincerity of heart

Here heart is a metonym for a persons emotions. Alternate translation: “joyfully and humbly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

192ACT247z6igαἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν1praising God and having favor with all the people

“praising God. All the people approved of them”

193ACT247kc42figs-activepassiveτοὺς σῳζομένους1those being saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the Lord saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

194ACT3introhpd90

Acts 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The covenant God made with Abraham

This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews because God was fulfilling part of the covenant he had made with Abraham. Peter thought that the Jews were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus, but he

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You delivered up”

The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and told the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter thought that they were the ones who were truly guilty of killing Jesus. But he tells them that they are also the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus followers to invite them to repent (Luke 3:26). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

195ACT31u6nuwriting-background0General Information:

Verse 2 gives background information about the lame man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

196ACT31b5rm0Connecting Statement:

One day Peter and John go to the temple.

197ACT31br7iεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1to the temple

They did not go into the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: “to the temple courtyard” or “into the temple area”

198ACT32f227figs-activepassiveτις ἀνὴρ, χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ ὑπάρχων, ἐβαστάζετο, ὃν ἐτίθουν καθ’ ἡμέραν πρὸς τὴν θύραν τοῦ ἱεροῦ, τὴν λεγομένην Ὡραίαν1a certain man, being lame from the womb of his mother, was being carried, whom each day they placed at the gate of the temple that is called Beautiful

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people were carrying a certain man, lame from birth. Every day, they laid him near the Beautiful gate of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

199ACT32j68tχωλὸς1lame

unable to walk

200ACT34xq4uἀτενίσας…Πέτρος εἰς αὐτὸν σὺν τῷ Ἰωάννῃ εἶπεν1Peter, looking intently at him, with John, said

Both Peter and John looked at the man, but only Peter spoke.

201ACT35e3c6ὁ…ἐπεῖχεν αὐτοῖς1he looked at them

Here the word looked means to pay attention to something. Alternate translation: “The lame man paid close attention to them”

202ACT36x6bmfigs-metonymyἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον1Silver and gold

These words refer to money. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

203ACT36zi9tfigs-explicitὃ…ἔχω1what I have

It is understood that Peter has the ability to heal the man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

204ACT36t2vffigs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1In the name of Jesus Christ

Here the word name refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “With the authority of Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

205ACT37ec6jἤγειρεν αὐτόν1he raised him up

“Peter caused him to stand”

206ACT38abc1ἐξαλλόμενος, ἔστη καὶ περιεπάτει, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν1leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered

The lame man did these actions.

207ACT38zp7xεἰσῆλθεν…εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1he entered … into the temple

He did not go inside the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: “he entered … the temple area” or “he entered … into the temple courtyard”

208ACT310zy7hἐπεγίνωσκον…αὐτὸν, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἦν ὁ1they recognized him, that he was the one

“they realized that he was the man”

209ACT310p2zhτῇ Ὡραίᾳ Πύλῃ1the Beautiful Gate

This was the name of one of the entrances to the temple area. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 3:2.

210ACT310j6zffigs-doubletἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως1they were filled with wonder and amazement

Here the words wonder and amazement share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of the peoples amazement. Alternate translation: “they were extremely amazed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

211ACT311g4y1figs-exclusive0General Information:

The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomons” makes it clear that they were not inside the temple where only the priests were allowed to enter. Here the words “us” and “we” refer to Peter and John but not to the crowd to whom Peter is talking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

212ACT311eu1l0Connecting Statement:

After healing the man who could not walk, Peter talks to the people.

213ACT311rj43τῇ στοᾷ τῇ καλουμένῃ Σολομῶντος1the porch that is called Solomons

“Solomons Porch.” This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon.

214ACT311rk1mἔκθαμβοι1marveling

“extremely surprised”

215ACT312x9m9ἰδὼν δὲ, ὁ Πέτρος1But when Peter saw this

Here the word this refers to the amazement of the people.

216ACT312ndi3ἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται1Men of Israel

“Fellow Israelites.” Peter was addressing the crowd.

217ACT312uyg1figs-rquestionτί θαυμάζετε ἐπὶ τούτῳ1why do you marvel at this?

Peter asks this question to emphasize that they should not be surprised by what had happened. Alternate translation: “you should not be surprised at this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

218ACT312j6ldfigs-rquestionἢ ἡμῖν τί ἀτενίζετε, ὡς ἰδίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ εὐσεβείᾳ πεποιηκόσιν τοῦ περιπατεῖν αὐτόν?1Or why do you look intently at us, as if we have made him to walk by our own power or godliness?

Peter asks this question to emphasize that the people should not think that he and John had healed the man by their own abilities. This could be written as two statements. Alternate translation: “Do not stare at us. We did not make him walk by our own power or godliness.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

219ACT312mwd9figs-idiomἀτενίζετε1look intently at us

This means that they looked intently at them without stopping. Alternate translation: “stare at us” or “look at us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

220ACT313q8q20Connecting Statement:

Peter continues his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.

221ACT313cp1jfigs-idiomἠρνήσασθε κατὰ πρόσωπον Πειλάτου1rejected before the face of Pilate

Here the phrase before the face of means “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “rejected in Pilates presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

222ACT313yy96κρίναντος ἐκείνου ἀπολύειν1when he had decided to release him

“when Pilate had decided to release Jesus”

223ACT314s6qjfigs-activepassiveᾐτήσασθε ἄνδρα, φονέα χαρισθῆναι ὑμῖν1asked for a man, a murderer, to be handed over to you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “asked for Pilate to release a murderer to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

224ACT315jwb1figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” includes just Peter and John. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

225ACT315ljn8figs-metaphorἈρχηγὸν τῆς ζωῆς1Founder of life

This refers to Jesus. Possible meanings are (1) “the one who gives people eternal life” or (2) “the ruler of life” or (3) “the founder of life” or (4) “the one who leads people to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

226ACT316abc2ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1by faith in his name

“by faith in the name of Jesus”

227ACT316qt8wἐστερέωσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1his name has made strong

“the name of Jesus has made well”

228ACT316abc3ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ1gave to him

“gave to the lame man”

229ACT317v45tκαὶ νῦν1And now

Here Peter shifts the audiences attention from the lame man and continues to talk to them directly.

230ACT317x62kκατὰ ἄγνοιαν ἐπράξατε1you acted according to ignorance

Possible meanings are (1) that the people did not know that Jesus was the Messiah or (2) that the people did not understand the significance of what they were doing.

231ACT318gcc1ὁ…Θεὸς…προκατήγγειλεν διὰ στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν1God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets

When the prophets spoke, it was as though God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: “God foretold by speaking through all of the prophets”

232ACT318ms6dὁ…Θεὸς…προκατήγγειλεν1God foretold

“God spoke about ahead of time” or “God told about before they happened”

233ACT318z3l7figs-metonymyστόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν1the mouth of all the prophets

Here the word mouth refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: “the words of all the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

234ACT319cw18figs-metaphorκαὶ ἐπιστρέψατε1and turn

“and turn to the Lord.” Here turn is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: “and start obeying the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

235ACT319zm6yfigs-activepassiveπρὸς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι ὑμῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας1so that your sins may be blotted out

Here blotted out is a metaphor for forgiving. Sins are spoken of as if they are written in a book and God erases them from the book when he forgives them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “so that God will forgive you for sinning against him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

236ACT320x3caκαιροὶ ἀναψύξεως ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου1periods of refreshing from the face of the Lord

“times of relief from the presence of the Lord.” Possible meanings are (1) “times when God will strengthen your spirits” or (2) “times when God will revive you”

237ACT320f2wmfigs-metonymyἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου1from the face of the Lord

Here the words face of the Lord is a metonym for the Lord himself. Alternate translation: “from the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

238ACT320h3nkἀποστείλῃ…Χριστὸν, Ἰησοῦν1that he may send … Christ Jesus

“that he may again send the Christ.” This refers to Christs coming again.

239ACT320yzr6figs-activepassiveτὸν προκεχειρισμένον ὑμῖν1the one who has been appointed for you

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the one whom he has appointed for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

240ACT321sj210General Information:

In verses 22-23 Peter quotes something Moses told before the Messiah came.

241ACT321u33e0Connecting Statement:

Peter continues his speech that he began in Acts 3:12 to the Jews who stood in the temple area.

242ACT321vgn8figs-personificationὃν δεῖ οὐρανὸν μὲν δέξασθαι1Heaven must receive him

“Heaven must welcome him.” Peter speaks of heaven as if it were a person who welcomes Jesus into his home. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

243ACT321y1psὃν δεῖ οὐρανὸν μὲν δέξασθαι, ἄχρι1Heaven must receive him until

This means that it is necessary for Jesus to remain in heaven because that is what God has planned.

244ACT321x2f3ἄχρι χρόνων ἀποκαταστάσεως πάντων1until the time of the restoration of all things

Possible meanings are (1) “until the time when God will restore all things” or (2) “until the time when God will fulfill everything that he foretold.”

245ACT321a2m8ὧν ἐλάλησεν ὁ Θεὸς διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων ἀπ’ αἰῶνος αὐτοῦ προφητῶν1about which God spoke from the ages by the mouth of his holy prophets

When the prophets spoke long ago, it was as if God himself was speaking because he told them what to say. Alternate translation: “about which things God spoke long ago by telling his holy prophets to speak about them”

246ACT321a12ifigs-metonymyστόματος τῶν ἁγίων…αὐτοῦ προφητῶν1the mouth of his holy prophets

Here the word mouth refers to the words that the prophets spoke and wrote down. Alternate translation: “the words of his holy prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

247ACT322v5nfπροφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει…ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐμέ1will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers

“will cause a one of your brothers to become a true prophet for you, and everyone will know about him”

248ACT322t8diτῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν1your brothers

“your nation”

249ACT323t8a5figs-activepassiveτοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου, ἐξολεθρευθήσεται1that prophet will be completely destroyed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that prophet, God will completely destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

250ACT324y1z70Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech to the Jews that he began in Acts 3:12.

251ACT324u6x3καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ προφῆται1And indeed, all the prophets

“In fact, all the prophets.” Here the word “indeed” adds emphasis to what follows.

252ACT324xp9hἀπὸ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν καθεξῆς1from Samuel and those after him

“beginning with Samuel and continuing with the prophets who lived after he did”

253ACT324m9prτὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας1these days

“these times” or “the things that are happening now”

254ACT325rh2nfigs-idiomὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ υἱοὶ τῶν προφητῶν, καὶ τῆς διαθήκης1You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant

Here the word sons refers to heirs who will receive what the prophets and the covenant promised. Alternate translation: “You are the heirs of the prophets and heirs of the covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

255ACT325mad5ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου1In your seed

“through your offspring”

256ACT325g31mfigs-activepassiveἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς1will all the families of the earth be blessed

Here the word families refers to people groups or nations. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will bless all the people groups in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

257ACT326b7tzἀναστήσας ὁ Θεὸς τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ1After God raised up his servant

“After God caused Jesus to become his servant and made him famous”

258ACT326z5q6τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ1his servant

This refers to the Messiah, Jesus.

259ACT326x8ssfigs-metaphorτῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν1turning each of you from your wickedness

Here turning … from is a metaphor for causing someone stop doing something. Alternate translation: “causing every one of you to stop doing wicked things” or “causing every one of you to repent from your wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

260ACT4intropv3a0

Acts 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:25-26.

Special concepts in this chapter

Unity

The first Christians wanted very much to be united. They wanted to believe the same things and share everything they owned and help those who needed help.

“Signs and wonders”

This phrase refers to things that only God can do. The Christians wanted God to do what only he can do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Cornerstone

The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything depends. To say that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church is to say that nothing in the church is more important than Jesus and that everything about the church depends on Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Name

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). With these words Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or will ever be on earth can save people.

261ACT41ew3l0Connecting Statement:

The religious leaders arrest Peter and John after Peters having healed the man who was born lame.

262ACT41abc4λαλούντων…αὐτῶν1as they were speaking

“as Peter and John were speaking”

263ACT41d3tvἐπέστησαν αὐτοῖς1came up to them

“approached them” or “came to them”

264ACT42m74sfigs-explicitδιαπονούμενοι1They were deeply troubled

“They were very angry.” The Sadducees, in particular, would have been angry about what Peter and John were saying because they did not believe in resurrection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

265ACT42abc5διὰ τὸ διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς1because of their teaching

“because Peter and John were teaching”

266ACT42mg5lκαταγγέλλειν ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ τὴν ἀνάστασιν, τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν1proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection that is from the dead

Peter and John were saying that God would raise people from the dead in the same way as he had raised Jesus from among the dead. Translate this in a way that allows “the resurrection” to refer to both Jesus resurrection and the general resurrection of other people.

267ACT42np5gτὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν1that is from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

268ACT43zla7ἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας1they laid hands on them

“the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John”

269ACT43h5f9ἦν γὰρ ἑσπέρα ἤδη1since it was already evening

It was common practice not to question people at night.

270ACT44bm1fἀριθμὸς τῶν ἀνδρῶν1the number of the men

This refers only to men who believed and does not include how many women or children believed.

271ACT44qd8gἐγενήθη…ὡς χιλιάδες πέντε1was about 5,000

“grew to about 5,000”

272ACT45j6p80General Information:

Here the word “their” refers to the Jewish people as a whole.

273ACT45i9tj0Connecting Statement:

The rulers question Peter and John who answer without fear.

274ACT45lw2dἐγένετο1It came about

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

275ACT45cdj1figs-synecdocheαὐτῶν τοὺς ἄρχοντας, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς1their rulers, and the elders, and the scribes

This is a reference to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling court, which consisted of these three groups of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

276ACT46l44nἸωάννης, καὶ Ἀλέξανδρος1John, and Alexander

These two men were members of the high priests family. This is not the same John as the apostle.

277ACT47abc6στήσαντες αὐτοὺς1having set them

“when they had set Peter and John”

278ACT47t1eqἐν ποίᾳ δυνάμει1By what power

“Who gave you power”

279ACT47jc21figs-metonymyἐν ποίῳ ὀνόματι1in what name

Here the word name refers to authority. Alternate translation: “by whose authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

280ACT48su5xfigs-activepassiveτότε Πέτρος πλησθεὶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Acts 2:4. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit filled Peter and he” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

281ACT49pq85figs-rquestionεἰ ἡμεῖς σήμερον ἀνακρινόμεθα…ἐν τίνι οὗτος σέσωσται1if we this day are being questioned … by what means he was made well

Peter asks this question to clarify that this was the real reason that they were on trial. Alternate translation: “you are asking us this day … by what means we made this man well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

282ACT49je6dfigs-activepassiveἡμεῖς σήμερον ἀνακρινόμεθα1we this day are being questioned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are questioning us this day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

283ACT49b92nfigs-activepassiveἐν τίνι οὗτος σέσωσται1by what means he was made well

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by what means we have made this man well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

284ACT410snd5figs-activepassiveγνωστὸν ἔστω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν καὶ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραὴλ1let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “may all of you and all of the people of Israel know this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

285ACT410j3pxπᾶσιν ὑμῖν καὶ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραὴλ1to you all and to all the people of Israel

“to you who are questioning us and to all the other people of Israel”

286ACT410khn7figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου1in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

Here the word name refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “by the power of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

287ACT410jyj6figs-idiomὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν1whom God raised from the dead,

Here raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “whom God caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

288ACT411tdw8figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Peter as well as those to whom he is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

289ACT411nwg60Connecting Statement:

Peter completes his speech to the Jewish religious rulers that he began in Acts 4:8.

290ACT411w195figs-metaphorοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ λίθος…ὁ γενόμενος εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1He is the stone … which has been made into the head head of the corner

Peter is quoting from the Psalms. This is a metaphor that means the religious leaders, like builders, rejected Jesus, but God will made him the most important in his kingdom, as a cornerstone in a building is important. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291ACT411f1nxκεφαλὴν1the head

Here the word head means “most important” or “vital.”

292ACT411c1bhὁ ἐξουθενηθεὶς ὑφ’ ὑμῶν, τῶν οἰκοδόμων1which was rejected by you, the builders

“which you as the builders rejected” or “which you as builders rejected as worth nothing”

293ACT412tq3zfigs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενὶ ἡ σωτηρία1And there is no salvation in anyone else

The noun salvation can be translated as a verb. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “he is the only person who is able to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

294ACT412l66wfigs-activepassiveοὐδὲ γὰρ ὄνομά ἐστιν ἕτερον ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν τὸ δεδομένον ἐν ἀνθρώποις1for there is no other name under heaven given among men

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for God has not given among men any other name under heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

295ACT412iz7kfigs-metonymyοὐδὲ…ὄνομά…ἕτερον…δεδομένον ἐν ἀνθρώποις1no other name … given among men

The phrase name … given among men refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: “no other person under heaven, who is given among men, by whom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

296ACT412jm25figs-idiomὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν1under heaven

This is a way of referring to everywhere in the world. Alternate translation: “in the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

297ACT412gg8hfigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ δεῖ σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς1by which we must be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which can save us” or “who can save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

298ACT413xn390General Information:

Here the second instance of “they” refers to Peter and John. All other occurrences of the word “they” in this section refer to the Jewish leaders.

299ACT413t6kcfigs-explicitτὴν τοῦ Πέτρου παρρησίαν καὶ Ἰωάννου1the boldness of Peter and John

Here the abstract noun boldness refers to the way in which Peter and John responded to the Jewish leaders, and can be translated with an adverb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “how boldly Peter and John had spoken” or “how bold Peter and John were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

300ACT413p9pqπαρρησίαν1boldness

lack of fear

301ACT413qaa5figs-explicitκαταλαβόμενοι ὅτι ἄνθρωποι ἀγράμματοί εἰσιν καὶ ἰδιῶται1realizing that they were uneducated and ordinary men

The Jewish leaders realized this because of the way Peter and John spoke. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

302ACT413r6d6καὶ καταλαβόμενοι1and realizing

“and understanding”

303ACT413erv7figs-doubletἄνθρωποι ἀγράμματοί εἰσιν καὶ ἰδιῶται1they were uneducated and ordinary men

The words uneducated and ordinary share similar meanings. They emphasize that Peter and John had received no formal training in Jewish law. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

304ACT414h3cyfigs-activepassiveτόν…ἄνθρωπον…τὸν τεθεραπευμένον1the man who was healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the man whom Peter and John had healed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

305ACT414fq4wοὐδὲν εἶχον ἀντειπεῖν1they had nothing to say in opposition

“they had nothing to say against Peter and Johns healing of the man”

306ACT415ql31αὐτοὺς1them

This refers to Peter and John.

307ACT416p4g6figs-rquestionτί ποιήσωμεν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τούτοις?1What should we do to these men?

The Jewish leaders ask this question out of frustration because they could not think of what to do with Peter and John. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that we can do with these men!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

308ACT416nh5sfigs-activepassiveὅτι μὲν γὰρ γνωστὸν σημεῖον γέγονεν δι’ αὐτῶν, πᾶσιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλὴμ φανερόν1For it is evident to everyone who lives in Jerusalem that a notable sign has happened through them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For everyone who lives in Jerusalem knows that they have done a remarkable miracle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

309ACT416jn12figs-hyperboleπᾶσιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλὴμ1everyone who lives in Jerusalem

This is a generalization. It may also be an exaggeration to show that the leaders think that this is a very big problem. Alternate translation: “many of the people who live in Jerusalem” or “people who live throughout Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

310ACT417f71lfigs-explicitἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον διανεμηθῇ1in order that it might not spread further

Here the word it refers to any miracles or teaching Peter and John might continue to do. Alternate translation: “so that that news of this miracle spreads no further” or “in order that no more people hear about this miracle” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

311ACT417w52jfigs-metonymyμηκέτι λαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ μηδενὶ ἀνθρώπων1no longer to speak in this name to any man

Here the word name refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: “not to speak anymore to anyone about this person, Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

312ACT419hf3ufigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Peter and John but not to those whom they are addressing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

313ACT419jf1dfigs-metonymyεἰ δίκαιόν ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Whether it is right before God

Here the phrase before God refers to Gods opinion. Alternate translation: “Whether God thinks it is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

314ACT421gy8dwriting-background0General Information:

Verse 22 gives background information about the age of the lame man who was healed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

315ACT421y5y1οἱ δὲ προσαπειλησάμενοι1So after further warning them

The Jewish leaders again threatened to punish Peter and John.

316ACT421z2bxμηδὲν εὑρίσκοντες τὸ πῶς κολάσωνται αὐτούς1They found nothing for which they might punish them

Although the Jewish leaders threatened Peter and John, they could not find a reason to punish them without causing the people to riot.

317ACT421jbl6figs-activepassiveἐπὶ τῷ γεγονότι1for what had happened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for what Peter and John had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

318ACT422ju4wὁ ἄνθρωπος, ἐφ’ ὃν γεγόνει τὸ σημεῖον τοῦτο τῆς ἰάσεως1the man to whom this sign of healing had happened

“the man whom Peter and John had miraculously healed”

319ACT423j3ap0General Information:

Speaking together, the people quote a Psalm of David from the Old Testament. Here the word “they” refers to the rest of the believers, but not to Peter and John.

320ACT423j2cxfigs-explicitἦλθον πρὸς τοὺς ἰδίους1they came to their own people

The phrase their own people refers to the rest of the believers. Alternate translation: “they went to the other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

321ACT424zu28ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἦραν φωνὴν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν1they raised their voices together to God

To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking. “they began speaking together to God” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

322ACT425vc5zὁ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου εἰπών1The mouth of our father David, your servant, by the Holy Spirit, spokeYou spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David

This means that the Holy Spirit caused David to speak or write down what God said.

323ACT425ka83figs-metonymyὁ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν…στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου1The mouth of our father David, your servant

Here the word mouth refers to the words that David spoke or wrote down. Alternate translation: “The words of your servant, our father David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

324ACT425kat6τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν…Δαυεὶδ1of our father David

Here father refers to “ancestor.”

325ACT425f1x6figs-rquestionἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά?1Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine useless things?

This is a rhetorical question that emphasizes the futility of opposing God. Alternate translation: “The Gentile nations should not have raged, and the peoples should not have imagined useless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

326ACT425w622figs-explicitλαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά1the peoples imagine useless things

These useless things consist of plans to oppose God. Alternate translation: “the peoples imagine useless things against God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

327ACT425h6rcλαοὶ1peoples

people groups

328ACT426fb5a0Connecting Statement:

The believers complete their quotation from King David in the Psalms that they began in Acts 4:25.

329ACT426w2byfigs-parallelismπαρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ Κυρίου1The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered to the same place against the Lord

These two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earths rulers to oppose God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

330ACT426w64bfigs-metonymyπαρέστησαν…συνήχθησαν1took their stand … were gathered

These two phrases mean that they joined their armies together to fight a battle. Alternate translation: “brought out their armies … gathered their troops together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

331ACT426yv19κατὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1against the Lord, and against his Christ

Here the word Lord refers to God. In the Psalms, the word Christ refers to the Messiah or Gods anointed one.

332ACT427b1g90Connecting Statement:

The believers continue praying.

333ACT427nuc1ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1in this city

this city refers to Jerusalem.

334ACT427ca33τὸν ἅγιον παῖδά σου Ἰησοῦν1your holy servant Jesus

“Jesus who serves you faithfully”

335ACT428yz7mfigs-metonymyποιῆσαι ὅσα ἡ χείρ σου, καὶ ἡ βουλὴ σου προώρισεν1to do all that your hand and your counsel had predetermined

Here the word hand is used to mean Gods power. Additionally, the phrase your hand and your counsel had predetermined shows Gods power and plan. Alternate translation: “to do all that you had decided because you are powerful and did all that you planned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

336ACT429b38z0Connecting Statement:

The believers complete their prayer that they began in Acts 4:24.

337ACT429t5qmfigs-idiomἔπιδε ἐπὶ τὰς ἀπειλὰς αὐτῶν1look upon their threats

Here the words look upon are a request for God to take notice of the way in which the Jewish leaders threatened the believers. Alternate translation: “notice how they threaten to punish us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

338ACT429zh7jfigs-metonymyμετὰ παρρησίας πάσης λαλεῖν τὸν λόγον σου1to speak your word with all boldness

The word word here is a metonym for Gods message. The abstract noun boldness can be translated as an adverb. Alternate translation: “speak your message boldly” or “be bold when we speak your message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

339ACT430x9r1figs-metonymyτὴν χεῖρά σου, ἐκτείνειν σε εἰς ἴασιν1you stretch out your hand to heal

Here the word hand refers to Gods power. This is a request for God to show how powerful he is. Alternate translation: “while you show your power by healing people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

340ACT430t5uwfigs-metonymyδιὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ ἁγίου παιδός σου, Ἰησοῦ1through the name of your holy servant Jesus

Here the word name refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “through the power of your holy servant Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

341ACT430txb5τοῦ ἁγίου παιδός σου, Ἰησοῦ1of your holy servant Jesus

“of Jesus who serves you faithfully.” See how you translated this in Acts 4:27.

342ACT431x9b3figs-activepassiveἐσαλεύθη ὁ τόπος1the place … was shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the place … shook” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

343ACT431ps3mfigs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Acts 2:4. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit filled them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

344ACT432xu3jfigs-metonymyἦν καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία1were one in heart and soul

Here the word heart refers to the thoughts and the word soul refers to the emotions. Together they refer to the total person. Alternate translation: “thought the same way and wanted the same things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

345ACT432zyp5ἦν αὐτοῖς πάντα κοινά1everything was in common to them

“they shared their belongings with one another.” See how you translated this in Acts 2:44.

346ACT433d8drχάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς1and abundant grace was upon them all

Possible meanings are: (1) that God was greatly blessing the believers or (2) that the people in Jerusalem held the believers in very high esteem.

347ACT434gw3vfigs-hyperboleὅσοι…κτήτορες χωρίων ἢ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον1all who were owners of lands or houses

The word all here is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many people who owned lands or houses” or “people who owned title to lands or houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

348ACT434ti1hκτήτορες χωρίων ἢ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον1were owners of lands or houses

“owned land or houses”

349ACT434l938figs-activepassiveτὰς τιμὰς τῶν πιπρασκομένων1the price of the things that were sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the money that they received from the things that they sold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

350ACT435vv4zfigs-idiomἐτίθουν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων1laid it at the feet of the apostles

This means that they presented the money to the apostles. Alternate translation: “presented it to the apostles” or “gave it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

351ACT435ps4sfigs-activepassiveδιεδίδετο…ἑκάστῳ, καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν1it was distributed to each one according to whatever need anyone had

The noun need can be translated with a verb. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they distributed the money to each believer as they needed it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

352ACT436uc2awriting-participants0General Information:

Luke introduces Barnabas into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

353ACT436nr4vfigs-idiomυἱὸς παρακλήσεως1Son of Encouragement

The apostles used this name to show that Joseph was a person who encouraged others. Son of is an idiom used to describe a persons behavior or character. Alternate translation: “Encourager” or “One who Encourages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

354ACT437gtv5figs-idiomἔθηκεν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων1laid it at the feet of the apostles

This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in Acts 4:35. Alternate translation: “presented it to the apostles” or “gave it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

355ACT5introk2uh0

Acts 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit”

No one knows for sure if Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (Acts 5:1-10), because Luke does not say. However, Peter knew that they lied to the believers, and he knew that they had listened to and obeyed Satan.

When they lied to the believers, they also lied to the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit lives inside believers.

356ACT51v27awriting-background0

Continuing the story of how the new Christians shared their belongings with other believers, Luke tells about two believers, Ananias and Sapphria. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

357ACT51ysl9δέ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line to tell a new part of the story.

358ACT52xm1tσυνειδυίης καὶ τῆς γυναικός1his wife also knew it

“his wife also knew that he kept back part of the sale money”

359ACT52dy8bfigs-idiomπαρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔθηκεν1and laid it at the feet of the apostles

This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in Acts 4:35. Alternate translation: “and presented it to the apostles” or “and gave it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

360ACT53y7j60General Information:

If your language does not use rhetorical questions, you may reword these as statements.

361ACT53grr9figs-rquestionδιὰ τί ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου, ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ χωρίου1why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the price of the land?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: “you should not have let Satan fill your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the price of the land.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

362ACT53pqd4figs-metonymyἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου1has Satan filled your heart

Here the word heart is a metonym for the will and emotions. The phrase has Satan filled your heart is a metaphor. Possible meanings of the metaphor are (1) “has Satan completely controlled you” or (2) “has Satan convinced you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

363ACT53zz5ufigs-explicitψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς1for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part from the price

This implies that Ananias had told the apostles that he was giving the entire amount that he had received from selling his land. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

364ACT54vu7gfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ μένον σοὶ ἔμενεν, καὶ πραθὲν ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν?1While it remained, did it not remain yours, and after it was sold, was it not in your authority?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: “While it remained, it remained yours, and after it was sold, it was in your authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

365ACT54vi8wἔμενεν1While it remained

“Before you sold it”

366ACT54wm2rfigs-rquestionπραθὲν ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν?1after it was sold, was it not in your authority?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: “after it was sold, you had control over the money that you received.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

367ACT54k7ncfigs-activepassiveπραθὲν1after it was sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after you sold it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

368ACT54i5dwfigs-rquestionτί ὅτι ἔθου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο?1How is it that you placed of this thing in your heart?

Peter used this question to rebuke Ananias. Here the word “heart” refers to the will and emotions. Alternate translation: “You should not have thought of doing this thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

369ACT55cc5yfigs-euphemismπεσὼν ἐξέψυξεν1fell down and breathed his last

Here breathed his last means “breathed his final breath” and is a polite way of saying that he died. Ananias fell down because he died; he did not die because he fell down. Alternate translation: “died and fell to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

370ACT57ry54ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ…εἰσῆλθεν1his wife came in

“Ananias wife came in” or “Sapphira came in”

371ACT57k3c9τὸ γεγονὸς1what had happened

“that her husband had died”

372ACT58bcf6τοσούτου1for this much

“for this much money.” This refers to the amount of money that Ananias had given to the apostles.

373ACT59w1lbfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to both Ananias and Sapphira. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

374ACT59vym80Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Ananias and Sapphira.

375ACT59v7swfigs-rquestionτί ὅτι συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν πειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου?1How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?

Peter asks this question to rebuke Sapphira. Alternate translation: “You should not have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

376ACT59hc22συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν1you have agreed together

“the two of you have agreed together”

377ACT59pg1eπειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου1to test the Spirit of the Lord

Here the word test means to challenge or to prove. They were trying to see if they could get away with lying to God without receiving punishment.

378ACT59xj1lfigs-synecdocheοἱ πόδες τῶν θαψάντων τὸν ἄνδρα σου1the feet of those who buried your husband

Here the phrase the feet refers to the men. Alternate translation: “the men who have buried your husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

379ACT510nwb9ἔπεσεν…πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1she fell down at his feet

This means that when she died, she fell on the floor in front of Peter. This expression should not be confused with falling down at a persons feet as a sign of humility.

380ACT510s7enfigs-euphemismἐξέψυξεν1breathed her last

Here breathed her last means “breathed her final breath” and is a polite way of saying “she died.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 5:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

381ACT512aud20General Information:

Here the words “They” and “they” refer to the believers.

382ACT512c2e70Connecting Statement:

Luke continues to tell what happens in the early days of the church.

383ACT512lde1figs-activepassiveδιὰ δὲ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων, ἐγίνετο σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα πολλὰ ἐν τῷ λαῷ1And many signs and wonders were taking place among the people through the hands of the apostles

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And the apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

384ACT512ux3nσημεῖα καὶ τέρατα1signs and wonders

“supernatural events and miraculous deeds.” See how you translated these terms in Acts 2:22

385ACT512sri8figs-synecdocheδιὰ…τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων1through the hands of the apostles

Here the word hands refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “through the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

386ACT512k99kΣτοᾷ Σολομῶντος1Porch of Solomon

This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. See how you translated the porch that is called Solomons in Acts 3:11.

387ACT514l9bs0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem.

388ACT514m9wxfigs-activepassiveμᾶλλον…προσετίθεντο πιστεύοντες τῷ Κυρίῳ1more believers were being added to the Lord

This could be stated in active form. See how you translated were added in Acts 2:41. Alternate translation: “more people were believing in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

389ACT515y2evfigs-explicitἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ τινὶ αὐτῶν1his shadow might fall on some of them

It is implied that God would heal them if Peters shadow touched them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

390ACT516fu1aὀχλουμένους ὑπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων1those afflicted with unclean spirits

“those whom unclean spirits had afflicted”

391ACT516lyc7figs-activepassiveοἵτινες ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες1who were all healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and God healed them all” or “and the apostles healed them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

392ACT517p4ta0Connecting Statement:

The religious leaders began to persecute the believers.

393ACT517x2edδὲ1But

This begins a contrasting story. You may translate this in the way that your language introduces a contrasting narrative.

394ACT517f9yefigs-idiomἀναστὰς…ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς1the high priest rose up

Here the phrase rose up means that the high priest decided to take action, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “the high priest took action” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

395ACT517pc45figs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου1and they were filled with jealousy

The abstract noun jealousy can be translated as an adjective. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and they became very jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

396ACT518j58pfigs-idiomἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους1laid hands on the apostles

This means that they seized the apostles by force. They would have ordered guards to do this. Alternate translation: “had the guards arrest the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

397ACT519wd370General Information:

Here the words “them” and “they” refer to the apostles.

398ACT520qm16figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

This phrase here refers to the temple courtyard, not to the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

399ACT520z1x3figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης1all the words of this life

The word words here is a metonym for the message that the apostles had already proclaimed. Possible meanings are (1) “all this message of eternal life” or (2) “the whole message of this new way of living” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

400ACT521df1ufigs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1into the temple

They went into the temple courtyard, not into the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

401ACT521l7ufὑπὸ τὸν ὄρθρον1about daybreak

“as it began to be light.” Although the angel led them out of the jail during the night, the sun was rising by the time the apostles reached the temple courtyard.

402ACT521li6afigs-ellipsisἀπέστειλαν εἰς τὸ δεσμωτήριον ἀχθῆναι αὐτούς1sent to the prison to bring the apostles

This implies someone went to the jail. Alternate translation: “sent someone to the jail to bring the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

403ACT523ld7dfigs-explicitἔσω οὐδένα εὕρομεν1we found no one inside

The words no one refer to the apostles. This implies that there was no one else in the jail cell besides the apostles. Alternate translation: “we did not find them inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

404ACT524a8dzfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

405ACT524k5g6διηπόρουν1they were perplexed

“they were puzzled” or “they were confused”

406ACT524baw2περὶ αὐτῶν1concerning them

“concerning the words they had just heard” or “concerning these things”

407ACT524p78mτί ἂν γένοιτο τοῦτο1as to what might have happened

“and concerning what had happened to the apostles”

408ACT525c1amfigs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, ἑστῶτες1standing in the temple

They did not go into the part of the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: “standing in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

409ACT526f7pzfigs-you0General Information:

The word “they” in this section refers to the captain and the officers. In the phrase “feared that the people might stone them” the word “them” refers to the captain and the officers. All other occurrences of “them” in this chunk refer to the apostles. Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the apostles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

410ACT526e24h0Connecting Statement:

The captain and the officers bring the apostles before the Jewish religious council.

411ACT526i2v5ἐφοβοῦντο1they feared

“they were afraid”

412ACT527iq7wἐπηρώτησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς1the high priest interrogated them

“the high priest questioned them.” The word interrogated means to intensely question someone to find out what is true.

413ACT528g2hifigs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ1in this name

Here the word name refers to the person of Jesus. See how you translated this in Acts 4:17. Alternate translation: “about this person, Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

414ACT528j4krfigs-metaphorπεπληρώκατε τὴν Ἰερουσαλὴμ τῆς διδαχῆς ὑμῶν1you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching

Teaching many people in a city is spoken of as if they were filling the city with a teaching. Alternate translation: “you have taught many people in Jerusalem about him” or “you have taught about him throughout the Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

415ACT528ym1kfigs-metonymyβούλεσθε ἐπαγαγεῖν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς τὸ αἷμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου1desire to bring upon us the blood of this man

Here the word blood is a metonym for death, and to bring someones blood on people is a metaphor for saying that they are guilty of that persons death. Alternate translation: “desire to make us responsible for this mans death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

416ACT529y211figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “We” refers to the apostles, and not to the audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

417ACT529di9uἀποκριθεὶς…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι εἶπαν1answering, Peter and the apostles said

Peter spoke on behalf of all of the apostles when he said the following words.

418ACT530r7avfigs-idiomὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν ἤγειρεν Ἰησοῦν1The God of our fathers raised up Jesus

Here raised up is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The God of our fathers caused Jesus to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

419ACT530pu5jfigs-metonymyκρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου1by hanging him on a tree

Here Peter uses the word tree to refer to the cross which was made out of wood. Alternate translation: “by hanging him on a cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

420ACT531uh2dtranslate-symactionτοῦτον ὁ Θεὸς…ὕψωσεν, τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1God exalted him to his right hand

To be at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “God exalted him to the place of honor beside him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

421ACT531mr1dfigs-abstractnounsτοῦ δοῦναι μετάνοιαν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν1to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins

The words repentance and forgiveness can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: “to give the people of Israel an opportunity to repent and have God forgive their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

422ACT531q1ilfigs-metonymyτῷ Ἰσραὴλ1to Israel

The word Israel refers to the Jewish people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

423ACT532yml6τοῖς πειθαρχοῦσιν αὐτῷ1to those obeying him

“those submitting to Gods authority”

424ACT533ekh20Connecting Statement:

Gamaliel addresses the council members.

425ACT533abx6ἀνελεῖν αὐτούς1to kill them

“to kill the apostles”

426ACT534i2rrwriting-participantsΓαμαλιήλ, νομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ1Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people

Luke introduces Gamaliel and provides background information about him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

427ACT534fpr4figs-activepassiveτίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ1honored by all the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom all the people honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

428ACT534xk6gfigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν ἔξω…τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ποιῆσαι1and commanded the apostles to be put outside

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and commanded the guards to take the apostles outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

429ACT535ae1uπροσέχετε1pay close attention to

“think carefully about” or “be cautious about.” Gamaliel was warning them not to do something that they would later regret.

430ACT536uaj6ἀνέστη Θευδᾶς1Theudas rose up

Possible meanings are (1) “Theudas rebelled” or (2) “Theudas appeared.”

431ACT536b3nlλέγων εἶναί τινα ἑαυτόν1claiming himself to be somebody

“claiming that he was somebody important”

432ACT536ie3xfigs-activepassiveὃς ἀνῃρέθη1He was killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People killed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

433ACT536juz1figs-activepassiveπάντες ὅσοι ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ διελύθησαν1all, as many as were persuaded by him, were scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the people who had been obeying him scattered” or “everyone who had been obeying him went in different directions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

434ACT536rzg5ἐγένοντο εἰς οὐδέν1came to nothing

This means that they did not do what they had planned to do.

435ACT537f33yμετὰ τοῦτον1After him

“After Theudas”

436ACT537p56fἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς ἀπογραφῆς1in the days of the census

“during the time of the census”

437ACT537kz4sfigs-idiomἀπέστησε λαὸν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ1drew away people after him

This means that he persuaded some people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “caused many people to follow him” or “caused some people to join him in rebellion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

438ACT538i4bw0Connecting Statement:

Gamaliel finishes addressing the council members. Though they beat the apostles, command them not to teach about Jesus, and let them go, the disciples continue to teach and preach.

439ACT538wz89figs-explicitἀπόστητε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων τούτων καὶ ἄφετε αὐτούς1keep away from these men and release them

Gamaliel is telling the Jewish leaders not to punish the apostles any more or to put them back in jail. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

440ACT538zh1dἐὰν ᾖ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη ἢ τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο1if this plan or work is from men

“if men have devised this plan or are doing this work”

441ACT538uql8figs-activepassiveκαταλυθήσεται1it will be overthrown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will overthrow it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

442ACT539j819figs-ellipsisεἰ…ἐκ Θεοῦ ἐστιν1if it is from God

Here the word it refers to “this plan or work.” Alternate translation: “if God has devised this plan or commanded these men to do this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

443ACT539cyp1figs-activepassiveἐπείσθησαν δὲ1And they were persuaded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So Gamaliel persuaded them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

444ACT540z31c0General Information:

Here first word “they” refers to the council members. The rest of the words “them,” “They,” and “they” refer to the apostles.

445ACT540p6lzfigs-metonymyπροσκαλεσάμενοι τοὺς ἀποστόλους, δείραντες1summoning and beating the apostles

The council members would have ordered the temple guards to do these things. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

446ACT540fca9figs-metonymyλαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1to speak in the name of Jesus

Here name refers to the authority of Jesus. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 4:18. Alternate translation: “to speak anymore in the authority of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

447ACT541cv8yfigs-activepassiveκατηξιώθησαν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος ἀτιμασθῆναι1they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name

The apostles rejoiced because God had honored them by letting the Jewish leaders dishonor them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

448ACT541lk82figs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος1for the Name

Here the Name refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

449ACT542jj94πᾶσάν τε ἡμέραν1And every day

“And each day after that day.” This phrase marks what the apostles did every day through the following days.

450ACT542kyp6figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καὶ κατ’ οἶκον1in the temple and in each house

They did not go into the temple building where only the priests went. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard and in different peoples houses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

451ACT6introz5r50

Acts 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The distribution to the widows

The believers in Jerusalem gave food every day to women whose husbands had died. All of them had been raised as Jews, but some of them had lived in Judea and spoke Hebrew, and others had lived in Gentile areas and spoke Greek. Those who gave out the food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not to the Greek-speaking widows. To please God, the church leaders appointed Greek-speaking men to make sure the Greek-speaking widows received their share of the food. One of these Greek-speaking men was Stephen.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“His face was like the face of an angel”

No one knows for sure what it was about Stephens face that was like the face of an angel, because Luke does not tell us. It is best for the translation to say only what the ULT says about this.

452ACT61ky47writing-background0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story. Luke gives important background information to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

453ACT61f8brwriting-neweventἐν δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1Now in those days

Consider how new parts of a story are introduced in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

454ACT61t94sπληθυνόντων τῶν μαθητῶν1when the disciples were multiplying

“when the number of disciples was greatly increasing”

455ACT61e7vbτῶν Ἑλληνιστῶν1by the Hellenists

The Hellenists were Jews who had lived most of their lives somewhere in the Roman Empire outside of Israel, and had grown up speaking Greek. Their language and culture were somewhat different from those who had grown up in Israel. Alternate translation: “Grecian Jews”

456ACT61ftz8τοὺς Ἑβραίους1the Hebrews

These were Jews who had grown up in Israel speaking Hebrew or Aramaic. The church consisted of only Jews and converts to Judaism so far. Alternate translation: “the Hebrew-speaking Jews”

457ACT61s4qyfigs-activepassiveπαρεθεωροῦντο…αἱ χῆραι αὐτῶν1their widows were being overlooked

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Hebrew believers were overlooking the Grecian widows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

458ACT61e1z9αἱ χῆραι1widows

women whose husband has died

459ACT61k4jgπαρεθεωροῦντο1being overlooked

“being ignored” or “being forgotten.” There were so many who needed help that some were missed.

460ACT61rde8διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ1daily serving

The money that was being given to the apostles was used in part to buy food for the early church widows. Alternate translation: “ daily distribution of food”

461ACT62jr1yfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” refers to the believers. The words “us” and “we” here refer to the 12 apostles. Where applicable, use the exclusive form in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

462ACT62n5r4οἱ δώδεκα1the twelve

This refers to the eleven apostles plus Matthias, who was selected in Acts 1:26.

463ACT62g56wτὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν1the multitude of the disciples

“all of the disciples” or “all the believers”

464ACT62jm17figs-hyperboleκαταλείψαντας τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1to leave behind the word of God

This is an exaggeration in order to emphasize the importance of their task of teaching the word of God. Alternate translation: “to stop preaching and teaching the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

465ACT62fwk6figs-metonymyδιακονεῖν τραπέζαις1to serve tables

This is a phrase meaning to serve food to the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

466ACT63y3bmἄνδρας…μαρτυρουμένους…πλήρεις Πνεύματος καὶ σοφίας1men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom

Possible meanings are (1) the men have three qualities—a good reputation, being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom or (2) the men have a reputation for two qualities—being full of the Spirit, and being full of wisdom .

467ACT63p1yzἄνδρας…μαρτυρουμένους1men of good reputation

“men that people know are good” or “men whom people trust”

468ACT63i27aἐπὶ τῆς χρείας ταύτης1over this task

“to be responsible to do this task”

469ACT64b3bjfigs-ellipsisτῇ διακονίᾳ τοῦ λόγου1the ministry of the word

It may be helpful to add more information. Alternate translation: “the ministry of teaching and preaching the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

470ACT65wh9tἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους1the statement was pleasing before the whole multitude

“all the disciples liked their suggestion”

471ACT65ajq1figs-explicitΣτέφανον,…Φίλιππον, καὶ Πρόχορον, καὶ Νικάνορα1Stephen … Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor

These are Greek names, and suggest that all of the men elected were from the Grecian Jewish group of believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

472ACT65qas9προσήλυτον1proselyte

a Gentile who converted to the Jewish religion

473ACT66wu1ytranslate-symactionἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας1and placed their hands upon them

This represented giving a blessing and imparting responsibility and authority for the work to the seven. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

474ACT67x48w0General Information:

This verse gives an update on the churchs growth.

475ACT67wu4lfigs-metaphorλόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν1word of God kept spreading

The writer speaks of the growing number of people who believed the word as if the word of God itself were covering a larger area. Alternate translation: “the number of people who believed the word of God increased” or “the number of people who believed the message from God increased” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

476ACT67jg8yὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει1became obedient to the faith

“followed the teaching of the new belief”

477ACT67qq3lτῇ πίστει1to the faith

Possible meanings of faith here are (1) the gospel message of trust in Jesus or (2) the teaching of the church or (3) the Christian teaching.

478ACT68wn1twriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

479ACT68n3re0Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of a new part of the story.

480ACT68et2jwriting-participantsΣτέφανος δὲ1Now Stephen

This introduces Stephen as the main character in this part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

481ACT68h8sgfigs-explicitΣτέφανος…πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ἐποίει1Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing

The words grace and power here refer to power from God. This could be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “God was giving Stephen power to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

482ACT69k88nσυναγωγῆς, τῆς λεγομένης Λιβερτίνων1synagogue that is called Freedmen

Freedmen were probably ex-slaves from these different locations. It is unclear if the other people listed were part of the synagogue or just participated in the debate with Stephen.

483ACT69j8pqσυνζητοῦντες τῷ Στεφάνῳ1They were debating with Stephen

“They were arguing with Stephen”

484ACT610s2clfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “We” refers only to the men they persuaded to lie. The word “they” refers back to the people from the synagogue of the freemen in Acts 6:9. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

485ACT610fp410Connecting Statement:

The background information that began in Acts 6:8 continues through verse 10.

486ACT610v5iafigs-idiomοὐκ ἴσχυον ἀντιστῆναι1they were not able to stand against

This phrase means they could not prove false what he said. Alternate translation: “they could not argue against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

487ACT610fnb2Πνεύματι1Spirit

this refers to the Holy Spirit

488ACT611ren5figs-explicitἄνδρας λέγοντας1men to say

They were given money to give false testimony. Alternate translation: “some men to lie and say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

489ACT611x747ῥήματα βλάσφημα εἰς1blasphemous words against

“bad things about”

490ACT612tqk9figs-exclusive0General Information:

Each use of word “they” most likely refers back to the people from the synagogue of the Freedmen in Acts 6:9. They were responsible for the false witnesses and for inciting the council, the elders, the scribes, and the other people. Here the word “we” refers only to the false witness that they brought to testify. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

491ACT612l251συνεκίνησάν τε τὸν λαὸν, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς1They also stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes

“They also caused the people, the elders, and the scribes to be very angry at Stephen”

492ACT612j3wdσυνήρπασαν αὐτὸν1they seized him

“they grabbed him and held him so he could not get away”

493ACT613zv6sοὐ παύεται λαλῶν1does not stop speaking

“continually speaks”

494ACT614vak4figs-idiomπαρέδωκεν ἡμῖν1handed down to us

The phrase handed down means “passed on.” Alternate translation: “taught our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

495ACT615k8rwfigs-simileὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου1as the face of an angel

This phrase compares his face to that of an angel but does not say specifically what they have in common. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

496ACT7introp9h40

Acts 07 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.

It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Stephen said”

Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.

“Full of the Holy Spirit”

The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.

Foreshadowing

When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Implied information

Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Josephs brothers “sold him into Egypt” (Acts 7:9), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaohs household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaohs household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Background knowledge

The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said.

497ACT71pt4hfigs-you0General Information:

The word “our” includes both Steven, the Jewish council to whom he spoke, and the entire audience. The word “your” is singular refers to Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

498ACT71hy9r0Connecting Statement:

The part of the story about Stephen, which began in Acts 6:8, continues. Stephen begins his response to the high priest and the council by talking about things that happened in Israels history. Most of this history comes from Moses writings.

499ACT72abc7ὁ δὲ ἔφη1Then he said

Stephen is speaking.

500ACT72v5siἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε1brothers, and fathers, listen to me

Stephen was being very respectful to the council in greeting them as extended family.

501ACT74pfg30General Information:

In verse 4 the words “he,” “his,” and “him” refer to Abraham. In verse 5 the words “He” and “he” refer to God, but the word “him” refers to Abraham.

502ACT74pfg4figs-youὑμεῖς1you

Here the word you refers to the Jewish council and audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

503ACT75ax1jοὐκ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ κληρονομίαν ἐν αὐτῇ1he did not give him an inheritance in it

“he did not give any of it to him as an inheritance”

504ACT75qff6figs-idiomοὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός1not even a stride of a foot

Possible meanings for this phrase are (1) enough ground to stand on or (2) enough ground to take a step. Alternate translation: “not even a very tiny piece of ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

505ACT75u6iwαὐτῷ εἰς κατάσχεσιν…καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτόν1to him for a possession, and to his seed after him

“for Abraham to own and to give to his descendants”

506ACT76tn6bἐλάλησεν…οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς1God spoke to him like this

It may be helpful to state that this occurred later than the statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Later God told Abraham”

507ACT76t1h9translate-numbersἔτη τετρακόσια1400 years

“four hundred years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

508ACT77f7fwfigs-metonymyτὸ ἔθνος…κρινῶ ἐγώ1I will judge the nation

Here nation refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: “I will judge the people of the nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

509ACT77q7y6τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν1the nation that will enslave him

“the nation that they will serve”

510ACT78mwc9figs-explicitἔδωκεν αὐτῷ διαθήκην περιτομῆς1God gave him the covenant of circumcision

The Jews would have understood that this covenant required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family. Alternate translation: “made a covenant with Abraham to circumcise the males of his family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

511ACT78g4bbοὕτως ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαὰκ1so he became the father of Isaac

The story transitions to Abrahams descendants.

512ACT78ams1figs-ellipsisἸακὼβ τοὺς δώδεκα πατριάρχας1Jacob of the 12 patriarchs

“Jacob became the father of the 12 patriarchs.” Stephen shortened this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

513ACT79n981οἱ πατριάρχαι1the patriarchs

“Jacobs older sons” or “Josephs older brothers”

514ACT79tik7figs-explicitἀπέδοντο εἰς Αἴγυπτον1sold him into Egypt

The Jews knew their ancestors sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt. Alternate translation: “sold him as a slave in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

515ACT79w1isfigs-idiomἦν…μετ’ αὐτοῦ1was with him

This is an idiom for helping someone. Alternate translation: “helped him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

516ACT710yr7mfigs-metonymyἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον1over Egypt

This refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “over all the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

517ACT710pb4pfigs-metonymyὅλον τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ1over all his household

This refers to all his possessions. Alternate translation: “over everything he owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

518ACT711p42jἦλθεν…λιμὸς1came a famine

“a famine came.” The ground stopped producing food.

519ACT711p37vfigs-explicitοἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1our fathers

This refers Jacob and his sons, who were the ancestors of the Jewish people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

520ACT712pia8σιτία1grain

Grain was the most common food at that time.

521ACT712mbg8τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν1our fathers

Here this phrase refers to Jabobs sons, Josephs older brothers.

522ACT713ce2btranslate-ordinalἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ1On their second time

“On their next trip” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

523ACT713m37eἀνεγνωρίσθη1was made known

Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother.

524ACT713jxk8figs-activepassiveφανερὸν ἐγένετο τῷ Φαραὼ τὸ γένος Ἰωσήφ1the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh learned that they were Josephs family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

525ACT714aam5ἀποστείλας1sending them back

“after sending his brothers back to Canaan” or “after sending his brothers back home”

526ACT715w2smἐτελεύτησεν αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1he and our fathers died

Make sure it does not sound as though he died as soon as he arrived in Egypt. Alternate translation: “eventually Jacob and our ancestors died”

527ACT715fe56αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1he and our fathers

“Jacob and his sons who became our ancestors”

528ACT716slg3figs-activepassiveμετετέθησαν…καὶ ἐτέθησαν1they were carried over … and laid

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jacobs descendants carried Jacobs body and his sons bodies over … and buried them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

529ACT716la8aτιμῆς ἀργυρίου1for a price in silver

“with money”

530ACT717np3ufigs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “our” includes Stephen and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

531ACT717tuq2καθὼς δὲ ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας…ηὔξησεν ὁ λαὸς καὶ ἐπληθύνθη1And as the time of the promise … approached, the people increased and multiplied

In some languages it may be helpful to say that the people increased in number before saying that the time of the promise arrived.

532ACT717tlh9ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας1the time of the promise … approached

It was close to the time that God would fulfill his promise to Abraham.

533ACT718whe7ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον1there arose over Egypt another king

“another king began to rule over Egypt”

534ACT718g2wqfigs-metonymyἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον1over Egypt

Here Egypt refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

535ACT718e2y6figs-metonymyὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ1who did not know Joseph

Here Joseph refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: “who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

536ACT720q66swriting-participantsἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς1At that time Moses was born

This introduces Moses into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

537ACT720cd5zfigs-idiomἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ1he was beautiful to God

This phrase is an idiom that means Moses was very beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

538ACT720pnb1figs-activepassiveἀνετράφη1was nourished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his parents nourished him” or “his parents cared for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

539ACT721w3iufigs-activepassiveἐκτεθέντος δὲ αὐτοῦ1But when he was exposed

Moses was exposed because of Pharaohs command. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When his parents placed him outside” or “When they abandoned him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

540ACT721url3ἡ θυγάτηρ Φαραὼ, καὶ ἀνεθρέψατο αὐτὸν ἑαυτῇ εἰς υἱόν1the daughter of Pharaoh … and raised him for herself as a son

She did for him every good thing a mother would do for her own son. Use your languages normal word for what a mother does to make sure her son becomes a healthy adult.

541ACT721mbp7εἰς υἱόν1as a son

“as if he were her own son”

542ACT722c9nwfigs-activepassiveἐπαιδεύθη Μωϋσῆς1Moses was educated

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Egyptians educated Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

543ACT722att9figs-hyperboleπάσῃ σοφίᾳ Αἰγυπτίων1in all the wisdom of the Egyptians

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that he was trained in the best schools in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

544ACT722m3dmδυνατὸς ἐν λόγοις καὶ ἔργοις αὐτοῦ1mighty in his words and works

“effective in his speech and actions” or “influential in what he said and did”

545ACT723fj9sfigs-metonymyἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ1it came into his heart

Here heart is a metonym for “mind.” The phrase it came into his heart is an idiom that means to decide something. Alternate translation: “it came into his mind” or “he decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

546ACT723x493figs-explicitἐπισκέψασθαι τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ1to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel

This refers to his people, and not just to his family. Alternate translation: “to see how his own people, the children of Israel, were doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

547ACT724l4zvfigs-activepassiveκαὶ ἰδών τινα ἀδικούμενον, ἠμύνατο καὶ ἐποίησεν ἐκδίκησιν τῷ καταπονουμένῳ, πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον1And seeing a certain one being mistreated, he defended him and made vengeance for the one being oppressed by striking the Egyptian

This can be stated in active form by rearranging the order. Alternate translation: “Seeing an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite, Moses defended and avenged the Israelite by striking the Egyptian who was oppressing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

548ACT724abc8ἠμύνατο1he defended him

Moses defended the Israelite who was being mistreated.

549ACT724r2e8πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον1by striking the Egyptian

Moses hit the Egyptian so hard that he died.

550ACT725wm3jἐνόμιζεν1he thought

“he imagined”

551ACT725nhb9figs-metonymyδιὰ χειρὸς αὐτοῦ δίδωσιν σωτηρίαν αὐτοῖς1by his hand was giving salvation to them

Here hand refers to the actions of Moses. Alternate translation: “was rescuing them through what Moses was doing” or “was using the actions of Moses to rescue them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

552ACT726t1hwfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” refers to the Israelites but does not include Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

553ACT726t2vcfigs-explicitαὐτοῖς μαχομένοις1to them as they were quarreling

The audience would have known from the account in Exodus that these were two Israelite men, but Stephen does not specify that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

554ACT726mpc7συνήλλασσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς εἰρήνην1he urged them to peace

“urged them to stop fighting”

555ACT726zzt4ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί ἐστε1Men, you are brothers

Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting.

556ACT726k1kufigs-rquestionἱνα τί ἀδικεῖτε ἀλλήλους?1Why is it that you are hurting each other?

Moses asked this question to encourage them to stop fighting. Alternate translation: “You should not hurt each other!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

557ACT727q2r4figs-rquestionτίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ’ ἡμῶν?1Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us?

The man used this question to rebuke Moses. Alternate translation: “You have no authority over us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

558ACT728hk1gμὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον?1You do not want to kill me in the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?

The man used this question to warn Moses that he and probably others knew Moses had killed the Egyptian.

559ACT729l149figs-explicit0General Information:

Stephens audience already knew that Moses had married a Midianite woman when he fled Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

560ACT729q8qvfigs-explicitἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ1at this statement

The implied information is that Moses understood that the Israelites knew that he had killed an Egyptian the day before (Acts 7:28). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

561ACT730zx1cfigs-explicitκαὶ πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα1And when 40 years were past

“And after 40 years had passed.” This was the amount of time Moses had been in Midian. Alternate translation: “And 40 years after Moses fled from Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

562ACT730f7yufigs-explicitὤφθη…ἄγγελος1an angel appeared

Stephens audience knew that God spoke through the angel. The UST makes this explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

563ACT731q6w6figs-explicitἐθαύμασεν τὸ ὅραμα1he marveled at the sight

Moses was surprised that the bush was not burning up in the fire. This was previously known by Stephens audience. Alternate translation: “because the bush was not burning up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

564ACT731uk7uπροσερχομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ κατανοῆσαι1and as he approached to look at it

This may mean Moses initially drew close to the bush to investigate.

565ACT732b4q6ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου1I am the God of your fathers

“I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped”

566ACT732tdr7ἔντρομος δὲ γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς οὐκ ἐτόλμα κατανοῆσαι1And becoming terrified, Moses did not dare to look

This may mean Moses drew back in fear when he heard the voice.

567ACT732e19kfigs-explicitἔντρομος…γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς1becoming terrified, Moses

Moses shook from fear. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “And Moses trembled with fear and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

568ACT733x7cdtranslate-symactionλῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα1Untie the sandals

God told Moses this so he would honor God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

569ACT733clk4figs-explicitὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν1for the place on which you are standing is holy ground

The implied information is that where God is present, the immediate area around God is considered or made holy by God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

570ACT734yz7bἰδὼν, εἶδον1I have certainly seen

“I gave seen for sure.” The word certainly adds emphasis to seen.

571ACT734x5bgτοῦ λαοῦ μου1of my people

The word my emphasizes that these people belonged to God. Alternate translation: “of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”

572ACT734j32cκατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς1I have come down to rescue them

“I will personally cause their release”

573ACT734sq8yνῦν δεῦρο1now come

“get ready.” God uses an order here.

574ACT735x4p20General Information:

Verses 35-38 contains a series of connected phrases referring to Moses. Each phrase begins with statements such as “This Moses” or “This same Moses” or “This is the man” or “It is the same Moses.” If possible, use similar statements to emphasize Moses. After the Israelites left Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering around the wilderness before God led them into the land he had promised them.

575ACT735gn6eτοῦτον τὸν Μωϋσῆν, ὃν ἠρνήσαντο1This same Moses, whom they rejected

This refers back to the events recorded in Acts 7:27-28.

576ACT735vp7eλυτρωτὴν1a redeemer

“a rescuer”

577ACT735yjz9figs-metonymyσὺν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου τοῦ ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ βάτῳ1with the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush

Here hand is a metonym for the action performed by the person. In this case, the angel had commanded Moses to return to Egypt. Stephen speaks as if the angel had a physical hand. You may need to make explicit what action the angel did. Alternate translation: “by the action of the angel” or “by having the angel … bush command him to return to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

578ACT735abc9ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ1appeared to him

The angel appeared to Moses.

579ACT736gz9rfigs-explicitἔτη τεσσεράκοντα1during 40 years

Stephens audience knew about the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “during the 40 years that the Israelite people lived in the wilderness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

580ACT737b4sgπροφήτην…ἀναστήσει1will raise up a prophet

“will cause a man to be a prophet”

581ACT737j2rxἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν1from among your brothers

“from among your own people”

582ACT738l8u70General Information:

The quotation in verse 40 is from the writings of Moses.

583ACT738e8quοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1This is the one who was in the assembly

“This is the man Moses who was among the Israelites”

584ACT738fd25οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος1This is the one

The phrase This is the one throughout this passage refers to Moses.

585ACT738y2zuὃς ἐδέξατο λόγια ζῶντα δοῦναι ὑμῖν1who received living words to give to us

God was the one who gave those words. Alternate translation: “to whom God spoke living words to give to us”

586ACT738p3xkfigs-metonymyλόγια ζῶντα1living words

Possible meanings are (1) “a message that endures” or (2) “words that give life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

587ACT739mvz8figs-metaphorἀπώσαντο1they pushed him away

This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: “they rejected him as their leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

588ACT739z3zefigs-metonymyἐστράφησαν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1turned back in their hearts

Here hearts is a metonym for peoples thoughts. To do something in the heart means to desire to do something. Alternate translation: “they desired to turn back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

589ACT741w38i0General Information:

Stephens quotation here is from the prophet Amos.

590ACT741ux1jfigs-explicitἐμοσχοποίησαν1they made an image of a calf

Stephens audience knew the image of a calf they made was a statue to be used as an idol. Alternate translation: “they made as an idol a statue that looked like a calf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

591ACT741hh77ἐμοσχοποίησαν…τῷ εἰδώλῳ…τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν1they made an image of a calf … to the idol … the work of their hands

These phrases all refer to the same statue of the calf.

592ACT742d3ddtranslate-symactionἔστρεψεν…ὁ Θεὸς1God turned away

This action expresses that God was not pleased with the people and no longer helped them. Alternate translation: “God stopped correcting them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

593ACT742rag5παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς1gave them up

“abandoned them”

594ACT742u7lxτῇ στρατιᾷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1the host of heaven

Possible meanings for the original phrase are (1) the stars in the sky or (2) the sun, moon, and stars.

595ACT742f314βίβλῳ τῶν προφητῶν1the book of the prophets

This was apparently a collection of the writings of several of the Old Testament prophets into one scroll. It would also have included the writings of Amos.

596ACT742gd1bfigs-rquestionμὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ?1You did not offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness, did you, O house of Israel?

God asked this question to show Israel they did not worship Him with their sacrifices. Alternate translation: “You did not honor me when you offered slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness O house of Israel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

597ACT742j4q8figs-metonymyοἶκος Ἰσραήλ1O house of Israel

This refers to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “all you Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

598ACT743zek50General Information:

The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here.

599ACT743fs4q0Connecting Statement:

Stephen continues his response to the high priest and the council which he began in Acts 7:2.

600ACT743rk4zfigs-explicitἀνελάβετε1you took up

It is implied that they took these idols with them as they traveled in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “you carried with you from place to place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

601ACT743im7eτὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ1the tabernacle of Molech

the tent that housed the false god Molech

602ACT743cq47τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ῥαιφάν1the star of your god Rephan

the star that is identified with the false god Rephan

603ACT743gm4gτοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε1and the images that you made

They made statues or images of the gods Molech and Rephan in order to worship them.

604ACT743zgq6μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος1I will carry you away beyond Babylon

“I will remove you to places even farther than Babylon.” This would be Gods act of judgment.

605ACT744m9gwἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου1The tabernacle of the testimony

The tent that housed the ark (a box) with the 10 commandments carved in stone inside it

606ACT745n2scἣν καὶ εἰσήγαγον, διαδεξάμενοι οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ1Our fathers, under Joshua, received it and brought it with them

The phrase under Joshua means that their ancestors did these things in obedience to Joshuas direction. Alternate translation: “Our fathers, in accordance with Joshuas instructions, received the tabernacle and brought it with them”

607ACT745n1ppἐν τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1when they took possession of the nations who God drove out from the face of our fathers

This sentence tells why the ancestors were able to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: “when God forced the nations to leave the land before the face of our fathers so they could live in it”

608ACT745spm5figs-metonymyἐν τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1when they took possession of the nations who God drove out from the face of our fathers

Here the face of our fathers refers to the presence of their ancestors. Possible meanings are (1) “when God took the land from the nations and drove them out as our ancestors watched” or (2) “when our ancestors came, God took the land from the nations and drove them out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

609ACT745c2fbfigs-metonymyτῶν ἐθνῶν1of the nations

This refers to the people who lived in the land before Israel. Alternate translation: “of the people who previously lived here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

610ACT745m9ibὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς1whom God drove out

“whom God forced to leave the land”

611ACT746w3cuσκήνωμα τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰακώβ1a dwelling place for the house of Jacob

“a house for the ark where the God of Jacob could stay.” David wanted a permanent place for the ark to reside in Jerusalem, not in a tent.

612ACT747a7bx0General Information:

In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself.

613ACT748c822figs-synecdocheχειροποιήτοις1houses made with hands

Here hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “houses made by people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

614ACT749k2vnὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου1Heaven is my throne, and the earth is the footstool for my feet

The prophet is comparing the greatness of Gods presence to how impossible it is for man to build a place for God to rest on earth since the whole earth is nothing but a place for God to rest his feet.

615ACT749wc9mfigs-rquestionποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι?1What kind of house will you build for me?

God asks this question to show how useless mans efforts are to take care of God. Alternate translation: “You can not build a house adequate enough for me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

616ACT749u1ftfigs-rquestionἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου?1or what is the place for my rest?

God asks this question to show man that he cannot provide God any rest. Alternate translation: “and there is no place of rest good enough for me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

617ACT750rfk1figs-rquestionοὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα?1Did my hand not make all these things?

God asks this question to show that man did not create anything. Alternate translation: “My hand made all these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

618ACT751zei20Connecting Statement:

With a sharp rebuke, Stephen finishes his response to the high priest and the council which he began in Acts 7:2.

619ACT751umq6σκληροτράχηλοι1O stiff-necked

Stephen shifted from identifying with the Jewish leaders to rebuking them.

620ACT751vn7hfigs-idiomσκληροτράχηλοι1O stiff-necked

This does not mean their necks were stiff but rather that they were “stubborn.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

621ACT751zp55figs-metonymyἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν1uncircumcised in heart and ears

The Jews regarded uncircumcised people as disobedient to God. Stephen uses heart and ears to represent to the Jewish leaders who acted the way Gentiles act when they do not obey or listen to God. Alternate translation: “you refuse to obey and hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

622ACT752x7kffigs-rquestionτίνα τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἐδίωξαν οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν?1Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?

Stephen asked this question to show them that they learned nothing from the errors of their forefathers. Alternate translation: “Your forefathers persecuted every prophet!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

623ACT752q8wbτοῦ Δικαίου1of the Righteous One

This refers to the Christ, the Messiah.

624ACT752agd9οὗ νῦν ὑμεῖς προδόται καὶ φονεῖς ἐγένεσθε1of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers

“you have also betrayed and murdered him”

625ACT753euw5τὸν νόμον εἰς διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων1the law as ordained by angels

“the law that God caused angels to give to our ancestors”

626ACT754t4u20Connecting Statement:

The council reacts to Stephens words.

627ACT754ef2gἀκούοντες δὲ ταῦτα1Now hearing these things

This is the turning point; the sermon ends and the council members react.

628ACT754u4l7figs-idiomδιεπρίοντο ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν1they were cut to their hearts

Here “cut to their hearts” is an idiom for making them extremely angry. Alternate translation: “they became extremely angry” or “they became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

629ACT754ae9stranslate-symactionἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπ’ αὐτόν1they ground their teeth at him

This action expressed their strong anger at Stephen or hatred of Stephen. Alternate translation: “they became so angry that they ground their teeth together” or “they moved their teeth back and forth as they looked at Stephen”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

630ACT755ntp4ἀτενίσας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν1and looking intently into heaven

“and staring up into heaven.” It appears that only Stephen saw this vision and not anyone else in the crowd.

631ACT755bl2jfigs-explicitεἶδεν δόξαν Θεοῦ1he saw the glory of God

People normally experienced the glory of God as a bright light. Alternate translation: “he saw a bright light from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

632ACT755vyz3translate-symactionκαὶ Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ1and Jesus standing at the right hand of God

To stand at the right hand of God is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor and authority beside God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

633ACT756aqp8Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1Son of Man

Stephen refers to Jesus by the title “Son of Man.”

634ACT757p4cgtranslate-symactionσυνέσχον τὰ ὦτα αὐτῶν1they covered their ears

“they put their hands on their ears.” They did this to show that they did not want to hear any more of what Stephen said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

635ACT758ks1uἐκβαλόντες ἔξω τῆς πόλεως1throwing him outside the city

“seizing Stephen, they forcefully took him out of the city”

636ACT758wy7nτὰ ἱμάτια1outer garments

These are cloaks or robes they would wear outside to stay warm, similar in function to a jacket or coat.

637ACT758sx2pπαρὰ τοὺς πόδας1at the feet

“in front of.” They were placed there so Saul could watch them.

638ACT758e2vlνεανίου1of a young man

Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time.

639ACT759le7k0Connecting Statement:

This ends the story of Stephen.

640ACT759k2elδέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου1receive my spirit

“take my spirit.” It may be helpful to add “please” to show that this was a request. Alternate translation: “please receive my spirit”

641ACT760u86qtranslate-symactionθεὶς δὲ τὰ γόνατα1But having knelt down on his knees

This is an act of submission to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

642ACT760tvf8figs-litotesμὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν1do not hold this sin against them

This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: “forgive them for this sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

643ACT760r9vifigs-euphemismἐκοιμήθη1he fell asleep

Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

644ACT8introq9d90

Acts 08 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.

The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words “So there began.”

Special concepts in this chapter

Receiving the Holy Spirit

In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:15-19). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.

Proclaimed

This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word “proclaim” translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something.

645ACT81tp9etranslate-versebridge0General Information:

It may be helpful to your audience to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

646ACT81a7uc0Connecting Statement:

The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses.

647ACT81ez88writing-backgroundἐγένετο…ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, διωγμὸς μέγας ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, τὴν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις. πάντες δὲ διεσπάρησαν κατὰ τὰς χώρας τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας, πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων1there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem, and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles

This part of verse 1 is background information about the persecution that began after Stephens death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

648ACT81vc8xἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1that day

This refers to the day that Stephen died (Acts 7:59-60).

649ACT81u5pifigs-hyperboleπάντες…διεσπάρησαν1they were all scattered

The word all is a generalization to express that a large number of the believers left Jerusalem because of the persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

650ACT81k5a2figs-explicitπλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων1except the apostles

This statement implies that the apostles remained in Jerusalem even though they also experienced this great persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

651ACT82sjc8ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς1devout men

“God-fearing men” or “men who feared God”

652ACT82a38xἐποίησαν κοπετὸν μέγαν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ1made great lamentation over him

“greatly mourned his death”

653ACT83nz28σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας1dragging out both men and women

Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their home and put them into prison.

654ACT83yd2iκατὰ τοὺς οἴκους1according to the houses

“houses one by one” or “from house to house”

655ACT83w6vkfigs-explicitἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας1men and women

This refers to men and women who believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

656ACT84dh3x0Connecting Statement:

This begins the story of Philip, whom the people had chosen as a deacon (Acts 6:5).

657ACT84ymy5figs-activepassiveδιασπαρέντες1had been scattered

The cause for the scattering, the persecution, was stated previously. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “had fled the great persecution and had gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

658ACT84su6ifigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

This is a metonym for “the message.” You may need to make explicit that the message was about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

659ACT85gz5mκατελθὼν εἰς τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας1went down to the city of Samaria

The phrase went down is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

660ACT85f45bτὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας1the city of Samaria

Possible meanings are (1) Luke expected the readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: “the main city in Samaria” or (2) Luke did not expect his readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: “a city in Samaria”

661ACT85pk1lfigs-metonymyἐκήρυσσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Χριστόν1proclaimed to them the Christ

The title Christ refers to Jesus, the Messiah. Alternate translation: “told them that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

662ACT86cnt9δὲ οἱ ὄχλοι1And the crowds

“And the people in the city of Samaria.” The location was specified in Acts 8:5.

663ACT86wm83προσεῖχον1were paying attention to

The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did.

664ACT87xb2nἐχόντων πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα1having unclean spirits

“who were controlled by unclean spirits”

665ACT88z5z3figs-metonymyἐγένετο δὲ πολλὴ χαρὰ ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ1And there was much joy in that city

The phrase that city refers to the people who were rejoicing. Alternate translation: “So the people of the city were rejoicing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

666ACT89jm7nwriting-background0General Information:

Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse gives the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

667ACT89bed1writing-participantsἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων1But … a certain man named Simon

This is a way of introducing a new person into the story. Your language may use different wording to introduce a new person into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

668ACT89cx7aτῇ πόλει1the city

“the city in Samaria” (Acts 8:5)

669ACT810kb9bwriting-background0General Information:

Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse continues to give the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

670ACT810evt7figs-hyperboleπροσεῖχον πάντες1they all … were paying attention

The word all is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many of the Samaritans … were paying attention” or “the Samaritans in the city … were paying attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

671ACT810ibl1figs-merismἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου1from least to greatest

These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: “no matter how important they were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

672ACT810j3d8οὗτός ἐστιν ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη1This man is the power of God which is called Great

People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as “The Great Power.”

673ACT810yw5vἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη1the power of God which is called Great

Possible meanings are (1) the powerful representative of God or (2) God or (3) the most powerful man or (4) and angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as “the Great power of God” .

674ACT811pxj8writing-background0General Information:

Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse ends the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

675ACT812yiw30Connecting Statement:

These verses give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.

676ACT812vsy8figs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο1they were baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized them” or “Philip baptized the new believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

677ACT813k2thfigs-rpronounsὁ…Σίμων καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπίστευσεν1Simon himself also believed

The word himself is here used to emphasize that Simon believed. Alternate translation: “Simon was also one of those who believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

678ACT813v91tfigs-activepassiveβαπτισθεὶς1having been baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after Philip had baptized Simon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

679ACT814q8wx0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues the news of what was happening in Samaria.

680ACT814s7lrwriting-neweventἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἀπόστολοι1Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard

This marks the beginning of a new part of the story of the Samaritans becoming believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

681ACT814ju21figs-synecdocheἡ Σαμάρεια1Samaria

This refers to the many people, who had become believers, throughout the district of Samaria. Alternate translation: “the Samaritans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

682ACT814e682δέδεκται1had received

“had believed” or “had accepted”

683ACT815af1nοἵτινες καταβάντες1who, having come down

This refers to Peter and John.

684ACT815hk1mκαταβάντες1having come down

This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

685ACT815bun9προσηύξαντο περὶ αὐτῶν1prayed for them

“prayed for the Samaritan believers”

686ACT815n7vcὅπως λάβωσιν Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον1so that they might receive the Holy Spirit

“so that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit”

687ACT816rn3cfigs-metonymyμόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus

Here name represents authority, and being baptized into his name represents being baptized in order to be under his authority. Alternate translation: “they had only been baptized to become disciples of the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

688ACT816m1nwfigs-activepassiveμόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον1they had only been baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

689ACT817fwh8ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς1they were laying their hands on them

Peter and John placed their hands on the Samaritan people who had believed Stephens message of the gospel.

690ACT817q7gdtranslate-symactionἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς1they were laying their hands on them

This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

691ACT818rh79figs-activepassiveδιὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων δίδοται τὸ Πνεῦμα1the Holy Spirit was being given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles gave the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

692ACT819fbw9ἵνα ᾧ ἐὰν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας, λαμβάνῃ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον1so that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit

“so that I can give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom I place my hands”

693ACT820df1j0General Information:

Here the words him, your, you, and yours all refer to Simon.

694ACT820jju3τὸ ἀργύριόν σου, σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν1Your silver with you is for destruction

“May you and your money be destroyed”

695ACT820gh12τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the gift of God

Here this refers to the ability to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone.

696ACT821p2evfigs-doubletοὐκ ἔστιν σοι μερὶς οὐδὲ κλῆρος ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ1There is to you no part or share in this matter

The words part and share mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You may not participate in this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

697ACT821xbh2figs-metonymyἡ γὰρ καρδία σου οὐκ ἔστιν εὐθεῖα1because your heart is not right

Here heart is a metonym for a persons thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: “because you are not right in your heart” or “because the motives of your mind are not right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

698ACT822ppk5figs-metonymyἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου1the intention of your heart

Here heart is a metonym for a persons thoughts. Alternate translation: “what you intended to do” or “what you were thinking of doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

699ACT822sa6sτῆς κακίας…ταύτης1this wickedness

“these evil thoughts”

700ACT822pe2uεἰ ἄρα ἀφεθήσεταί σοι ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου1if therefore the intention of your heart will be forgiven to you

“If he may be willing to forgive you for the desires you had”

701ACT823d3v7figs-metaphorεἰς…χολὴν πικρίας1in the poison of bitterness

Here in the poison of bitterness is a metaphor for being very envious. It speaks of envy as if it tastes bitter and poisons the person who is envious. Alternate translation: “very envious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

702ACT823j696figs-metaphorσύνδεσμον ἀδικίας1the bond of unrighteousness

The phrase bond of unrighteousness is spoken of as if unrighteousness can restrain Simon and keep him a prisoner. It is metaphor that means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate translation: “because you continue sinning you are like a prisoner” or “you are like a prisoner to unrighteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

703ACT824n5cw0General Information:

Here the word “you” refers to Peter and John.

704ACT824u1a4ὅπως μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ὧν εἰρήκατε1so that nothing of which you have spoken may happen to me

This can be stated another way. Alternate translation: “so that the things you have said may not happen to me”

705ACT824sk5wμηδὲν…ὧν εἰρήκατε1nothing … of which you have spoken

This refers to Peters rebuke about Simons silver perishing along with him.

706ACT825dl9f0Connecting Statement:

This is concludes the part of the story about Simon and the Samaritans.

707ACT825uz15οἱ…διαμαρτυράμενοι1when they had testified

Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans.

708ACT825ww9kfigs-metonymyλαλήσαντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1spoken the word of the Lord

Here word is a metonym for “message.” Peter and John explained the message about Jesus to the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

709ACT825eu66figs-synecdocheπολλάς…κώμας τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν1to many villages of the Samaritans

Here villages refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: “to the people in many Samaritan villages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

710ACT826zkc5writing-background0General Information:

Verse 27 gives background information about the man from Ethiopia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

711ACT826rnh40Connecting Statement:

This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia.

712ACT826mbj9writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This marks a transition in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

713ACT826w1nkἀνάστηθι καὶ πορεύου1Arise and go

These verbs work together to emphasize that he should get ready to start a long journey that will take some time. Alternate translation: “Get ready to travel”

714ACT826le2cτὴν καταβαίνουσαν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Γάζαν1that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza

The phrase “goes down” is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Gaza.

715ACT826a18ywriting-backgroundαὕτη ἐστὶν ἔρημος1This is desert

Most scholars believe Luke added this comment to describe the area through which Philip would travel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

716ACT827xy7xwriting-participantsἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

717ACT827s1ufεὐνοῦχος1a eunuch

The emphasis of eunuch here is that the Ethiopian was a high government official, not that his physical state was being castrated.

718ACT827t5t1translate-namesΚανδάκης1of Candace

This was a title for the queens of Ethiopia. It is similar to the way the word Pharaoh was used for the kings of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

719ACT827v8q7figs-explicitὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ1who had come to Jerusalem to worship

This implies that he was a Gentile who believed in God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. Alternate translation: “who had come to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

720ACT828d3kvτοῦ ἅρματος1chariot

Possibly “wagon” or “carriage” is more fitting in this context. Chariots are normally mentioned as a vehicle for war, not as a vehicle for long-distance travel. Also, people stood to ride in chariots.

721ACT828bx2jfigs-metonymyἀνεγίνωσκεν τὸν προφήτην Ἠσαΐαν1was reading the prophet Isaiah

This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: “was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

722ACT829llh1figs-metonymyκολλήθητι τῷ ἅρματι τούτῳ1be joined to this chariot

Philip understood that this meant he was to stay close to the person riding in the chariot. Alternate translation: “accompany the man in this chariot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

723ACT830ffh7figs-metonymyἀναγινώσκοντος Ἠσαΐαν τὸν προφήτην1reading Isaiah the prophet

This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: “reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

724ACT830x98iἆρά γε γινώσκεις ἃ ἀναγινώσκεις1Do you understand what you are reading?

The Ethiopian was intelligent and could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Alternate translation: “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?”

725ACT831r5g2figs-rquestionπῶς…ἂν δυναίμην ἐὰν μή τις ὁδηγήσει με?1how would I be able, unless someone will guide me?

This question was asked to state emphatically that he could not understand without help. Alternate translation: “I cannot understand unless someone guides me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

726ACT831zx9hfigs-explicitπαρεκάλεσέν…τὸν Φίλιππον, ἀναβάντα καθίσαι σὺν αὐτῷ1he summoned Philip, having come up, to sit with him

It is implied here that Philip agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the scriptures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

727ACT832nd930General Information:

This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words “he” and “his” refer to the Messiah.

728ACT832lu3jὡς ἀμνὸς ἐναντίον τοῦ κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος1like a lamb before its shearer is silent

A shearer is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used.

729ACT833y2a1figs-activepassiveἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει, ἡ κρίσις αὐτοῦ ἤρθη1In humiliation his justice was taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He was humiliated and they did not judge him fairly” or “He allowed his accusers to humble him and he suffered injustice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

730ACT833k3uzfigs-rquestionτὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται?1Who can fully describe his generation?

This question was used to emphasize the he will not have descendants. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to speak about his descendant, for there will not be any.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

731ACT833idk8figs-activepassiveαἴρεται ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἡ ζωὴ αὐτοῦ1his life was taken from the earth

This referred to his death. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “men killed him” or “men took his life from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

732ACT834htb2δέομαί σου1I am begging you

“Please tell me”

733ACT835uw21figs-metonymyτῆς Γραφῆς ταύτης1this scripture

This refers to Isaiahs writings in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the writings of Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

734ACT836ip13ἐπορεύοντο κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν1they were going along the road

“they continued to travel along the road”

735ACT836muz2figs-rquestionτί κωλύει με βαπτισθῆναι?1What is preventing me from being baptized?

The eunuch uses this question as a way of asking Philip for permission to be baptized. Alternate translation: “Please allow me to be baptized.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

736ACT838l8wlἐκέλευσεν στῆναι τὸ ἅρμα1he commanded the chariot to stop

“the eunich told the driver of the chariot to stop”

737ACT839tz5u0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia. The story of Philip ends at Caesarea.

738ACT839xp52οὐκ εἶδεν αὐτὸν οὐκέτι ὁ εὐνοῦχος1the eunuch did not see him anymore

“the eunuch did not see Philip again”

739ACT840r1x7Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον1Philip was found at Azotus

There was no indication of Philips traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and Azotus. He just suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus.

740ACT840arh5διερχόμενος1passed through

Philip preached in the area around the town of Azotus.

741ACT840zfn6τὰς πόλεις πάσας1to all the cities

“to all the cities in that region”

742ACT9introjm6x0

Acts 09 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

“Letters for the synagogues in Damascus”

The “letters” Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

What Saul saw when he met Jesus

It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he “fell upon the ground.” Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, “I have seen the Lord Jesus” because it was a human form that he saw here.

743ACT91r4n5writing-background0General Information:

These verses give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen. Here the word “him” refers to the high priest and “he” refers to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

744ACT91yt9e0Connecting Statement:

The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation.

745ACT91anb6figs-abstractnounsἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς1still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples

The noun murder can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

746ACT92v9lwfigs-metonymyπρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς1to the synagogues

This refers to the people in the synagogues. Alternate translation: “to the people in the synagogues” or “to the leaders in the synagogues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

747ACT92y8f6ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ1if he might find anyone

“whenever he found anyone”

748ACT92pk19τῆς ὁδοῦ, ὄντας1being of the Way

“who belonged to the Way” or “who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ”

749ACT92n94sτῆς ὁδοῦ1of the Way

This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time.

750ACT92a6z4figs-explicitδεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ1having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem

“he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” Pauls purpose can be made clear by adding “so that the Jewish leaders could judge and punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

751ACT93lv9q0Connecting Statement:

After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left for Damascus.

752ACT93jf4gἐν…τῷ πορεύεσθαι1as he was traveling

Saul had left Jerusalem and was traveling to Damascus.

753ACT93by55writing-neweventἐγένετο1it happened that

This is an expression that marks a change in the story to show something different is about to happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

754ACT93dm6cαὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1there shone on him a light from heaven

“a light from heaven shone all around him”

755ACT93gua8ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1from heaven

Possible meanings are (1) heaven, where God lives or (2) the sky. The first meaning is preferable. Use that meaning if your language has a separate word for it.

756ACT94y4u4πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν1he fell to the ground

Possible meanings are that (1) “Saul threw himself to the ground” or (2) “The light caused him to fall to the ground” or (3) “Saul fell to the ground the way one who fainted fell.” Saul did not fall accidentally.

757ACT94c9l4figs-rquestionτί με διώκεις?1why are you persecuting me?

This rhetorical question communicates a rebuke to Saul. In some languages a statement would be more natural (AT): “You are persecuting me!” or a command (AT): “Stop persecuting me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

758ACT95q8ge0General Information:

Every occurrence of the word “you” here is singular.

759ACT95jaq2τίς εἶ, κύριε?1Who are you, Lord?

Saul was not acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord. He uses that title because he understood that he spoke to someone of supernatural power.

760ACT95abc01he

Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: “he replied”

761ACT96i1kjἀνάστηθι καὶ εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν πόλιν1get up and enter into the city

“get up and go into Damascus”

762ACT96fbi6figs-activepassiveλαληθήσεταί σοι1it will be told to you

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “someone will tell you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

763ACT97xu7cἀκούοντες μὲν τῆς φωνῆς, μηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες1hearing the voice, but seeing no one

“they heard the voice, but they did not see anyone”

764ACT97f9feμηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες1but seeing no one

“but saw no one.” Apparently only Saul experienced the light.

765ACT98puw3figs-explicitἀνεῳγμένων…τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ1his eyes being opened

This implies that he had closed his eyes because the light was too bright. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

766ACT98dgg8οὐδὲν ἔβλεπεν1he was seeing nothing

“he could not see anything.” Saul was blind.

767ACT99fhn6ἦν…μὴ βλέπων1he was … without sight

“he was … blind” or “he … could not see anything”

768ACT99t8ucοὐκ ἔφαγεν οὐδὲ ἔπιεν1neither ate nor drank

It is not stated whether he chose not to eat or drink as a form of worship, or if he had no appetite because he was too distressed from his situation. It is preferable not to specify the reason.

769ACT910kgn9translate-names0General Information:

The story of Saul continues but Luke introduces another man named Ananias. This is not the same Ananias who died earlier in Acts Acts 5:3. You may translate this name the same way though as you did in Acts 5:1. Though there is more than one Judas mentioned in the New Testament, it is likely this is the only appearance of this Judas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

770ACT910j847writing-participantsἦν δέ1Now there was

This introduces Ananias as a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

771ACT910vl8kὁ…εἶπεν3he said

“Ananias said”

772ACT911mn24πορεύθητι ἐπὶ τὴν ῥύμην τὴν καλουμένην Εὐθεῖαν1go to the street which is called Straight

“go to Straight Street”

773ACT911ie1lοἰκίᾳ Ἰούδα1the house of Judas

This Judas is not the disciple who betrayed Jesus. This Judas was owner of a house in Damascus where Saul was staying.

774ACT911u5j8Σαῦλον ὀνόματι Ταρσέα1a man named Saul, from Tarsus

“a man from the city of Tarsus named Saul” or “Saul of Tarsus”

775ACT912jk46translate-symactionἐπιθέντα αὐτῷ χεῖρας1laying hands on him

This was a symbol of giving a spiritual blessing to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

776ACT912nx5qἀναβλέψῃ1he might see again

“he might regain his ability to see”

777ACT913la9tἁγίοις σου1to your saints

Here saints refers to Christians. Alternate translation: “the people in Jerusalem who believe in you”

778ACT914ptd6figs-explicitἔχει ἐξουσίαν…δῆσαι πάντας1he has authority … to bind all

It is implied that the extent of the power and authority granted Saul was limited to the Jewish people at this point in time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

779ACT914t3flfigs-metonymyτοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομά σου1who call upon your name

Here your name refers to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

780ACT915jmt7figs-metonymyσκεῦος ἐκλογῆς ἐστίν μοι οὗτος1this one is a chosen instrument of mine

Here chosen instrument refers to something that is set apart for service. Alternate translation: “I have chosen him to serve me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

781ACT915z5fjfigs-metonymyτοῦ βαστάσαι τὸ ὄνομά μου1who will carry my name

This is an expression for identifying or speaking out for Jesus. Alternate translation: “in order that he might speak about me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

782ACT916kty3figs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματός μου1for my name

This is an expression meaning “for telling people about me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

783ACT917q61xfigs-you0General Information:

The word “you” here is singular and refers to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

784ACT917j2pf0Connecting Statement:

Ananias goes to the house where Saul is staying. After Saul is healed, the story shifts from Ananias back to Saul.

785ACT917s8msἀπῆλθεν δὲ Ἁνανίας καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν1And Ananias departed, and entered into the house

It may be helpful to state that Ananias went to the house before he entered into it. Alternate translation: “So Ananias went, and after he found the house where Saul was, he entered it”

786ACT917my6mtranslate-symactionἐπιθεὶς ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας1having laid his hands on him

Ananias laid his hands on Saul. This was a symbol of giving a blessing to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

787ACT917a89qfigs-activepassiveὅπως ἀναβλέψῃς καὶ πλησθῇς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “has sent me so that you might see again and that the Holy Spirit might fill you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

788ACT918m1hxἀπέπεσαν…ὡς λεπίδες1something like scales fell

“something that appeared like fish scales fell”

789ACT918efs9figs-activepassiveἀναστὰς ἐβαπτίσθη1rising up, he was baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he got up and Ananias baptized him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

790ACT920rc490General Information:

Here only the second “he” refers to Jesus, the Son of God. The first “he” and the other ones refer to Saul.

791ACT920w65rguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

792ACT921xid8figs-hyperboleπάντες οἱ ἀκούοντες1all who were hearing

The word allis a generalization. Alternate translation: “those who heard him” or “many who heard him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

793ACT921f4fdfigs-rquestionοὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ πορθήσας ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο1Is not this the one who destroyed those in Jerusalem who call on this name?

This is a rhetorical and negative question that emphasizes that Saul was indeed the man who had persecuted the believers. Alternate translation: “This is the man who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called on this name Jesus!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

794ACT921ctg3figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο1this name

Here name refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the name of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

795ACT922r1npσυνέχυννεν τοὺς Ἰουδαίους1was stirring up the Jews

They were distressed in the sense that they could not find a way to refute Sauls arguments that Jesus was the Christ.

796ACT923g6gw0General Information:

The word “him” in this section refers to Saul.

797ACT923g74cfigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

798ACT924lv62figs-activepassiveἐγνώσθη δὲ τῷ Σαύλῳ ἡ ἐπιβουλὴ αὐτῶν1But their plan became known to Saul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But someone told their plan to Saul” or “But Saul learned about their plan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

799ACT924cy9nπαρετηροῦντο…καὶ τὰς πύλας1indeed they were watching the gates

This city had a wall surrounding it. People could normally only enter and exit the city through the gates.

800ACT925lc8mοἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

people who believed Sauls message about Jesus and were following his teaching

801ACT925u8g8διὰ τοῦ τείχους, καθῆκαν αὐτὸν, χαλάσαντες ἐν σπυρίδι1let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket

“used ropes to lower him in a large basket through an opening in the wall”

802ACT926j1el0General Information:

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Saul all but one time. “And he told them how” in verse 27 refers to Barnabas.

803ACT926e38mfigs-hyperboleκαὶ πάντες ἐφοβοῦντο αὐτόν1but they were all afraid of him

Here they were all is a generalization, but it is possible that it refers to every person. Alternate translation: “but they were afraid of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

804ACT927abcaδιηγήσατο αὐτοῖς1told them

“Barnabas told the apostles”

805ACT927abcbεἶδεν1he had seen

“Saul had seen”

806ACT927abccἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ1he had spoken to him

“the Lord had spoken to Saul”

807ACT927n9f1figs-metonymyἐπαρρησιάσατο ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus

This is a way of saying he preached or taught the gospel message of Jesus Christ without fear. Alternate translation: “had openly preached the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

808ACT928m5rsἦν μετ’ αὐτῶν1he was with them

Here the word he refers to Paul. The word them probably refers to the apostles and other disciples in Jerusalem.

809ACT928fbb7figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου1in the name of the Lord

Possible meanings are (1) this simply refers to the Lord Jesus and tells who Paul spoke about. Alternate translation: “about the Lord Jesus” or (2) name is a metonym for authority. Alternate translation: “under the authority of the Lord Jesus” or “with the authority that the Lord Jesus gave him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

810ACT929d7lmσυνεζήτει πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς1debated with the Hellenists

Saul tried to reason with the Jews who spoke Greek.

811ACT930uz9aοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1the brothers

The words the brothers refers to the believers in Jerusalem.

812ACT930j4mtκατήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Καισάρειαν1they brought him down to Caesarea

The phrase brought him down is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

813ACT930aqn6figs-explicitἐξαπέστειλαν αὐτὸν εἰς Ταρσόν1sent him away to Tarsus

Caesarea was a seaport. They brothers probably sent Saul to Tarsus by ship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

814ACT931vk8y0General Information:

Verse 31 is a statement that gives an update on the churchs growth.

815ACT931n7c50Connecting Statement:

In verse 32, the story shifts from Saul to a new part of the story about Peter.

816ACT931s4bnἡ…ἐκκλησία καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας, καὶ Γαλιλαίας, καὶ Σαμαρείας1the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria

This is the first use of the singular church to refer to more than one local congregation. Here it refers to all the believers in all the groups throughout Israel.

817ACT931fh2gεἶχεν εἰρήνην1had peace

“lived peacefully.” This means the persecution that started with the murder of Stephen was finished.

818ACT931elq7figs-activepassiveοἰκοδομουμένη καὶ πορευομένη1being built up and going on

The agent was either God or the Holy Spirit. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God helped them grow and to go on” or “the Holy Spirit built them up and they continued on” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

819ACT931j8c9figs-metaphorπορευομένη τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου1walking in the fear of the Lord

Traveling is here a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “living in obedience to the Lord” or “continuing to honor the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

820ACT931hl24τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

“with the Holy Spirit strengthening and encouraging them”

821ACT932w68gwriting-neweventἐγένετο δὲ1Now it happened that

This phrase is used to mark a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

822ACT932m9sgfigs-hyperboleδιὰ πάντων1throughout the whole region

This is an generalization for Peters visiting the believers in many places in the region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

823ACT932ad7gκατελθεῖν1to come down

The phrase come down is used here because Lydda is lower in elevation than the other places where he was traveling.

824ACT932g5c4Λύδδα1in Lydda

Lydda is a city located about 18 kilometers southeast of Joppa. This city was called Lod in the Old Testament and in modern Israel.

825ACT933hzd7εὗρεν…ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπόν τινα1he found there a certain man

Peter was not intentionally searching for a paralyzed person, but happened upon him. Alternate translation: “There Peter met a man”

826ACT933jnc4writing-participantsἄνθρωπόν τινα ὀνόματι Αἰνέαν1a certain man named Aeneas

This introduces Aeneas as a new character in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

827ACT933uj5fwriting-backgroundκατακείμενον ἐπὶ κραβάττου, ὃς ἦν παραλελυμένος1lying in a bed … who was paralyzed

This is background information about Aeneas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

828ACT933k7hwπαραλελυμένος1paralyzed

unable to walk, probably unable to move below the waist

829ACT934ff2aστρῶσον σεαυτῷ1make your bed

“roll up your mat”

830ACT935z3fpfigs-hyperboleπάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα1all who were living in Lydda and in Sharon

This is a generalization referring to many of the people there. Alternate translation: “those who lived in Lydda and in Sharon” or “many people who lived in Lydda and Sharon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

831ACT935qkv4Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα1in Lydda and in Sharon

The city of Lydda was located in the Plain of Sharon.

832ACT935pf23εἶδαν αὐτὸν1saw him

It may be helpful to state that they saw that the man was healed. Alternate translation: “saw the man whom Peter had healed”

833ACT935x9ywfigs-metaphorοἵτινες ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον1and they turned to the Lord

Here turned to the Lord is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: “and they repented of their sins and started obeying the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

834ACT936gy8uwriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about the woman named Tabitha. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

835ACT936du3s0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues the story with a new event about Peter.

836ACT936zgq5writing-neweventδέ…ἦν1Now there was

This introduces a new part in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

837ACT936gwr4translate-namesΤαβειθά, ἣ διερμηνευομένη λέγεται, Δορκάς1Tabitha, which is translated to say “Dorcas.”

Tabitha is her name in the Aramaic language, and Dorcas is her name in the Greek language. Both names mean “gazelle.” Alternate translation: “Tabitha, which was Dorcas in the Greek language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

838ACT936q2rnπλήρης ἔργων ἀγαθῶν1full of good works

“doing many good things”

839ACT937mg72figs-explicitἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις1And it happened that in those days

This refers to the time when Peter was in Joppa. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “And it came about while Peter was nearby” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

840ACT937y8sxλούσαντες…αὐτὴν1having washed her

This was washing to prepare for her burial.

841ACT937znj4ἔθηκαν ἐν ὑπερῴῳ1they laid her in an upper room

This was a temporary display of the body during the funeral process.

842ACT939k1seεἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον1to the upper room

“to the upstairs room where Dorcas body was lying”

843ACT939me79πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι1all the widows

It is possible that all the widows of the town were there since it was not a large town.

844ACT939piu7χῆραι1widows

women whose husbands had died and therefore needed help

845ACT939y6q5μετ’ αὐτῶν οὖσα1while being with them

“while she was still alive with the disciples”

846ACT940ek9cwriting-endofstory0

The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

847ACT940yp2uἐκβαλὼν…ἔξω πάντας1put out all of them

“told them all to leave the room.” Peter had everyone leave so he could be alone to pray for Tabitha.

848ACT941r7n6δοὺς…αὐτῇ χεῖρα, ἀνέστησεν αὐτήν1having given his hand to her, he raised her up

Peter took hold of her hand and helped her stand up.

849ACT941b73sτοὺς ἁγίους καὶ τὰς χήρας1the saints and the widows

The widows were possibly also believers but are mentioned specifically because Tabitha was so important to them.

850ACT942nda9figs-activepassiveγνωστὸν δὲ ἐγένετο καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰόππης1And this became known throughout all Joppa

This refers to the miracle of Peters raising Tabitha from the dead. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People throughout all Joppa heard about this matter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

851ACT942fyz4ἐπίστευσαν…ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον1believed on the Lord

“believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus”

852ACT943k9ikwriting-neweventἐγένετο1Now it happened that

This introduces the beginning of the next event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

853ACT943qar2Σίμωνι, βυρσεῖ1Simon, a tanner

“a man named Simon who made leather from animal skins”

854ACT10introym7z0

Acts 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Unclean

The Jews believed that they could become unclean in Gods sight if they visited or ate food with a Gentile. This was because the Pharisees had made a law against it because they wanted to keep people from eating foods that the law of Moses said were unclean. The law of Moses did say that some foods were unclean, but it did not say that Gods people could not visit or eat with Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/clean]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Baptism and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit “fell on” those who were listening to Peter. This showed the Jewish believers that Gentiles could receive the word of God and receive the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. After that, the Gentiles were baptized.

855ACT101m1vxwriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about Cornelius. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

856ACT101nfy50Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.

857ACT101wtb9writing-participantsἀνὴρ δέ τις1Now there was a certain man

This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

858ACT101x476ὀνόματι Κορνήλιος, ἑκατοντάρχης ἐκ Σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς1named Cornelius, a centurion from the regiment that was called Italian.

“whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 100 soldiers from the Italian section of the Roman army.

859ACT101abcdΣπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς1the regiment that was called Italian.

“the Italian Regiment”

860ACT102s6rhεὐσεβὴς καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1devout and fearing God

“believing in God and seeking to honor and worship God in his life”

861ACT102n8i3φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1fearing God

The word fearing here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

862ACT102abceτῷ λαῷ1to the people

This here refers to Jewish people who were in need.

863ACT102w2kxfigs-hyperboleδεόμενος τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ παντός1praying to God through all

The phrase through all is a generalization. Alternate translation: “he prayed to God a lot” or “he prayed to God regularly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

864ACT103up3jὥραν ἐνάτην1the ninth hour

“three oclock in the afternoon.” This is the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.

865ACT103g3lvεἶδεν…φανερῶς1he clearly saw

“Cornelius clearly saw”

866ACT104abcfὁ δὲ, ἀτενίσας αὐτῷ1But he stared at him

Cornelius looked intently at the angel.

867ACT104abcgεἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ1And he said to him

“Then the angel said to Cornelius”

868ACT104p5mlfigs-explicitαἱ προσευχαί σου, καὶ αἱ ἐλεημοσύναι σου, ἀνέβησαν εἰς μνημόσυνον ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ1Your prayers and your alms have gone up for a memorial offering before God

It is implied that his gifts and prayers had been accepted by God. Alternate translation: “God is pleased by your prayers and your gifts that have gone up to him as a memorial offering to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

869ACT106lt9nβυρσεῖ1a tanner

a person who makes leather from animal skins

870ACT107g6lqὡς δὲ ἀπῆλθεν ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν αὐτῷ1And when the angel who spoke to him had left

“When Cornelius vision of the angel had ended.”

871ACT107i3x7στρατιώτην εὐσεβῆ τῶν προσκαρτερούντων αὐτῷ1a devout soldier of those who served him

“one of the soldiers who served him, who also worshiped God.” This soldier worshiped God. That was rare in the Roman army, so Cornelius other soldiers probably did not worship God.

872ACT107yg7gεὐσεβῆ1devout

An adjective to describe a person who worshiped God and served him.

873ACT108pcg2ἐξηγησάμενος ἅπαντα αὐτοῖς1having told them everything

Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.

874ACT108d2p3ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν Ἰόππην1he sent them to Joppa

“he sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa”

875ACT109ey9n0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Cornelius two servants and the soldier under Cornelius command (Acts 10:7).

876ACT109w3g40Connecting Statement:

The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.

877ACT109tu7nπερὶ ὥραν ἕκτην1at about the sixth hour

“at around noon”

878ACT109r6l8ἀνέβη…ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα1went up to the housetop

The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.

879ACT1010slq7παρασκευαζόντων…αὐτῶν1while they were preparing

“before the people finished cooking the food”

880ACT1010im7xfigs-activepassiveἐγένετο ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἔκστασις1a vision came upon him

“God gave him a vision” or “he saw a vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

881ACT1011n4hiθεωρεῖ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον1he sees the sky having been opened

This was the beginning of Peters vision. It can be a new sentence.

882ACT1011u9u4ὡς ὀθόνην μεγάλην, τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς1like a large sheet … by four corners

The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth.

883ACT1011jh1mτέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς καθιέμενον1being let down by four corners

“suspended by its four corners”

884ACT1012ua3jfigs-explicitπάντα τὰ τετράποδα, καὶ ἑρπετὰ τῆς γῆς, καὶ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1all the four-footed animals and creeping things on the earth, and birds of the sky

From Peters response in the next verse, it can be implied that the law of Moses commanded the Jews not to eat some of them. Alternate translation: “every kind of animal and reptile and bird that the Mosaic laws forbade Jews to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

885ACT1013a2z4figs-synecdocheἐγένετο φωνὴ πρὸς αὐτόν1a voice came to him

The person speaking is not specified. The voice was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

886ACT1014z7r5μηδαμῶς1Not at all

“I will not do that”

887ACT1014a2jjfigs-explicitοὐδέποτε ἔφαγον πᾶν κοινὸν καὶ ἀκάθαρτον1I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean

It is implied that some the animals in the container were unclean as defined by the law of Moses and were not to be eaten by believers who lived before Christ died. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

888ACT1015xs5sfigs-123personἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἐκαθάρισεν1What God has cleansed

If God is the speaker, he is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “What I, God, have cleansed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

889ACT1016rlr9τοῦτο…ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τρίς1this happened three times

It is possible that everything Peter saw happened did not happen three times, but that the phrase, “What God has cleansed, do not call it defiled,” was repeated three times. However, it may be best to simply say “This happened three times.”

890ACT1017d4ziδιηπόρει ὁ Πέτρος1Peter was very confused … about

This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.

891ACT1017n6daἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows, in this case, the two men standing at the gate.

892ACT1017e62mfigs-explicitἐπέστησαν ἐπὶ τὸν πυλῶνα1stood before the gate

“stood before the gate to the house.” It is implied that this house had a wall with a gate in it to enter the property. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

893ACT1017h72mδιερωτήσαντες τὴν οἰκίαν1having found by inquiry the house

This happened before they arrived at the house. This could be stated earlier in the verse, as the UST does.

894ACT1018qe9dφωνήσαντες1they called out

Cornelius men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.

895ACT1019e8aiδιενθυμουμένου περὶ τοῦ ὁράματος1while … was still thinking about the vision

“as … was still wondering about the meaning of the vision”

896ACT1019d9q8τὸ Πνεῦμα1the Spirit

“the Holy Spirit”

897ACT1019iqx5ἰδοὺ1Behold

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three”

898ACT1019va39translate-textvariantsἄνδρες τρεῖς ζητοῦσιν σε1three men are looking for you

Cornelius sent two of his servants and one soldier. Some ancient texts have a different number of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

899ACT1020ym1xκατάβηθι1go down

“go down from the roof of the house”

900ACT1020wx4nπορεύου σὺν αὐτοῖς, μηδὲν διακρινόμενος1go with them. Do not hesitate

It would be natural for Peter not to want to go with them, because they were strangers and they were Gentiles.

901ACT1021lj1fἐγώ εἰμι ὃν ζητεῖτε1I am he whom you are seeking

“I am the man you are looking for”

902ACT1022i4zh0General Information:

The words “They” and “them” here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).

903ACT1022baa3figs-activepassiveΚορνήλιος, ἑκατοντάρχης ἀνὴρ δίκαιος, καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν, μαρτυρούμενός τε ὑπὸ ὅλου τοῦ ἔθνους τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἐχρηματίσθη ὑπὸ ἀγγέλου ἁγίου, μεταπέμψασθαί σε εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀκοῦσαι ῥήματα παρὰ σοῦ1Cornelius, a centurion, a man righteous and fearing God, and well-testifed to by the whole nation of the Jews, was instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a word from you

This can be divided into several sentences and stated in active form as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

904ACT1022wvl1φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1fearing God

The word fearing here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

905ACT1022gv91figs-hyperboleὅλου τοῦ ἔθνους τῶν Ἰουδαίων1the whole nation of the Jews

This number of people is exaggerated with the word whole to emphasize how widely this was known among the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

906ACT1023jlc7εἰσκαλεσάμενος οὖν αὐτοὺς ἐξένισεν1Therefore, having invited them in, he hosted them

The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.

907ACT1023shs5ἐξένισεν1he hosted them

“he invited them to be his guests”

908ACT1023t7czτινες τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἀπὸ Ἰόππης1some of the brothers who were from Joppa

This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.

909ACT1024c3s6τῇ…ἐπαύριον1the following day

This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.

910ACT1024g2upὁ δὲ Κορνήλιος ἦν προσδοκῶν αὐτοὺς1And Cornelius was waiting for them

“And Cornelius expected them”

911ACT1025wxt8ὡς…τοῦ εἰσελθεῖν τὸν Πέτρον1as Peter entered

“when Peter entered the house”

912ACT1025b4pntranslate-symactionπεσὼν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας1and falling down at his feet

“and kneeling down and putting his face close to Peters feet.” He did this to honor Peter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

913ACT1025u2x5πεσὼν1and falling down

He purposely lies down facing the ground to show that he is worshiping.

914ACT1026s7n5ἀνάστηθι, καὶ ἐγὼ αὐτὸς ἄνθρωπός εἰμι1Get up! I too am a man myself

This was a mild rebuke or correction to Cornelius not to worship Peter. Alternate translation: “Stop doing that! I am only a man, as you are”

915ACT1027f9x6figs-you0General Information:

The word “him” here refers to Cornelius. Here the words “You” and “you” are plural and include Cornelius as well as the Gentiles who were present. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

916ACT1027bg7b0Connecting Statement:

Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius house.

917ACT1027twp9figs-explicitσυνεληλυθότας πολλούς1many people gathered together

“many Gentile people gathered together.” It is implied that these people Cornelius had invited were Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

918ACT1028g7j7ὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε1You yourselves know

Peter is addressing Cornelius and his invited guests.

919ACT1028iyx6ὡς ἀθέμιτόν ἐστιν ἀνδρὶ Ἰουδαίῳ1how unlawful it is for a Jewish man

“that it is forbidden for a Jewish man.” This refers to the Jewish religious law.

920ACT1028k3weἀλλοφύλῳ1a foreigner

This refers to people who were not Jews and not specifically to where they lived.

921ACT1030krz8figs-you0General Information:

In verses 31 and 32 Cornelius quotes what the angel had said to him when he appeared to him at the ninth hour. The words “you” and “your” are all singular. The word “we” here does not include Peter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

922ACT1030n5fs0Connecting Statement:

Cornelius responds to Peters question.

923ACT1030na4uἀπὸ τετάρτης ἡμέρας1Four days ago

Cornelius is referring to the day before the third night before he is speaking to Peter. Biblical culture counts the current day, so the day before three nights ago is four days ago. Current Western culture does not count the current day, so many Western translations read, “three days ago.”

924ACT1030mqv8translate-textvariantsπροσευχόμενος1praying

Some ancient authorities say “fasting and praying” instead of simply praying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

925ACT1030yy6eτὴν ἐνάτην1at the ninth hour

The normal afternoon time when the Jews pray to God.

926ACT1031heh3figs-activepassiveεἰσηκούσθη σου ἡ προσευχὴ1your prayer has been heard

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has heard your prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

927ACT1031s6nzἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1have been remembered before God

“brought you to Gods attention.” This does not imply that God had forgotten.

928ACT1032ci31μετακάλεσαι Σίμωνα, ὃς ἐπικαλεῖται Πέτρος1summon Simon who is called Peter

“tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you”

929ACT1033p5eeἐξαυτῆς1immediately

“right away”

930ACT1033ruf3σύ τε καλῶς ἐποίησας παραγενόμενος1and you did well in coming

This expression is a polite way of thanking Peter for coming. Alternate translation: “and I certainly thank you for coming”

931ACT1033ry21ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before God

This refers to the presence of God.

932ACT1033xt4xfigs-activepassiveτὰ προστεταγμένα σοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου1that you have been instructed by the Lord

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the Lord has told you to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

933ACT1034ku8u0Connecting Statement:

Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.

934ACT1034cyn8ἀνοίξας δὲ Πέτρος τὸ στόμα εἶπεν1And Peter opened his mouth and said

“And Peter began to speak to them”

935ACT1034ha31ἐπ’ ἀληθείας1In truth

This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.

936ACT1034iii7οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολήμπτης ὁ Θεός1God is not one who shows partiality

“God does not favor certain people”

937ACT1035j78eὁ φοβούμενος αὐτὸν καὶ ἐργαζόμενος δικαιοσύνην, δεκτὸς αὐτῷ ἐστιν1the one who fears him and works righteous deeds is acceptable to him

“he accepts anyone who worships him and does righteous deeds”

938ACT1035b5crφοβούμενος1fears

The word fears here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

939ACT1036bjk70General Information:

The word “him” here refers to Jesus.

940ACT1036sv4s0Connecting Statement:

Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.

941ACT1036md1lοὗτός ἐστιν πάντων Κύριος1he is Lord of all

Here all means “all people.”

942ACT1037ch65figs-hyperboleκαθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας1throughout all Judea

The word all is a generalization. Alternate translation: “throughout Judea” or “in many places in Judea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

943ACT1037sq2iμετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐκήρυξεν Ἰωάννης1after the baptism that John proclaimed

“after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them”

944ACT1038jtr3Ἰησοῦν τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέθ, ὡς ἔχρισεν αὐτὸν ὁ Θεὸς Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ δυνάμει; ὃς διῆλθεν εὐεργετῶν καὶ ἰώμενος πάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου, ὅτι ὁ Θεὸς ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ1Jesus who is from Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him

This long sentence, which begins in verse 36, can be shortened into several sentences as in the UST.

945ACT1038ku82figs-metaphorἔχρισεν αὐτὸν ὁ Θεὸς Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ δυνάμει1God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power

The Holy Spirit and Gods power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

946ACT1038y5yafigs-hyperboleπάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου1all who were oppressed by the devil

The word all is a generalization. Alternate translation: “those who were oppressed by the devil” or “many people who were oppressed by the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

947ACT1038tj3ufigs-idiomὁ Θεὸς ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ1God was with him

The idiom was with him means “was helping him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

948ACT1039kal7figs-exclusive0General Information:

The words “We” and “we” here refer to Peter and the apostles and believers who were with Jesus when he was on earth. The words “he” and “him” here refer to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

949ACT1039sx3aἔν…τῇ χώρᾳ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1in the country of the Jews

This refers mainly to Judea at that time.

950ACT1039z4dtκρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου1by hanging him on a tree

This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: “by nailing him to a wooden cross”

951ACT1040cxj5figs-idiomτοῦτον ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν1but God raised up this one

Here raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “but God caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

952ACT1040w8kvτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1on the third day

“on the third day after he died”

953ACT1040iz8lἔδωκεν αὐτὸν ἐμφανῆ γενέσθαι1caused him to be seen

“permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead”

954ACT1041q7d1ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

955ACT1042ik96figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

956ACT1042zne50Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.

957ACT1042c1akfigs-activepassiveὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ὡρισμένος ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1that he is the one who has been chosen by God

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God chose this Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

958ACT1042ws4tfigs-nominaladjζώντων καὶ νεκρῶν1of the living and the dead

This refers to people who are still living and people who have died. Alternate translation: “of the people who are alive and the people who are dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

959ACT1043ub5dτούτῳ πάντες οἱ προφῆται μαρτυροῦσιν1To this one, all the prophets bear witness that

“All the prophets bear witness to Jesus that”

960ACT1043vq6lfigs-activepassiveἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν λαβεῖν διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ, πάντα τὸν πιστεύοντα εἰς αὐτὸν1everyone who believes in him shall receive forgiveness of sins through his name

This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will forgive the sins of everyone who believes in Jesus because of what Jesus has done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

961ACT1043y6d1figs-metonymyδιὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ1through his name

Here his name refers to the actions of Jesus. His name means God who saves. Alternate translation: “through what Jesus has done for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

962ACT1044cz7xἐπέπεσε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον1the Holy Spirit fell

Here the word fell means “happened suddenly.” Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit suddenly came”

963ACT1044wf7uπάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας1all of those who were listening

Here all refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.

964ACT1045j6wtἡ δωρεὰ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1the gift of the Holy Spirit

This refers to the Holy Spirit himself who was given to them.

965ACT1045g161figs-activepassiveἡ δωρεὰ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ἐκκέχυται1the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God poured out the Holy Spirit as a gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

966ACT1045mqs8figs-metaphorἐκκέχυται1was poured out

The Holy Spirit is spoken of as if he were something that could be poured out upon people. It implies a generous amount. Alternate translation: “was generously given” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

967ACT1045f33nκαὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔθνη1also on the Gentiles

Here also refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.

968ACT1046w58d0General Information:

The words “he” and “him” refer to Peter.

969ACT1046mpg50Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.

970ACT1046p6paλαλούντων γλώσσαις, καὶ μεγαλυνόντων τὸν Θεόν1speaking with tongues and praising God

These were known spoken languages that caused the Jews to acknowledge that the Gentiles were indeed praising God.

971ACT1047u5d5figs-rquestionμήτι τὸ ὕδωρ δύναται κωλῦσαί τις τοῦ μὴ βαπτισθῆναι τούτους, οἵτινες τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἔλαβον, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς?1No one is able to withhold water, is he, that these are not baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did?

Peter uses this question to convince the Jewish Christians that the Gentile believers should be baptized. Alternate translation: “No one should keep water from these people! We should baptize them because they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

972ACT1048t2y9figs-explicitπροσέταξεν…αὐτοὺς…βαπτισθῆναι1he commanded them to be baptized

It is implied that the Jewish Christians were the ones who would baptize them. Alternate translation: “Peter commanded the Gentile believers to allow the Jewish Christians to baptize them” or “Peter commanded the Jewish Christians to baptize them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

973ACT1048ax6xfigs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ βαπτισθῆναι1be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ

Here in the name of Jesus Christ expresses that the reason for their baptism was that they believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “be baptized as believers in Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

974ACT11introhva50

Acts 11 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“The Gentiles also had received the word of God”

Almost all of the first believers were Jewish. Luke writes in this chapter that many Gentiles started to believe in Jesus. They believed that the message about Jesus was true and so began to “receive the word of God.” Some of the believers in Jerusalem did not believe that Gentiles could truly follow Jesus, so Peter went to them and told them what had happened to him and how he had seen the Gentiles receive the Word of God and receive the Holy Spirit.

975ACT111uw5m0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new event in the story.

976ACT111j7f70Connecting Statement:

Peter arrives in Jerusalem and begins talking to the Jews there.

977ACT111ab75writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This marks a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

978ACT111f1mdοἱ…ἀδελφοὶ2the brothers

The phrase the brothers here refers to the believers in Judea.

979ACT111q8wlοἱ ὄντες κατὰ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν1who were throughout Judea

“who were throughout the province of Judea”

980ACT111w3rxfigs-metonymyἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1had received the word of God

This expression refers to the fact that the Gentiles believed the gospel message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “had believed the message of God about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

981ACT112kb4mἀνέβη…εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ1came up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of coming up to Jerusalem and going down from it.

982ACT112yar6figs-metonymyοἱ ἐκ περιτομῆς1those from the circumcision

This is a reference to some of the Jews who believed that every believer must be circumcised. Alternate translation: “some Jewish believers in Jerusalem who wanted all followers of Christ to be circumcised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

983ACT113ah7vfigs-metonymyἄνδρας, ἀκροβυστίαν ἔχοντας1uncircumcised men

The phrase uncircumcised men refers to Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

984ACT113t9e1συνέφαγεν αὐτοῖς1ate with them

It was against Jewish tradition for Jews to eat with Gentiles.

985ACT114lrh60Connecting Statement:

Peter responds to the Jews by telling them about his vision and about what had happened at Cornelius house.

986ACT114bfp5ἀρξάμενος…Πέτρος ἐξετίθετο1Peter began to explain

Peter did not criticize the Jewish believers but reacted in a friendly explanatory manner.

987ACT114nuy6καθεξῆς1in an orderly manner

“exactly what happened”

988ACT115j37pὡς ὀθόνην μεγάλην1like a large sheet

The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth. See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.

989ACT115axu6τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς1by its four corners

“suspended by its four corners.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.

990ACT116lbh4figs-explicitτὰ τετράποδα τῆς γῆς, καὶ τὰ θηρία, καὶ τὰ ἑρπετὰ, καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1the four-legged animals of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the creeping animals, and the birds of the sky

From Peters response, it can be implied that the law of Moses commanded the Jews not to eat some of them. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 10:12. Alternate translation: “many kinds of animals and reptiles and birds that the Mosaic laws forbade Jews to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

991ACT116ew64θηρία1wild beasts

This probably refer to the animals people do not or can not tame or control.

992ACT116t36iἑρπετὰ1creeping animals

These are reptiles.

993ACT117i5icfigs-synecdocheἤκουσα…φωνῆς1I heard … a voice

The person speaking is not specified. The voice was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God. See how you translated a voice in Acts 10:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

994ACT118m4muμηδαμῶς1By no means

“I will not do that.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:14.

995ACT118m5p5figs-metonymyκοινὸν ἢ ἀκάθαρτον οὐδέποτε εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ στόμα μου1the profane or unclean has never entered into my mouth

Apparently the animals in the sheet were animals which the Jewish law in the Old Testament forbade the Jews to eat. This can be said in a positive way. Alternate translation: “I have eaten only meat from holy and clean animals” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

996ACT118kj91ἀκάθαρτον1unclean

In the Old Testament Jewish law, a person became ritually unclean in various ways, such as eating certain forbidden animals.

997ACT119n2gnfigs-metonymyἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἐκαθάρισεν, σὺ μὴ κοίνου1What God has cleansed, do not call unclean

This refers to the animals in the sheet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

998ACT1110xrq6τοῦτο…ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τρίς1this happened three times

It is possible that everything Peter saw happened did not happen three times, but that the phrase, “What God has cleansed, do not call it defiled,” was repeated three times. However, it may be best to simply say “this happened three times.” See how you translated This happened three times in Acts 10:16.

999ACT1111ias8figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here “we” refers to Peter and the believers in Joppa. It does not include his current audience in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1000ACT1111b2qvἰδοὺ1behold

This word alerts us to the new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1001ACT1111k44jἐξαυτῆς1right away

“immediately” or “at that exact moment”

1002ACT1111qwn5figs-activepassiveἀπεσταλμένοι1having been sent

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1003ACT1112lf6mμηδὲν διακρίναντα1not making any distinction

“not being concerned that they were Gentiles”

1004ACT1112cf8xἦλθον…σὺν ἐμοὶ1went with me

went with me to Caesarea”

1005ACT1112xrc6οἱ ἓξ ἀδελφοὶ οὗτοι1these six brothers

“these six Jewish believers”

1006ACT1112w6iaεἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀνδρός1into the house of the man

This refers to the house of Cornelius.

1007ACT1113few6Σίμωνα, τὸν ἐπικαλούμενον Πέτρον1Simon, who is called Peter

“Simon, who is also called Peter.” See how you translated the same phrase in Acts 10:32.

1008ACT1114hpr2figs-metonymyπᾶς ὁ οἶκός σου1all your household

This refers to all the people in the household. Alternate translation: “everyone who lives in your house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1009ACT1115qy12figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” refers to Peter, the apostles, and any of the Jewish believers who had received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1010ACT1115a8jwἐν…τῷ ἄρξασθαί με λαλεῖν, ἐπέπεσεν τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς1as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them

This implies that Peter had not finished speaking but had intended to say more.

1011ACT1115ak2pfigs-ellipsisἐπέπεσεν τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, ὥσπερ καὶ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς ἐν ἀρχῇ1the Holy Spirit came on them, just as also on us in the beginning

Peter leaves out some things to keep the story short. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit came on the Gentile believers, just as he also came on the Jewish believers at Pentecost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1012ACT1115th4mἐν ἀρχῇ1in the beginning

Peter is referring to the day of Pentecost.

1013ACT1116v116figs-activepassiveὑμεῖς…βαπτισθήσεσθε ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ1you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will baptize you in the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1014ACT1117pe42figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “them” refers to Cornelius and his Gentile guests and household. Peter does not call them Gentiles in his account to the Jewish believers at Jerusalem. The word “they” refers to the Jewish believers to whom Peter spoke. The word “us” includes all of the Jewish believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1015ACT1117e5760Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech (which he began in Acts 11:4) to the Jews about his vision and about what had happened at the house of Cornelius.

1016ACT1117u3nufigs-rquestionεἰ οὖν τὴν ἴσην δωρεὰν ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς, ὡς καὶ ἡμῖν πιστεύσασιν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἐγὼ τίς ἤμην δυνατὸς κωλῦσαι τὸν Θεόν?1If, therefore, God gave to them the same gift as also to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, able to oppose God?

Peter uses this question to emphasize that he was only obeying God. Alternate translation: “Since God gave to them the same gift as he also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, I decided that I could not oppose God!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1017ACT1117y7agτὴν ἴσην δωρεὰν1the same gift

Peter refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1018ACT1118nr7gἡσύχασαν1they became quiet

“they did not argue with Peter”

1019ACT1118z3fyfigs-abstractnounsκαὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν μετάνοιαν εἰς ζωὴν ἔδωκεν1God has given repentance unto life to the Gentiles also

“God has given repentance that leads to life to the Gentiles also.” Here life refers to eternal life. The abstract nouns repentance and life can be translated as the verbs “repent” and “live.” Alternate translation: “God has allowed the Gentiles also to repent and live eternally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1020ACT1119zck40Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about what happened to the believers who fled after the stoning of Stephen.

1021ACT1119bwb8writing-neweventοὖν1Then

This introduces the new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1022ACT1119m3i7οἱ…διασπαρέντες ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ, διῆλθον1those who had been scattered from the persecution that happened over Stephen spread

The Jews began persecuting Jesus followers because Stephen had said and done things that the Jews did not like. Because of this persecution, many of Jesus followers left Jerusalem and went to many different places.

1023ACT1119whm6figs-activepassiveοἱ…διασπαρέντες ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ1those who had been scattered from the persecution that happened over Stephen

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “the ones whom the Jews had been persecuting after they killed Stephen, who had left Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1024ACT1119vx4bτῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ1the persecution that arose over Stephen

the persecution that happened because of what Stephen had said and done

1025ACT1119w5jnδιῆλθον1spread

“went in many different directions”

1026ACT1119c8haμόνον Ἰουδαίοις1only to Jews

The believers thought Gods message was for the Jewish people, and not for the Gentiles.

1027ACT1120mww9figs-explicitἐλάλουν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς1and spoke also to Greeks

These Greek-speaking people were Gentiles, not Jews. Alternate translation: “and also spoke to Gentiles who spoke Greek” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1028ACT1121aj5gfigs-metonymyἦν χεὶρ Κυρίου μετ’ αὐτῶν1The hand of the Lord was with them

Gods hand signifies his powerful help. Alternate translation: “God was powerfully enabling those believers to preach effectively” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1029ACT1121n9pqfigs-metaphorἐπέστρεψεν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον1turned to the Lord

Here turned to the Lord is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: “and they repented of their sins and began to obey the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1030ACT1122mrg90General Information:

In these verses, the word “he” refers to Barnabas. The word “they” refers to the believers of the church at Jerusalem. The words “them” and “their” refer to the new believers (Acts 11:20).

1031ACT1122i7vsfigs-metonymyτὰ ὦτα τῆς ἐκκλησίας1the ears of the church

Here ears refers to the believers hearing about the event. Alternate translation: “the believers in the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1032ACT1123b7w7ἰδὼν τὴν χάριν τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ1saw the grace that is of God

“saw how God acted kindly toward the believers”

1033ACT1123m1q9παρεκάλει πάντας1exhorted them all

“kept on encouraging them”

1034ACT1123qlu4προσμένειν τῷ Κυρίῳ1to remain with the Lord

“to remain faithful to the Lord” or “to continue to trust in the Lord”

1035ACT1123bz6wfigs-metonymyτῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας1with purpose of heart

Here the heart refers to a persons will and desire. Alternate translation: “with all their will” or “with complete commitment” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1036ACT1124he5zπλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1full of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit controlled Barnabas as he obeyed the Holy Spirit.

1037ACT1124e57tfigs-metonymyπροσετέθη ὄχλος ἱκανὸς τῷ Κυρίῳ1a considerable crowd was added to the Lord

Here added means they came to believe the same thing as the others. Alternate translation: “many more people also believed in the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1038ACT1125yhl60General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Barnabas and “him” refers to Saul.

1039ACT1125dm92ἐξῆλθεν…εἰς Ταρσὸν1he went out to Tarsus

“he went out to the city of Tarsus”

1040ACT1126hu2gκαὶ εὑρὼν1and when he found him

It probably took some time and effort for Barnabas to locate Saul.

1041ACT1126wf5lwriting-neweventἐγένετο1It happened that

This begins a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1042ACT1126w4dzαὐτοῖς…συναχθῆναι ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1they were gathered together with the church

“Barnabas and Saul were gathered together with the church”

1043ACT1126x8gxfigs-activepassiveχρηματίσαι τε πρώτως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τοὺς μαθητὰς, Χριστιανούς1And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch

This implies that other people called the believers by this name. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Antioch were the first to call the disciples Christians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1044ACT1126r6slπρώτως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ1first in Antioch

“for the first time in Antioch”

1045ACT1127pz7ywriting-background0General Information:

Here Luke tells background information about a prophecy in Antioch. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1046ACT1127h6zwδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story-line.

1047ACT1127d8bbκατῆλθον ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων…εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν1came down from Jerusalem to Antioch

Jerusalem was higher in elevation than Antioch, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem or going down from it.

1048ACT1128wyk8ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος1named Agabus

“whose name was Agabus”

1049ACT1128q3tlἐσήμανεν διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1and indicated by the Spirit that

“and the Holy Spirit enabled him to prophesy that”

1050ACT1128l3izλιμὸν μεγάλην μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι1a great famine was about to occur

“a great shortage of food would happen”

1051ACT1128pd2tfigs-hyperboleἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην1over the whole world

This was a generalization referring to the part of the world that they were interested in. Alternate translation: “all over the inhabited world” or “throughout the Roman Empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1052ACT1128jmc5figs-explicitἐπὶ Κλαυδίου1in the days of Claudius

Lukes audience would know that Claudius was the emperor of Rome at that time. Alternate translation: “when Claudius was the Roman emperor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1053ACT1129lhp80General Information:

The words “They” and “they” refer to the believers in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27).

1054ACT1129de92δὲ1So

This word means marks an event that happened because of something else that happened first. In this case, they sent money because of Agabus prophesy or the famine.

1055ACT1129rk9zκαθὼς εὐπορεῖτό τις1just as anyone prospered

The richer people sent more; the poorer people sent less.

1056ACT1129up7aτοῖς κατοικοῦσιν ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ἀδελφοῖς1to the brothers living in Judea

“to the believers in Judea”

1057ACT1130l8i8figs-idiomδιὰ χειρὸς Βαρναβᾶ καὶ Σαύλου1by the hand of Barnabas and Saul

Here hand is a synecdoche for the action of the whole person. Alternate translation: “by having Barnabas and Saul take to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1058ACT12introf66j0

Acts 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Chapter 12 tells what happened to King Herod while Barnabas was bringing Saul back from Tarsus and they were delivering money from Antioch Jerusalem (11:25-30). He killed many of the leaders of the church, and he put Peter in prison. After God helped Peter escape the prison, Herod killed the prison guards, and then God killed Herod. In the last verse of the chapter, Luke tells how Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Personification

The “word of God” is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could grow and become many. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/wordofgod]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

1059ACT121u4w7writing-background0General Information:

This is background information about Herods killing James. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1060ACT121ua9p0Connecting Statement:

This begins the new persecution, first of James death and then of Peters imprisonment and then release.

1061ACT121ti1ywriting-neweventδὲ1Now

This begins a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1062ACT121f2grκατ’ ἐκεῖνον…τὸν καιρὸν1about that time

This refers to the time of the famine.

1063ACT121zy6yfigs-idiomἐπέβαλεν…τὰς χεῖρας1laid hands on

This means Herod had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in Acts 5:18. Alternate translation: “sent soldiers to arrest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1064ACT121u1gvfigs-explicitτινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας1some of those from the church

Only James and Peter are specified, which implies that these were leaders of the church in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1065ACT121s7lcκακῶσαί1to harm them

“in order to cause the believers to suffer”

1066ACT122aw4tἀνεῖλεν δὲ Ἰάκωβον, τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου, μαχαίρῃ1And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword

This tells the manner in which James was killed.

1067ACT122r1zvfigs-metonymyἀνεῖλεν…Ἰάκωβον1he killed James

Possible meanings are (1) Herod himself killed James or (2) Herod ordered someone to kill James. Alternate translation: “Herod gave the order and they killed James” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1068ACT123pms70General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Herod (Acts 12:1).

1069ACT123v4agἰδὼν δὲ ὅτι ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις1And when he saw that this is pleasing to the Jews

“And when Herod realized that putting James to death pleased the Jewish leaders”

1070ACT123cu7sὅτι…ἐστιν1that this is

“that Herod did this” or “that this happened”

1071ACT123wpm1ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις1this is pleasing to the Jews

“made the Jewish leaders happy”

1072ACT123ly66ἡμέραι τῶν Ἀζύμων1the days of unleavened bread

This refers to a time of Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. Alternate translation: “the festival when the Jewish people ate bread without yeast”

1073ACT124pps1τέσσαρσιν τετραδίοις στρατιωτῶν1to four squads of soldiers

“to four groups of soldiers.” Each squad had four soldiers that guarded Peter, one group at a time. The groups divided the 24-hour day into four shifts. Each time two soldiers would have been at his side and the other two soldiers by the entrance.

1074ACT124i23aβουλόμενος…ἀναγαγεῖν αὐτὸν τῷ λαῷ1he was intending to bring him out to the people

“Herod planned to judge Peter in the presence of the people” or “Herod planned to judge Peter before the Jewish people”

1075ACT125v2yzfigs-activepassiveὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ1So Peter was kept in the prison

This implies that the soldiers continually guarded Peter in prison. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So the soldiers guarded Peter in the prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1076ACT125f8qcfigs-activepassiveπροσευχὴ…ἦν ἐκτενῶς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν περὶ αὐτοῦ1prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the group of believers in Jerusalem earnestly prayed to God for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1077ACT125g189ἐκτενῶς1earnestly

continuously and with dedication

1078ACT126km83figs-explicitἤμελλεν προαγαγεῖν αὐτὸν ὁ Ἡρῴδης τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ1Herod was going to bring him out for trial, that night

That Herod planned to execute him can be clarified. Alternate translation: “the same night before Herod was going to bring Peter out from prison to put him on trial and then to execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1079ACT126g2bhδεδεμένος ἁλύσεσιν δυσίν1bound with two chains

“tied with two chains” or “fastened with two chains.” Each chain would have been attached to one of the two guards who stayed beside Peter.

1080ACT126aqv1ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν1were keeping watch over the prison

“were guarding the prison doors”

1081ACT127kk4i0General Information:

The words “him” and “his” refer to Peter.

1082ACT127i7g3ἰδοὺ1behold

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1083ACT127lu25ἐπέστη1appeared by him

“appeared next to him” or “suddenly stood beside him”

1084ACT127z2i1ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι1in the prison cell

“in the prison room”

1085ACT127dc5bπατάξας…τοῦ Πέτρου1he struck Peter

“the angel tapped Peter” or “the angel poked Peter.” Peter was evidently sleeping deeply enough that this was required to wake him.

1086ACT127dqn9ἐξέπεσαν αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν1his chains fell away from his hands

The angel caused the chains to fall from Peter without touching them.

1087ACT128hxt9ἐποίησεν…οὕτως1he did thus

“Peter did what the angel told him to do” or “Peter obeyed”

1088ACT128abchλέγει αὐτῷ1he said to him

“the angel said to Peter”

1089ACT129gx770General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to Peter. The words “they” and “They” refer to Peter and the angel.

1090ACT129abciἠκολούθει1he followed him

“Peter followed the angel”

1091ACT129sh8kοὐκ ᾔδει1he did not know

“he did not understand”

1092ACT129p9tyfigs-activepassiveἀληθές ἐστιν τὸ γινόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου1what is done by the angel is real

This could be changed to active form. Alternate translation: “the actions of the angel were real” or “what the angel did truly happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1093ACT1210r7gyfigs-explicitδιελθόντες δὲ πρώτην φυλακὴν καὶ δευτέραν1But when they had passed by the first guard and the second

It is implied that the soldiers were not able to see Peter and the angel as they walked by. Alternate translation: “The first and second guards did not see them as they passed by, and then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1094ACT1210c18qδιελθόντες1when they had passed by

“when they had walked by”

1095ACT1210e36sfigs-ellipsisκαὶ δευτέραν1and the second

The word guard is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and the second guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1096ACT1210y86kἦλθαν ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν1they came to the iron gate

“Peter and the angel arrived at the iron gate”

1097ACT1210if3cτὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν1that led into the city

“that opened to the city” or “that went from the prison to the city”

1098ACT1210i3stfigs-rpronounsἥτις αὐτομάτη ἠνοίγη αὐτοῖς1it opened for them by itself

Here by itself means neither Peter nor the angel opened it. Alternate translation: “the gate swung open for them” or “the gate opened itself for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1099ACT1210j268προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν1they went down a street

“they walked along a street”

1100ACT1210fl89εὐθέως ἀπέστη ὁ ἄγγελος ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1right away the angel went away from him

“the angel left Peter suddenly” or “suddenly the angel disappeared”

1101ACT1211wlb6figs-idiomκαὶ ὁ Πέτρος ἐν ἑαυτῷ γενόμενος1And when Peter had come to himself

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “And when Peter became fully awake and alert” or “And when Peter became aware that what had happened was real” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1102ACT1211ue4kfigs-metonymyἐξείλατό με ἐκ χειρὸς Ἡρῴδου1delivered me from the hand of Herod

Here the hand of Herod refers to “Herods power” or “Herods plans.” Alternate translation: “brought me from the harm Herod had planned for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1103ACT1211hw63ἐξείλατό με1delivered me

“rescued me”

1104ACT1211p739figs-synecdocheπάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1from all the expectations of the Jewish people

Here “the people of the Jews” probably referred mainly to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “from all that the Jewish leaders thought would happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1105ACT1212tfh3συνιδών1having realized this

He became aware that God had rescued him.

1106ACT1212ux4vfigs-activepassiveἸωάννου, τοῦ ἐπικαλουμένου Μάρκου1of John, who was called Mark

John was also called Mark. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “John, whom people also called Mark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1107ACT1213x5fg0General Information:

Here the words “she” and “her” all refer to the servant girl Rhoda. Here the words they” and “They” refer to the people who were inside praying (Acts 12:12).

1108ACT1213pfn7κρούσαντος…αὐτοῦ1when he knocked

“when Peter knocked.” Tapping on the door was a normal Jewish custom to let others know you wish to visit them. You may need to change this to fit your culture.

1109ACT1213c634τὴν θύραν τοῦ πυλῶνος1at the door of the gate

“at the outer door” or “at the door of the entrance from the street to the courtyard”

1110ACT1213khq1προσῆλθε…ὑπακοῦσαι1came to answer

“came to the gate to ask who was knocking”

1111ACT1214y2ffἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς1from joy

“because she was so joyful” or “being overly excited”

1112ACT1214m3m7οὐκ ἤνοιξεν τὸν πυλῶνα1she did not open the gate

“she did not open the door” or “she forgot to open the door”

1113ACT1214ky3pεἰσδραμοῦσα1running inside

You may prefer to say “went running into the room in the house”

1114ACT1214yq3rἀπήγγειλεν1she reported

“she told them” or “she said”

1115ACT1214a19kἑστάναι…πρὸ τοῦ πυλῶνος1stands at the gate

“is standing outside the door.” Peter was still standing outside.

1116ACT1215ybz7μαίνῃ1You are insane

The people not only did not believe her, but rebuked her by saying she was crazy. Alternate translation: “You are crazy”

1117ACT1215xnm2ἡ…διϊσχυρίζετο οὕτως ἔχειν1she insisted that it was thus

“she insisted that what she said was true”

1118ACT1215en8bοἱ…ἔλεγον2they said

“they answered”

1119ACT1215qa8mὁ ἄγγελός ἐστιν αὐτοῦ1It is his angel

“What you have seen is Peters angel.” Some Jews believed in guardian angels and may have thought that Peters angel had come to them.

1120ACT1216wwg10General Information:

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the people in the house. The words “He” and “he” refer to Peter.

1121ACT1216bi6lὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἐπέμενεν κρούων1But Peter continued knocking

The word “continued” means that Peter kept knocking the entire time those inside were talking.

1122ACT1217jx1aἀπαγγείλατε…ταῦτα1Report these things

“Tell these things”

1123ACT1217jf16τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1the brothers

“the other believers”

1124ACT1218blx50General Information:

The word “him” here refers to Peter. The word “he” refers to Herod.

1125ACT1218ail9δὲ1Now

This word is used to mark a break in the story-line. Time has passed; it is now the next day.

1126ACT1218iqv4γενομένης…ἡμέρας1when it became day

“in the morning”

1127ACT1218zl7ifigs-litotesἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς στρατιώταις, τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο1there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what therefore had happened to Peter

This phrase is used to emphasize what really happened. This could be said in a positive way. Alternate translation: “there was a great disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1128ACT1218ilz4figs-abstractnounsἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς στρατιώταις, τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο1there was no small disturbance among the soldiers over what had happened to Peter

The abstract noun disturbance can be expressed with the words “disturbed” or “upset.” Alternate translation: “the soldiers were very disturbed about what had happened to Peter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1129ACT1219pz6vἩρῴδης δὲ ἐπιζητήσας αὐτὸν1And Herod, having searched for him

Possible meanings are that (1) “And when Herod heard Peter was missing, he went himself to search the prison” or (2) “And when Herod heard Peter was missing, he sent other soldiers to search the prison.”

1130ACT1219c69iἀνακρίνας τοὺς φύλακας, ἐκέλευσεν ἀπαχθῆναι1questioned the guards and ordered them to be put to death

It was the normal punishment for the Roman government to kill the guards if their prisoner escaped.

1131ACT1219br16καὶ κατελθὼν1And having gone down

The phrase having gone down is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Judea.

1132ACT1220n2lw0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues with another event in Herods life.

1133ACT1220aip7writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark the next event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1134ACT1220gxs4figs-hyperboleὁμοθυμαδὸν…παρῆσαν πρὸς αὐτόν1they went to him together

Here the word they is a generalization. It is unlikely that all the people of Tyre and Sidon went to Herod. Alternate translation: “men representing the people of Tyre and Sidon went together to talk with Herod” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1135ACT1220t6miπείσαντες Βλάστον1having persuaded Blastus

“these men persuaded Blastus”

1136ACT1220qsg4translate-namesΒλάστον1Blastus

Blastus was an assistant to or an officer of King Herod. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1137ACT1220l5r1ᾐτοῦντο εἰρήνην1they asked for peace

“these men requested peace”

1138ACT1220j253figs-explicitτὸ τρέφεσθαι αὐτῶν τὴν χώραν ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλικῆς1their food for their country was from the kings country

They probably purchased this food. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre and Sidon bought all their food from the people that Herod ruled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1139ACT1220dy51figs-explicitτὸ τρέφεσθαι αὐτῶν1their food

It is implied that Herod restricted this supply of food because he was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1140ACT1221e3w9τακτῇ…ἡμέρᾳ1on a set day

This was probably the day on which Herod agreed to meet with the representatives. Alternate translation: “on the day when Herod agreed to meet them”

1141ACT1221kv7gἐσθῆτα βασιλικὴν1in royal clothing

expensive clothing that would demonstrate he was the king

1142ACT1221g6irκαθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1sitting on the throne

This was where Herod formally addressed people who came to see him.

1143ACT1222ze1s0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Herod.

1144ACT1223b4bcπαραχρῆμα…ἄγγελος1immediately an angel

“right away an angel” or “while the people were still praising Herod, an angel”

1145ACT1223b5s9ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν1struck him

“afflicted Herod” or “caused Herod to become very ill”

1146ACT1223iw57οὐκ ἔδωκεν τὴν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ1he did not give the glory to God

Herod let those people worship him instead of telling them to worship God.

1147ACT1223d419figs-activepassiveγενόμενος σκωληκόβρωτος, ἐξέψυξεν1becoming worm-eaten, he died

Here worm refers to worms inside the body, probably intestinal worms. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “worms ate Herods insides and he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1148ACT1224j2unwriting-endofstory0

Verse 24 continues the history from verse 23. Verse 25 continues the history from 11:30. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

1149ACT1224m1swfigs-metaphorὁ…λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐπληθύνετο1the word of God increased and was multiplied

The word of God is spoken of as if it was a living plant that was able to grow and reproduce. Alternate translation: “the message of God spread to more places and more people believed in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1150ACT1224wn8mὁ…λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God

“the message God sent about Jesus”

1151ACT1225t7d8Βαρναβᾶς δὲ καὶ Σαῦλος ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ1And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem

Although some ancient copies read “Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem,” the reading of “to Jerusalem” is probably correct. We know they went back to Antioch from Jerusalem, Therefore, this verse may indicate that they went somewhere else in Judea, and then returned to Jerusalem before they went back to Antioch.

1152ACT1225pv6afigs-explicitπληρώσαντες τὴν διακονίαν1having completed their service

This refers back to when they brought money from the believers at Antioch in Acts 11:29-30. Alternate translation: “when they had delivered the money to the church leaders in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1153ACT13introrlh60

Acts 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the three quotes from Psalms in 13:33-35.

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 13:41.

The chapter is where the second half of the Book of Acts begins. Luke writes more about Paul than about Peter, and it describes how it is the Gentiles and not the Jews to whom the believers tell the message about Jesus.

Special concepts in this chapter

A light for the Gentiles

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. The Jews considered all Gentiles as walking in darkness, but Paul and Barnabas spoke of telling the Gentiles about Jesus as if they were going to bring them physical light. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

1154ACT131ce7swriting-background0General Information:

Verse 1 gives background information about the people in the church at Antioch. Here the first word “they” probably refers to these five leaders but may also include the other believers. The next words “they” and “their” probably refer to the other three leaders not including Barnabas and Saul but could include other believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1155ACT131qa2i0Connecting Statement:

Luke begins to tell about the mission trips on which the church at Antioch send Barnabas and Saul.

1156ACT131rej8δὲ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ κατὰ τὴν οὖσαν ἐκκλησίαν1Now there were in Antioch, in the church that was there

“At that time in the church at Antioch”

1157ACT131srw6translate-namesΣυμεὼν…Νίγερ…Λούκιος…Μαναήν1Simeon … Niger … Lucius … Manaen

These are mens names. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1158ACT131u48cἩρῴδου τοῦ τετράρχου σύντροφος1one brought up with Herod the tetrarch

Manaen was probably Herods playmate or close friend growing up. Some scholars suggest he was Herods foster brother.

1159ACT132ifb9ἀφορίσατε1Set apart

“Appoint to serve”

1160ACT132j6ymπροσκέκλημαι αὐτούς1I have called them

The verb here means that God chose them to do this work.

1161ACT133ku45translate-symactionἐπιθέντες τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῖς1laid their hands on them

“laid their hands on these men whom God had set apart for his service.” This act showed that the leaders agreed that the Holy Spirit had called Barnabas and Saul to do this work. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1162ACT133p1usἀπέλυσαν1they sent them off

“they sent those men off” or “they sent those men off to do the work the Holy Spirit told them to do”

1163ACT134br2m0General Information:

Here the words “they,” “They,” and “their” refer to Barnabas and Silas.

1164ACT134mt3hοὖν1So

This word marks an event that happened because of a previous event. In this case, the previous event is Barnabas and Saul being set apart by the Holy Spirit.

1165ACT134abcjαὐτοὶ…ἐκπεμφθέντες1they, having been sent out

“Barnabas and Saul were sent out”

1166ACT134iyh8κατῆλθον1went down

The phrase went down is used here because Seleucia is lower in elevation than Antioch.

1167ACT134d1q5Σελεύκιαν1Seleucia

a city by the sea

1168ACT135at85Σαλαμῖνι1Salamis

The city of Salamis was on Cyprus Island.

1169ACT135ct8bfigs-synecdocheκατήγγελλον τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1they were proclaiming the word of God

Here word of God is a synecdoche for “message of God.” Alternate translation: “they proclaimed the message of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1170ACT135p5t3συναγωγαῖς τῶν Ἰουδαίων1synagogues of the Jews

Possible meanings are that (1) “there were multiple Jewish synagogues in the city of Salamis where Barnabas and Saul preached” or (2) “Barnabas and Saul started at the synagogue at Salamis and continued to preach in all the synagogues they found while they traveled around the Island of Cyprus.”

1171ACT135sxw6εἶχον δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννην, ὑπηρέτην1And they also had John as an assistant

“And John Mark went with them and was helping them”

1172ACT135ukx2ὑπηρέτην1as an assistant

“as a helper”

1173ACT136h9he0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul, Silas, and John Mark.The words “This man” refer to “Sergius Paulus.” The first word “he” refers to Sergius Paulus, the proconsul; the second word “he” refers to Elymas (also called Bar-Jesus), the magician.

1174ACT136ja1iὅλην τὴν νῆσον1the whole island

They crossed from one side of the island to the other and shared the gospel message in each town they passed through.

1175ACT136cl2zΠάφου1Paphos

a major city on Cyprus island where the proconsul lived

1176ACT136zf3bεὗρον1they found

Here found means they came upon him without looking for him. Alternate translation: “they met” or “they came upon”

1177ACT136xe7hἄνδρα, τινὰ μάγον1a certain man, a magician

“a particular person who practices witchcraft” or “a person who practices supernatural magic arts”

1178ACT136ak38translate-namesᾧ ὄνομα Βαριησοῦς1whose name was Bar Jesus

Bar Jesus means “Son of Jesus.” There is no relation between this man and Jesus Christ. Jesus was a common name at that time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1179ACT137bee2ἦν σὺν1was with

“was often with” or “was often in the company of”

1180ACT137s1suἀνθυπάτῳ1proconsul

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

1181ACT137h5xxwriting-backgroundἀνδρὶ συνετῷ1an intelligent man

This is background information about Sergius Paulus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1182ACT137abckοὗτος, προσκαλεσάμενος1He summoned

“The proconsul summoned”

1183ACT138lp2utranslate-namesἘλύμας ὁ μάγος1Elymas “the magician”

This was Bar-Jesus, who was also called “the magician.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1184ACT138qw4jοὕτως γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1for that is how his name is translated

“for that was what he was called in Greek”

1185ACT138n23sἀνθίστατο…αὐτοῖς…ζητῶν διαστρέψαι τὸν ἀνθύπατον1opposed them; he sought to turn the proconsul away

“resisted them by trying to turn the proconsul away” or “attempted to stop them by trying to turn the proconsul away”

1186ACT138w2xtfigs-metaphorζητῶν διαστρέψαι τὸν ἀνθύπατον ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως1he sought to turn the proconsul away from the faith

Here to turn … away from is a metaphor for convincing someone to not do something. Alternate translation: “he attempted to persuade the governor not to believe the gospel message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1187ACT139gws20General Information:

The word “him” refers to the magician Elymas, who is also called Bar Jesus (Acts 13:6-8).

1188ACT139nau10Connecting Statement:

While on the island of Paphos, Paul begins to talk to Elymas.

1189ACT139ey6dfigs-activepassiveΣαῦλος…ὁ καὶ Παῦλος1Saul, who is also Paul

Saul was his Jewish name, and Paul was his Roman name. Since he was speaking to a Roman official, he used his Roman name. Alternate translation: “Saul, who now called himself Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1190ACT139xjy9ἀτενίσας εἰς αὐτὸν1stared at him intensely

“looked at him intensely”

1191ACT1310r8x2ὦ πλήρης παντὸς δόλου καὶ πάσης ῥᾳδιουργίας1O one full of all deceit and all wickedness

“O you are always intent in causing others to believe what is not true using falsehood and always doing what is wrong”

1192ACT1310d2pkfigs-metonymyυἱὲ διαβόλου1son of the devil

Paul is saying the man is acting like the devil. Alternate translation: “you are like the devil” or “you act like the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1193ACT1310pyu7ῥᾳδιουργίας1wickedness

In this context it means to be lazy and not diligent in following Gods law.

1194ACT1310hlq9ἐχθρὲ πάσης δικαιοσύνης1enemy of all righteousness

Paul is grouping Elymas with the devil. Just as the devil is an enemy of God and is against righteousness, so also was Elymas.

1195ACT1310bc9pfigs-rquestionοὐ παύσῃ διαστρέφων τὰς ὁδοὺς τοῦ Κυρίου τὰς εὐθείας?1will you not stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?

Paul uses this question to rebuke Elymas for opposing God. Alternate translation: “you are always saying that the truth about the Lord God is false!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1196ACT1310p8safigs-idiomτὰς ὁδοὺς τοῦ Κυρίου τὰς εὐθείας1the straight paths of the Lord

Here straight paths refer to the ways that are true. Alternate translation: “the true ways of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1197ACT1311k51g0General Information:

The words “you” and “him” refer to Elymas the magician. The word “he” refers to the Sergius Paulus, proconsul (governor of Paphos).

1198ACT1311pey70Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to Elymas.

1199ACT1311xul9figs-metonymyχεὶρ Κυρίου ἐπὶ σέ1the hand of the Lord upon you

Here hand represents the power of God and “upon you” implies punishment. Alternate translation: “the Lord will punish you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1200ACT1311rse8figs-activepassiveἔσῃ τυφλὸς1you will be blind

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make you blind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1201ACT1311w3ghμὴ βλέπων τὸν ἥλιον1not seeing the sun

Elymas will be so completely blind that he not even be able to see the sun. Alternate translation: “you will not even see the sun”

1202ACT1311b5b8ἄχρι καιροῦ1for a time

“for a period of time” or “until the time appointed by God”

1203ACT1311t7j1ἔπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἀχλὺς καὶ σκότος1a mist and darkness fell on Elymas

“the eyes of Elymas became blurry and then dark” or “Elymas started seeing unclearly and then he could not see anything”

1204ACT1311a7esπεριάγων1he is going around

“Elymas wandered around” or “Elymas started feeling around and”

1205ACT1312x9flἀνθύπατος1proconsul

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

1206ACT1312pyh7ἐπίστευσεν1believed

“believed in Jesus”

1207ACT1312twa8figs-activepassiveἐκπλησσόμενος ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ τοῦ Κυρίου1being astonished at the teaching of the Lord

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the teaching about the Lord amazing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1208ACT1313i65twriting-background0General Information:

Verses 13 and 14 give background information about this part of the story. “Paul and his friends” were Barnabas and John Mark (also called John). From this point on, Saul is called Paul in Acts. Pauls name is listed first which indicates that he had become the leader of the group. It is important to keep this order in the translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1209ACT1313rk3k0Connecting Statement:

This is a new part of the story about Paul in Antioch in Pisidia.

1210ACT1313r9hiδὲ1Now

This marks the beginning of a new part of the story.

1211ACT1313abclοἱ περὶ, Παῦλον1those around Paul

This refers to Paul and his companions.

1212ACT1313k4s9ἀναχθέντες…ἀπὸ τῆς Πάφου1having set sail from Paphos

“having traveled by sailboat from Paphos”

1213ACT1313h1cbἦλθον εἰς Πέργην τῆς Παμφυλίας1came to Perga in Pamphylia

“arrived in Perga which is in Pamphylia”

1214ACT1313g6l5Ἰωάννης δὲ ἀποχωρήσας ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1But John, withdrawing from them

“But John Mark, leaving Paul and Barnabas”

1215ACT1314vrp1Ἀντιόχειαν τὴν Πισιδίαν1Antioch of Pisidia

“the city of Antioch in the district of Pisidia”

1216ACT1315dnb4figs-synecdocheμετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν1And after the reading of the law and of the prophets

The law and prophets refer to parts of the Jewish scriptures which were read. Alternate translation: “And after someone read from the books of the law and the writings of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1217ACT1315z7bhἀπέστειλαν…πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντες1sent to them, saying

“told someone to say to them” or “asked someone to tell them”

1218ACT1315td4hἀδελφοί1brothers

The term brothers is here used by the people in the synagogue to refer to Paul and Barnabas as fellow Jews.

1219ACT1315jru8εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἐν ὑμῖν λόγος παρακλήσεως πρὸς τὸν λαόν1if there is among you any word of exhortation for the people

“if you want to say anything to encourage our people”

1220ACT1315kj1hλέγετε1speak it

“please speak it” or “please tell it to us”

1221ACT1316tbc4figs-exclusive0General Information:

The first word “he” refers to Paul. The second word “he” refers to God. Here the word “our” refers to Paul and his fellow Jews. The words “they” and “them” refer to the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1222ACT1316p93q0Connecting Statement:

Paul begins his speech to those in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. He begins by talking about things that happened in Israels history.

1223ACT1316i8pztranslate-symactionκατασείσας τῇ χειρὶ1motioned with his hand

This could refer to moving his hands as a signal that he was ready to speak. Alternate translation: “moving his hands to show that he was about to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1224ACT1316rh93οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν1ones who fear God

This refers to Gentiles who had converted to Judaism. “you who are not Israelites but who worship God”

1225ACT1316ah55τὸν Θεόν, ἀκούσατε1God, listen

“God, listen to me” or “God, listen to what I am about to say”

1226ACT1317se2bὁ Θεὸς τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου Ἰσραὴλ1The God of this people Israel

“The God whom the people of Israel worship”

1227ACT1317l9cnτοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν1our fathers

“our ancestors”

1228ACT1317aaj5τὸν λαὸν ὕψωσεν1exalted the people

“caused our people to become very numerous”

1229ACT1317vw4zfigs-metonymyμετὰ βραχίονος ὑψηλοῦ1with an uplifted arm

This refers to Gods mighty power. Alternate translation: “with great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1230ACT1317b74tἐξ αὐτῆς1from it

“out from the land of Egypt”

1231ACT1318zv9eἐτροποφόρησεν αὐτοὺς1he put up with them

This means “he tolerated them.” Some versions have a different word that means “he took care of them.” Alternate translation: “God endured their disobedience” or “God took care of them”

1232ACT1319nvp7figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to God. The words “their land” refer to the land the seven nations had previously occupied. The word “them” refers to the people of Israel. The word “our” refers to Paul and his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1233ACT1319h5qgἔθνη1nations

Here the word nations refers to different people groups and not to geographical boundaries.

1234ACT1320abcmἔδωκεν1he gave them

“God gave them”

1235ACT1320qmc8ἕως Σαμουὴλ προφήτου1until Samuel the prophet

“until the time of the prophet Samuel”

1236ACT1321akg60General Information:

The quotation here is from the history of Samuel and from a Psalm of Ethan in the Old Testament.

1237ACT1321yxi8ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα1for 40 years

“to be their king for 40 years”

1238ACT1322z4x3μεταστήσας αὐτὸν1having removed him

This expression means God caused Saul to stop being king. Alternate translation: “rejected Saul from being king”

1239ACT1322bsp6ἤγειρεν τὸν Δαυεὶδ αὐτοῖς εἰς βασιλέα1he raised up David for them as their king

“God chose David to be their king”

1240ACT1322iyd6βασιλέα1their king

“the king of Israel” or “the king over the Israelites”

1241ACT1322sw2rᾧ καὶ εἶπεν μαρτυρήσας1to whom having testified, he also said

“about whom God testified by saying”

1242ACT1322dbu5εὗρον1I have found

“I have observed that”

1243ACT1322mp53figs-idiomἄνδρα κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν μου1a man according to my heart

This expression means he “a man who wants what I want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1244ACT1323lby60General Information:

The quotation here is from the Gospels.

1245ACT1323xj5aτούτου…ἀπὸ τοῦ σπέρματος1From the descendants of this one

“From Davids descendants.” This is placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that the savior had to be one of Davids descendants (Acts 13:22).

1246ACT1323kc76figs-metonymyἤγαγεν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ1brought to Israel

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “gave to the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1247ACT1323mk5gκατ’ ἐπαγγελίαν1according to promise

“just as God promised he would do”

1248ACT1324abcnπρὸ προσώπου τῆς εἰσόδου αὐτοῦ1before the face of his coming

“before the coming of Jesus”

1249ACT1324x892figs-abstractnounsβάπτισμα μετανοίας1a baptism of repentance

You can translate the word repentance as the verb “repent.” Alternate translation: “a baptism to repent” or “a baptism that people requested when they wanted to repent for their sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1250ACT1325vww3figs-rquestionτί ἐμὲ ὑπονοεῖτε εἶναι?1Who do you think I am?

John asked this question to compel the people to think about who he was. Alternate translation: “Think about who I am.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1251ACT1325rp32figs-explicitοὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγώ1I am not him

John was referring to the Messiah, whom they were expecting to come. Alternate translation: “I am not the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1252ACT1325nnl5ἀλλ’ ἰδοὺ1But behold

This emphasizes the importance of what he will say next.

1253ACT1325r1plfigs-explicitἔρχεται μετ’ ἐμὲ1one is coming after me

This also refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “the Messiah will soon come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1254ACT1325gys2οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἄξιος τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν λῦσαι1of whom the sandals of his feet I am not worthy to untie

“and I am not worthy even to untie his shoes.” The Messiah is so much greater than John that he did not even feel worthy do the lowest job for him.

1255ACT1326jdp6figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “they” and “their” refers to the Jews who lived in Jerusalem. Here the word “us” includes Paul and his entire audience in the synagogue. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1256ACT1326kci9ἀδελφοί, υἱοὶ γένους Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἐν ὑμῖν φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν1brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God

Paul addresses his audience of Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism to remind them of their special status as worshiping the true God.

1257ACT1326u6znfigs-activepassiveὁ λόγος τῆς σωτηρίας ταύτης ἐξαπεστάλη1the word about this salvation has been sent

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has sent the message about this salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1258ACT1326v6r3figs-abstractnounsτῆς σωτηρίας ταύτης1about this salvation

The word salvation can be translated with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “that God will save people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1259ACT1327psk5τοῦτον ἀγνοήσαντες1did not recognize this one

“did not realize that this man Jesus was the one whom God had sent to save them”

1260ACT1327ri1ffigs-metonymyτὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν1the voices of the prophets

Here the word voices represents the message of the prophets. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets” or “the message of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1261ACT1327m4tzfigs-activepassiveτὰς…ἀναγινωσκομένας2that are read

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which someone reads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1262ACT1327rle6τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν…ἐπλήρωσαν1they fulfilled the voices of the prophets

“they actually did just what the prophets said that they would do”

1263ACT1328v3hw0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word him” here refers to Jesus.

1264ACT1328y9j6μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου εὑρόντες1they found no reason for death

“they did not find any reason why anyone should kill Jesus”

1265ACT1328d4xmᾐτήσαντο Πειλᾶτον1they asked Pilate

The word asked here is a strong word meaning to demand, beg or plead for.

1266ACT1329sq1jὡς δὲ ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ γεγραμμένα1And when they had completed all that had been written about him

“And when they did to Jesus all the things that the prophets said would happen to him”

1267ACT1329m5f1figs-explicitκαθελόντες ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου1taking him down from the tree

It may be helpful to explicitly say Jesus died before this happened. Alternate translation: “they killed Jesus and then took him down from the cross after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1268ACT1329vwt4figs-explicitἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου1from the tree

“from the cross.” This was another way people at that time referred to the cross. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1269ACT1330h5jwὁ δὲ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν1But God raised him

But indicates a strong contrast between what the people did and what God did.

1270ACT1330mqx8ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν1raised him from the dead

“raised him from among those who were dead.” To be with the dead means that Jesus was dead.

1271ACT1330zsx4figs-idiomἤγειρεν αὐτὸν1raised him

Here, raised is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “caused him to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1272ACT1330d14pἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To raise someone from among them speaks of making that person alive again.

1273ACT1331ig7wfigs-activepassiveὃς ὤφθη ἐπὶ ἡμέρας πλείους τοῖς συναναβᾶσιν αὐτῷ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ1He was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The disciples who traveled with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him for many days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1274ACT1331g4vlἡμέρας πλείους1many days

We know from other writings that this period was 40 days. Translate many days with a term that would be appropriate for that length of time.

1275ACT1331vqj4νῦν εἰσιν μάρτυρες αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν λαόν1are now his witnesses to the people

“are now testifying to the people about Jesus” or “are now telling the people about Jesus”

1276ACT1332ipb90General Information:

The second quotation here is from the prophet Isaiah.

1277ACT1332y273καὶ1And

This word marks an event that happened because of previous event. In this case, the previous event is Gods raising Jesus from the dead.

1278ACT1332hr2gτοὺς πατέρας1our fathers

“our ancestors.” Paul is still speaking to the Jews and Gentile converts in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. These were the physical ancestors of the Jews, and the spiritual ancestors of the converts.

1279ACT1333b1uhtranslate-versebridgeταύτην ὁ Θεὸς ἐκπεπλήρωκεν τοῖς τέκνοις ἡμῶν1God has fulfilled this for our children

You may need to rearrange the parts of this sentence, which begins in verse 32. “God has fulfilled for us, their children, these promises that he made to our ancestors, by” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

1280ACT1333dy6wτοῖς τέκνοις ἡμῶν1for our children

Paul is still speaking to the Jews and Gentile converts in the synagogue at Antioch of Pisidia. Some ancient copies read, “for us, their children” but the best copies read, “for our children.”

1281ACT1333d95nfigs-idiomἀναστήσας Ἰησοῦν1by raising up Jesus

Here raising up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “by making Jesus alive again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1282ACT1333y3tzὡς καὶ ἐν τῷ ψαλμῷ γέγραπται τῷ δευτέρῳ1As it is also written in the second Psalm

“This is what was also written in the second Psalm”

1283ACT1333h9irτῷ ψαλμῷ…τῷ δευτέρῳ1the second Psalm

“Psalm 2”

1284ACT1333tla1guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱός…γεγέννηκά σε1Son … I have fathered you

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1285ACT1334iy5qὅτι δὲ ἀνέστησεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν, μηκέτι μέλλοντα ὑποστρέφειν εἰς διαφθοράν, οὕτως εἴρηκεν1And that he raised him up from the dead, never to be about to return to decay, he has spoken in this way

“God spoke these words about his making Jesus alive again so that he would never die again”

1286ACT1334h3njἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

1287ACT1334q3kqτὰ ὅσια…τὰ πιστά1the holy and sure blessings

“the holy and certain blessings”

1288ACT1335r1evfigs-explicitδιότι καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει1On account of this he also says in another place

Pauls audience would have understood that this Psalm refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “In another Psalm of David, he also says about the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1289ACT1335gl8sκαὶ…λέγει1he also says

“David also says.” David is the author of Psalm 16 from which this quotation is taken.

1290ACT1335hvt8figs-metonymyοὐ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1You will not allow your Holy One to see decay

The phrase see decay is a metonym for “decay.” Alternate translation: “You will not allow the body of your Holy One to rot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1291ACT1335ry97οὐ δώσεις1You will not allow

David is speaking to God here.

1292ACT1336u8vhἰδίᾳ γενεᾷ1in his own generation

“during his lifetime”

1293ACT1336m5wxὑπηρετήσας τῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ βουλῇ1having served the counsel of God

“having done what God wanted him to do” or “after he had done what pleased God”

1294ACT1336rpb4figs-euphemismἐκοιμήθη1fell asleep

This was a polite way to refer to death. Alternate translation: “he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1295ACT1336nwy9προσετέθη πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας αὐτοῦ1was laid with his fathers

“was buried with his ancestors who had died”

1296ACT1336la5sfigs-metonymyεἶδεν διαφθοράν1saw decay

The phrase saw decay is a metonym for “his body decayed.” Alternate translation: “his body rotted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1297ACT1337bmw3ὃν δὲ1But he whom

“But Jesus whom”

1298ACT1337n9plfigs-idiomὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν1God raised up

Here raised up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused to live again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1299ACT1337j52xfigs-metonymyοὐκ εἶδεν διαφθοράν1did not see decay

The phrase did not see decay is a way to say “his body did not decay.” Alternate translation: “did not rot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1300ACT1338ki8q0General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Jesus.

1301ACT1338yg35γνωστὸν…ἔστω ὑμῖν1let it be known to you

“know this” or “this is important for you to know”

1302ACT1338qy18ἀδελφοί1brothers

Paul uses this term because they are his fellow-Jews and followers of Judaism. They are not Christian believers at this point. Alternate translation: “my fellow Israelites and other friends”

1303ACT1338t3i5figs-activepassiveὅτι διὰ τούτου, ὑμῖν ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν καταγγέλλεται, καὶ1that because of this, forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, and freedom

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that we proclaim to you that your sins can be forgiven through Jesus, and you can be free” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1304ACT1338w7y1figs-abstractnounsἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν1forgiveness of sins

The abstract noun “forgiveness” can be translated with the verb “to forgive.” Alternate translation: “that God can forgive your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1305ACT1339g5h9figs-activepassiveἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων δικαιοῦται1In this one every one who believes is justified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus justifies everyone who believes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1306ACT1339j6rrἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων1In this one every one who believes

“By him every person who believes” or “Every one who believes in him”

1307ACT1340kk1j0General Information:

In his message to the people in the synagogue, Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk. Here the word “I” refers to God.

1308ACT1340zx6p0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes his speech in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, which he began in Acts 13:16.

1309ACT1340y2kgfigs-explicitβλέπετε1be careful that

It is implied that the thing they should be careful about is Pauls message. Alternate translation: “give close attention to the things I have said so that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1310ACT1340tt1xτὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις1the thing spoken about in the prophets

“what the prophets spoke about”

1311ACT1341tqk5ἴδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί1Look, you despisers

“Look, you who feel contempt” or “Look, you who ridicule”

1312ACT1341ky3sθαυμάσατε1be astonished

“be amazed” or “be shocked”

1313ACT1341ilh2καὶ ἀφανίσθητε1and perish

“and die”

1314ACT1341dvn1ἔργον ἐργάζομαι1am doing a work

“am doing something”

1315ACT1341nm2qἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν1in your days

“during your lifetime”

1316ACT1341w6tqἔργον ὃ1A work that

“I am doing something which”

1317ACT1341p4c2ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται ὑμῖν1even if someone would announce it to you

“even if someone would tell you about it”

1318ACT1342ax8vἐξιόντων δὲ, αὐτῶν1And as they were leaving

“When Paul and Barnabas were leaving”

1319ACT1342f3swπαρεκάλουν1they begged them

“the people begged them”

1320ACT1342y4p9figs-metonymyτὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα1these same words

Here words refers to the message that Paul had spoken. Alternate translation: “this same message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1321ACT1343a58zλυθείσης δὲ τῆς συναγωγῆς1And when the synagogue meeting had ended

Possible meanings are (1) this restates “As Paul and Barnabas left” in verse 42 or (2) Paul and Barnabas left the meeting before it ended and this occurs later.

1322ACT1343sws7προσηλύτων1proselytes

These were non-Jewish people who converted to Judaism.

1323ACT1343q2ajοἵτινες προσλαλοῦντες αὐτοῖς, ἔπειθον αὐτοὺς1who speaking to them, urged them

“and Paul and Barnabas spoke to those people and urged them”

1324ACT1343fv15figs-explicitπροσμένειν τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ1to continue in the grace of God

It is implied that they believed Pauls message that Jesus was the Messiah. Alternate translation: “to continue to trust that God kindly forgives peoples sins because of what Jesus did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1325ACT1344m1290General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

1326ACT1344vq3yfigs-metonymyσχεδὸν πᾶσα ἡ πόλις συνήχθη1almost the whole city was gathered together

The city represents the people in the city. This phrase is used to show the great response to the Lords word. Alternate translation: “almost all the people of the city were gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1327ACT1344yga7figs-explicitἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1to hear the word of the Lord

It is implied that Paul and Barnabas were the ones who spoke the word of the Lord. Alternate translation: “to hear Paul and Barnabas speak about the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1328ACT1345j4zqfigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

Here Jews represents Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1329ACT1345qrh2figs-metaphorἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου1they were filled with jealousy

Here jealousy is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: “they became very jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1330ACT1345nc5lἀντέλεγον1spoke against

“contradicted” or “opposed”

1331ACT1345m1anfigs-activepassiveτοῖς ὑπὸ Παύλου λαλουμένοις1the things that were said by Paul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that Paul said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1332ACT1346zvt5figs-exclusive0General Information:

The first two instances of the word “you” are plural and refer to the Jews to whom Paul is speaking. Here the words “we” and “us” refers to Paul and Barnabas but not the crowd that was present. Pauls quotation is from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. In the original passage, the word “I” refers to God and the word “you” is singular and refers to the Messiah. Here, Paul and Barnabas seem to be saying that the quotation also refers to their ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1333ACT1346as6qfigs-explicitἦν ἀναγκαῖον1It was necessary for

This implies that God had commanded this be done. Alternate translation: “God commanded that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1334ACT1346jn55figs-activepassiveὑμῖν…ἀναγκαῖον πρῶτον λαληθῆναι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1necessary for the word of God first to be spoken to you

This can be stated in active form. “Word of God” here is a synecdoche for “message from God.” Alternate translation: “necessary that we speak the message from God to you first” or “the message of God had to be spoken to you first” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1335ACT1346lly5figs-metaphorἐπειδὴ ἀπωθεῖσθε αὐτὸν1Since you reject it

Their rejection of the word of God is spoken of as if it were something they pushed away. Alternate translation: “Since you reject the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1336ACT1346ms36οὐκ ἀξίους κρίνετε ἑαυτοὺς τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς1judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life

“seem to think you are not worthy of eternal life” or “act as though you are not worthy of eternal life”

1337ACT1346rf9kfigs-explicitστρεφόμεθα εἰς τὰ ἔθνη1we will turn to the Gentiles

“we will go to the Gentiles.” Paul and Barnadas were implying that they would preach to the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “we will leave you and start preaching to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1338ACT1347v8aufigs-metaphorεἰς φῶς1as a light

Here the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were a light that allowed people to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1339ACT1347t5spfigs-abstractnounsεἶναί…εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς1should be for salvation as far as the end of the earth

The abstract word salvation can be translated with the verb “to save.” The phrase end refers to everywhere. Alternate translation: “should tell people everywhere in the world that I want to save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1340ACT1348e9agfigs-metonymyἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1glorified the word of the Lord

Here word refers to the message about Jesus that they had believed. Alternate translation: “praised God for the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1341ACT1348jct2figs-activepassiveὅσοι ἦσαν τεταγμένοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον1as many as were appointed to eternal life

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as many as God appointed to eternal life” or “all the people whom God had chosen to receive eternal life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1342ACT1349qh9zfigs-metonymyδιεφέρετο…ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου δι’ ὅλης τῆς χώρας1the word of the Lord was being spread throughout the whole region

Here word refers to the message about Jesus. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those who believed spread the word of the Lord through the whole region” or “those who believed went everywhere in the region and told others about the message of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1343ACT1350eqi50General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1344ACT1350t4bv0Connecting Statement:

This ends Paul and Barnabas time in Antioch of Pisidia and they go to Iconium.

1345ACT1350u8rmfigs-synecdocheοἱ…Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This probably refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1346ACT1350cf21παρώτρυναν1stirred up

“convinced” or “urged on”

1347ACT1350wmm5τοὺς πρώτους1the leading men

“the most important men”

1348ACT1350n7qeἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν ἐπὶ τὸν Παῦλον καὶ Βαρναβᾶν1a persecution arose against Paul and Barnabas

“They convinced the important men and women to persecute Paul and Barnabas”

1349ACT1350cq9hἐξέβαλον αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν1threw them out from their boundaries

“they removed Paul and Barnabas from their city”

1350ACT1351abcoοἱ δὲ, ἐκτιναξάμενοι1But when they had shaken off

“But after Paul and Silas shook off”

1351ACT1351xi1zwriting-symlanguageοἱ…ἐκτιναξάμενοι τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς1when they had shaken off the dust from their feet against them

This was a symbolic act to indicate to the unbelieving people that God had rejected them and would punish them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-symlanguage]])

1352ACT1352dp5kοἵ…μαθηταὶ1the disciples

This probably refers to the new believers in the Antioch of Pisidia that Paul and Silas just left.

1353ACT14introrsg20

Acts 14 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“The message of his grace”

The message of Jesus is the message that God will show grace to those who believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]])

Zeus and Hermes

The Gentiles in the Roman Empire worshiped many different false gods who do not really exist. Paul and Barnabas told them to believe in the “living God.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“We must enter into the kingdom of God through many sufferings.”

Jesus told his followers before he died that everyone who followed him would suffer persecution. Paul is saying the same thing using different words.

1354ACT141vh8u0General Information:

The story of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium continues.

1355ACT141hk1zἐγένετο δὲ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ1And it happened that Iconium

This begins a new event.

1356ACT141f4sqfigs-explicitλαλῆσαι οὕτως1spoke in such a way

“spoke so powerfully.” It may be helpful to state that they spoke the message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “spoke the message about Jesus powerfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1357ACT142wc4xοἱ…ἀπειθήσαντες Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews who were disobedient

This refers to a portion of the Jews who did not believe the message about Jesus.

1358ACT142n2ppfigs-metaphorἐπήγειραν…τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν ἐθνῶν1stirred up the souls of the Gentiles

Causing the Gentiles to become angry is spoken of as if calm waters were disturbed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1359ACT142k8mvfigs-synecdocheτὰς ψυχὰς1the souls

Here the word souls refers to the people. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1360ACT142fu13τῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

Here brothers refers to Paul and Barnabas and the new believers.

1361ACT143lp4v0General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to the Lord.

1362ACT143a3gpμὲν οὖν…διέτριψαν1So they stayed there

“Nevertheless they stayed there.” Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium to help the many people who had believed in Acts 14:1. So could be omitted if it adds confusion to the text.

1363ACT143f2xhτῷ μαρτυροῦντι τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1who is testifying to the word of his grace

“who demonstrated that the message about his grace was true”

1364ACT143wcn5τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1to the word of his grace

“about the message of the Lords grace”

1365ACT143c2cvfigs-activepassiveδιδόντι σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα γίνεσθαι διὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν1by granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by enabling Paul and Barnabas to perform signs and wonders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1366ACT143p9iqfigs-synecdocheδιὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν1by their hands

Here hands refers to the will and effort of these two men as guided by the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “by the ministry of Paul and Barnabas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1367ACT144btu3figs-metonymyἐσχίσθη…τὸ πλῆθος τῆς πόλεως1the population of the city was divided

Here population of the city refers to the people in the city. Alternate translation: “most of the people of the city were divided” or “most of the people of the city did not agree with each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1368ACT144smz5ἦσαν σὺν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις1were with the Jews

“supported the Jews” or “agreed with the Jews.” The first group mentioned did not agree with the message about grace.

1369ACT144q1xcfigs-ellipsisσὺν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις1with the apostles

The second group mentioned agreed with the message about grace. It may be helpful to restate the verb. Alternate translation: “sided with the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1370ACT144mw9hτοῖς ἀποστόλοις1the apostles

Luke refers to Paul and Barnabas. Here apostles might be used in the general sense of “ones sent out.”

1371ACT145s5h70General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1372ACT145q6g2ὑβρίσαι καὶ λιθοβολῆσαι αὐτούς1to mistreat and stone them

“to beat Paul and Barnabas and to kill them by throwing stones at them”

1373ACT146tpl1translate-namesτῆς Λυκαονίας1of Lycaonia

A district in Asia Minor (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1374ACT146m5gvtranslate-namesΛύστραν1Lystra

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and north of Derbe (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1375ACT146tl4qtranslate-namesΔέρβην1Derbe

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and Lystra (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1376ACT147z5ndκἀκεῖ εὐαγγελιζόμενοι ἦσαν1and where they continued to proclaim the gospel

“and where Paul and Barnabas continued to proclaim the good news”

1377ACT148ep460General Information:

The first word “he” refers to the crippled man; the second word “he” refers to Paul. The word “him” refers to the crippled man.

1378ACT148l5pu0Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are now in Lystra.

1379ACT148wb5kwriting-participantsτις ἀνὴρ…ἐκάθητο1a certain man sat

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1380ACT148kz7dἀδύνατος…τοῖς ποσὶν1powerless in his feet

“unable to move his legs” or “unable to walk on his feet”

1381ACT148tca1χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ1lame from the womb of his mother

“having been born as a cripple”

1382ACT148hw4lχωλὸς1crippled

unable to walk

1383ACT149di49ὃς ἀτενίσας αὐτῷ1He looked intently at him

“Paul looked straight at the man”

1384ACT149xak4figs-abstractnounsἔχει πίστιν τοῦ σωθῆναι1he has faith to be saved

The abstract noun faith can be translated with the verb to be saved. Alternate translation: “he believed that Jesus could heal him” or “he believed that Jesus could make him well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1385ACT1410v1kzἥλατο1he jumped up

“he dleaped in the air.” This implies that his legs were completely healed.

1386ACT1411axe6ὃ ἐποίησεν Παῦλος1what Paul had done

This refers to Pauls healing the crippled man.

1387ACT1411lvs9ἐπῆραν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτῶν1they raised their voice

Here raised their voice means to speak loudly. Alternate translation: “they spoke loudly” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom)

1388ACT1411d1gzfigs-explicitοἱ θεοὶ…κατέβησαν πρὸς ἡμᾶς1The gods … have come down to us

A large number of people believed Paul and Barnabas were their pagan gods who had come down from heaven. Alternate translation: “The gods … have come down from heaven to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1389ACT1411x3biΛυκαονιστὶ1in the Lycaonian language

“in their own Lycaonian language.” The people of Lystra spoke Lycaonian and also Greek.

1390ACT1411rm85ὁμοιωθέντες ἀνθρώποις1being made like men

These people believed that the gods needed to change their appearance in order to look like men.

1391ACT1412t7uutranslate-namesΔία1Zeus

Zeus was the king over all the other pagan gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1392ACT1412hh25translate-namesἙρμῆν1Hermes

Hermes was the pagan god who brought messages to people from Zeus and the other gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1393ACT1413iz6rfigs-explicitὅ τε ἱερεὺς τοῦ Διὸς, τοῦ ὄντος πρὸ τῆς πόλεως…ἐνέγκας1And the priest of the temple of Zeus, which was in front of the city, brought

It may be helpful to include additional information about the priest. Alternate translation: “And there was a temple just outside the city where the people worshiped Zeus. When the priest who served in the temple heard what Paul and Barnabas had done, he brought” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1394ACT1413v2a9ταύρους καὶ στέμματα1oxen and wreaths

The oxen were to be sacrificed. The wreaths were either to crown Paul and Barnabas, or put on the oxen for sacrifice.

1395ACT1413iha1ἐπὶ τοὺς πυλῶνας1to the gates

The gates of the cities were often used as a meeting place for the people of the city.

1396ACT1413ud37ἤθελεν θύειν1wanting to sacrifice

“wanting to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as the gods Zeus and Hermes”

1397ACT1414kt1fοἱ ἀπόστολοι Βαρναβᾶς καὶ Παῦλος1the apostles, Barnabas and Paul

Luke is here probably using apostle in the general sense of “one sent out.”

1398ACT1414kx43διαρρήξαντες τὰ ἱμάτια ἑαυτῶν1they tore their clothing

This was a symbolic action to show that they were deeply distressed and upset that the crowd wanted to sacrifice to them.

1399ACT1415w4fdfigs-rquestionἄνδρες, τί ταῦτα ποιεῖτε?1Men, why are you doing these things?

Barnabas and Paul are rebuking the people for trying to sacrifice to them. Alternate translation: “Men, you must not do these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1400ACT1415f8vcταῦτα ποιεῖτε1are you doing these things

“are you worshiping us”

1401ACT1415u9pqκαὶ ἡμεῖς ὁμοιοπαθεῖς ἐσμεν ὑμῖν ἄνθρωποι1We also are men with the same feelings as you

By this statement, Barnabas and Paul are saying that they are not gods. Alternate translation: “We are just human beings like you. We are not gods!”

1402ACT1415n9e4ὁμοιοπαθεῖς…ὑμῖν1with the same feelings as you

“like you in every way”

1403ACT1415n98gfigs-metaphorἀπὸ τούτων τῶν ματαίων ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ Θεὸν ζῶντα1turn from these useless things to a living God

Here turn from … to is a metaphor meaning to stop doing one thing and start doing something else. Alternate translation: “stop worshiping these false gods that cannot help you, and instead begin to worship the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1404ACT1415qr5bΘεὸν ζῶντα1a living God

“a God who truly exists” or “a God who lives”

1405ACT1416s2rnἐν ταῖς παρῳχημέναις γενεαῖς1In the generations gone by

“In previous times” or “Until now”

1406ACT1416vpt5figs-metaphorπορεύεσθαι ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν1to go their own ways

Going in a way, or going along a path, is a metaphor for living ones life. Alternate translation: “to live their lives the way they wanted to” or “to do whatever they wanted to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1407ACT1417fw2s0Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas continue speaking to the crowd outside the city of Lystra (Acts 14:8).

1408ACT1417kig8figs-litotesοὐκ ἀμάρτυρον αὑτὸν ἀφῆκεν1he did not leave himself without witness

This could also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “God has certainly left a witness” or “God has indeed testified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1409ACT1417ps9zfigs-metonymyἐμπιπλῶν τροφῆς καὶ εὐφροσύνης τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν1filling your hearts with food and gladness

Here your hearts refers to the people. Alternate translation: “giving you enough to eat and things about which to be happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1410ACT1418ut73μόλις κατέπαυσαν τοὺς ὄχλους τοῦ μὴ θύειν αὐτοῖς1they barely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them

Paul and Barnabas stopped the multitude from sacrificing to them, but it was difficult to do so.

1411ACT1418la43μόλις κατέπαυσαν1they barely restrained

“had difficulty preventing”

1412ACT1419bz7k0General Information:

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Paul.

1413ACT1419wmc2figs-explicitπείσαντες τοὺς ὄχλους1persuaded the crowds

It my be helpful to explicitly state what they persuaded the crowd to do. Alternate translation: “persuaded the people not to believe Paul and Barnabas, and to turn against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1414ACT1419xbv3τοὺς ὄχλους1the crowds

This may not be the same group as the “multitude” in the previous verse. Some time had passed, and this might be a different group that gathered together.

1415ACT1419t8mgνομίζοντες αὐτὸν τεθνηκέναι1thinking him to be dead

“because they thought that he was already dead”

1416ACT1420pan3τῶν μαθητῶν1the disciples

These were new believers in the city of Lystra.

1417ACT1420aqx3εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν1he entered into the city

“Paul re-entered Lystra with the believers”

1418ACT1420e2y9ἐξῆλθεν σὺν τῷ Βαρναβᾷ εἰς Δέρβην1he went with Barnabas to Derbe

“Paul and Barnabas went to the city of Derbe”

1419ACT1421wv7efigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “they” and “They” refer to Paul. Here the word “We” includes Paul, Barnabas, and the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1420ACT1421ykt4τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην1in that city

“in Derbe” (Acts 14:20)

1421ACT1422ek9lfigs-synecdocheἐπιστηρίζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν μαθητῶν1They were strengthening the souls of the disciples

Here souls refers to the disciples. This emphasizes their inner thoughts and beliefs. Alternate translation: “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to believe the message about Jesus” or “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to grow strong in their relationship with Jesus (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1422ACT1422zkd2παρακαλοῦντες ἐμμένειν τῇ πίστει1and encouraging them to continue in the faith

“and encouraging the believers to keep trusting in Jesus”

1423ACT1422d9icwriting-quotationsκαὶ ὅτι διὰ πολλῶν θλίψεων, δεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1and saying, “It is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God through many afflictions.”

Some version translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “and saying that we must enter into the kingdom of God through many sufferings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

1424ACT1422wu1cfigs-exclusiveδεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν1It is necessary for us to enter

Paul includes his hearers, so the word us is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1425ACT1423pk5l0General Information:

Except for the third use of the word “they” which refers to the people that Paul and Barnabas had led to the Lord, all the words “they” here refer to Paul and Barnabas.

1426ACT1423mqp9χειροτονήσαντες δὲ αὐτοῖς κατ’ ἐκκλησίαν πρεσβυτέρους1And when they had appointed for them elders in every church

“And when Paul and Barnabas had appointed leaders in each new group of believers”

1427ACT1423nd87παρέθεντο αὐτοὺς1they entrusted them

Possible meanings are (1) “Paul and Barnabas entrusted the elders they had appointed” or (2) “Paul and Barnabas entrusted the leaders and other believers”

1428ACT1423ls62εἰς ὃν πεπιστεύκεισαν1in whom they had believed

Who they refers to depends on your choice for the meaning of “them” in the previous note (either elders or leaders and other believers).

1429ACT1425t513figs-metonymyκαὶ λαλήσαντες ἐν Πέργῃ τὸν λόγον1And when they had spoken the word in Perga

Here word is a metonym for “message of God.” Alternate translation: “And when they had spoken the message about Jesus in Perga” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1430ACT1425h8shκατέβησαν εἰς Ἀττάλιαν1they went down to Attalia

The phrase went down is used here because Attalia is lower in elevation than Perga.

1431ACT1426f2cgὅθεν ἦσαν παραδεδομένοι τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ1where they had been commended to the grace of God

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “where believers and leaders in Antioch had commended Paul and Barnabas to the grace of God” or “where the people of Antioch prayed that God would care for and protect Paul and Barnabas”

1432ACT1427vcd30General Information:

Here the words “they,” “them,” and “They” refer to Paul and Barnabas. The word “he” refers to God.

1433ACT1427i9dvσυναγαγόντες τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1gathered together the church

“called the local believers to meet together”

1434ACT1427b4idfigs-metaphorἤνοιξεν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν θύραν πίστεως1he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles

Gods enabling the Gentiles to believe is spoken of as if he had opened a door that had prevented them from entering into faith. Alternate translation: “God had made it possible for the Gentiles to believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1435ACT1428abcqfigs-litotesχρόνον οὐκ ὀλίγον1for not a little time

This phrase is a litotes. The words not and a little together mean “a lot.” Alternate translation: “for a long time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1436ACT15introh9170

Acts 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 15:16-17.

The meeting that Luke describes in this chapter is commonly called the “Jerusalem Council.” This was a time when many church leaders got together to decide if believers needed to obey the whole law of Moses.

Special concepts in this chapter

Brothers

In this chapter Luke begins to use the word “brothers” to refer to fellow Christians instead of fellow Jews.

Obeying the law of Moses

Some believers wanted the Gentiles to be circumcised because God had told Abraham and Moses that everyone who wanted to belong to him had to be circumcised and that this was a law that would always exist. But Paul and Barnabas had seen God give uncircumcised Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit, so they did not want the Gentiles to be circumcised. Both groups went to Jerusalem to have the church leaders decide what they should do.

“Abstain from things sacrificed to idols, blood, things strangled, and from sexual immorality”

It is possible that the church leaders decided on these laws so that Jews and Gentiles could not only live together but eat the same foods together.

1437ACT151qck60Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are still in Antioch when there is a dispute about the Gentiles and circumcision.

1438ACT151su66figs-explicitτινες1certain ones

“some men.” You can make explicit that these men were Jews who believed in Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1439ACT151p3k9κατελθόντες ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1coming down from Judea

The phrase coming down is used here because Judea is higher in elevation than Antioch.

1440ACT151zi1nfigs-explicitἐδίδασκον τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1taught the brothers

Here brothers stands for believers in Christ. It is implied that they were in Antioch. Alternate translation: “taught the believers at Antioch” or “were teaching the believers at Antioch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1441ACT151pm8hfigs-activepassiveἐὰν μὴ περιτμηθῆτε τῷ ἔθει τῷ Μωϋσέως, οὐ δύνασθε σωθῆναι1Unless you are circumcised in the custom of Moses, you are not able to be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Unless someone circumcises you in the custom of Moses, God cannot save you” or “God will not save you from your sins unless you receive circumcision according to the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1442ACT152abcrfigs-litotesστάσεως καὶ ζητήσεως οὐκ ὀλίγης1not a little dispute and debate

This phrase is a litotes. The words not and a little together mean “a lot.” Alternate translation: “a sharp dispute and debate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1443ACT152f9ndfigs-abstractnounsστάσεως καὶ ζητήσεως οὐκ ὀλίγης1not a little dispute and debate

The abstract nouns dispute and debate can be stated as verbs and where the men came from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “strongly confronted and debated” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1444ACT152ek6aἀναβαίνειν…εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ1to go up … in Jerusalem

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem.

1445ACT152z983τοῦ ζητήματος τούτου1this question

“this issue”

1446ACT153h2mw0General Information:

Here the words “They,” “they,” and “them” refer to Paul, Barnabas, and certain others (Acts 15:2).

1447ACT153av5yfigs-activepassiveοἱ μὲν οὖν προπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας1Therefore, the ones who had been sent by the church

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore the community of believers sent them from Antioch to Jerusalem, and they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1448ACT153aia5figs-metonymyπροπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας1who had been sent by the church

Here church refers to the people that were a part of the church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1449ACT153i5kdδιήρχοντο τήν τε Φοινίκην καὶ Σαμάρειαν, ἐκδιηγούμενοι1passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria announcing

The words passed through and announcing indicate they spent some time in different places sharing in detail what God was doing.

1450ACT153rk37figs-abstractnounsἐκδιηγούμενοι τὴν ἐπιστροφὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν1announcing the conversion of the Gentiles

The abstract noun conversion means the Gentiles were rejecting their false gods and believing in God. Alternate translation: “announced to the community of believers in those places that Gentiles were believing in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1451ACT153nje7figs-metaphorἐποίουν χαρὰν μεγάλην πᾶσι τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1they brought great joy to all the brothers

Their message causing the brothers to be joyful is spoken of as if joy were an object that they brought to the brothers. Alternate translation: “what they said caused their fellow believers to rejoice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1452ACT153bbd4πᾶσι τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1to all the brothers

Here brothers refers to fellow believers.

1453ACT154ej1rfigs-activepassiveπαρεδέχθησαν ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας, καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων, καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων1they were welcomed by the church, and the apostles, and the elders

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles, the elders, and the rest of the community of believers welcomed them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1454ACT154a2x1μετ’ αὐτῶν1with them

“through them”

1455ACT155efe50General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to non-Jewish believers who were not circumcised and did not keep the Old Testament laws of God.

1456ACT155f2b50Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are now in Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders there.

1457ACT155k6k7δέ τινες1But certain ones

Here Luke contrasts those who believe that salvation is only in Jesus to others who believe salvation is by Jesus yet also believe that circumcision is required for salvation.

1458ACT155b9ntτηρεῖν τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως1to keep the law of Moses

“to obey the law of Moses”

1459ACT156ugu6ἰδεῖν περὶ τοῦ λόγου τούτου1to see about this matter

The church leaders decided to discuss whether or not Gentiles needed to be circumcised and obey the law of Moses in order for God to save them from their sins.

1460ACT157wct8figs-you0General Information:

The first word “them” refers to apostles and elders (Acts 15:6) and the other words “them” and “their” refer to the believing Gentiles. Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the apostles and elders present. The word “he” refers to God. Here “us” is plural and refers to Peter, the apostles and elders, and all Jewish believers in general. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1461ACT157hxu90Connecting Statement:

Peter begins to speak to the apostles and elders who met to discuss whether Gentiles had to receive circumcision and keep the law (Acts 15:5-6).

1462ACT157a6q9ἀδελφοί1brothers

Peter is addressing all of the believers who were present.

1463ACT157s3wbfigs-synecdocheδιὰ τοῦ στόματός μου1by my mouth

Here mouth refers to Peter. Alternate translation: “from me” or “by me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1464ACT157yer1ἀκοῦσαι τὰ ἔθνη1the Gentiles to hear

“that the Gentiles would hear”

1465ACT157b5s8figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ εὐαγγελίου1the word of the gospel

Here word stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1466ACT158m1xcfigs-metonymyκαρδιογνώστης1who knows the heart

Here heart refers to the “minds” or “inner beings.” Alternate translation: “who knows the peoples minds” or “who knows what people think” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1467ACT158p6d2ἐμαρτύρησεν αὐτοῖς1testified to them

“witnesses to the Gentiles”

1468ACT158i1gcδοὺς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον1giving them the Holy Spirit

“causing the Holy Spirit to come upon them”

1469ACT158abcsfigs-ellipsisκαθὼς καὶ ἡμῖν1just as also to us

Here Luke expects his readers to understand the words “he gave” that he leaves out. Alternate translation: “just as he also gave to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1470ACT159zs2gοὐδὲν διέκρινεν1he did not distinguish

God did not treat Jewish believers different from Gentile believers.

1471ACT159ase1figs-metaphorτῇ πίστει καθαρίσας τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν1having made their hearts clean by faith

Gods forgiving the Gentile believers sins is spoken as though he literally cleaned their hearts. Here heart stands for the persons inner being. Alternate translation: “forgiving their sins because they believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1472ACT1510ha45figs-exclusive0General Information:

Peter includes his audience by his use of “our” and “we.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1473ACT1510wjq70Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes speaking to the apostles and elders.

1474ACT1510rfr4νῦν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

1475ACT1510zaz6figs-rquestionτί πειράζετε τὸν Θεόν, ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγὸν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τῶν μαθητῶν, ὃν οὔτε οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν οὔτε ἡμεῖς ἰσχύσαμεν βαστάσαι?1why are you testing God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Peter uses a question with a word picture to tell the Jewish believers they should not require the non-Jewish believers to perform circumcision to be saved. Alternate translation: “do not test God by putting a burden on the non-Jewish believers which we Jews were not able to bear!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1476ACT1510bfd5οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1our fathers

This refers to their Jewish ancestors.

1477ACT1511q28cfigs-activepassiveἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, πιστεύομεν σωθῆναι καθ’ ὃν τρόπον κἀκεῖνοι1But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, and they according to that same manner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But we believe the Lord Jesus shall save us by his grace, just as he saved the non-Jewish believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1478ACT1512um1p0General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1479ACT1512d1ucπᾶν τὸ πλῆθος1all the crowd

“everyone” or “the whole group” (Acts 15:6)

1480ACT1512uks6ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς1God had worked

“God had done” or “God had caused”

1481ACT1513vb250General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:12).

1482ACT1513l7mp0Connecting Statement:

James begins to speak to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:6).

1483ACT1513pl6mἀδελφοί, ἀκούσατέ1brothers, listen

“fellow believers, listen.” James was probably speaking only to men.

1484ACT1514abctἐπεσκέψατο, λαβεῖν ἐξ ἐθνῶν1concerned himself to take from the Gentiles

“graciously helped the Gentiles by taking out of them”

1485ACT1514s9dnλαβεῖν ἐξ ἐθνῶν λαὸν1to take from them a people

“so that he might choose from among them a people”

1486ACT1514pnr9figs-metonymyτῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ1for his name

“for Gods name.” Here name refers to God. Alternate translation: “for himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1487ACT1515h9um0General Information:

Here “I” refers to God who spoke through the words of his prophet.

1488ACT1515ibb20Connecting Statement:

James quotes the prophet Amos from the Old Testament.

1489ACT1515am6yfigs-metonymyτούτῳ συμφωνοῦσιν οἱ λόγοι τῶν προφητῶν1this agrees with the words of the prophets

Here words stands for a message. Alternate translation: “what the prophets said agrees” or “the prophets agree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1490ACT1515nbi1τούτῳ συμφωνοῦσιν1this agrees with

“this confirms”

1491ACT1515j4f5figs-activepassiveκαθὼς γέγραπται1just as it is written

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “just as they wrote” or “just as the prophet Amos wrote long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1492ACT1516f5wffigs-metaphorἀνοικοδομήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυεὶδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν, καὶ τὰ κατεστραμμένα αὐτῆς, ἀνοικοδομήσω καὶ ἀνορθώσω αὐτήν1I will build again the tent of David, which has fallen down; and I will rebuild its ruins and will restore it

This speaks of Gods again choosing one of Davids descendants to rule over his people as though he were setting up a tent again after it fell down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1493ACT1516ist8figs-metonymyτὴν σκηνὴν Δαυεὶδ1the tent of David

Here tent stands for Davids family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1494ACT1517sm79figs-metaphorἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸν Κύριον1the remnant of men may seek the Lord

This speaks about people wanting to obey God and learn more about him as if they were literally looking for him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1495ACT1517hkw1figs-gendernotationsκατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων1remnant of men

Here men includes males and females. Alternate translation: “remnant of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1496ACT1517pe4lfigs-123personἐκζητήσωσιν…τὸν Κύριον1may seek the Lord

God is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “may seek me, the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

1497ACT1517tu21figs-activepassiveκαὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐφ’ οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ’ αὐτούς1including all the Gentiles upon whom my name has been called upon them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “including all the Gentiles who belong to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1498ACT1517c8gmfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1my name

Here my name stands for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1499ACT1518tr27figs-activepassiveγνωστὰ1known

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that people have known” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1500ACT1519g3zxfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here “we” includes James, the apostles, and the elders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1501ACT1519f6za0Connecting Statement:

James finishes speaking to the apostles and elders. (See: Acts 15:2 and Acts 15:13)

1502ACT1519pyb9figs-explicitμὴ παρενοχλεῖν τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν, ἐπιστρέφουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν1not to trouble those from the Gentiles who are turning to God

You can make explicit in what way James does not want to trouble the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “we should not require the Gentiles who are believing in God to become circumcised and to obey the laws of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1503ACT1519vr6ufigs-metaphorἐπιστρέφουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν1who are turning to God

A person who starts obeying God is spoken of as if the person is physically turning towards God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1504ACT1520wx8fἀπέχεσθαι τῶν ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων, καὶ τῆς πορνείας, καὶ τοῦ πνικτοῦ, καὶ τοῦ αἵματος1to keep away from the pollution of idols, and sexual immorality, and things that are strangled, and blood

Sexual immorality, strangling animals, and consuming blood were often part of ceremonies to worship idols and false gods.

1505ACT1520n6f2figs-explicitἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων1pollution of idols

This possibly refers to eating the meat of an animal that someone has sacrificed to an idol or to anything to do with idol worship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1506ACT1520j2rlfigs-explicitτοῦ πνικτοῦ, καὶ τοῦ αἵματος1things that are strangled, and blood

God did not allow Jews to eat meat that still had the blood in it. Also, even earlier in Moses writings in Genesis, God had forbidden the drinking of blood. Therefore, they could not eat an animal that someone strangled because the blood was not properly drained from the body of the animal. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1507ACT1521si1hfigs-explicitΜωϋσῆς γὰρ ἐκ γενεῶν ἀρχαίων κατὰ πόλιν τοὺς κηρύσσοντας αὐτὸν, ἔχει ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς κατὰ πᾶν Σάββατον ἀναγινωσκόμενος.1For Moses has in every city, from ancient generations, those proclaiming him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath

James is implying that Gentiles know how important these rules are because Jews preach them in every city where there is a synagogue. It also implies the Gentiles can go to the teachers from the synagogues to learn more about these rules. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1508ACT1521zd7tfigs-metonymyΜωϋσῆς1Moses

Here Moses represents the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1509ACT1521wp1sfigs-activepassiveΜωϋσῆς…ἐκ γενεῶν ἀρχαίων κατὰ πόλιν τοὺς κηρύσσοντας αὐτὸν, ἔχει1Moses has in every city, from ancient generations, those proclaiming him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there are Jews in every city, from ancient generations, who are proclaiming the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1510ACT1521xg5nfigs-hyperboleκατὰ πόλιν1in every city

The word every here is a generalization. Alternate translation: “in many cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1511ACT1522rhn30General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to Judas and Silas. The word “They” refers to the apostles, elders, and other believers of the church in Jerusalem.

1512ACT1522hp6jfigs-explicitὅλῃ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1the whole church

Here church refers to the people who are a part of the church in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “the church in Jerusalem” or “the whole community of believers in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1513ACT1522c711translate-namesἸούδαν τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν1Judas called Barsabbas

This is the name of a man. Barsabbas is a second name that people called him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1514ACT1523e4g2οἱ ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι, ἀδελφοὶ, τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν, καὶ Συρίαν, καὶ Κιλικίαν, ἀδελφοῖς τοῖς ἐξ ἐθνῶν, χαίρειν1The apostles and the elders, brothers, to those throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, who are brothers from among the Gentiles. Greetings

This is the introduction of the letter. Your language may have a way of introducing the author of the letter and to whom it is written. Alternate translation: “This letter is from your brothers, the apostles and elders. We are writing to you Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings to you” or “To our Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings from the apostles and elders, your brothers”

1515ACT1523kp51ἀδελφοὶ…ἀδελφοῖς1brothers … brothers

Here both instances of the word brothers refer to fellow believers. By using these words, the apostles and elders assure the Gentile believers that they accept them as fellow believers.

1516ACT1523php8translate-namesΚιλικίαν1Cilicia

This is the name of a province on the coast in Asia Minor north of the Island of Cyprus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1517ACT1524g8m9figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here all instances of “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to the believers in the church in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and Acts 15:22)

1518ACT1524p1tlὅτι τινὲς1that certain ones

“that some men”

1519ACT1524kh16οἷς οὐ διεστειλάμεθα1who were not ordered by us

“even though we gave no orders for them to go”

1520ACT1524bxq8figs-synecdocheἐτάραξαν ὑμᾶς λόγοις ἀνασκευάζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν1to disturb you with teachings that are upsetting your souls

Here souls refers to the people. Alternate translation: “to teach things that have troubled you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1521ACT1525c3dlἐκλεξαμένοις ἄνδρας1chosen men

The men they sent were Judas called Barsabbas and Silas (Acts 15:22).

1522ACT1526t7vwfigs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Here name refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “because they believe in our Lord Jesus Christ” or “because they serve our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1523ACT1527j1jbfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “We” and “us” refer to the leaders and believers in the church in Jerusalem. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and Acts 15:22)

1524ACT1527v2ee0Connecting Statement:

This concludes the letter from the Jerusalem church to the Gentile believers in Antioch.

1525ACT1527xw8lfigs-explicitαὐτοὺς διὰ λόγου ἀπαγγέλλοντας τὰ αὐτά1they are reporting to you the same thing in words

This phrase emphasizes that Judas and Silas will say the same things that the apostles and elders had written. Alternate translation: “they themselves will tell you the same things about which we have written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1526ACT1528l9z6figs-metaphorμηδὲν πλέον ἐπιτίθεσθαι ὑμῖν βάρος, πλὴν τούτων τῶν ἐπάναγκες1to be laid upon you no greater burden than these necessary things

This speaks about laws that people need to obey as if they were objects that people carry on their shoulders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1527ACT1529nt7sεἰδωλοθύτων1things sacrificed to idols

This means they are not allowed to eat the meat of an animal that someone sacrifices to an idol.

1528ACT1529vcc6figs-explicitαἵματος1blood

This refers to drinking blood or eating meat from which the blood has not been drained. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1529ACT1529rt55πνικτῶν1things strangled

A strangled animal was killed but its blood was not drained.

1530ACT1529buy9ἔρρωσθε1Farewell

This announces the end of the letter. Alternate translation: “Goodbye”

1531ACT1530khi80Connecting Statement:

Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas leave for Antioch.

1532ACT1530c3ukοἱ μὲν οὖν ἀπολυθέντες, κατῆλθον εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν1So when they were dismissed, they came down to Antioch

The word they refers to Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. Alternate translation: “So when the four men were dismissed, they came down to Antioch”

1533ACT1530usz6figs-activepassiveοἱ…ἀπολυθέντες1when they were dismissed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the apostles and elders dismissed the four men” or “when the believers in Jerusalem sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1534ACT1530t55aκατῆλθον εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν1they came down to Antioch

The phrase came down is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

1535ACT1531k1mrἐχάρησαν1they rejoiced

“the believers in Antioch rejoiced”

1536ACT1531e4gffigs-abstractnounsἐπὶ τῇ παρακλήσει1because of the encouragement

The abstract noun encouragement can be expressed with the verb “encourage.” Alternate translation: “because what the apostles and elders wrote encouraged them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1537ACT1532r65lκαὶ αὐτοὶ προφῆται ὄντες1also being prophets themselves

Prophets were teachers authorized by God to speak for him. Alternate translation: “because they were also prophets” or “who were also prophets”

1538ACT1532e2enτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1the brothers

“the fellow believers”

1539ACT1532j99gfigs-metaphorἐπεστήριξαν1strengthened them

Helping someone to depend even more on Jesus is spoken of as if they were making them physically stronger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1540ACT1533y2ls0Connecting Statement:

Judas and Silas return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch.

1541ACT1533v7pjfigs-metaphorποιήσαντες δὲ χρόνον1And after they had spent time there

This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. The word “they” refers to Judas and Silas. Alternate translation: “And after they stayed there for a while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1542ACT1533v6imfigs-activepassiveἀπελύθησαν μετ’ εἰρήνης ἀπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν1they were sent away with peace from the brothers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the brothers sent Judas and Silas back in peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1543ACT1533wzw4τῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

This refers to the believers in Antioch.

1544ACT1533xv3hπρὸς τοὺς ἀποστείλαντας αὐτούς1to those who had sent them

“to the believers in Jerusalem who sent Judas and Silas” (Acts 15:22)

1545ACT1535e7s4figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1the word of the Lord

Here word stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1546ACT1536k6c60Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas go on separate journeys.

1547ACT1536i1n5ἐπιστρέψαντες δὴ1Returning, then

“On our way back to Antioch” or “As we are going back”

1548ACT1536ib2jἐπισκεψώμεθα τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1let us visit the brothers

“let us care for the brothers” or “we should offer to help the believers”

1549ACT1536ua1ffigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1the word of the Lord

Here word stands for the message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1550ACT1536y9i9πῶς ἔχουσιν1how they are

“to learn how they are doing.” They want to learn about the current condition of the brothers and how they are holding on to Gods truth.

1551ACT1538a5nnfigs-litotesΠαῦλος…ἠξίου…μὴ συνπαραλαμβάνειν τοῦτον1Paul thought it wise not to take along him

The words wise not are used to say the opposite of wise. Alternate translation: “Paul thought that taking Mark along would be foolish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1552ACT1538ht3kΠαμφυλίας1Pamphylia

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

1553ACT1538ln7wμὴ συνελθόντα αὐτοῖς εἰς τὸ ἔργον1did not go with them in the work

“did not continue to work with them” or “did not continue to serve with them”

1554ACT1539bb8w0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Barnabas and Paul.

1555ACT1539u97afigs-abstractnounsἐγένετο δὲ παροξυσμὸς, ὥστε ἀποχωρισθῆναι αὐτοὺς ἀπ’ ἀλλήλων1And there arose a sharp disagreement, so as to separate them from each other

The abstract noun disagreement can be stated as the verb “disagree.” Alternate translation: “And they so strongly disagreed with each other that they separated from each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1556ACT1540l2uqfigs-activepassiveπαραδοθεὶς τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Κυρίου ὑπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν1after he had been entrusted by the brothers to the grace of the Lord

To entrust to someone means to place the care and responsibility for someone or something to another person. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after the believers in Antioch entrusted Paul to the grace of the Lord” or “after the believers in Antioch prayed for the Lord to take care of Paul and show kindness to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1557ACT1541e3ymfigs-explicitδιήρχετο1he went through

The previous sentence implies that Silas was with Paul. Alternate translation: “they went through” or “Paul and Silas went all around in” or “Paul took Silas and went throughout” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1558ACT1541t81zτὴν Συρίαν καὶ τὴν Κιλικίαν1Syria and Cilicia

These are provinces or areas in Asia Minor, near the island of Cyprus.

1559ACT1541tbv3figs-metaphorἐπιστηρίζων τὰς ἐκκλησίας1strengthening the churches

Encouraging the believers in the churches is spoken of as though Paul and Silas were making the believers physically stronger. The word churches refers to the groups of believers in Syria and Cilicia. Alternate translation: “encouraging the believers in the churches” or “helping the community of believers to depend even more in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1560ACT16introe7z20

Acts 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Timothys circumcision

Paul circumcised Timothy because they were telling the message of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. Paul wanted the Jews to know that he respected the law of Moses even though the church leaders in Jerusalem had decided that Christians did not need to be circumcised.

The woman who had a spirit of divination

Most people want very much to know the future, but the law of Moses said that speaking with the spirits of dead people to learn about the future is a sin. This woman seems to have been able to tell the future very well. She was a slave, and her masters made much money from her work. Paul wanted her to stop sinning, so he told the spirit to leave her. Luke does not say that she began to follow Jesus or tell us anything more about her.

1561ACT161l2b10General Information:

The first, third, and fourth instances of the word “him” refer to Timothy. The second “him” refers to Paul.

1562ACT161f49mwriting-background0

This continues the missionary journeys of Paul with Silas. Timothy is introduced into the story and joins Paul and Silas. Verses 1 and 2 give background information about Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1563ACT161km5qfigs-goκατήντησεν…καὶ1Paul also came down

Here came can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1564ACT161d4kaΔέρβην1Derbe

This is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in Acts 14:6.

1565ACT161u3vrἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1566ACT161wxl8figs-ellipsisγυναικὸς Ἰουδαίας πιστῆς1a believing Jewish woman

The words “in Christ” are understood. Alternate translation: “a Jewish woman who believed in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1567ACT162t1lufigs-activepassiveὃς ἐμαρτυρεῖτο ὑπὸ τῶν…ἀδελφῶν1He was well spoken of by the brothers

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: “The brothers spoke well of him” or “Timothy had a good reputation among the brothers” or “The brothers said good things about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1568ACT162rez2ὑπὸ τῶν…ἀδελφῶν1by the brothers

Here brothers refers to believers. Alternate translation: “by the believers”

1569ACT163p6z8περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν1he circumcised him

It is possible that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, but it is more likely that he had someone else circumcise Timothy.

1570ACT163za93διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις1because of the Jews who were in those places

“because of the Jews living in the areas where Paul and Timothy would be traveling”

1571ACT163hk2lfigs-explicitᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες, ὅτι Ἕλλην ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ὑπῆρχεν1for they all knew that his father was a Greek

Since Greek men did not have their sons circumcised, the Jews would have known Timothy was not circumcised, and they would have rejected Paul and Timothy before hearing their message about Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1572ACT164n46i0General Information:

The word “they” here refers to Paul, Silas (Acts 15:40), and Timothy (Acts 16:3).

1573ACT164bu6rαὐτοῖς φυλάσσειν1for them to keep

“for the church members to obey” or “for the believers to obey”

1574ACT164gpi3figs-activepassiveτὰ κεκριμένα ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ πρεσβυτέρων τῶν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις1that had been decided by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1575ACT165q8v9figs-activepassiveαἱ…ἐκκλησίαι ἐστερεοῦντο τῇ πίστει, καὶ ἐπερίσσευον τῷ ἀριθμῷ καθ’ ἡμέραν1the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number each day

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the believers became stronger in their faith, and there were more and more people becoming believers every day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1576ACT165lv4ffigs-metaphorαἱ…ἐκκλησίαι ἐστερεοῦντο τῇ πίστει1the churches were being strengthened in the faith

This speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1577ACT166g97eτὴν Φρυγίαν1Phrygia

This is a region in Asia. See how you translated this name in Acts 2:10.

1578ACT166ue3kfigs-activepassiveκωλυθέντες ὑπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for the Holy Spirit had forbidden them” or “because the Holy Spirit did not permit them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1579ACT166h4u4figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

Here word stands for “message.” Alternate translation: “the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1580ACT167x1b1figs-goἐλθόντες1when they had come

Here had come can be translated as “had gone” or “had arrived.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1581ACT167b1xqtranslate-namesΜυσίαν…Βιθυνίαν1Mysia … Bithynia

These are two more regions in Asia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1582ACT167b539τὸ Πνεῦμα Ἰησοῦ1the Spirit of Jesus

“the Holy Spirit”

1583ACT168s6l1κατέβησαν εἰς Τρῳάδα1they came down to the city of Troas

The phrase came down is used here because Troas is lower in elevation than Mysia.

1584ACT168xq6nfigs-goκατέβησαν1they came down

Here came can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1585ACT169t6v2ὅραμα…τῷ Παύλῳ ὤφθη1a vision appeared to Paul

“Paul saw a vision from God” or “Paul had a vision from God”

1586ACT169hq8eπαρακαλῶν αὐτὸν1calling him

“begging him” or “inviting him”

1587ACT169cm2uδιαβὰς εἰς Μακεδονίαν1Coming over into Macedonia

The phrase Coming over is used because Macedonia is across the sea from Troas.

1588ACT1610fg5hἐζητήσαμεν ἐξελθεῖν εἰς Μακεδονίαν, συμβιβάζοντες ὅτι προσκέκληται ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εὐαγγελίσασθαι αὐτούς1we sought to go out to Macedonia, reasoning together that God had called us to proclaim the gospel to them

Here the words we and us refer to Paul and his companions including Luke, the author of Acts.

1589ACT1611m2p50Connecting Statement:

Paul and his companions are now in Philippi on their missionary trip. Verse 13 begins the story of Lydia. This short story happens during Pauls travels.

1590ACT1611q2prtranslate-namesΣαμοθρᾴκην…Νέαν Πόλιν1Samothrace … Neapolis

These are coastal cities near Phillipi in Macedonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1591ACT1612tl9ffigs-explicitκολωνία1a colony

This is a city outside of Italy where many people who came from Rome lived. The people there had the same rights and freedoms as people who lived in cities in Italy. They could govern themselves and they did not have to pay taxes. Alternate translation: “a Roman colony” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1592ACT1614x8bp0Connecting Statement:

This ends the story of Lydia.

1593ACT1614n952writing-participantsτις γυνὴ ὀνόματι Λυδία1a certain woman named Lydia

Here a certain woman introduces a new person in the story. Alternate translation: “there was a woman named Lydia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1594ACT1614qj86figs-ellipsisπορφυρόπωλις1a seller of purple

Here “cloth” is understood. Alternate translation: “a merchant who sold purple cloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1595ACT1614c6n8translate-namesΘυατείρων1of Thyatira

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1596ACT1614cyk3σεβομένη τὸν Θεόν1worshiping God

When Luke says Lydia was worshiping God, he is saying that she was a Gentile who gave praise to God and followed him, but did not obey all of the Jewish laws.

1597ACT1614rd4rfigs-metaphorἧς ὁ Κύριος διήνοιξεν τὴν καρδίαν, προσέχειν1of whom the Lord opened the heart to pay attention to

For the Lord to cause someone to pay attention and believe a message is spoken of as if he were opening a persons heart. Alternate translation: “and the Lord caused her to listen well and to believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1598ACT1614s9jufigs-metonymyδιήνοιξεν τὴν καρδίαν1opened the heart

Here heart stands for a persons mind. Also, the author speaks about the heart or “mind” as if it were a box that a person could open so it is ready for someone to fill it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1599ACT1614a74yfigs-activepassiveτοῖς λαλουμένοις ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου1what was being said by Paul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Paul was saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1600ACT1615g7e9figs-activepassiveὡς δὲ ἐβαπτίσθη καὶ ὁ οἶκος αὐτῆς1And when she was baptized, and her household

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And when they baptized Lydia and members of her household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1601ACT1615s799figs-metonymyὁ οἶκος αὐτῆς1her household

This refers to all the people who live in her house. Alternate translation: “the members of her household” or “her family and household servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1602ACT1616vyn4writing-background0General Information:

Background information is given here to explain that this young fortune teller brought much financial gain to her masters by guessing peoples futures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1603ACT1616anc10Connecting Statement:

This begins the first event in another short story during Pauls travels; it is about a young fortune teller.

1604ACT1616ufy4ἐγένετο δὲ1And it happened that

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1605ACT1616y1gcwriting-participantsπαιδίσκην τινὰ1a certain young female slave

The phrase a certain introduces a new person to the story. Alternate translation: “there was a young female slave” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1606ACT1616ymt9πνεῦμα Πύθωνα1a spirit of divination

An evil spirit spoke to her often about the immediate future of people.

1607ACT1617tni9figs-metaphorὁδὸν σωτηρίας1the way of salvation

How a person can be saved is spoken of here as if it were a way or path that a person walks on. Alternate translation: “how God can save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1608ACT1618lj79figs-activepassiveδιαπονηθεὶς δὲ Παῦλος, καὶ ἐπιστρέψας1But Paul, being greatly annoyed and turning

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But she greatly annoyed Paul so he turned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1609ACT1618qi1kfigs-metonymyἐν ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1in the name of Jesus Christ

Here name stands for speaking with the authority or as the representative of Jesus Christ. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1610ACT1618u4z8ἐξῆλθεν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ1it came out that same hour

“the spirit came out immediately”

1611ACT1619m1y7οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς1her masters

“the owners of the slave girl”

1612ACT1619r1a1figs-explicitἰδόντες…οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς, ὅτι ἐξῆλθεν ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς ἐργασίας αὐτῶν1when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone

It can be stated clearly why they no longer hoped to make money. Alternate translation: “when her masters saw that she could no longer earn money for them by telling fortunes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1613ACT1619bws7εἰς τὴν ἀγορὰν1into the marketplace

“into the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services takes place.

1614ACT1619hf82ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας1before the authorities

“into the presence of the authorities” or “so that the authorities could judge them”

1615ACT1620d2rgπροσαγαγόντες αὐτοὺς τοῖς στρατηγοῖς1when they had brought them to the magistrates

“when they had brought them to the judges”

1616ACT1620wa94τοῖς στρατηγοῖς1to the magistrates

These were rulers or judges.

1617ACT1620dkz2figs-exclusiveοὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐκταράσσουσιν ἡμῶν τὴν πόλιν1These men are stirring up our city

Here the word our refers to the people of the city and includes the magistrates who ruled it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1618ACT1621gna6παραδέχεσθαι οὐδὲ ποιεῖν1to accept nor to practice

“to believe nor to obey” or “to accept nor to do”

1619ACT1622r1gr0General Information:

Here the words “their” and “them” refer to Paul and Silas. The word “they” here refers to soldiers.

1620ACT1622at6ifigs-activepassiveἐκέλευον ῥαβδίζειν1commanding them to be beaten with rods

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “commanding the soldiers to beat them with rods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1621ACT1623dsr3πολλάς…ἐπιθέντες αὐτοῖς πληγὰς1when they had laid many blows upon them

“when they had hit them many times with rods”

1622ACT1623y4mcπαραγγείλαντες τῷ δεσμοφύλακι ἀσφαλῶς τηρεῖν αὐτούς1having commanded the jailer to guard them securely

“having told the jailer to make sure they did not escape”

1623ACT1623zkp7δεσμοφύλακι1jailer

a person responsible for all the people held in the jail or prison

1624ACT1624a79xὃς παραγγελίαν τοιαύτην λαβὼν1who, having received such a command

“who, when he heard this command”

1625ACT1624rl8cτοὺς πόδας ἠσφαλίσατο αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ ξύλον1fastened their feet in the stocks

“securely locked their feet in the stocks”

1626ACT1624jug6ξύλον1stocks

a piece of wood with holes for preventing a persons feet from moving

1627ACT1625rwu30General Information:

The word “them” refers to Paul and Silas.

1628ACT1625hme20Connecting Statement:

This continues Paul and Silas time in Philippi in prison and tells what happens to their jailer.

1629ACT1626q7z1figs-activepassiveσεισμὸς ἐγένετο μέγας, ὥστε σαλευθῆναι τὰ θεμέλια τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου1a great earthquake happened, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “a severe earthquake shook the foundations of the prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1630ACT1626m4yefigs-synecdocheτὰ θεμέλια τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου1the foundations of the prison

When the foundations shook, this caused the entire prison to shake. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1631ACT1626s6mufigs-activepassiveἠνεῴχθησαν…αἱ θύραι πᾶσαι1all the doors were opened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the doors opened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1632ACT1626p393figs-activepassiveπάντων τὰ δεσμὰ ἀνέθη1the chains of everyone were unfastened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyones chains came loose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1633ACT1627ljy6figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, Silas, and all of the other prisoners but excludes the jailer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1634ACT1627hr9qfigs-activepassiveἔξυπνος…γενόμενος ὁ δεσμοφύλαξ1the jailer became awake

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the jailer woke up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1635ACT1627cwt5ἤμελλεν ἑαυτὸν ἀναιρεῖν1he was about to kill himself

“he was ready to kill himself.” The jailer preferred to commit suicide rather than suffer the consequences of letting the prisoners escape.

1636ACT1629pe66figs-explicitαἰτήσας…φῶτα1having called for lights

The reason why the jailer needed light can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “after he called for someone to bring light so he could see who was still in the prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1637ACT1629h5aifigs-metonymyφῶτα1lights

The word lights stands for something that makes light. Alternate translation: “torches” or “lamps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1638ACT1629r6isεἰσεπήδησεν1he rushed in

“he quickly entered the jail”

1639ACT1629bb6ttranslate-symactionπροσέπεσεν τῷ Παύλῳ καὶ Σιλᾷ1fell down before Paul and Silas

The jailer humbled himself by bowing down at the feet of Paul and Silas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1640ACT1630a3h6προαγαγὼν αὐτοὺς ἔξω1having brought them out

“after he had led them outside the jail”

1641ACT1630u132figs-activepassiveτί με δεῖ ποιεῖν, ἵνα σωθῶ1what must I do in order to be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what must I do in order for God to save me from my sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1642ACT1631br4kfigs-activepassiveσωθήσῃ1you will be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will save you” or “God will save you from your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1643ACT1631w8edfigs-metonymyὁ οἶκός σου1your household

This refers to all the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “all the members of your household” or “your family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1644ACT1632kb350General Information:

Here the first use of the word “they” as well as the words “their” and “them” refer to Paul and Silas. Compare Acts 16:25. The last use of the word “they” refers to the people in the jailers household. The words “him,” “his,” and “he” refer to the jailer.

1645ACT1632pq5wfigs-metonymyἐλάλησαν αὐτῷ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1they spoke the word of the Lord to him

Here word stands for a message. Alternate translation: “they told him the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1646ACT1633r3lafigs-activepassiveἐβαπτίσθη, αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ αὐτοῦ πάντες παραχρῆμα1he was baptized immediately—he and all those who were his

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Paul and Silas immediately baptized the jailer and all the members of his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1647ACT1635x3x80General Information:

This is the last event in the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:12).

1648ACT1635lb4zδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke tells the last event in the story that started in Acts 16:16.

1649ACT1635vev9ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἐκείνους1Release those men

“Allow those men to leave”

1650ACT1636k3i6ἐξελθόντες1having come out

“having come out of the jail”

1651ACT1637v4ykfigs-exclusive0General Information:

All of the times the word “they” is used and the first time “them” is used, the words refer to the magistrates. The word “themselves” refers to the magistrates. The second time the word “them” is used, it refers to Paul and Silas. The word “us” refers only to Paul and Silas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1652ACT1637b4jmfigs-explicitἔφη πρὸς αὐτούς1said to them

Probably Paul is speaking to the jailer, but he intends for the jailer to tell the magistrates what he says. Alternate translation: “said to the jailer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1653ACT1637b7ccfigs-metonymyδείραντες ἡμᾶς δημοσίᾳ1They have beaten us in public

Here “They” refers to the magistrates who commanded their soldiers to beat them. Alternate translation: “The magistrates ordered their soldiers to beat us in public” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1654ACT1637wc37ἀκατακρίτους ἀνθρώπους Ῥωμαίους ὑπάρχοντας, ἔβαλαν εἰς φυλακήν1without trial—men being Romans—they threw us into prison

“without a trial to prove us guilty, even though we are Roman citizens, and they had their soldiers put us in jail”

1655ACT1637qq1ufigs-rquestionλάθρᾳ ἡμᾶς ἐκβάλλουσιν? οὔ γάρ1they cast us out secretly? No indeed!

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he will not allow the magistrates to send them out the city in secret after they had mistreated Paul and Silas. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not let them send us out of the city in secret!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1656ACT1637jr2jfigs-rpronounsἀλλὰ ἐλθόντες αὐτοὶ1Instead, coming themselves

Here themselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1657ACT1638ym2ufigs-explicitἐφοβήθησαν…ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Ῥωμαῖοί εἰσιν1they were terrified when they heard that they are Romans

To be a Roman meant to be a legal citizens of the Empire. Citizenship provided freedom from torture and the right to a fair trial. The city leaders were afraid that more important Roman authorities might learn how the city leaders had mistreated Paul and Silas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1658ACT1640q59h0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Silas. The word “them” refers to the believers in Philippi.

1659ACT1640y14iwriting-endofstory0

This is the end of Paul and Silas time in Philippi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

1660ACT1640t1pffigs-goεἰσῆλθον πρὸς τὴν Λυδίαν1they came to the house of Lydia

Here came can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1661ACT1640ylk9τὴν Λυδίαν1the house of Lydia

“the home of Lydia”

1662ACT1640ntc9figs-gendernotationsἰδόντες…τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1when they had seen the brothers

Here the brothers refers to believers whether male or female. Alternate translation: “when they had visited with the believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1663ACT17introgj4c0

Acts 17 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Misunderstandings about the Messiah

The Jews expected the Christ or Messiah to be a powerful king because the Old Testament says so many times. But it also says many times that the Messiah would suffer, and that was what Paul was telling the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]])

The religion of Athens

Paul said that the Athenians were “religious,” but they did not worship the true God. They worshiped many different false gods. In the past they had conquered other peoples and begun to worship the gods of the people they had conquered. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]])

In this chapter Luke describes for the first time how Paul told the message of Christ to people who knew nothing of the Old Testament.

1664ACT171q9x40General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Silas. Compare Acts 16:40. The word “them” refers to the Jews at the synagogue in Thessalonica.

1665ACT171r3qb0Connecting Statement:

This continues the story of Paul, Silas, and Timothys missionary trip. They arrive in Thessalonica, apparently without Luke, since he says “they” and not “we.”

1666ACT171e4w5δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke, the author, starts to tell a new part of the story.

1667ACT171b7npδιοδεύσαντες1having passed through

“when they had traveled through”

1668ACT171kll1translate-namesτὴν Ἀμφίπολιν καὶ τὴν Ἀπολλωνίαν1Amphipolis and Apollonia

These are coastal cities in Macedonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1669ACT171yj66figs-goἦλθον εἰς Θεσσαλονίκην1they came to Thessalonica

Here came can be translated as “went” or “arrived.” Alternate translation: “they went to Thessalonica” or “they arrived at Thessalonica” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1670ACT172vbf2κατὰ…τὸ εἰωθὸς1according to his custom

“as his habit was” or “as his common practice was.” Paul usually went to the synagogue on the Sabbath when Jews would be present.

1671ACT172bt5eἐπὶ Σάββατα τρία1for three Sabbaths

“on each Sabbath day for three weeks”

1672ACT172wp3kfigs-explicitδιελέξατο αὐτοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν Γραφῶν1reasoned with them from the scriptures

Paul explained what the scriptures means in order to prove to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1673ACT172qf4tδιελέξατο αὐτοῖς1reasoned with them

“debated with them” or “discussed with them”

1674ACT173e85n0General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to Paul (Acts 17:2).

1675ACT173ir9qfigs-metaphorδιανοίγων1He is fully opening

Possible meanings are (1) to explain the scriptures in a way that people can understand is spoken of as if Paul were opening something so people can see what is inside of it, or (2) Paul was literally opening a book or scroll and reading from it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1676ACT173he78ἔδει1it was necessary for

“it was part of Gods plan for ”

1677ACT173ipb2ἀναστῆναι1to rise

“to come back to life”

1678ACT173b9qiἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

1679ACT174es2ufigs-activepassiveτινες ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐπείσθησαν1some from them were persuaded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews believed” or “some of the Jews understood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1680ACT174nyp2προσεκληρώθησαν τῷ Παύλῳ1joined Paul

“became associated with Paul”

1681ACT174t21zσεβομένων Ἑλλήνων1of worshiping Greeks

This refers to Greeks who worship God but have not converted to Judaism through circumcision.

1682ACT174ye8vfigs-litotesγυναικῶν…τῶν πρώτων οὐκ ὀλίγαι1not a few of the leading women

This is an understatement to emphasize that many leading women joined them. Alternate translation: “many leading women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1683ACT175nuh60General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the unbelieving Jews and wicked men from the marketplace.

1684ACT175uj43figs-metaphorζηλώσαντες1having become jealous

The feeling of jealousy is spoken of as if jealousy were actually moving the person. Alternate translation: “feeling very jealous” or “feeling very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1685ACT175vev6figs-explicitζηλώσαντες1having become jealous

It can be stated explicitly that these Jews were jealous because some of the Jews and Greeks believed Pauls message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1686ACT175btw6προσλαβόμενοι τῶν ἀγοραίων ἄνδρας τινὰς πονηροὺς1having taken certain wicked men of the marketplace

Here having taken does not mean the Jews took these people by force. It means the Jews persuaded these wicked men to help them.

1687ACT175lc6gἄνδρας τινὰς πονηροὺς1certain wicked men

“some evil men.” The word men here refers specifically to males.

1688ACT175ie1fτῶν ἀγοραίων1of the marketplace

“from the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.

1689ACT175t3bcfigs-metonymyἐθορύβουν τὴν πόλιν1they set the city in an uproar

Here the city stands for the people in the city. Alternate translation: “they caused the people of the city to be in an uproar” or “they caused the people of the city to riot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1690ACT175s3uvἐπιστάντες τῇ οἰκίᾳ1having assaulted the house

“having violently attacking the house.” This probably means the people were throwing rocks at the house and trying to break down the door of the house.

1691ACT175ks2ltranslate-namesἸάσονος1of Jason

Jason is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1692ACT175abcuαὐτοὺς προαγαγεῖν1to lead them

“to bring Paul and Silas”

1693ACT175pp7kεἰς τὸν δῆμον1to the people

Possible meanings for the people are (1) a governmental or legal group of citizens gathered to make a decision or (2) an unruly mob.

1694ACT176i79pτινας ἀδελφοὺς1certain brothers

Here brothers refers to believers. Alternate translation: “some other believers”

1695ACT176e44zἐπὶ τοὺς πολιτάρχας1before the city officials

“in the presence of the city officials”

1696ACT176g7xjοἱ…οὗτοι1Those who … they

The Jewish leaders were referring to Paul and Silas.

1697ACT176c2avfigs-hyperboleτὴν οἰκουμένην ἀναστατώσαντες1have turned the inhabited world upside down

This phrase is another way of saying Paul and Silas where causing trouble everywhere they went. The Jewish leaders were exaggerating the influence Paul and Silas were having with their teaching. Alternate translation: “have caused trouble everywhere in the world” or “have caused trouble everywhere they have gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1698ACT177hlc9ὑποδέδεκται Ἰάσων; καὶ οὗτοι πάντες1Jason and all these men have welcomed

This phrase signals that Jason and his companions were in agreement with the apostles troubling message.

1699ACT178th2fἐτάραξαν1were disturbed

“were worried”

1700ACT179ya44λαβόντες τὸ ἱκανὸν παρὰ τοῦ Ἰάσονος καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν1after they had received a bond from Jason and the rest of them

Jason and the others had to pay the money to the city officials as a promise of good behavior; that money might be returned if all went well or it might be used to repair the damages brought on by bad behavior.

1701ACT179bj48τῶν λοιπῶν1the rest of them

The words the rest of them refers to other believers that the Jews brought before the officials.

1702ACT179aru6ἀπέλυσαν αὐτούς1they released them

“the officials let Jason and the other believers go”

1703ACT1710na8h0General Information:

Paul and Silas travel on to the town of Berea.

1704ACT1710qy5cfigs-gendernotationsοἱ…ἀδελφοὶ1the brothers

The word brothers here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “the believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1705ACT1711k2stwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

The word Now is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke tells background information about the people in Berea and how they were willing to listen to Paul and examine what he said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1706ACT1711gu6sοὗτοι…ἦσαν εὐγενέστεροι1these were more open-minded than

These open-minded people were willing to think more objectively about new ideas than other people. Alternate translation: “the Bereans were more willing to listen”

1707ACT1711hle3figs-metonymyἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον1received the word

Here word refers to a teaching. Alternate translation: “listened to the teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1708ACT1711uh8aμετὰ πάσης προθυμίας1with all readiness

These Bereans were prepared to examine earnestly Pauls teachings about the scripture.

1709ACT1711lzm3καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς Γραφὰς1examining the scriptures each day

“carefully reading and evaluating the scriptures every day”

1710ACT1711g8anἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως1these things were so

“the things Paul said were true”

1711ACT1712abcvfigs-litotesἀνδρῶν οὐκ ὀλίγοι1not a few men

This is an understatement to emphasize that many men believed the message. Alternate translation: “many men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1712ACT1713vn8htranslate-names0General Information:

Athens is down the coast from Barea which is in Macedonia. Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1713ACT1713asb4figs-metaphorἦλθον κἀκεῖ, σαλεύοντες1they came and there stirred up

This speaks about their agitating people as though it were a person stirring a liquid and causing the things at the bottom of the liquid to rise to the surface. Alternate translation: “they came there and agitated” or “they went there and disturbed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1714ACT1713wjq3ταράσσοντες τοὺς ὄχλους1troubled the crowds

“worried the crowds” or “caused the people to become upset”

1715ACT1714ael8figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὶ1brothers

The word brothers here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1716ACT1714zw1cπορεύεσθαι ἕως ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν1to go as far as to the sea

“to go all the way to the coast.” From here Paul would probably sail to another city.

1717ACT1715tjh5καθιστάνοντες τὸν Παῦλον1were leading Paul down

“who were accompanying Paul” or “who were going down with Paul”

1718ACT1715gs1pfigs-quotationsλαβόντες ἐντολὴν πρὸς τὸν Σιλᾶν καὶ τὸν Τιμόθεον1after receiving a command to Silas and Timothy

“after telling them to command Silas and Timothy so.” This can also be stated as a direct quotation as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

1719ACT1716wk630General Information:

This is another part of the story of Paul and Silas travels. Paul is now in Athens where he is waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him.

1720ACT1716y9crδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke starts to tell a new part of the story.

1721ACT1716we78figs-synecdocheπαρωξύνετο τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ, θεωροῦντος κατείδωλον οὖσαν τὴν πόλιν1his spirit was being provoked within him, seeing the city being full of idols

Here his spirit stands for Paul himself. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he became upset because he saw that there were idols everywhere in the city” or “seeing the idols everywhere in the city upset him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1722ACT1717q8pxδιελέγετο1he reasoned

“he debated” or “he discussed.” This means that there is interaction from the listeners rather than only his preaching. They are talking with him as well.

1723ACT1717jkj8τοῖς σεβομένοις1those who were worshiping

This refers to Gentiles (non-Jews) who give praise to God and follow him but do not obey all of the Jewish laws.

1724ACT1717ec14ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ1in the marketplace

“in the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.

1725ACT1718ru6a0General Information:

Here the words “him,” “He, “and “he” refer to Paul.

1726ACT1718l7letranslate-namesτῶν Ἐπικουρίων καὶ Στοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων1of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers

These people believed all things were formed by chance and that the gods were too busy being happy to be bothered with governing the universe. They rejected the resurrection and wanted only simple pleasures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1727ACT1718f976translate-namesΣτοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων1Stoic philosophers

These people believed freedom comes from resigning oneself to fate. They rejected a personal loving God and the resurrection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1728ACT1718dnj8τινες ἔλεγον1some said

“some of the Stoic philosophers said”

1729ACT1718g4bvfigs-metaphorτί ἂν θέλοι ὁ σπερμολόγος οὗτος λέγειν?1What is this babbler wanting to say?

The word “babbler” was used to refer to birds picking up seeds as food. It refers negatively to a person who only knows a little bit of information. The philosophers said Paul had bits of information which were not worth listening to. Alternate translation: “What is this uneducated person trying to say?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1730ACT1718k2psοἱ δέ, ξένων1But others said

“But other philosophers said”

1731ACT1718l41tδοκεῖ καταγγελεὺς εἶναι1He seems to be a proclaimer

“He seems to be teaching a philosophy”

1732ACT1718sx9tξένων δαιμονίων1of foreign gods

That is, gods that Greeks and Romans do not worship or know about.

1733ACT1719fs5gfigs-exclusive0General Information:

The words “him,” “He” and “you” refer to Paul (Acts 17:18). Here the words “They” and “we” refer to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1734ACT1719mv8cἐπιλαβόμενοί τε αὐτοῦ, ἐπὶ τὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον ἤγαγον1And taking hold of him, they brought him to the Areopagus

This does not mean they arrested Paul. The philosophers invited Paul to speak formally to their leaders.

1735ACT1719b56gfigs-metonymyἐπὶ τὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον1to the Areopagus

The Areopagus was the place where the leaders met. Alternate translation: “to the leaders that met on the Areopagus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1736ACT1719ze7eτὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον…λέγοντες1the Areopagus, saying

Here the leaders on the Areopagus are speaking. This can stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “the Areopagus. The leaders said to Paul”

1737ACT1719unc8translate-namesἌρειον Πάγον1Areopagus

This is a prominent rock outcropping or hill in Athens upon which the supreme court of Athens may have met. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1738ACT1720lay8figs-metaphorξενίζοντα γάρ τινα εἰσφέρεις εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς ἡμῶν1For you are bringing some strange things to our ears

Pauls teachings about Jesus and the resurrection are spoken of as an object that a person can bring to another person. Here ears refers to what they hear. Alternate translation: “For you are teaching some things that we have never heard before” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1739ACT1721dn1tfigs-hyperboleἈθηναῖοι δὲ πάντες καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες ξένοι1And all the Athenians and the foreigners living there

The word all is a generalization referring to many. Alternate translation: “And many of the Athenians and the strangers living there” or “And many of the Athenians and the strangers living there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1740ACT1721d8ybtranslate-namesἈθηναῖοι1the Athenians

Athenians are people from Athens, a city near the coast below Macedonia (present day Greece). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1741ACT1721sk5bfigs-metaphorεἰς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ηὐκαίρουν, ἢ λέγειν τι ἢ ἀκούειν1spent their time in nothing other than either to tell something or to listen to

Here time is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could spend. Alternate translation: “used their time doing nothing but either telling or listening to” or “were always doing nothing but telling or listening to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1742ACT1721ij4efigs-hyperboleεἰς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ηὐκαίρουν1spent their time in nothing other than

The phrase spent their time in nothing is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “did not do much but” or “spent much of their time only” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1743ACT1721wr1rλέγειν τι ἢ ἀκούειν τι καινότερον1to tell something or to listen to something new

“discussing new philosophical ideas” or “talking about what was new to them”

1744ACT1722zq3y0General Information:

Paul begins his speech to the philosophers on the Areopagus.

1745ACT1722ja1kκατὰ πάντα…δεισιδαιμονεστέρους1very religious in every way

Paul is referring to the Athenians public display of honoring the gods through prayers, building altars, and offering sacrifices.

1746ACT1723gn1jδιερχόμενος γὰρ1For passing through

“Because as I was walked through” or “As I was walking along”

1747ACT1723cem7ἀγνώστῳ Θεῷ1To an Unknown God

Possible meanings are (1) “to a certain unknown god” or (2) “to a god not known.” This was a specific writing or inscription on that altar.

1748ACT1724m1jmτὸν κόσμον1the world

In the most general sense, the world refers to the heavens and the earth and everything in them.

1749ACT1724rqk9οὗτος…ὑπάρχων Κύριος1he who is Lord

“because the one who is Lord.” Here he is referring to the unknown god mentioned in Acts 17:23 that Paul is explaining is the Lord God.

1750ACT1724f2mzfigs-merismοὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς1of heaven and earth

The words heaven and earth are used together to mean all beings and things in heaven and earth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

1751ACT1724ju4hfigs-synecdocheχειροποιήτοις1built with hands

Here hands stands for people. Alternate translation: “built by the hands of people” or “that people built” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1752ACT1725e3dgfigs-activepassiveοὐδὲ ὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων θεραπεύεται1Neither is he served by hands of men

Here served has the sense of a doctor treating a patient to make the patient well again. Alternate translation: “Neither do men take care of him with their hands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1753ACT1725yq68figs-synecdocheὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων1by hands of men

Here hands stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “by humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1754ACT1725sj89figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς διδοὺς1himself giving

“because he himself gives.” The word himself is added for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1755ACT1726r3ltfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to the one true God, the creator. The words “their” and “them” refer to every nation of people living on the surface of the earth. In using the word “us,” Paul includes himself, his audience, and every nation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1756ACT1726p1e4ἑνὸς1one man

This means Adam, the first person God created.

1757ACT1726js4pὁρίσας προστεταγμένους καιροὺς καὶ τὰς ὁροθεσίας τῆς κατοικίας αὐτῶν1having determined their appointed seasons and the boundaries of their habitation

This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “And he determined when and where they would live”

1758ACT1727jae5figs-metaphorζητεῖν τὸν Θεὸν, εἰ ἄρα γε ψηλαφήσειαν αὐτὸν καὶ εὕροιεν1to seek God and perhaps they might feel around for him and find him

Here to seek God represents desiring to know him, and feel around for him and find him represents praying and having a relationship with him. Alternate translation: “so that they should want to know God and perhaps pray to him and become one of his people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1759ACT1727p8hkfigs-litotesκαί γε οὐ μακρὰν ἀπὸ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου ἡμῶν ὑπάρχοντα1Yet he is not far from each one of us

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Yet he is very near to everyone of us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1760ACT1728tkd3figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “him” and “his” refer to God (Acts 17:24). When Paul says “we” here, he includes himself as well as his hearers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1761ACT1728cbd9ἐν αὐτῷ γὰρ1For in him

“Because of him”

1762ACT1729k9wsfigs-metaphorγένος…ὑπάρχοντες τοῦ Θεοῦ1are Gods offspring

Because God created everyone, all people are spoken of as if they were Gods literal children. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1763ACT1729czi9figs-metonymyτὸ θεῖον1the divine being

Here divine being refers to Gods nature or attributes. Alternate translation: “the true God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1764ACT1729q4q2figs-activepassiveχαράγματι τέχνης καὶ ἐνθυμήσεως ἀνθρώπου1images of the skill and imagination of man

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which a man then uses his skill to make it into something that he has designed” or “images that people make by using their art and imagination” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1765ACT1730y2u80General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to God.

1766ACT1730zj280Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes his speech to the philosophers in the Areopagus, which he began in Acts 17:22.

1767ACT1730suh6οὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true”

1768ACT1730iva4τοὺς…χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας ὑπεριδὼν ὁ Θεὸς1God, having overlooked the times of ignorance

“God, having decided not to punish people during the times of ignorance”

1769ACT1730h8uyχρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας1times of ignorance

This refers to the time before God fully revealed himself through Jesus Christ and before people truly knew how to obey God.

1770ACT1730qim5figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας1all men

This means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1771ACT1731htp7ἐν ᾗ μέλλει κρίνειν τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἐν ἀνδρὶ ᾧ ὥρισεν1in which he is about to judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has appointed

“when the man he has chosen will judge the world in righteousness”

1772ACT1731jt3afigs-metonymyμέλλει κρίνειν τὴν οἰκουμένην1he is about to judge the world

Here world refers to the people. Alternate translation: “he will judge all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1773ACT1731i9awἐν δικαιοσύνῃ1in righteousness

“justly” or “fairly”

1774ACT1731l61pπίστιν παρασχὼν1He has provided signs

“God has demonstrated his choice of this man”

1775ACT1731ulr4ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld. To come back from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

1776ACT1732tc8tfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “We” refers to the men of Athens but not to Paul, so this is exclusive. Though some of them probably did want to hear Paul again, they may only have been being polite. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1777ACT1732c4smwriting-endofstory0

This is the end of the part of the story about Paul in Athens. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

1778ACT1732nb26δὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke shifts from Pauls teachings to the reaction of the people of Athens.

1779ACT1732jlm5ἀκούσαντες1when they heard of

These are the people who were present at the Areopagus listening to Paul.

1780ACT1732sn6jοἱ μὲν ἐχλεύαζον1some mocked him

“some ridiculed Paul” or “some laughed at Paul.” These did not believe it was possible for someone to die and then return to life.

1781ACT1734psh8translate-namesΔιονύσιος ὁ Ἀρεοπαγίτης1Dionysius the Areopagite

Dionysius is a mans name. Areopagite implies that Dionysius was one of the judges at the council of Areopagus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1782ACT1734hsz3translate-namesΔάμαρις1Damaris

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1783ACT18introrky60

Acts 18 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The baptism of John

Some Jews who lived far away from Jerusalem and Judea had heard of John the Baptist and followed his teachings. They had not yet heard about Jesus. One of these Jews was Apollos. He followed John the Baptist, but he did not know that the Messiah had come. John had baptized people to show that they were sorry for their sins, but this baptism was different from Christian baptism. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faithful]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/christ]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

1784ACT181jat1writing-background0General Information:

Aquila and Priscilla are introduced to the story and verses 2 and 3 give background information about them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1785ACT181qa9b0Connecting Statement:

This is another part of the story of Pauls travels as he goes to Corinth.

1786ACT181fky7μετὰ ταῦτα1After these things

“After these events took place in Athens”

1787ACT181abcwχωρισθεὶς1having departed

“when Paul had departed”

1788ACT181h2siτῶν Ἀθηνῶν1Athens

Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 17:15.

1789ACT182d9zxκαὶ εὑρών1And when he found

Possible meanings are that (1) Paul happened to find by chance or (2) Paul intentionally found.

1790ACT182hm16writing-participantsτινα Ἰουδαῖον ὀνόματι Ἀκύλαν1a certain Jew named Aquila

Here the phrase a certain indicates this is introducing new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1791ACT182y97ptranslate-namesΠοντικὸν τῷ γένει1a native of Pontus

Pontus was a province on the southern coast of the Black Sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1792ACT182q4vaπροσφάτως ἐληλυθότα1who had recently come

This probably happened sometime in the past year.

1793ACT182n631translate-namesτῆς Ἰταλίας1Italy

This is the name of land. Rome is the capital city of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1794ACT182n95fτὸ διατεταχέναι Κλαύδιον1Claudius had ordered

Claudius was the current Roman emperor. See how you translated this in Acts 11:28.

1795ACT183q259τὸ ὁμότεχνον εἶναι1he was of the same trade

“he did the same kind of work that they did”

1796ACT184r56h0General Information:

Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul.

1797ACT184h3azδιελέγετο δὲ1And he reasoned

“And Paul debated” or “And Paul discussed.” He gave reasons. This means that rather than just preaching, Paul talked and interacted with the people.

1798ACT184r2gpἔπειθέν τε Ἰουδαίους καὶ Ἕλληνας1persuading both Jews and Greeks

Possible meanings are (1) “he caused both Jews and Greeks to believe” or (2) “he kept trying to persuade the Jews and the Greeks.”

1799ACT186ncx8translate-symactionἐκτιναξάμενος τὰ ἱμάτια1shaking out his garment

This is a symbolic action to indicate that Paul will no longer try to teach the Jews there about Jesus. He is leaving them to Gods judgment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1800ACT186z12afigs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν ὑμῶν1Your blood be upon your head

Here blood stands for the guilt of their actions. Here head refers to the whole person. Paul tells the Jews they are solely responsible for the judgment they will face for their stubbornness if they refuse to repent. Alternate translation: “You alone bear the responsibility for your punishment for sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1801ACT187cd3u0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. The first word “his” refers to Titius Justus. The second word “his” refers to Crispus.

1802ACT187vs6ytranslate-namesΤιτίου Ἰούστου1Titius Justus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1803ACT187v8xgσεβομένου τὸν Θεόν1who worships God

A worshiper of God is a Gentile who gives praise to God and follows him but does not necessarily obey all of the Jewish laws.

1804ACT188lj2ttranslate-namesΚρίσπος1Crispus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1805ACT188kkk9ἀρχισυνάγωγος1leader of the synagogue

a layperson who sponsored and administered the synagogue, not necessarily the teacher

1806ACT188uaq5figs-metonymyὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ1all those in his house

Here house refers to the people who lived together. Alternate translation: “the people who lived with him in his house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1807ACT188t3npfigs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο1were being baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “were receiving baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1808ACT189ws7pfigs-parallelismμὴ φοβοῦ, ἀλλὰ λάλει καὶ μὴ σιωπήσῃς1Do not be afraid, but continue speaking and do not be silent

The Lord is giving one command in two different ways to emphasize that Paul should certainly continue preaching. Alternate translation: “You must not be afraid and, instead, continue to speak and not become silent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

1809ACT189zg8afigs-doubletλάλει καὶ μὴ σιωπήσῃς1continue speaking and do not be silent

The Lord gives the same command in two different ways to strongly command Paul to speak. Alternate translation: “you must certainly continue to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1810ACT189a529figs-explicitμὴ σιωπήσῃς1do not be silent

It can be stated explicitly what the Lord wants Paul to speak. Alternate translation: “do not stop speaking about the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1811ACT1810a8lqλαός ἐστί μοι πολὺς ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1I have many people in this city

“there are many people in this city who have put their faith in me” or “many people in this city will put their faith in me”

1812ACT1811mqx2writing-endofstoryἐκάθισεν δὲ ἐνιαυτὸν καὶ μῆνας ἓξ, διδάσκων ἐν αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1And so he stayed there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them

This is a concluding statement for this part of the story. Here word of God is a synecdoche for the entire scriptures. Alternate translation: “And so Paul lived there for a year and six months, teaching the scriptures among them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1813ACT1812f41ktranslate-names0General Information:

Achaia was the Roman province in which Corinth was located. Corinth was the largest city in southern Greece and the capital of the province. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1814ACT1812b5bf0Connecting Statement:

The unbelieving Jews bring Paul to the judgment seat before Gallio.

1815ACT1812se8mtranslate-namesΓαλλίωνος1Gallio

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1816ACT1812j762figs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This stands for the Jewish leaders that did not believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1817ACT1812lp79κατεπέστησαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν1rose up together against

“came together against” or “joined together to attack”

1818ACT1812u36cfigs-metonymyἤγαγον αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ βῆμα1brought him before the judgment seat

The Jews took Paul by force to bring Paul before the court. Here judgment seat refers to the place where Gallio sat when he made legal decisions in court. Alternate translation: “took him so that the governor could judge him at the judgment seat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1819ACT1814d13bὁ Γαλλίων1Gallio

Gallio was the Roman governor of the Province.

1820ACT1815y6mtνόμου τοῦ καθ’ ὑμᾶς1your law

Here law refers to the law of Moses and as well as the Jewish customs of Pauls time.

1821ACT1815khr5κριτὴς ἐγὼ τούτων οὐ βούλομαι εἶναι1I do not want to be a judge of these matters

“I refuse to make a judgment about these matters”

1822ACT1816yf810General Information:

Here the word “they” probably refers to the Gentiles at the court. They reacted against the Jews who had brought Paul before the judgment seat (Acts 18:12).

1823ACT1816d6nhfigs-metonymyἀπήλασεν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ βήματος1he sent them away from the judgment seat

“Gallio dismissed them from the judgment seat.” Here judgment seat refers to the place where Gallio sits to make legal decisions in court. Alternate translation: “Gallio made them leave his presence in the court” or “Gallio made them leave the court” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1824ACT1817cyk6figs-hyperboleἐπιλαβόμενοι…πάντες1they all, having seized

This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the strong feelings the people had. Alternate translation: “many people seized” or “many of them grabbed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1825ACT1817mj77ἐπιλαβόμενοι δὲ πάντες Σωσθένην τὸν ἀρχισυνάγωγον, ἔτυπτον ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος1But they all, having seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, were beating him in front of the judgment seat

Possible meanings are (1) the Gentiles beat Sosthenes in the court in front of the judgment seat because he was the Jewish leader or (2) it is possible that Sosthenes was a believer in Christ, so the Jews beat him in front of the court.

1826ACT1817x9w5translate-namesΣωσθένην τὸν ἀρχισυνάγωγον1Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue

Sosthenes was the Jewish ruler of the synagogue at Corinth. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1827ACT1817z9fvἔτυπτον1were beating him

“repeatedly hit him” or “repeatedly punched him.”

1828ACT1818x25wtranslate-names0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. Cenchreae was a seaport that was part of the greater Corinth city area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1829ACT1818ura90Connecting Statement:

This continues Pauls missionary journey as Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila leave Corinth. This seems to indicate that Silas and Timothy remain since it says “he” here and not “we.” The word “they” refers to Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila.

1830ACT1818et8cfigs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἀποταξάμενος1left the brothers

The word brothers refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “left the fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1831ACT1818v5klἐξέπλει εἰς τὴν Συρίαν, καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ Πρίσκιλλα καὶ Ἀκύλας1and sailed to Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him

Paul got on a ship that sailed for Syria. Priscilla and Aquila went with him.

1832ACT1818kq6ftranslate-symactionκειράμενος…τὴν κεφαλήν, εἶχεν γὰρ εὐχήν1He had cut the hair of his head … because he had a vow

This is a symbolic action that indicates the completion of a vow. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he had someone cut off the hair on his head … because he had completed a vow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1833ACT1819abcxκἀκείνους κατέλιπεν1he left them

“Paul left Priscilla and Aquilla”

1834ACT1819st93διελέξατο1reasoned with

“discussed with” or “debated with”

1835ACT1820u44s0General Information:

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the Jews in Ephesus.

1836ACT1821iz1uἀποταξάμενος1having left them

“when he had departed from them”

1837ACT1822pr6u0General Information:

Phrygia is a province in Asia which is now modern day Turkey. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

1838ACT1822p3640Connecting Statement:

Paul continues his missionary journey.

1839ACT1822gyy4κατελθὼν εἰς Καισάρειαν1having landed at Caesarea

“when he had arrived at Caesarea.” The word landed is used to show that he arrived by ship.

1840ACT1822r26zἀναβὰς1having gone up

He traveled to the city of Jerusalem. The phrase gone up is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

1841ACT1822q9j6figs-metonymyἀσπασάμενος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1greeted the church

Here church refers to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “greeted the members of the church of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1842ACT1822n3rhκατέβη1he went down

The phrase went down is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

1843ACT1823pww5ἐξῆλθεν1he departed

“Paul went away” or “Paul left”

1844ACT1823h65jfigs-metaphorκαὶ ποιήσας χρόνον τινὰ1And having spent some time there

This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate translation: And after staying there for a while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1845ACT1824a7p9writing-background0General Information:

Apollos is introduced to the story. Verses 24 and 25 give background information about him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1846ACT1824muc20Connecting Statement:

Luke tells what happens in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila.

1847ACT1824xqy7δέ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line.

1848ACT1824n2b4writing-participantsἸουδαῖος…τις Ἀπολλῶς ὀνόματι1a certain Jew named Apollos

The phrase a certain indicates that Luke is introducing a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1849ACT1824di14translate-namesἈλεξανδρεὺς τῷ γένει1an Alexandrian by birth

“a man who was born in the city of Alexandria.” This was a city in Egypt on the north coast of Africa. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1850ACT1824t4ziἀνὴρ λόγιος1an eloquent man

“a good speaker”

1851ACT1824bh25δυνατὸς ὢν ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς1He was mighty in the scriptures

“he knew the scriptures thoroughly.” He understood the Old Testament writings well.

1852ACT1825z7a8figs-activepassiveοὗτος ἦν κατηχημένος τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Κυρίου1He had been instructed in the way of the Lord

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Other believers had taught Apollos how the Lord Jesus wanted people to live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1853ACT1825ift8figs-synecdocheκαὶ ζέων τῷ πνεύματι1and being fervent in spirit

Here spirit refers to the entire person of Apollos. Alternate translation: “and being very enthusiastic” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1854ACT1825lr1hτὸ βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου1the baptism of John

“The baptism that John performed.” This is comparing Johns baptism which was with water to Jesus baptism which is with the Holy Spirit.

1855ACT1826ga6vfigs-metaphorτὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the way of God

How God wants people to live is spoken of as if it were a road that a person travels. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1856ACT1826k1lbἀκριβέστερον1more accurately

“more correctly” or “more fully”

1857ACT1827c2sq0General Information:

Here the he words “he” and “him” refer to Apollos (Acts 18:24).

1858ACT1827ll36διελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Ἀχαΐαν1to pass over into Achaia

“to go to the region of Achaia.” The phrase pass over is used here because Apollos had to cross the Aegean Sea to get to Achaia from Ephesus.

1859ACT1827pql7τὴν Ἀχαΐαν1Achaia

Achaia was a Roman Province in the southern section of Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.

1860ACT1827v2i6figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὶ1brothers

The word brothers here refers to men and women believers. You can make explicit that these are believers in Ephesus. Alternate translation: “fellow believers in Ephesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1861ACT1827q5f2ἔγραψαν τοῖς μαθηταῖς1and wrote to the disciples

“and wrote a letter to the Christians in Achaia”

1862ACT1827f99pτοῖς πεπιστευκόσιν διὰ τῆς χάριτος1those who had believed by grace

“those who had believed in salvation by grace” or “those who by Gods grace believed in Jesus”

1863ACT1828l2ztεὐτόνως…τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις διακατηλέγχετο δημοσίᾳ1he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly

“in public debate Apollos powerfully proved that the Jews were wrong”

1864ACT19introg38y0

Acts 19 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Baptism

John baptized people to show that they were sorry for their sins. Jesus followers baptized people who wanted to follow Jesus.

Temple of Diana

The temple of Diana was an important place in the city of Ephesus. Many people came to Ephesus to see this temple, and they bought statues of the goddess Diana while they were there. The people who sold statues of Diana were afraid that if people did not believe Diana was a real goddess, they would stop giving the sellers money for statues.

1865ACT191rhv10General Information:

The “upper country” was an area of Asia which today is part of modern-day Turkey to the north of Ephesus. Paul must have traveled by land around the top of the Aegean sea in order to come to Ephesus (also in Turkey today) which is directly east of Corinth by sea.

1866ACT191wu6p0Connecting Statement:

Paul travels to Ephesus.

1867ACT191lp23ἐγένετο δὲ1And it happened that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

1868ACT191ati9διελθόντα1passed through

“traveled through”

1869ACT192wqi4εἰ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐλάβετε1Did you receive the Holy Spirit

This means to have the Holy Spirit come upon them.

1870ACT192nvn4οὐδ’ εἰ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἔστιν ἠκούσαμεν1we did not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit

“we have never heard about the Holy Spirit”

1871ACT193hml10General Information:

Here the words “They,” “you,” and “they” refer to certain disciples in the city of Ephesus (Acts 19:1). The word “him” refers to John.

1872ACT193mrm6figs-activepassiveεἰς τί οὖν ἐβαπτίσθητε1Into what then were you baptized?

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What kind of baptism did you receive?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1873ACT193jzp7figs-ellipsisεἰς τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα1Into the baptism of John

You can translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “We received the kind of baptism about which John taught” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1874ACT194r46yfigs-abstractnounsβάπτισμα μετανοίας1a baptism of repentance

You can translate the abstract noun repentance as the verb “repent.” Alternate translation: “the baptism that people requested when they wanted to repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1875ACT194pv7tτὸν ἐρχόμενον1the one who is coming

Here the one refers to Jesus.

1876ACT194q5fhτὸν ἐρχόμενον μετ’ αὐτὸν1the one who is coming after him

This means to come after John the Baptist in time and not following after him physically.

1877ACT195zx2b0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues staying in Ephesus.

1878ACT195k9stἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

Here they refers to the disciples in Ephesus who were talking with Paul (Acts 19:1),

1879ACT195ueh1figs-activepassiveἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they received baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1880ACT195g2dmfigs-metonymyεἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1in the name of the Lord Jesus

Here name refers to Jesus power and authority. Alternate translation: “as believers in the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1881ACT196gk8lἐπιθέντος αὐτοῖς τοῦ Παύλου χεῖρας1when Paul had laid his hands on them

He probably placed his hands on their shoulders or heads. Alternate translation: “when Paul had placed his hands on their heads as he prayed”

1882ACT196j4n8ἐλάλουν τε γλώσσαις καὶ ἐπροφήτευον1and they began to speak in tongues and prophesy

Unlike in Acts 2:3-4, there are no details of who understood their messages.

1883ACT197e7kjwriting-backgroundἦσαν δὲ οἱ πάντες ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ δώδεκα1And they were about 12 men in all

This tells how many men were baptized. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1884ACT197u71itranslate-numbersἄνδρες…δώδεκα112 men

“12 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1885ACT198qv8zεἰσελθὼν…εἰς τὴν συναγωγὴν, ἐπαρρησιάζετο ἐπὶ μῆνας τρεῖς1having gone into the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three months

“Paul regularly attended the synagogue meetings for three months and spoke there boldly”

1886ACT198yky2διαλεγόμενος καὶ πείθων1reasoning and persuading them

“convincing people with convincing arguments and with clear teaching”

1887ACT198v8etfigs-metonymyπερὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ1about the kingdom of God

Here kingdom stands for Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “about Gods rule as king” or “about how God would show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1888ACT199mq1gfigs-metaphorτινες ἐσκληρύνοντο καὶ ἠπείθουν1some were hardened and being disobedient

To stubbornly refuse to believe is spoken of as though the people were becoming hardened and unable to move. Alternate translation: “some Jews were stubborn and did not believe” or “some Jews stubbornly refused to accept and obey the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1889ACT199n6irfigs-metaphorκακολογοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πλήθους1speaking evil of the Way before the crowd

What Christ wants people to believe is spoken of as though it were a road that a person travels. The phrase the Way seems to have been a title for Christianity at the time. Alternate translation: “speaking evil about Christianity to the crowd” or “speaking to the crowd evil things about those who follow Christ and who obey his teaching about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and Acts 9:2)

1890ACT199ts8dκακολογοῦντες1speaking evil

“speaking bad things about”

1891ACT199xsm6ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου1in the lecture hall of Tyrannus

“in the large room where Tyrannus had taught people”

1892ACT199den4translate-namesΤυράννου1of Tyrannus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1893ACT1910cw5gfigs-hyperboleπάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord

Here all is a generalization that means very many people throughout Asia heard the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1894ACT1910kj12figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου1the word of the Lord

Here word stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1895ACT1911cb6w0General Information:

Here the words “them” and “they” refer to those who were sick.

1896ACT1911fa6hfigs-synecdocheδυνάμεις τε οὐ τὰς τυχούσας, ὁ Θεὸς ἐποίει διὰ τῶν χειρῶν Παύλου1And God was doing not ordinary miracles by the hands of Paul

Here hands stands for Pauls whole person. Alternate translation: “And God was causing Paul to do unusual miracles” or “And God was doing amazing miracles through Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1897ACT1911abcyοὐ τὰς τυχούσας1not ordinary

“unusual”

1898ACT1912m3klκαὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας ἀποφέρεσθαι ἀπὸ τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ σουδάρια ἢ σιμικίνθια, καὶ1even handkerchiefs and aprons from his body were taken to the sick and

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when they took to sick people even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul”

1899ACT1912vc1vκαὶ…ἀπὸ τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ σουδάρια ἢ σιμικίνθια1even handkerchiefs and aprons from his body

Possible meanings are (1) these were cloth items that Paul had touched or (2) these were cloth items that Paul had worn or used.

1900ACT1912aks4σουδάρια1handkerchiefs

cloths worn around the head

1901ACT1912xs31σιμικίνθια1aprons

clothing worn on the front of the body to protect the clothes of people

1902ACT1912kw9zfigs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας1the sick

This refers to sick people. Alternate translation: “sick people” or “those who were sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

1903ACT1912nl3aἀπαλλάσσεσθαι ἀπ’ αὐτῶν τὰς νόσους1their illnesses departed from them

“those who were sick became healthy”

1904ACT1913he2x0General Information:

This is the beginning of another event that happened while Paul was in Ephesus. It is about Jewish exorcists.

1905ACT1913fgq4ἐξορκιστῶν1exorcists

people who send evil spirits away from people or places

1906ACT1913s12ufigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1the name of the Lord Jesus

Here name refers to Jesus power and authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1907ACT1913d59pτὸν Ἰησοῦν, ὃν Παῦλος κηρύσσει1by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims

Jesus was a common name at the time, so these exorcists wanted people to know of whom they spoke.

1908ACT1913vqt1figs-metonymyτὸν Ἰησοῦν1by the Jesus

This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “by the authority of Jesus” or “by the power of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1909ACT1914cb8ptranslate-namesΣκευᾶ1of Sceva

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1910ACT1915i4a2τὸν Ἰησοῦν γινώσκω, καὶ τὸν Παῦλον ἐπίσταμαι1Jesus I know, and Paul I know

“I know Jesus and Paul” or “I know Jesus, and I know Paul”

1911ACT1915nsl1figs-rquestionὑμεῖς δὲ τίνες ἐστέ?1but who are you?

The spirit asked this question to emphasize that the exorcists had no authority over evil spirits. Alternate translation: “but I do not know you!” or “but you have no authority over me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1912ACT1916ty4xἐφαλόμενος ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, ἐν ᾧ ἦν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρὸν1the man in whom was the evil spirit, after leaping on them

This means that the evil spirit caused the man whom it was controlling to leap on the exorcists.

1913ACT1916lu7uαὐτοὺς1them

This refers to the exorcists who send evil spirits from people or places. See how you translated this in Acts 19:13.

1914ACT1916b8cbγυμνοὺς…ἐκφυγεῖν1they fled … naked

The exorcists fled with their clothes ripped off them.

1915ACT1917j85hfigs-activepassiveἐμεγαλύνετο τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they magnified the name of the Lord Jesus” or “they considered the name of the Lord Jesus to be great” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1916ACT1917j2hhfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα1the name

This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1917ACT1918tj8twriting-endofstory0

This ends the story about the Jewish exorcists. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

1918ACT1919z9rjσυνενέγκαντες τὰς βίβλους1having brought their books together

“having collected their books.” The word books refers to scrolls on which magical incantations and formulas were written.

1919ACT1919m6nfἐνώπιον πάντων1before everyone

“in front of everyone”

1920ACT1919upz3τὰς τιμὰς αὐτῶν1the value of them

“the value of the books” or “the value of the scrolls”

1921ACT1919u9pitranslate-numbersμυριάδας πέντε150000

“ fifty thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

1922ACT1919bcv2translate-bmoneyἀργυρίου1pieces of silver

Each of the pieces of silver was the approximate daily wage for a common laborer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])

1923ACT1920es71figs-synecdocheοὕτως κατὰ κράτος τοῦ Κυρίου ὁ λόγος ηὔξανεν καὶ ἴσχυεν1So the word of the Lord was spreading and prevailing according to power

“So because of these powerful deeds, more and more people heard the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1924ACT1921k1j10Connecting Statement:

Paul talks about going Jerusalem but does not leave Ephesus yet.

1925ACT1921de4fδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke starts to tell a new part of the story.

1926ACT1921q18bἐπληρώθη ταῦτα…ὁ Παῦλος1this was completed, Paul

“Paul had completed the work that God had for him to do in Ephesus, he”

1927ACT1921fgq5ἔθετο…ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι1he determined in the Spirit

Possible meanings are (1) Paul decided with the help of the Holy Spirit or (2) Paul decided within his own spirit, which means he made up his mind.

1928ACT1921brb7Ἀχαΐαν1Achaia

Achaia was the Roman province in which Corinth was located. It was the largest city in southern Greece and the capital of the province. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.

1929ACT1921rdz4δεῖ με καὶ Ῥώμην ἰδεῖν1it is necessary for me also to see Rome

“I must also travel to Rome”

1930ACT1922cy6ftranslate-namesἜραστον1Erastus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1931ACT1922k35jfigs-explicitαὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν χρόνον εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν1he himself stayed in Asia for a time

It is made explicit in the next few verses that Paul remains in Ephesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1932ACT1922uy9xfigs-rpronounsαὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν1he himself stayed

Here himself is added for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

1933ACT1923y5aewriting-background0General Information:

Demetrius is introduced to the story. Verse 24 introduces background information about Demetrius. Ephesus had a large temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, sometimes translated as “Diana.” She was a false goddess of fertility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1934ACT1923l7gz0Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about a riot that broke out while Paul was in Ephesus.

1935ACT1923kn49ἐγένετο…τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ1there was no small disturbance concerning the Way

This is a summary opening statement.

1936ACT1923nb3pfigs-litotesἐγένετο…τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος1there was no small disturbance

“the people became very upset” See how you translated this in Acts 12:18 (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1937ACT1923rwf2τῆς ὁδοῦ1the Way

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated this title in Acts 9:1.

1938ACT1924cg16writing-participantsΔημήτριος…τις ὀνόματι ἀργυροκόπος1a certain silversmith named Demetrius

The use of the words a certain introduces a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1939ACT1924nwt7ἀργυροκόπος1a silversmith

a craftsman who works with silver metal to make statues and jewelry

1940ACT1924v8cbtranslate-namesΔημήτριος…ὀνόματι1named Demetrius

This is the name of a man. Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who was against Paul and the local church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1941ACT1924p58mfigs-litotesπαρείχετο…οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν1brought in not a little business

This is a way of saying that he brought in much business. Alternate translation: “made a lot of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1942ACT1925kuz6τοὺς περὶ τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργάτας1the workmen of that occupation

An occupation is a profession or job. Alternate translation: “others who did that kind of work”

1943ACT1926w5z60Connecting Statement:

Demetrius continues to speak to the craftsmen.

1944ACT1926rm6wθεωρεῖτε καὶ ἀκούετε ὅτι1you see and hear that

“you have come to know and understand that”

1945ACT1926rx32figs-metaphorμετέστησεν ἱκανὸν ὄχλον1and turned away a considerable crowd

Pauls stopping people from worshiping idols is spoken of as though Paul were literally turning the people in a different direction. Alternate translation: “and caused many people to stop worshiping the local gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1946ACT1926z7e7figs-ellipsisλέγων ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοὶ, οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι1He is saying that the things that are being made with hands are not gods

Here the word hands can refer to the whole person. Alternate translation: “He is saying that the idols that people make are not real gods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1947ACT1927r1w2figs-activepassiveτοῦτο κινδυνεύει ἡμῖν, τὸ μέρος εἰς ἀπελεγμὸν ἐλθεῖν1is this trade in peril for us to come to disrepute

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “might the people no longer want to buy idols that we make” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1948ACT1927j3bbfigs-activepassiveτὸ τῆς μεγάλης θεᾶς Ἀρτέμιδος ἱερὸν, εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι1the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be considered as nothing

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people may think there is no benefit in going to the temple to worship the great goddess Artemis” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1949ACT1927bqt4μέλλειν τε καὶ καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς1And indeed, her majesty is about to be destroyed

Artemiss greatness only comes from what people think of her.

1950ACT1927hz7lfigs-hyperboleἣν ὅλη ἡ Ἀσία καὶ ἡ οἰκουμένη σέβεται1whom all Asia and the world worships

This was an exaggeration to show how popular the goddess Artemis was. Here the words Asia and the world refer to the people in Asia and the known world. Alternate translation: “whom many people in Asia and in other parts of the world worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1951ACT1928t4lm0General Information:

Here “they” refers to the craftsmen who made the idols (Acts 19:24-25).

1952ACT1928uc5cfigs-metaphorγενόμενοι πλήρεις θυμοῦ1having become filled with anger

This speaks of the craftsmen as though they were containers. Here anger is spoken of as if it were the contents that fill a container. Alternate translation: “they became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1953ACT1928lcx8ἔκραζον1they cried out

“they shouted aloud” or “they shouted loudly”

1954ACT1929t7xsfigs-metonymyἐπλήσθη ἡ πόλις τῆς συγχύσεως1the whole city was filled with confusion

Here city refers to the people. The city is spoken of as if it were a container. And, confusion is spoken of as if it were the contents that filled the container. Alternate translation: “people all over the city became upset and started shouting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1955ACT1929nt7yὥρμησάν τε ὁμοθυμαδὸν1and they rushed together

This was a mob or near riot situation.

1956ACT1929ej3qεἰς τὸ θέατρον1into the theater

The Ephesus theater was used for public meetings and for entertainment such as plays and music. It was an outdoor semi-circular area with bench seats that could hold thousands of people.

1957ACT1929hjc8συνεκδήμους Παύλου1Pauls … travel companions

The men who had been with Paul.

1958ACT1929d6r9translate-namesΓάϊον…Ἀρίσταρχον1Gaius … Aristarchus

These are names of men. Gaius and Aristarchus came from Macedonia but were working with Paul in Ephesus at this time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1959ACT1930ii1u0General Information:

Ephesus was part of the Roman empire and in the province of Asia.

1960ACT1931z7wwτὸ θέατρον1the theater

The Ephesus theater was used for public meetings and for entertainment such as plays and music. It was an outdoor semi-circular area with bench seats that could hold thousands of people. See how you translated theater in Acts 19:29.

1961ACT1933jr85translate-namesἈλέξανδρον1Alexander

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1962ACT1933j1mifigs-explicitκατασείσας τὴν χεῖρα1motioned with his hand

You can make explicit that Alexander was showing the crowd that he wanted them to be quiet. Alternate translation: “gestured to the crowd to be quiet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1963ACT1933tlq7ἀπολογεῖσθαι1to give a defense

It is not clear whom or what Alexander wanted to defend. If your language requires this information, it might be best to use a general phrase like “to explain what was going on.”

1964ACT1934u1hpfigs-metaphorφωνὴ ἐγένετο μία ἐκ πάντων1there was one voice from all of them

The shouting together of the people at the same time is spoken of as though they were speaking with one voice. Alternate translation: “they were shouting in unison” or “they were shouting together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1965ACT1935fm3mfigs-you0General Information:

The words “You” and “you” refer to all the men present who were from Ephesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1966ACT1935pu960Connecting Statement:

The clerk of Ephesus speaks to quiet the crowd.

1967ACT1935sy9mὁ γραμματεὺς1the town clerk

This refers to the town “writer” or “secretary.”

1968ACT1935sd3sfigs-rquestionτίς γάρ ἐστιν ἀνθρώπων, ὃς οὐ γινώσκει τὴν Ἐφεσίων πόλιν νεωκόρον οὖσαν τῆς μεγάλης Ἀρτέμιδος καὶ τοῦ διοπετοῦς?1what man indeed is there who does not know that the city of Ephesus is temple keeper of the great Artemis and of that which is fallen down from heaven?

The clerk asked this question to assure the crowd they were right and to comfort them. Alternate translation: “for every man knows that the Ephesians guard the temple of the great Artemis and of her image that fell down from heaven.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1969ACT1935k8dyfigs-litotesὃς οὐ γινώσκει1who does not know

The town clerk uses not to emphasize that all of the people knew this. Alternate translation: “everyone knows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

1970ACT1935hiw3νεωκόρον1temple keeper

The Ephesian people maintained and guarded the temple of Artemis.

1971ACT1935afd1τοῦ διοπετοῦς1of that which is fallen down from heaven

Within the temple of Artemis was an image of the goddess. It had been fashioned from a meteorite which fell from the sky. People thought that his rock had come directly from Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods (idols).

1972ACT1936r8cfἀναντιρρήτων οὖν ὄντων τούτων1So these things are undeniable

“So since you know these things are true”

1973ACT1936xj2nμηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν1to do nothing rash

“do not do anything before you have had time to think about it”

1974ACT1936s67qπροπετὲς1rash

without careful thought

1975ACT1937s8a9τοὺς ἄνδρας τούτους1these men

The words these men refer to Gaius and Aristarchus, Pauls traveling companions (Acts 19:29).

1976ACT1938wgv50Connecting Statement:

The town clerk finishes speaking to the crowd.

1977ACT1938qd4sοὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true.” The town clerk had said in Acts 19:37 that Gaius and Aristarchus were not robbers or blasphemers.

1978ACT1938zkx5figs-abstractnounsἔχουσιν πρός τινα λόγον1have a word against anyone

Here having a word against someone means they want to accuse them of something. Alternate translation: “want to accuse someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1979ACT1938szf7translate-unknownἀνθύπατοί1proconsuls

the Roman governors representatives who made legal decisions in court (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1980ACT1938g8tpἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις1Let them accuse one another

This does not mean Demetrius and those with him will accuse each other. It means this is a place where people in general can speak their accusation. Alternate translation: “There people can accuse one another”

1981ACT1939hxh3εἰ δέ τι περὶ ἑτέρων ἐπιζητεῖτε1But if you seek anything about other matters

“But if you have other matters to discuss”

1982ACT1939wga5figs-activepassiveἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται1it will be settled in the regular assembly

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let us settle it in the regular assembly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1983ACT1939et5jτῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ1the regular assembly

This refers to a public gathering of citizens over which the county clerk presided.

1984ACT1940sds7figs-activepassiveκινδυνεύομεν ἐνκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως περὶ τῆς σήμερον1we are in danger of being accused of rioting concerning this day

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we are in danger of the Roman authorities accusing us of starting this riot today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1985ACT20introu91c0

Acts 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter Luke describes Pauls last visits to believers in the provinces of Macedonia and Asia before he went to Jerusalem.

Special concepts in this chapter

Race

Paul spoke of living for Jesus as if he were running in a race. By this he meant that he needed to keep working hard even when things were difficult and he wanted to quit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/discipline]])

“Compelled by the Spirit”

Paul thought that the Holy Spirit wanted him to go to Jerusalem even if Paul did not want to go there. The same Holy Spirit told other people that when Paul arrived in Jerusalem, people would try to harm him.

1986ACT201cwq70Connecting Statement:

Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his travels.

1987ACT201y5cqμετὰ δὲ τὸ παύσασθαι τὸν θόρυβον1After the uproar had ended

“After the riot” or “Following the riot”

1988ACT201hr32ἀσπασάμενος1and said farewell

“and he said goodbye”

1989ACT202edb8παρακαλέσας αὐτοὺς λόγῳ πολλῷ1had exhorted them with many words

“had greatly encouraged the believers by saying many things” or “had said many things to challenge the believers”

1990ACT203yxj3figs-metaphorποιήσας τε μῆνας τρεῖς1And after he had spent three months there

“And after he had stayed there three months.” This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1991ACT203cit9figs-activepassiveγενομένης ἐπιβουλῆς αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1a plot was formed against him by the Jews

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Jews formed a plot against him” or “the Jews formed a secret plan to harm him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1992ACT203ah5wfigs-synecdocheὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1by the Jews

This means only some of the Jews. Alternate translation: “by some of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1993ACT203m7naμέλλοντι ἀνάγεσθαι εἰς τὴν Συρίαν1as he was about to sail for Syria

“as he was ready to sail to Syria”

1994ACT204y35xfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Paul (Acts 20:1). All instances of “us” and “we” in the verses that follow refer to the writer and Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1995ACT204c9etσυνείπετο δὲ αὐτῷ1And accompanying him

“And traveling with him”

1996ACT204dw6jtranslate-namesΣώπατρος…Πύρρου…Σεκοῦνδος,…Τυχικὸς…Τρόφιμος1were Sopater of Pyrrhus … Secundus … Tychicus … Trophimus

These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1997ACT204w4n1translate-namesΒεροιαῖος…Δερβαῖος1from Berea … from Derbe

These are names of places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1998ACT204w8j6Ἀρίσταρχος…Γάϊος1Aristarchus … Gaius

These are names of men. See how you translated these names in Acts 19:29.

1999ACT205itz1translate-namesΤρῳάδι1Troas

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2000ACT205kv8tοὗτοι…προσελθόντες1they had gone before us

“these men had traveled ahead of us”

2001ACT206l5drτὰς ἡμέρας τῶν Ἀζύμων1the days of unleavened bread

This refers to a time of Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. See how you translated this in Acts 12:3.

2002ACT207dnt4figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and Acts 20:4-6)

2003ACT207mbr80Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about Pauls preaching in Troas and about what happened to Eutychus.

2004ACT207zff8figs-synecdocheκλάσαι ἄρτον1to break bread

Bread was part of their meals. Possible meanings are (1) this refers simply to eating a meal together. Alternate translation: “eat a meal” or (2) this refers to the meal they would eat together in order to remember Christs death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “to eat the Lords Supper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2005ACT207j888παρέτεινέν τε τὸν λόγον1and so he continued his message

“and so he continued to speak”

2006ACT208ak8zὑπερῴῳ1upper room

This may have been the third floor of the house.

2007ACT209hw7b0General Information:

Here the word “himself” refers to Paul. The first word “he” refers to Paul; the second word “he” refers to the young man, Eutychus. The word “him” refers to Eutychus.

2008ACT209v5q7ἐπὶ τῆς θυρίδος1on the window

This was an opening in the wall with a ledge that was wide enough for a person to sit on it.

2009ACT209ju64translate-namesΕὔτυχος1Eutychus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2010ACT209tsp4figs-metaphorκαταφερόμενος ὕπνῳ βαθεῖ1was falling into a deep sleep

This speaks about sleep as if it were a deep hole into which a person could fall. Alternate translation: “was sleeping soundly” or “was becoming more and more tired until finally he was sleeping soundly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2011ACT209abczκατενεχθεὶς ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου1having been overcome by sleep

The young man was fell asleep, not Paul.

2012ACT209jp89figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἤρθη νεκρός1and was picked up dead

When they went down to check his condition, they saw he was dead. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and when they went to pick him up, they found that he was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2013ACT209kh3hτριστέγου1third story

This means two floors above the ground floor. If your culture does not count the ground floor, you may state this as the “second story.”

2014ACT2011av7m0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul.

2015ACT2011lih80Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Pauls preaching at Troas and about Eutychus.

2016ACT2011w5w8figs-synecdocheκλάσας τὸν ἄρτον1had broken bread

Bread was a common food during meals. Here broken bread probably means they shared a meal with more kinds of food than just bread. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2017ACT2011t88cοὕτως ἐξῆλθεν1In this way, he left

“This is what happened as he was going away”

2018ACT2012jkj5τὸν παῖδα1the boy

This refers to Eutychus (Acts 20:9). Possible meanings are (1) he was a young man over 14 years old or (2) he was a boy between 9 and 14 years old or (3) the word “boy” implies that he was a servant or a slave.

2019ACT2012abx0figs-litotesοὐ μετρίως1not moderately

This is a way of saying that they were greatly comforted. Alternate translation: “greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2020ACT2013dja7figs-exclusive0General Information:

The words “he,” “himself,” and “him” refer to Paul. Here the word “we” refers to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2021ACT2013awt90Connecting Statement:

The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip.

2022ACT2013w4ewfigs-rpronounsἡμεῖς…προελθόντες1we, having gone ahead

The word we here refers to Luke and his traveling companions, and not to Paul. Paul did travel on the ship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2023ACT2013q4yztranslate-namesτὴν Ἆσσον1Assos

Assos is a town located directly below present day Behram in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2024ACT2013nq2qfigs-rpronounsἦν μέλλων αὐτὸς πεζεύειν1ἦν μέλλων αὐτὸς πεζεύειν

Here himself is used to emphasize that this is what Paul wanted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2025ACT2013p8y7πεζεύειν1to go on foot

“to walk”

2026ACT2014ju8ftranslate-namesΜιτυλήνην1Mitylene

Mitylene is a town located in present day Mitilini in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2027ACT2015ll2hfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, the writer, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2028ACT2015ulk6translate-namesΧίου1Chios

Chios is an island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Alternate translation: “the island of Chios” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2029ACT2015jyr7παρεβάλομεν εἰς Σάμον1we landed at Samos

“we arrived at the island of Samos”

2030ACT2015b6c6translate-namesΣάμον1Samos

Samos is an island south of Chios in the Aegean Sea off the coast of modern day Turkey. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2031ACT2015s7g2translate-namesΜίλητον1Miletus

Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2032ACT2016p272translate-namesκεκρίκει γὰρ ὁ Παῦλος παραπλεῦσαι τὴν Ἔφεσον1For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus

Paul sailed south past the port city of Ephesus, further south in order to land at Miletus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2033ACT2016p61efigs-metaphorὅπως μὴ γένηται αὐτῷ χρονοτριβῆσαι1so that he would not spend time

This speaks about time as if it were a commodity that a person could spend or use up. Alternate translation: “so that he would not have to remain for a time” or “so that he would not have a delay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2034ACT2017nw52figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. The word “our” refers to Paul and the elders to whom he is speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2035ACT2017v9al0Connecting Statement:

Paul calls the elders of the church of Ephesus and begins to speak to them.

2036ACT2017l9ajtranslate-namesτῆς Μιλήτου1Miletus

Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River. See how you translated this in Acts 20:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2037ACT2018b6lifigs-rpronounsὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε1You yourselves know

Here yourselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2038ACT2018vw6nfigs-synecdocheἐπέβην εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν1I set foot in Asia

Here foot stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: “I entered Asia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2039ACT2019wh5mfigs-metonymyδακρύων1tears

Here “tears” stands for feeling sad and crying. Alternate translation: “sadness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2040ACT2019e6k7πειρασμῶν, τῶν συμβάντων μοι1trials that happened to me

Here trials is an abstract noun. The meaning can be expressed as a verb. Alternate Translation: “while I was tested” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns)

2041ACT2019y5iwfigs-synecdocheτῶν Ἰουδαίων1of the Jews

This does not mean every Jew. This lets us know who plotted. Alternate translation: “of some of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2042ACT2020nu7hὡς οὐδὲν ὑπεστειλάμην τῶν συμφερόντων τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι ὑμῖν1how I kept back nothing that was useful which I did not declare to you

“how I declared to you everything that was beneficial to you”

2043ACT2020kut9κατ’ οἴκους1according to houses

Paul taught people in various private homes. Alternate translation: “in each house” or “in everyone's home”

2044ACT2021w7mvfigs-abstractnounsτὴν εἰς Θεὸν μετάνοιαν καὶ πίστιν εἰς τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦν1about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus

The abstract nouns repentance and faith can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “that they need to repent before God and believe in our Lord Jesus Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2045ACT2022ty3b0General Information:

Here the word “I” refers to Paul.

2046ACT2022vam4figs-activepassiveδεδεμένος…τῷ Πνεύματι1having been bound by the Spirit

They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because the Spirit compels me to go there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2047ACT2022a9j1τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ συναντήσοντά μοι, μὴ εἰδώς1not knowing what will happen to me in it

“and I do not know what will happen to me there” or “not knowing what will happen to me in Jerusalem”

2048ACT2023q3iefigs-metonymyδεσμὰ καὶ θλίψεις με μένουσιν1chains and sufferings await me

Here chains refers to Pauls being arrested and put in prison. Alternate translation: “people will put me in prison and cause me to suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2049ACT2024w8d2figs-metaphorὡς τελειῶσαι τὸν δρόμον μου, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν ἣν ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1so as to finish my race and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus

This speaks about Pauls race and ministry as if they are objects that Jesus gives and Paul receives. Here race and ministry mean basically the same thing. Paul repeats this for emphasis. Alternate translation: “so that I may complete the work that the Lord Jesus has commanded me to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2050ACT2024m5gcfigs-metaphorτελειῶσαι τὸν δρόμον μου1to finish my race

Paul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2051ACT2024hg3lδιαμαρτύρασθαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ1to solemnly testify to the gospel of the grace of God

“to tell people what I have personally learned about the good news of Gods grace.” This is the ministry that Paul received from Jesus.

2052ACT2025f1sb0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to talk to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17).

2053ACT2025kj9cκαὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ, ἐγὼ οἶδα1And now, behold, I know

“And now, pay careful attention, because I know”

2054ACT2025z4ngἐγὼ οἶδα ὅτι…ὑμεῖς πάντες1I know that you all

“I know that all of you”

2055ACT2025aur9figs-metonymyἐν οἷς διῆλθον κηρύσσων τὴν βασιλείαν1among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom

Here kingdom stands for Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “to whom I preached the message about Gods reign as king” or “to whom I preached about how God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2056ACT2025cq45figs-synecdocheοὐκέτι ὄψεσθε τὸ πρόσωπόν μου1will see my face no more

The word face here represents Pauls physical body. Alternate translation: “will not see me anymore on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2057ACT2026e546figs-metonymyκαθαρός εἰμι ἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος πάντων1I am innocent from the blood of all

Here blood stands for a persons death, which, in this case, is not physical death but spiritual death when God declares a person guilty of sin. Paul had told them Gods truth. Alternate translation: “I am not responsible for anyone whom God judges guilty of sin because they did not trust in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2058ACT2026v5elfigs-gendernotationsπάντων1of all

Here this means any person whether male or female. Alternate translation: “of any person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2059ACT2027qa9yfigs-litotesοὐ γὰρ ὑπεστειλάμην τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι…ὑμῖν1For I did not hold back from declaring to you

“For I did not keep silent and not tell you.” This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “For I certainly declared to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2060ACT2028u52dfigs-metaphorτῷ ποιμνίῳ, ἐν ᾧ ὑμᾶς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἔθετο ἐπισκόπους, ποιμαίνειν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God

Believers are likened to a flock of sheep here. Church leaders are entrusted by God with the care of the community of believers just as a shepherd would care for his flock of sheep and protect them from wolves. Alternate translation: “the group of believers the Holy spirit has entrusted to you. Be sure to take care of the church of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2061ACT2028cx69figs-metaphorτὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἣν περιεποιήσατο διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου1the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood

The shedding of the blood of Christ here is likened to a payment to God for our sins. Alternate translation: “the people Christ saved from their sins by shedding his blood on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2062ACT2028hjh6figs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου1his own blood

Here blood stands for Christs death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2063ACT2029ka6ufigs-metaphorεἰσελεύσονται…λύκοι βαρεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς, μὴ φειδόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου1vicious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock

This is a picture of people who teach false doctrine and who harm the community of believers as though they were wolves that eat the sheep of the flock. Alternate translation: “many enemies will come among you and try to harm the community of believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2064ACT2030ftf4figs-metaphorτοῦ ἀποσπᾶν τοὺς μαθητὰς ὀπίσω ἑαυτῶν1to draw away the disciples after them

A false teacher convincing believers to start believing his false teaching is spoken of as if he were leading sheep away from the flock to follow him. Alternate translation: “in order to convince people who are disciples of Christ to become his disciples instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2065ACT2031q2nlγρηγορεῖτε, μνημονεύοντες1be alert, remembering

“be on guard and remember” or “be on guard as you remember”

2066ACT2031ll64figs-metaphorγρηγορεῖτε1be alert

“be awake” or “watch out.” Christian leaders being alert about anyone that may harm the community of believers is spoken of as if they were guards in an army watching out for the enemy army. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2067ACT2031pvt6μνημονεύοντες ὅτι1Remembering that

“continuing to remember that” or “ not forgetting that”

2068ACT2031rt1hfigs-hyperboleτριετίαν νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν, οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην…νουθετῶν1for three years I did not stop admonishing … night and day

Paul did not teach them continuously for three years, but over the space of three years. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2069ACT2031hs1mοὐκ ἐπαυσάμην…νουθετῶν1I did not stop admonishing

“I did not stop warning”

2070ACT2031rvh6figs-metonymyμετὰ δακρύων1with tears

Here tears refers to Pauls crying because of the strong emotion of concern he felt while he was warning the people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2071ACT2032ylm3figs-metonymyπαρατίθεμαι ὑμᾶς τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1I am entrusting you to God and to the word of his grace

Here word stands for a message. Alternate translation: “I ask God to take care of you and that he will help you to keep believing the message I spoke to you about his grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2072ACT2032vnb2παρατίθεμαι1I am entrusting

to give someone else the responsibility of taking care of someone or something

2073ACT2032s7rffigs-metaphorτῷ δυναμένῳ οἰκοδομῆσαι1which is able to build you up

A persons faith becoming stronger is spoken of as if the person were a wall and someone were building him higher and stronger. Alternate translation: “which is able to make you become stronger and stronger in your faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2074ACT2032zvz8figs-personificationδοῦναι τὴν κληρονομίαν1to give you the inheritance

This speaks about the word of his grace as if it were God himself that would give the inheritance to believers. Alternate translation: “God will give you the inheritance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

2075ACT2032x5jyfigs-metaphorτὴν κληρονομίαν1the inheritance

The blessings that God gives believers is spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2076ACT2033y6ii0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus; he began to speak them in Acts 20:18.

2077ACT2033yw8aἀργυρίου…οὐδενὸς ἐπεθύμησα1I coveted no ones silver

“I did not desire anyones silver” or “I did not want for myself anyones silver”

2078ACT2033ipq5ἀργυρίου, ἢ χρυσίου, ἢ ἱματισμοῦ, οὐδενὸς1no ones silver, gold, or clothing

Here clothing is considered a treasure; the more you had, the richer you were.

2079ACT2034f5a3figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ γινώσκετε1You yourselves know

The word yourselves is used here to add emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2080ACT2034ja5vfigs-synecdocheταῖς χρείαις μου, καὶ τοῖς…ὑπηρέτησαν αἱ χεῖρες αὗται1these hands ministered to my needs and to those who

The word hands here represents the entire person. Alternate translation: “I worked to earn money and pay for my own expenses and for those who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2081ACT2035wn8jκοπιῶντας δεῖ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι τῶν ἀσθενούντων1it is necessary to work hard to help those who are weak

“you should work so as to have money to help people who are in need”

2082ACT2035p3n8figs-nominaladjτῶν ἀσθενούντων1those who are weak

You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: “weak people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2083ACT2035dpu1ἀσθενούντων1weak

“sick”

2084ACT2035ps2ifigs-metonymyτῶν λόγων τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1the words of the Lord Jesus

Here words refers to what Jesus has said. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2085ACT2035e396μακάριόν ἐστιν μᾶλλον, διδόναι ἢ λαμβάνειν1It is more blessed to give than to receive

This means a person receives the favor of God and experiences more joy when he gives to other people rather than always receiving from other people.

2086ACT2036q6bs0Connecting Statement:

Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.

2087ACT2036u3uctranslate-symactionθεὶς τὰ γόνατα αὐτοῦ…προσηύξατο1having bowed his knees, he prayed

It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. It was a sign of humility before God. Alternate translation: “he knelt down and prayed to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2088ACT2037pb4rἐπιπεσόντες ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τοῦ Παύλου1having fallen upon Pauls neck

“having embraced Paul” or “putting their arms around him”

2089ACT2037sze4κατεφίλουν αὐτόν1they were kissing him

Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.

2090ACT2038bs3sfigs-synecdocheοὐκέτι μέλλουσιν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ θεωρεῖν1they were never going to see his face again

The word face here represents Pauls physical body. Alternate translation: “they would not see him anymore on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2091ACT21introgh1j0

Acts 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Acts 21:1-19 describes Pauls journey to Jerusalem. After he arrived in Jerusalem, the believers there told him that the Jews wanted to harm him and what he should do so they would not harm him (verses 20-26). Even though Paul did what the believers told him to do, the Jews tried to kill him. The Romans rescued him and gave him a chance to speak to the Jews.

The last verse of the chapter ends with an incomplete sentence. Most translations leave the sentence incomplete, as the ULT does.

Special concepts in this chapter

“They are all determined to keep the law”

The Jews in Jerusalem were following the law of Moses. Even those who were following Jesus still kept the law. Both groups thought that Paul had been telling Jews in Greece not to keep the law. But it was only the Gentiles to whom Paul was saying that.

Nazarite vow

The vow that Paul and his three friends made was probably a Nazarite vow, because they shaved their heads (Acts 21:23).

Gentiles in the temple

The Jews accused Paul of bringing a Gentile man into a part of the temple into which God only allowed Jews to go. They thought that God wanted them to punish Paul by killing him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens.

2092ACT211s3h3figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2093ACT211i6f80Connecting Statement:

The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels.

2094ACT211zz5hεὐθυδρομήσαντες ἤλθομεν εἰς τὴν Κῶ1having run a straight course, we came to Cos

“we went straight to the city of Cos” or “we went directly to the city of Cos”

2095ACT211e5y6translate-namesΚῶ1Cos

Cos is a Greek island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the South Aegean Sea region. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2096ACT211p6sstranslate-namesῬόδον1Rhodes

Rhodes is a Greek island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the South Aegean Sea region south of Cos and northeast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2097ACT211x7kgtranslate-namesΠάταρα1Patara

Patara is a city on the southwest coast of modern day Turkey south of the Aegean Sea in the Mediterranean Sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2098ACT212nz9kfigs-metonymyκαὶ εὑρόντες πλοῖον διαπερῶν εἰς Φοινίκην1And when we found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia

Here a ship crossing over stands for the crew that would sail the ship. Alternate translation: “And when we found a ship with a crew sailing over to Phoenicia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2099ACT212vbd3πλοῖον διαπερῶν1a ship crossing over

Here crossing does not mean it was presently crossing but that it would be crossing to Phoenicia soon. Alternate translation: “a ship that would be going across the water” or “a ship that would be going”

2100ACT213er3rfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2101ACT213vkr2καταλιπόντες αὐτὴν εὐώνυμον1leaving it behind on the left

“passed the island on our left” The left is the “port” side of a boat.

2102ACT213hwx8figs-metonymyἐκεῖσε…τὸ πλοῖον ἦν ἀποφορτιζόμενον τὸν γόμον1the ship was to unload its cargo there

Here ship stands for the crew that was sailing the ship. Alternate translation: “the crew would unload the cargo from the ship there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2103ACT214y35mοἵτινες τῷ Παύλῳ ἔλεγον διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1Through the Spirit they kept saying to Paul

“These believers told Paul what the Holy Spirit had revealed to them, for him”

2104ACT215fe1u0General Information:

Here the word “They” refers to the believers from Tyre.

2105ACT215a5wjὅτε…ἐγένετο ἡμᾶς ἐξαρτίσαι τὰς ἡμέρας1when our days to supply happened

“when we had finished taking supplies onto the ship”

2106ACT215q8xltranslate-symactionθέντες τὰ γόνατα ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν προσευξάμενοι1having knelt down on the shore and having prayed

It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. This was a sign of humility before God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2107ACT216ja1xἀπησπασάμεθα ἀλλήλους1we said farewell to each other

“we said goodbye to one another”

2108ACT217hy6efigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2109ACT217kt6u0Connecting Statement:

This begins Pauls time in Caesarea.

2110ACT217z4nttranslate-namesΠτολεμαΐδα1Ptolemais

Ptolemais was a city south of Tyre, Lebanon. Ptolemais is modern day Acre, Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2111ACT217ff1sτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1the brothers

“the fellow believers”

2112ACT218ay52ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ1from the seven

The seven refers to the men chosen to distribute food and aid to the widows in Acts 6:5.

2113ACT218vi48εὐαγγελιστοῦ1evangelist

a person who tells people the good news about Jesus

2114ACT219rcf4τούτῳ1this man

“Philip” from verse 8

2115ACT219cv8bwriting-backgroundδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke tells background information about Philip and his daughters. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2116ACT219r1i1θυγατέρες τέσσαρες παρθένοι, προφητεύουσαι1four virgin daughters who prophesy

“four virgin daughters who regularly receive and pass along messages from God”

2117ACT2110fe6sfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “we” and “us” refers to Luke, Paul, and those with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2118ACT2110hx8k0Connecting Statement:

This tells about a prophecy made about Paul in Caesarea by the prophet Agabus.

2119ACT2110n3i8writing-participantsτις…προφήτης ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος1a certain prophet named Agabus

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

2120ACT2110f9cbtranslate-namesἍγαβος1Agabus

Agabus was a man from Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2121ACT2111i8t2ἄρας τὴν ζώνην τοῦ Παύλου1taken Pauls belt

“removed Pauls belt from Pauls waist”

2122ACT2111nq2yfigs-quotesinquotesτάδε λέγει τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸν ἄνδρα οὗ ἐστιν ἡ ζώνη αὕτη, οὕτως δήσουσιν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, καὶ παραδώσουσιν εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν.1Thus says the Holy Spirit, So the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles

This is a quotation within a quotation. The inner quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit says that this will be how the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2123ACT2111i8u7figs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This does not mean all the Jews, but that these were the people who would do that. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” or “some of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2124ACT2111zvw8παραδώσουσιν1they will hand him over

“they will deliver him”

2125ACT2111s92dfigs-metonymyεἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν1into the hands of the Gentiles

The word hands here represents control. Alternate translation: “into the legal custody of the Gentiles” or “to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2126ACT2111b59gfigs-synecdocheἐθνῶν1of the Gentiles

This stands for the authorities among the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “of the Gentile authorities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2127ACT2112fvh4figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Luke and the other believers but does not include the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2128ACT2113uwt2figs-rquestionτί ποιεῖτε, κλαίοντες καὶ συνθρύπτοντές μου τὴν καρδίαν?1What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart?

Paul asks this question to show the believers they should stop trying to persuade him. Alternate translation: “Stop what you are doing. Your weeping is breaking my heart!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2129ACT2113bj76figs-metaphorσυνθρύπτοντές μου τὴν καρδίαν1breaking my heart

To make someone sad or to discourage someone is spoken of as if it were a heart being broken. Here heart stands for a persons emotions. Alternate translation: “discouraging me” or “making me very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2130ACT2113p5e5figs-activepassiveοὐ μόνον δεθῆναι1not only to be bound

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “not only for them to tie me up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2131ACT2113q35xfigs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1for the name of the Lord Jesus

Here name refers to the person of Jesus. Alternate translation: “for the sake of the Lord Jesus” or “because I believe in the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2132ACT2114hwc5figs-activepassiveμὴ πειθομένου…αὐτοῦ1he would not be persuaded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Paul would not allow us to persuade him” or “we were unable to persuade Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2133ACT2114zl98figs-ellipsisμὴ πειθομένου1would not be persuaded

You may need to make explicit what they could not persuade Paul not to do. Alternate translation: “would not be persuaded not to go up to Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2134ACT2114as1ifigs-activepassiveτοῦ Κυρίου τὸ θέλημα γινέσθω1Let the will of the Lord happen

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May everything happen as the Lord has planned it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2135ACT2115p5fmfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, and not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2136ACT2115p5flfigs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “They” refers to some of the disciples from Caesarea.

2137ACT2115kd5l0Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time in Caesarea.

2138ACT2116k9krπαρ’ ᾧ ξενισθῶμεν Μνάσωνί, τινι Κυπρίῳ ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ1to Mnason, a certain early disciple from Cyprus, with whom we would stay

The disciples from Caesarea knew Mnason and led Paul and Silas to his house where they would spend the night.

2139ACT2116zd9itranslate-namesΜνάσωνί…Κυπρίῳ1Mnason … from Cyprus

Mnason is a man from the island of Cyprus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2140ACT2116c7r2ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ1an early disciple

This means Mnason was one of the first to believe in Jesus.

2141ACT2117zpa70General Information:

Here the words “he” and “his” refers to Paul. The word “them” refers to the elders.

2142ACT2117wz340Connecting Statement:

Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem.

2143ACT2117d3gjfigs-gendernotationsἀπεδέξαντο ἡμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοί1the brothers welcomed us

Here brothers refers to the believers in Jerusalem whether male or female. Alternate translation: “the fellow believers welcomed us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2144ACT2119bx9eἐξηγεῖτο καθ’ ἓν ἕκαστον1he reported according to each thing

“he gave a detailed account of everything”

2145ACT2120zks90Connecting Statement:

The elders in Jerusalem begin their response to Paul.

2146ACT2120a1hkοἱ…ἀκούσαντες…ἐδόξαζον…εἶπόν τε αὐτῷ1when they heard it … they glorified … and said to him

Here each instance of the word they refers to James and the elders. The word him refers to Paul.

2147ACT2120xki4ἀδελφέ1brother

Here brother means “fellow believer.”

2148ACT2120c5puὑπάρχουσιν1they are

The word they refers to Jewish believers who wanted all believing Jews to keep the Jewish laws and customs.

2149ACT2121pyg8figs-explicitκατηχήθησαν δὲ περὶ σοῦ, ὅτι ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους, λέγων μὴ περιτέμνειν αὐτοὺς τὰ τέκνα, μηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν1And they have been told about you, that you teach apostasy from Moses to all the Jews who are among the Gentiles, telling them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk in the customs

Apparently here there are some Jews that are distorting what Paul is teaching. He does not discourage the Jews from obeying the law of Moses. His message is that circumcision and the other customs are not necessary for Jesus to save them. You can make explicit that the leaders of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem knew that Paul was teaching Gods true message. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2150ACT2121e5s4figs-activepassiveκατηχήθησαν1they have been told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people have told the Jewish believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2151ACT2121sdl3figs-metonymyἀποστασίαν…ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως1apostasy from Moses

Here Moses stands for the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “rebellion against the Law of Moses” or “to stop obeying the laws that Moses gave us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2152ACT2121knt4figs-metaphorμηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν1not to walk in the customs

To obey the customs is spoken of as if the customs were a path that people could walk along. Alternate translation: “and not to obey the customs” or “and not to practice the customs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2153ACT2121u56tτοῖς ἔθεσιν1in the customs

“do the things that Jews normally do”

2154ACT2122b28bfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to James and the elders (Acts 21:18). The word “They” refers to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem who wanted to teach Jewish believers that they could still follow the laws of Moses (Acts 21:20-21). The words “them,” “their,” and the first “they” refer to the four men who made a vow. The second words “they” and “They” refer to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem who wanted to teach Jewish believers that they could still follow the laws of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2155ACT2123b22rἡμῖν ἄνδρες τέσσαρες, εὐχὴν ἔχοντες ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν1four men with us having a vow from themselves

“four men who have made a promise to God.” This was the kind of vow where a person would not drink alcohol or cut his hair until the end of a set period of time.

2156ACT2124km4wfigs-explicitτούτους παραλαβὼν, ἁγνίσθητι σὺν αὐτοῖς1Having taken these men, be purified with them

They had to make themselves ritually pure so they could worship in the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2157ACT2124c3apfigs-explicitδαπάνησον ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς1pay the expenses for them

“pay for what they will need.” The expenses would go toward buying a male and female lamb, a ram, and grain and drink offerings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2158ACT2124abq6translate-symactionξυρήσονται τὴν κεφαλήν1they will shave their heads

This was a sign that the person had completed what they promised God they would do. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2159ACT2124nu9vfigs-activepassiveὧν κατήχηνται περὶ σοῦ1what they have been told about you

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that people are saying about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2160ACT2124sv6ifigs-metaphorστοιχεῖς καὶ αὐτὸς, φυλάσσων τὸν νόμον1you yourself walk in and obey the law

This speaks of obeying the law as if the law were a path and people can walk along it. Alternate translation: “live a life that conforms to the law of Moses and other Jewish customs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2161ACT2125c4klfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to James and the elders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2162ACT2125cqm90Connecting Statement:

James and the elders in Jerusalem finish their request to Paul (Acts 21:18).

2163ACT2125a35ufigs-explicitφυλάσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς, τό τε εἰδωλόθυτον, καὶ αἷμα, καὶ πνικτὸν1to keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled

All of these are rules about what they can eat. They are forbidden to eat meat of animals sacrificed to an idol, meat with blood still in it, and meat from a strangled animal because it would still have blood in the meat. See how you translated similar phrases in Acts 15:20. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2164ACT2125bpb5figs-activepassiveφυλάσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς, τό τε εἰδωλόθυτον1to keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “to stay away from the meat of an animal that someone sacrificed to an idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2165ACT2125wjd2figs-explicitπνικτὸν1from what is strangled

This can be stated in active form. You can also state explicitly the assumed information about strangled animals. Alternate translation: “from animals that a person has strangled” or “from animals that a person killed for food but did not drain its blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2166ACT2126cr14παραλαβὼν τοὺς ἄνδρας1having taken the men

These are the four men who made a vow.

2167ACT2126s8z9σὺν αὐτοῖς ἁγνισθεὶς1having been purified with them

Before entering the temple area the Jews were required to be ceremonially or ritually clean. This cleansing had to do with Jews having contact with Gentiles.

2168ACT2126xu9rfigs-synecdocheεἰσῄει εἰς τὸ ἱερόν1went into the temple

They did not go into the temple itself where only the high priest was allowed to enter. They entered the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “went into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2169ACT2126pvy3τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ ἁγνισμοῦ1of the days of purification

This is a separate purification process from the purification process which they were required to fulfill in order to enter the temple area.

2170ACT2126gc23figs-activepassiveἕως οὗ προσηνέχθη…ἡ προσφορά1until the offering which was offered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until they presented the animals for an offering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2171ACT2127l3bg0General Information:

Verse 29 gives background information about the Jews from Asia.

2172ACT2127p4gi0Connecting Statement:

This begins the story of Pauls arrest.

2173ACT2127j9zmαἱ ἑπτὰ ἡμέραι1the seven days

These are the seven days for purification.

2174ACT2127k4l1figs-synecdocheἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

Paul was not in the temple itself. He was in the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2175ACT2127u942figs-metaphorσυνέχεον πάντα τὸν ὄχλον1stirred up the whole crowd

Inciting people to become very angry at Paul is spoken of as if they stirred up the crowds emotions. Alternate translation: “caused a large number of people to be very angry at Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2176ACT2127mks6figs-idiomἐπέβαλον ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας1laid their hands on him

Here laid their hands on means to “seize” or to “grab.” See how you translated laid hands on in Acts 5:18. Alternate translation: “seized Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2177ACT2128sfg3τοῦ λαοῦ, καὶ τοῦ νόμου, καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου1the people, and the law, and this place

“the people of Israel, and the law of Moses, and the temple”

2178ACT2128jc9qfigs-explicitἔτι τε καὶ Ἕλληνας εἰσήγαγεν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1And besides, he has both brought Greeks into the temple

Only Jewish males were allowed in certain areas of the courtyard of the Jerusalem temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2179ACT2129t2z7writing-backgroundἦσαν γὰρ προεωρακότες Τρόφιμον τὸν Ἐφέσιον ἐν τῇ πόλει σὺν αὐτῷ, ὃν ἐνόμιζον ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν εἰσήγαγεν ὁ Παῦλος1For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they thought that Paul brought into the temple

This is background information. Luke is explaining why the Jews from Asia thought Paul brought a Greek into the temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2180ACT2129h1uuΤρόφιμον1Trophimus

This was a Greek man that they accused Paul of having brought into the inner temple area that was only for Jews. See how you translated his name in Acts 20:4.

2181ACT2130upl8figs-hyperboleἐκινήθη τε ἡ πόλις ὅλη1And the whole city was stirred up

The word whole here is an exaggeration for emphasis. The word city represents the people in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “And many people in the city became angry at Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2182ACT2130x2sxἐπιλαβόμενοι τοῦ Παύλου1having laid hold of Paul

“having seized Paul” or “after they grabbed Paul”

2183ACT2130xd6rfigs-explicitεὐθέως ἐκλείσθησαν αἱ θύραι1the doors were immediately shut

They shut the doors so that there would not be rioting in the temple area. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews immediately shut the temple doors” or “the temple guards immediately shut the doors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2184ACT2131d6vtfigs-metonymyἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ τῆς σπείρης1a report came up to the commander of the guard

Here report refers to the messenger who went to speak the report. Alternate translation: “someone gave news to the commander of the guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2185ACT2131hu5rἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ1a report came up to the commander

The phrase came up to is used because the commander was in a fortress connected to the temple that was higher in elevation than the temple courtyard.

2186ACT2131p85aτῷ χιλιάρχῳ1to the commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2187ACT2131u65rfigs-hyperboleὅλη συνχύννεται Ἰερουσαλήμ1all Jerusalem was stirred up

The word Jerusalem here represents the people of Jerusalem. The word all is an exaggeration to show a large crowd was upset. Alternate translation: “a lot of people in Jerusalem were in an uproar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2188ACT2132j81t0General Information:

The first word “he” and the word “He” refer to the chief captain of the guard mentioned in Acts 21:31.

2189ACT2132dgz5κατέδραμεν1ran down

From the fortress, there are stairs going down into the court.

2190ACT2132e4rjτὸν χιλίαρχον1the commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2191ACT2133w28uἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ1laid hold of him

“took hold of Paul” or “arrested Paul”

2192ACT2133zi4lfigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσε δεθῆναι1commanded him to be bound

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “commanded his soldiers to bind him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2193ACT2133xd9wἁλύσεσι δυσί1with two chains

This means they bound Paul to two Roman soldiers, one on each side of him.

2194ACT2133y6zwfigs-quotationsἐπυνθάνετο τίς εἴη καὶ τί ἐστιν πεποιηκώς1he asked who he is and what it is that he had done.

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “He asked, Who is this man? What has he done?’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2195ACT2133fi22ἐπυνθάνετο τίς εἴη1he asked who he is

The commander is speaking to the crowd, not to Paul.

2196ACT2134k35eαὐτοῦ1he

This refers to the commander.

2197ACT2134qcc6figs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν ἄγεσθαι αὐτὸν1commanded that he be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he ordered his soldiers to bring Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2198ACT2134w2qjεἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν1into the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court.

2199ACT2135h9n7figs-activepassiveὅτε δὲ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀναβαθμούς, συνέβη βαστάζεσθαι αὐτὸν1But when he came to the steps, he had to be carried

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But when Paul came to the steps of the fortress, the soldiers had to carry him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2200ACT2136kax6figs-euphemismαἶρε αὐτόν1Away with him

The crowd is using somewhat milder and less exact language to ask for Pauls death. Alternate translation: “Put him to death” or “Kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

2201ACT2137j9xkfigs-activepassiveμέλλων τε εἰσάγεσθαι εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν, ὁ Παῦλος1And as Paul was about to be brought into the fortress

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “As the soldiers were ready to bring Paul inside the fortress” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2202ACT2137qp63τὴν παρεμβολὴν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2203ACT2137inl1τῷ χιλιάρχῳ1to the commander

a Roman military officer of about 600 soldiers

2204ACT2137p5cdfigs-rquestionἙλληνιστὶ γινώσκεις?1Do you know Greek?

The commander uses this questions to express surprise that Paul is not who he thought he was. Alternate translation: “So you speak Greek.” or “I didnt know you spoke Greek.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2205ACT2138xx2wfigs-rquestionοὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος, ὁ πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν, ἀναστατώσας καὶ ἐξαγαγὼν εἰς τὴν ἔρημον τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας τῶν σικαρίων?1Are you not then the Egyptian who before this day revolted and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?

The commander uses this question and the question “Do you speak Greek?” (verse 37) to express surprise that Paul is not who he thought he was. Possible meanings are (1) as in ULT, the commander believes that even though Paul speaks Greek, Paul is the Egyptian. “Even though you speak Greek, I still think you are the Egyptian who before this day revolted and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness.” (2) Because Paul speaks Greek, the commander thinks that perhaps Paul is not the Egyptian. “So you speak Greek. Perhaps I was wrong to think you were that Egyptian who before this day revolted and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness.” It is best to retain the questions if the reader can infer one of the two meanings from them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2206ACT2138nxs6figs-explicitοὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος1Are you not then the Egyptian

Shortly before Pauls visit, an unnamed man from Egypt had launched a revolt against Rome in Jerusalem. Later he escaped into the wilderness and the commander wonders if Paul might be the same man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2207ACT2138tqh6translate-numbersτοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας1the 4,000 men

“the four thousand terrorists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2208ACT2138p2ymτῶν σικαρίων1of the Assassins

This refers to a group of Jewish rebels who killed Romans and anyone who supported Romans.

2209ACT2139t6ax0Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to defend what he did.

2210ACT2139ys84δέομαι…σου1I ask you

“I beg you” or “I plead with you”

2211ACT2139a139ἐπίτρεψόν μοι1allow me

“please allow me” or please permit me”

2212ACT2140qp2qfigs-abstractnounsἐπιτρέψαντος…αὐτοῦ1when he had given him permission

The word permission can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “when the commander permitted him to speak” or “after the commander allowed him to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2213ACT2140a4y2ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν1Paul, standing on the steps

The word steps here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress.

2214ACT2140rk1yfigs-explicitκατέσεισε τῇ χειρὶ τῷ λαῷ1motioned with his hand to the people

It can be stated explicitly why Paul motioned with the hand. Alternate translation: “motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2215ACT2140xj6iπολλῆς δὲ σιγῆς γενομένης1And when there was a deep silence

“And when the people were completely silent”

2216ACT22introgq5g0

Acts 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the second account of Pauls conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Pauls conversion. (See: Acts 9 and Acts 26)

Special concepts in this chapter

“In the Hebrew language”

Most Jews at this time spoke Aramaic and Greek. Most of the people who spoke Hebrew were educated Jewish scholars. This is why the people paid attention when Paul started speaking in Hebrew.

“The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. The “chief captain” could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way he would treat a non-citizen.

2217ACT221kq95writing-background0General Information:

Verse 2 gives background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2218ACT221a8ir0Connecting Statement:

Paul speaks to the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem.

2219ACT221xe46ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες1brothers, and fathers

This is a polite way of addressing men who are Pauls age as well as the older men in the audience.

2220ACT221pe8tἀκούσατέ μου τῆς πρὸς ὑμᾶς νυνὶ1listen to my defense to you now

“I will now explain to you what I have done” or “please listen as I tell you my story ”

2221ACT222b4skτῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ1in the Hebrew language

The Hebrew language was the language of the Jews.

2222ACT223g311figs-activepassiveἀνατεθραμμένος δὲ ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιήλ1but educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but I was a student of rabbi Gamaliel here in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2223ACT223d4dxfigs-metonymyπαρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιήλ1at the feet of Gamaliel

Here feet stands for the place where a student would sit while learning from a teacher. Alternate translation: “by Gamaliel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2224ACT223b1dqΓαμαλιήλ1of Gamaliel

Gamaliel was one of the most prominent teachers of the Jewish law. See how you translated this name in Acts 5:34.

2225ACT223iz4gfigs-activepassiveπεπαιδευμένος κατὰ ἀκρίβειαν τοῦ πατρῴου νόμου1instructed according to the strict ways of the law of our fathers

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he instructed me how to carefully obey every law of our forefathers” or “the instruction I received followed the exact details of the law of our forefathers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2226ACT223lqk7τοῦ πατρῴου νόμου1of the law of our fathers

“of the law of our ancestors.” This refers to the law that God gave to the people of Israel through Moses.

2227ACT223a8d6ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τοῦ Θεοῦ1being zealous for God

“I am completely dedicated to obeying God” or “I am passionate about my service to God”

2228ACT223dbl4καθὼς πάντες ὑμεῖς ἐστε σήμερον1just as all of you are today

“in the same way all of you are today.” Paul compares himself with the crowd.

2229ACT224jy3zfigs-metonymyὃς ταύτην τὴν Ὁδὸν ἐδίωξα1I persecuted this Way

Here this Way represents the people who belonged to the group called “the Way.” Alternate translation: “I persecuted the people who belonged to this Way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2230ACT224bk4cταύτην τὴν Ὁδὸν1this Way

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated the Way in Acts 9:2.

2231ACT224dr8cfigs-abstractnounsἄχρι θανάτου1as far as death

The word death can be translated with the verb “kill” or “die.” Alternate translation: “and I looked for ways to kill them” or “to the point of killing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2232ACT224zd2rδεσμεύων καὶ παραδιδοὺς εἰς φυλακὰς, ἄνδρας τε καὶ γυναῖκας1binding and delivering to prison both men and women

“tying up both men and women and taking them to prison”

2233ACT225v2kmμαρτυρεῖ1testifies

“can testify” or “can tell you”

2234ACT225i45uπαρ’ ὧν καὶ ἐπιστολὰς δεξάμενος1from whom also having received letters

“who also gave me letters”

2235ACT225in72πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, εἰς Δαμασκὸν1for the brothers in Damascus

Here brothers refers to “fellow Jews.”

2236ACT225y82bἄξων…τοὺς ἐκεῖσε ὄντας, δεδεμένους εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ1to bring back in bonds to Jerusalem those who were there

“to bind with chains those of the Way and bring them back to Jerusalem”

2237ACT225ht9ffigs-activepassiveἵνα τιμωρηθῶσιν1in order that they might be punished

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “in order that they may receive punishment” or “in order that the Jewish authorities could punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2238ACT226pe9s0Connecting Statement:

Paul describes his encounter with Jesus.

2239ACT226w4l7ἐγένετο δέ μοι1It happened to me that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2240ACT227d6ndfigs-synecdocheἤκουσα φωνῆς λεγούσης μοι1heard a voice saying to me

Here voice stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “I heard someone say to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2241ACT229h95hfigs-synecdocheτὴν…φωνὴν οὐκ ἤκουσαν τοῦ λαλοῦντός μοι1they did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me

Here voice stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “they did not understand what the one who spoke to me was saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2242ACT2210a91afigs-activepassiveκἀκεῖ σοι λαληθήσεται1and there you will be told

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there someone will tell you” or “there you will find out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2243ACT2211n1kbοὐκ ἐνέβλεπον ἀπὸ τῆς δόξης τοῦ φωτὸς ἐκείνου1I could not see because of the glory of that light

“I was left blind because of that lights brightness”

2244ACT2211n2n1figs-synecdocheχειραγωγούμενος ὑπὸ τῶν συνόντων μοι, ἦλθον εἰς Δαμασκόν1being led by the hands of those who were with me, I came into Damascus

Here hands stands for those leading Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those with me guided me into Damascus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2245ACT2212a17q0General Information:

The words “He” and “him” refer to Ananias.

2246ACT2212h5bhtranslate-namesἉνανίας1Ananias

Though this is not the same Ananias who died earlier in Acts Acts 5:3, you may translate it the same way though as you did in Acts 5:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2247ACT2212z1g3ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον1a devout man according to the law

Ananias was very serious about following Gods law.

2248ACT2212e7uwfigs-activepassiveμαρτυρούμενος ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν κατοικούντων Ἰουδαίων1being testified to by all the Jews who lived there

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “having a good reputation among all the Jews who lived there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2249ACT2213un4gΣαοὺλ, ἀδελφέ1Saul, brother

Here brother is a polite way to address someone. Alternate translation: “Saul, my friend”

2250ACT2213x3kcfigs-idiomἀνάβλεψον1look up
2251ACT2213se47figs-idiomαὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ1that very hour

This was a customary way of saying something happened immediately. Alternate translation: “at that instant” or “instantly” or “immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2252ACT221394s0figs-idiomκἀγὼ…ἀνέβλεψα εἰς αὐτόν1And … I looked up to him

This phrase is an idiom that means he received his sight. Alternate translation: “And … I was able to see him” or “And … I saw him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2253ACT2214v2i70General Information:

The word “he” refers to Ananias (Acts 22:12).

2254ACT2214k3ck0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes telling what had happened to him in Damascus. He quotes what Ananias said to him. This is still part of his speech to the crowd in Jerusalem.

2255ACT2214k417τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ1his will

“what God is planning and will cause to happen”

2256ACT2214dg8qfigs-synecdocheἀκοῦσαι φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ1to hear the voice from his own mouth

Both voice and mouth refer to the one speaking. Alternate translation: “to hear him speak directly to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2257ACT2215i5q8figs-gendernotationsπρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους1to all men

Here men means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: “to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2258ACT2216bhg9νῦν1Now

Here now does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

2259ACT2216mmx9figs-rquestionτί μέλλεις?1why are you waiting?

This question was asked to exhort Paul to be baptized. Alternate translation: “do not wait!” or “do not delay!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2260ACT2216lt2ifigs-activepassiveβάπτισαι1be baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let me baptize you” or “receive baptism” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2261ACT2216zr5pfigs-metaphorἀπόλουσαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας σου1wash away your sins

As washing ones body removes dirt, calling on the name of Jesus for forgiveness cleanses ones inner being from sin. Alternate translation: “ask forgiveness for your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2262ACT2216g5dqἐπικαλεσάμενος τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1having called on his name

Here name refers to the Lord. Alternate translation: “having called on the Lord” or “trusting in the Lord”

2263ACT2217znq60Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to tell the crowd about his vision of Jesus.

2264ACT2217its2ἐγένετο δέ μοι1And it happened to me that

This phrase is used here to mark where the action starts. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2265ACT2217yr9lγενέσθαι με ἐν ἐκστάσει1I fell into a trance

“I had a vision” or “God gave me a vision”

2266ACT2218jy2cἰδεῖν αὐτὸν λέγοντά μοι1I saw him saying to me

“I saw Jesus as he said to me”

2267ACT2218qul6οὐ παραδέξονταί σου μαρτυρίαν περὶ ἐμοῦ1they will not accept your testimony about me

“those who live in Jerusalem will not believe what you tell them about me”

2268ACT2219q5cl0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the non-believing Jews in Jerusalem.

2269ACT2219p7gz0Connecting Statement:

This ends what Paul was able to say to the crowd of Jewish people by the fortress.

2270ACT2219im4nfigs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ ἐπίστανται1they themselves know

The word themselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2271ACT2219da1eκατὰ τὰς συναγωγὰς1according to the synagogues

“in each of the synagogues” or “in every synagogue.” Paul went to synagogues to find Jews who believed in Jesus.

2272ACT2220y7t1figs-metonymyἐξεχύννετο τὸ αἷμα Στεφάνου τοῦ μάρτυρός σου1the blood of Stephen your witness was spilled

Here blood stands for Stephens life. To spill blood means to kill. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they killed Stephen who testified about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2273ACT2222fj9x0General Information:

Here the words “him” and the first two words “he” refer to Paul. The word “He” and the last “he” refer to the chief captain.

2274ACT2222ta8zαἶρε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς τὸν τοιοῦτον1Remove such a one from the earth

The phrase from the earth adds emphasis to “Remove such a one.” Alternate translation: “Kill him”

2275ACT2223ylr7κραυγαζόντων τε αὐτῶν1And as they were shouting

The phrase as they were is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time.

2276ACT2223b6a7translate-symactionῥιπτούντων τὰ ἱμάτια, καὶ κονιορτὸν βαλλόντων εἰς τὸν ἀέρα1throwing off their outer garments, and throwing dust into the air

These actions show that the Jews there are outraged because they feel Paul has spoken against God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2277ACT2224x7zvχιλίαρχος1commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2278ACT2224h6gpfigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσεν…εἰσάγεσθαι αὐτὸν1commanded him to be brought

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “ordered his soldiers to bring Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2279ACT2224sth6τὴν παρεμβολήν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2280ACT2224pz47figs-activepassiveεἴπας μάστιξιν ἀνετάζεσθαι αὐτὸν1commanding him to be examined by flogging

The commander wanted to torture Paul by whipping him to ensure that he was telling the truth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “ordering his soldiers to whip Paul to force him to tell the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2281ACT2225ar630General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the soldiers.

2282ACT2225st4kτοῖς ἱμᾶσιν1for the whip

The whip was made from strips of leather or animal hide.

2283ACT2225yjw3figs-rquestionεἰ ἄνθρωπον Ῥωμαῖον καὶ ἀκατάκριτον, ἔξεστιν ὑμῖν μαστίζειν?1Is it lawful for you to whip a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?

Paul uses this question to make the centurion check the validity of having his soldiers whip Paul. Alternate translation: “It is not lawful for you to whip a man who is a Roman and who was not given his legal right to a trial!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2284ACT2226pca7figs-rquestionτί μέλλεις ποιεῖν?1What are you about to do?

This question is used to urge the commander to reconsider his plan to whip Paul. Alternate translation: “You should not do this!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2285ACT2227pe310General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

2286ACT2227e69yfigs-goπροσελθὼν…ὁ χιλίαρχος1having come, the commander

Here come can be translated as “gone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

2287ACT2228dr2wἐγὼ πολλοῦ κεφαλαίου τὴν πολιτείαν ταύτην ἐκτησάμην1I bought this citizenship with a large amount of money

“I paid a lot of money to the Roman authorities to become a citizen of Rome.” The captain may be making this statement because he knows how hard it is to become a Roman citizen, and he suspects Paul is not telling truth.

2288ACT2228r79cfigs-abstractnounsἐγὼ…τὴν πολιτείαν ταύτην ἐκτησάμην1I bought this citizenship

“I paid for citizenship.” The word citizenship is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “I became a citizen by paying for it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2289ACT2228rly1ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ γεγέννημαι1I, however, was indeed born as one

If a father is a Roman citizen, then his children become Roman citizens automatically when they are born. Paul's father was a Roman. Alternate translation: “But I am a citizen by birth!”

2290ACT2229ii8pοἱ μέλλοντες…ἀνετάζειν1those who were about to examine

“the men who planned to examine” or “the men who were preparing to question”

2291ACT2230g33i0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to the chief captain.

2292ACT2230kx58ἔλυσεν αὐτόν1he released him

“the commander ordered his soldiers to untie Pauls bonds”

2293ACT2230c5iaκαταγαγὼν τὸν Παῦλον1having brought down Paul

From the fortress, there is a stairway going down to the temple courts.

2294ACT23introgbw50

Acts 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quoted material in 23:5.

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection of the dead

The Pharisees believed that after people died, they would become alive again and God would either reward them or punish them. The Sadducees believed that once people died, they stayed dead and would never become alive again. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/raise]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/reward]])

“Called a curse”

Some Jews promised God that they would not eat or drink until they killed Paul, and they asked God to punish them if they did not do what they had promised to do.

Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. The “chief captain” could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way he would treat a non-citizen.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Whitewash

This is a common metaphor in Scripture for appearing to be good or clean or righteous when one is evil or unclean or unrighteous. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2295ACT231z2sq0Connecting Statement:

Paul stands before the chief priests and the council members (Acts 22:30).

2296ACT231jru4ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means “fellow Jews.”

2297ACT231nn2qἐγὼ πάσῃ συνειδήσει ἀγαθῇ πεπολίτευμαι τῷ Θεῷ ἄχρι ταύτης τῆς ἡμέρας1I have lived as a citizen before God in all good conscience until this day

“I know that even to this day I have done what God has wanted me to do as a Jewish man”

2298ACT232yz4ntranslate-namesἉνανίας1Ananias

This is the name of a man. Though this is the same name, this not the same Ananias as in Acts 5:1 nor the same Ananias as in Acts 9:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2299ACT233igq4figs-metaphorτοῖχε κεκονιαμένε1you whitewashed wall

This refers to a wall that was painted white to make it look clean. Paul told Ananias that just as a wall can be painted to look clean, so Ananias appeared to look morally clean, but he was really full of evil intent. Alternate translation: “you wall painted white” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2300ACT233un7gfigs-rquestionσὺ κάθῃ κρίνων με κατὰ τὸν νόμον, καὶ παρανομῶν κελεύεις με τύπτεσθαι?1do you sit judging me by the law, yet command me to be struck, against the law?

Paul uses a question to point out Ananias hypocrisy. Alternate translation: “you sit there to judge me by the law, yet you command me to be struck against the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2301ACT233m6nbfigs-activepassiveκελεύεις με τύπτεσθαι1command me to be struck

This can be stated in active form. You can use the same word for strike as you did in the phrase “God will strike you.” Alternate translation: “command people to strike me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2302ACT234lkh8figs-rquestionτὸν ἀρχιερέα τοῦ Θεοῦ λοιδορεῖς?1Are you insulting the high priest of God?

The men use this question to scold Paul for what he has said in Acts 23:3. Alternate translation: “You should not insult Gods high priest!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2303ACT235e8lgfigs-explicitγέγραπται γὰρ1For it is written

Paul is about to quote what Moses wrote in the law. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For Moses wrote in the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2304ACT236pbe1ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here brothers means “fellow Jews”

2305ACT236as3fυἱὸς Φαρισαίων1a son of Pharisees

Here son means he is the literal son of a Pharisee and also the descendant of Pharisees. Alternate translation: “and my father and forefathers were Pharisees”

2306ACT236ys5kfigs-activepassiveἐγὼ κρίνομαι1I am being judged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are judging me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2307ACT236iz18figs-abstractnounsπερὶ ἐλπίδος καὶ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν1concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead

The word resurrection can be stated as “come back to life.” The word dead can be stated as “those who have died.” Alternate translation: “I have confidence that those who have died will come back to life again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2308ACT237abs3ἐσχίσθη τὸ πλῆθος1the crowd was divided

“the people in the crowd strongly disagreed with one another”

2309ACT238gl1swriting-backgroundΣαδδουκαῖοι μὲν γὰρ…Φαρισαῖοι δὲ1For the Sadducees … but the Pharisees

This is background information about the Sadducees and Pharisees. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2310ACT239eaf1ἐγένετο δὲ κραυγὴ μεγάλη1So a large uproar occurred

“So they began shouting loudly at one another.” The word so marks an event that happened because of something else that happened previously. In this case, the previous event is Pauls stating his belief in the resurrection.

2311ACT239ayr8figs-hypoεἰ…πνεῦμα ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ, ἢ ἄγγελος1what if a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel?

The Pharisees are rebuking the Sadducees by affirming that spirits and angels do exist and can speak to people. Alternate translation: “perhaps a spirit or an angel has spoken to him!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

2312ACT2310dr1dfigs-abstractnounsπολλῆς δὲ γινομένης στάσεως1And when a great argument happened

The phrase a great argument can be re-stated as “to argue violently.” Alternate translation: “And when they began to argue violently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2313ACT2310s65iχιλίαρχος1commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2314ACT2310f568figs-activepassiveδιασπασθῇ ὁ Παῦλος ὑπ’ αὐτῶν1that Paul would be torn to pieces by them

This can be stated in active form. The phrase be torn to pieces might be an exaggeration of how the people might harm Paul. Alternate translation: “that they might tear Paul to pieces” or “that they would cause Paul great physical harm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2315ACT2310man3ἁρπάσαι αὐτὸν1to seize him by force

“to use physical force to take him away”

2316ACT2310ap3cεἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν1into the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2317ACT2311i9w5τῇ…ἐπιούσῃ νυκτὶ1the following night

This means the night after the day Paul went before the council. Alternate translation: “that night”

2318ACT2311r4q4figs-ellipsisεἰς Ῥώμην μαρτυρῆσαι1to testify in Rome

The words “about me” are understood. Alternate translation: “to bear witness about me in Rome” or “to testify about me in Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2319ACT2312fm3y0Connecting Statement:

While Paul was in the prison at the fortress, the disbelieving religious Jews vow to kill him.

2320ACT2312klb4ποιήσαντες συστροφὴν1having formed a conspiracy

“having organized a group with a shared purpose” here, to kill Paul.

2321ACT2312g3sjfigs-explicitἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς1cursed themselves

It can be made explicit what would cause them to be cursed. Alternate translation: “asked God to curse them if they did not do what they promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2322ACT2313f1u2translate-numbersτεσσεράκοντα οἱ140 who

“forty men who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2323ACT2313u5s5οἱ ταύτην τὴν συνωμοσίαν ποιησάμενοι1who had formed this conspiracy

“who had made this plan” or “who planned to kill Paul”

2324ACT2314zb6wfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “They” refers to the forty Jews in Acts 23:13. Here “you” is plural and refers to the chief priests and elders. Both “us” and “we” refer to the forty Jews who planned to kill Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2325ACT2314ur73figs-metaphorἀναθέματι ἀνεθεματίσαμεν ἑαυτοὺς, μηδενὸς γεύσασθαι ἕως οὗ ἀποκτείνωμεν τὸν Παῦλον1We have cursed ourselves with a curse, to eat nothing until we have killed Paul

To make a vow and to ask God to curse them if they do not fulfill their vow is spoken of as if the curse were an object that they carry on their shoulders. Alternate translation: “We have sworn to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. We asked God to curse us if we do not do what we promised to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2326ACT2315w418νῦν οὖν1Now, therefore

“Because what we have just said is true” or “Because we have put ourselves under this curse”

2327ACT2315q9e6νῦν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

2328ACT2315q9mbκαταγάγῃ αὐτὸν εἰς ὑμᾶς1he will bring him down to you

“the commander will bring Paul from the fortress to meet with you”

2329ACT2315m133ὡς μέλλοντας διαγινώσκειν ἀκριβέστερον τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ1as if you are going to examine more seriously the things concerning him

“as though you want to learn more about what Paul has done”

2330ACT2316d7cy0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Pauls nephew. The word “him” refers to the chief captain.

2331ACT2316w6feὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀδελφῆς Παύλου1the son of the sister of Paul

“the son of Pauls sister” or “Pauls nephew”

2332ACT2316pj5hἀκούσας…τὴν ἐνέδραν1having heard of the ambush

“hearing that they were ready to ambush Paul” or “finding out that they were waiting to kill Paul”

2333ACT2316a5hxτὴν παρεμβολὴν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2334ACT2318abd0ὁ μὲν οὖν παραλαβὼν αὐτὸν, ἤγαγεν1So having taken him, he brought him

“So taking the young man, the centurion brought him”

2335ACT2318lzf3ὁ δέσμιος, Παῦλος, προσκαλεσάμενός με1The prisoner, Paul, having summoned me

“The prisoner named Paul after he asked me to come talk with him”

2336ACT2318ju2bτοῦτον τὸν νεανίαν1this young man

Since the chief captain calls him a young man, this suggests Pauls nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.

2337ACT2319yp12ἐπιλαβόμενος…τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ χιλίαρχος1the commander, having taken hold of his hand

Since the commander took the young man by the hand and calls him a young man (verse 18), this suggests Pauls nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.

2338ACT2320uv6rfigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι συνέθεντο1The Jews have agreed

This does not mean all Jews, but all of the group that was there. Alternate translation: “Some of the Jews have agreed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2339ACT2320wp5dΠαῦλον καταγάγῃς1you might bring Paul down

“you would bring Paul down from the fortress”

2340ACT2320fev5ὡς μέλλων τι ἀκριβέστερον πυνθάνεσθαι περὶ αὐτοῦ.1as if they were going to inquire something more concerning him

“pretending they want to learn more about what Paul has done”

2341ACT2321vdr5translate-numbersἄνδρες…τεσσεράκοντα140 … men

“forty … men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2342ACT2321i2k9ἐνεδρεύουσιν…αὐτὸν1lie in wait for him

“are ready to ambush Paul” or “are waiting to kill Paul”

2343ACT2321r695οἵτινες ἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς μήτε φαγεῖν μήτε πιεῖν, ἕως οὗ ἀνέλωσιν αὐτόν1who have cursed themselves neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him

“who have sworn to eat or drink nothing until they have killed Paul. And they asked God to curse them if they do not do what they promised to do”

2344ACT2322av3g0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers the chief captain.

2345ACT2322av3h0General Information:

Felix, who resided at Caesarea, was the roman governor of the area.

2346ACT2323wk7kπροσκαλεσάμενός1having summoned

“having called to himself”

2347ACT2323b7z3translate-numbersἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα170 horsemen

“seventy horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2348ACT2323mgi9translate-numbersδεξιολάβους διακοσίους1200 spearmen

“two hundred soldiers that are armed with spears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2349ACT2323kg8sτρίτης ὥρας τῆς νυκτός1third hour of the night

This was about 9:00 p.m. at night.

2350ACT2325vg8x0General Information:

The chief captain writes a letter to Governor Felix about the arrest of Paul.

2351ACT2325vg8ytranslate-names0General Information:

Claudius Lysias is the name of the chief captain. Governor Felix was the Roman governor over the whole region. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2352ACT2326zf93figs-123personΚλαύδιος Λυσίας, τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι, χαίρειν1Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Governor Felix, greetings

This is a formal introduction to the letter. The commander begins by referring to himself. You can translate it in the first person. The words “am writing” are understood. Alternate translation: “I, Claudius Lysias, am writing to you, the most excellent Governor Felix. Greetings to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2353ACT2326u2ihτῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι1to the most excellent Governor Felix

“to Governor Felix who deserves greatest honors”

2354ACT2327zr7lfigs-synecdocheτὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον συνλημφθέντα ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1This man, having been seized the Jews

Here the Jews means “some of the Jews.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Some of the Jews seized this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2355ACT2327ha13figs-activepassiveμέλλοντα ἀναιρεῖσθαι ὑπ’ αὐτῶν1about to be killed by them

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they were ready to kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2356ACT2327v78tἐπιστὰς σὺν τῷ στρατεύματι, ἐξειλάμην1having come with detachment of soldiers, I rescued

“I with my soldiers arrived at the place where Paul and these Jews were and I rescued him”

2357ACT2328lb1a0General Information:

Here the word “I” refers to Claudius Lysias, the chief captain.

2358ACT2328lb1b0General Information:

The word “they” refers to the group of Jews who accused Paul.

2359ACT2328lb1cfigs-you0General Information:

The word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2360ACT2328pmq70Connecting Statement:

The chief captain ends his letter to Governor Felix.

2361ACT2329zt4ffigs-activepassiveὃν εὗρον ἐνκαλούμενον περὶ ζητημάτων τοῦ νόμου αὐτῶν1I learned that he was being accused concerning questions of their own law

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I learned that they were accusing him about things in their own law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2362ACT2329wsh2figs-abstractnounsμηδὲν δὲ ἄξιον θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν ἔχοντα ἔγκλημα1but there was no accusation worthy of death or imprisonment

The abstract nouns accusation, death, and imprisonment can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “but nobody accused him of anything that should cause Roman authorities to kill him or to send him to prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2363ACT2330i2jifigs-activepassiveμηνυθείσης δέ μοι ἐπιβουλῆς εἰς τὸν ἄνδρα ἔσεσθαι1And when a plot was to be against the man was revealed to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And when I later learned that there was a plot to kill this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2364ACT2331ifs1translate-names0General Information:

Here the first word “him” refers to Paul; the second use of the word “him” refers to Governor Felix. Antipatris was a city built by Herod in honor of his father, Antipater. It stood at a site located today in central Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2365ACT2331s9rf0Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time under arrest in Jerusalem and begins his time of arrest in Caesarea with Governor Felix.

2366ACT2331ny4kοἱ…οὖν στρατιῶται κατὰ τὸ διατεταγμένον αὐτοῖς1So the soldiers, according to what had been commanded to them

The word so marks an event that happened because of something else that happened previously. In this case, the previous event is the commander's ordering the soldiers to escort Paul.

2367ACT2331ptv4ἀναλαβόντες τὸν Παῦλον, ἤγαγον διὰ νυκτὸς1having taken Paul, brought him by night

Here brought can be translated as “took.” Alternate translation: “they got Paul and took him at night”

2368ACT2332abd1ὑπέστρεψαν1having allowed … they returned

Here they refers to the foot soldiers who left the horsemen and returned to their fortress.

2369ACT2333abx1οἵτινες εἰσελθόντες1When they had entered

Here they refers to the horsemen who took Paul all the way to Caesarea.

2370ACT2334u44w0General Information:

Here the first and second words “he” refer to Governor Felix, the third word “he” and the word “him” refer to Paul, and the last word “he” refers to Governor Felix. The words “you” and your” refer to Paul.

2371ACT2334abd2ἀναγνοὺς…ἐπερωτήσας…πυθόμενος1when he had read the letter … had asked … had learned

All of these actions are things the governor did.

2372ACT2334dtx1figs-quotationsἐπερωτήσας ἐκ ποίας ἐπαρχείας ἐστὶν1had asked what province he was from

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “he asked Paul, What province are you from? When” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2373ACT2335dwv2figs-quotationsἔφη1he said

This sentence, which begins with the words “When he learned” in verse 43, can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “Paul said, I am from Cilicia. Then the governor said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2374ACT2335uji1διακούσομαί σου1I will hear you fully

“I will listen to all you have to say”

2375ACT2335mga2κελεύσας…φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτόν1having commanded him to be kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “having commanded soldiers to keep him” or “and commanded soldiers to restrain him”

2376ACT24introj74u0

Acts 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul told the governor that he had not done what the Jews were accusing him of doing and that the governor should not punish him for what he did do.

Special concepts in this chapter

Respect

Both the Jewish leaders (Acts 24:2-4) and Paul (Acts 24:10) began their speeches with words that show respect to the governor.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Governmental leaders

The words “governor,” “commander,” and “centurion” may be difficult to translate into some languages. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2377ACT241qw1rfigs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” refers to Felix, the governor. Here “we” refers to the citizens under Felix. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2378ACT241bc8k0Connecting Statement:

Paul is on trial in Caesarea. Tertullus presents Governor Felix with the charges against Paul.

2379ACT241e8rpμετὰ δὲ πέντε ἡμέρας1And after five days

“And five days after the Roman soldiers took Paul to Caesarea”

2380ACT241n9gutranslate-namesἉνανίας1Ananias

This is the name of a man. This is not the same Ananias as in Acts 5:1 nor the same Ananias as in Acts 9:10. See how you translated this in Acts 23:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2381ACT241f3vxῥήτορος1an orator

“a lawyer.” Tertullus was an expert in Roman law who was there to accuse Paul in court.

2382ACT241xm6ctranslate-namesΤερτύλλου1Tertullus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2383ACT241q7wjκατέβη1went there

“went to Caesarea where Paul was”

2384ACT241nq9xτῷ ἡγεμόνι1to the governor

“in the presence of the governor who was judge in the court”

2385ACT241zm5eἐνεφάνισαν…κατὰ τοῦ Παύλου1appeared … against Paul

“came there … to argue before the governor the case that Paul had broken the law.”

2386ACT242e6zgfigs-exclusiveπολλῆς εἰρήνης τυγχάνοντες1We have obtained great peace

Here we refers to the citizens under Felix. Alternate translation: “we, the people that you govern, have obtained great peace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2387ACT242sv8cκαὶ διορθωμάτων γινομένων τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ διὰ τῆς σῆς προνοίας1and good reforms have happened to our nation through your foresight

“and your planning has greatly improved our nation”

2388ACT243r5jlμετὰ πάσης εὐχαριστίας1with all thankfulness

The word thankfulness is an abstract noun. It can be stated as an adjective or verb. Alternate translation: “so we are very thankful and we welcome everything that you do” or “so we thank you very much and welcome everything that you do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2389ACT243q3fjκράτιστε Φῆλιξ1most excellent Felix

“Governor Felix who deserves greatest honor.” Felix was the Roman governor over the whole region. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 23:25.

2390ACT244tyq8figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “we” refers to Ananias, certain elders, and Tertullus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2391ACT244jww2ἵνα δὲ μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον σε ἐνκόπτω1However, in order that we may not bother you any longer

Possible meanings are (1) “so that I will not take up too much of your time” or (2) “so that I will not tire you”

2392ACT244xfm5ἀκοῦσαί…ἡμῶν συντόμως, τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ1to briefly listen to us in your kindness

“kindly listen to my short speech”

2393ACT245i1qsεὑρόντες…τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον λοιμὸν1we have found this man to be a troublemaker

“we have learned that Paul is always causing trouble”

2394ACT245k1v1figs-hyperboleπᾶσι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τοῖς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην1among all the Jews who are throughout the world

The word all here is probably an exaggeration used to strengthen their accusation against Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2395ACT245zg4afigs-explicitπρωτοστάτην…τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως1he is a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes

The phrase “the sect of the Nazarenes” is another name for the Christians. Alternate translation: “he leads the entire group whom people call the followers of the Nazarene” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2396ACT245n6zbαἱρέσεως1of sect

This is a smaller group of people within a larger group. Tertullus considers the Christians to be a small group within Judaism.

2397ACT247ujn8figs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2398ACT247xkr40Connecting Statement:

Tertullus finishes presenting the charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

2399ACT248e26aἐπιγνῶναι ὧν ἡμεῖς κατηγοροῦμεν αὐτοῦ1to learn of what we are accusing him

“to learn that we are bringing very serious charges against him” or “to learn whether or not he is guilty of the things of which we are accusing him”

2400ACT249rq5ffigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This refers to the Jewish leaders who were there at Pauls trial. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2401ACT2410my1c0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jews who were accusing Paul.

2402ACT2410ict80Connecting Statement:

Paul responds to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

2403ACT2410s92aνεύσαντος…τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1and the governor motioned

“and the governor gestured”

2404ACT2410uu7afigs-metonymyκριτὴν τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ1a judge to this nation

Here this nation refers to the people of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: “a judge for the people of the Jewish nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2405ACT2410sr5tἀπολογοῦμαι1I … make my defense

“I … explain my situation”

2406ACT2411dr4utranslate-numbersἡμέραι δώδεκα, ἀφ’ ἧς112 days from when

“twelve days since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2407ACT2412wbf6ἢ ἐπίστασιν ποιοῦντα ὄχλου1nor causing a rebellion of the crowd

“and I did not provoke the crowd to rebel against Rome”

2408ACT2414c5xaὁμολογῶ…τοῦτό σοι1I confess this to you

“I acknowledge this to you”

2409ACT2414k79pὅτι κατὰ τὴν Ὁδὸν1that according to the Way

The phrase the Way was a title used for Christianity during Pauls time.

2410ACT2414rqu3λέγουσιν αἵρεσιν1they call a sect

This is a smaller group of people within a larger group. Tertullus considers the Christians to be a small group within Judaism. See how you translated sect in Acts 24:5.

2411ACT2414cg73οὕτως λατρεύω τῷ πατρῴῳ Θεῷ1in that way I serve the God of our fathers

Paul uses the phrase “in that way” to mean that he, as a believer in Jesus, serves God just as their Jewish ancestors did. He is not leading a sect or teaching something new that is opposed to their ancient religion.

2412ACT2415nv5aκαὶ αὐτοὶ1also these men

“the same as these men.” Here these men refers to the Jews who are accusing Paul in court.

2413ACT2415qza8figs-abstractnounsἀνάστασιν μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι, δικαίων τε καὶ ἀδίκων1that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and of the unrighteous

The abstract noun resurrection can be stated with the verb “resurrect.” Alternate translation: “that God will resurrect all who have died, both the righteous and the unrighteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2414ACT2415x1ydfigs-nominaladjδικαίων τε καὶ ἀδίκων1of both the righteous and the unrighteous

These nominal adjectives refer to righteous people and unrighteous people. AT “both of righteous people and unrighteous people” or “both of those who have done what is right and those who have done what is evil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2415ACT2416sfw4αὐτὸς ἀσκῶ…διὰ παντός1I myself always strive

“I myself always work hard” or “I always do my best”

2416ACT2416kcg8figs-metonymyἀπρόσκοπον συνείδησιν ἔχειν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν1to have a blameless conscience before God

Here conscience refers to a persons inner morality that chooses between right and wrong. Alternate translation: “to be blameless before God” or “to always do what is right before God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2417ACT2416va3bπρὸς τὸν Θεὸν1before God

“in the presence of God”

2418ACT2417p92mδὲ1Now

This word marks a shift in Pauls argument. Here he explains the situation in Jerusalem when some of the Jews arrested him.

2419ACT2417py9vδι’ ἐτῶν…πλειόνων1after many years

“after many years away from Jerusalem”

2420ACT2417ryk6figs-goἐλεημοσύνας ποιήσων εἰς τὸ ἔθνος μου, παρεγενόμην καὶ προσφοράς1I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings

Here I came can be translated as “I went.” Alternate translation: “I went to help my people by bringing them money as a gift to the poor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

2421ACT2418pk2mἡγνισμένον ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1having been cleansed in the temple

“in the temple after I had finished a ceremony to purify myself”

2422ACT2418x6iyfigs-explicitοὐ μετὰ ὄχλου, οὐδὲ μετὰ θορύβου1not with a crowd nor with an uproar

This can be stated as a separate new sentence. Alternate translation: “I had not gathered a crowd nor was I trying to start a riot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2423ACT2419ntg3εἴ τι ἔχοιεν1if they have anything

“if they have anything to say”

2424ACT2420npt50Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes responding to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

2425ACT2420ag5dαὐτοὶ1these

This refers to the members of the council who were present in Jerusalem at Pauls trial.

2426ACT2420hnt9εἰπάτωσαν, τί εὗρον ἀδίκημα1let … say what wrong they found

“let … prove what I did wrong”

2427ACT2421ds1sfigs-abstractnounsπερὶ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν1concerning the resurrection of the dead

The abstract noun resurrection can be stated as “God brings back to life.” Alternate translation: “because I believe that God will bring back to life those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2428ACT2421d2lmfigs-activepassiveἐγὼ κρίνομαι σήμερον ἐφ’ ὑμῶν1I am being judged before you today

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are judging me today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2429ACT2422w1tntranslate-names0General Information:

Felix is the Roman governor of the area who resides at Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2430ACT2422a87fτῆς Ὁδοῦ1the Way

This is a title for Christianity. See how you translated this in Acts 9:2.

2431ACT2422k1f7Λυσίας1Lysias

This is the name of the commander. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:26.

2432ACT2422z5f9καταβῇ1may come down

“may come down from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was higher than Caesarea so it was normal for them to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.

2433ACT2422ldi8διαγνώσομαι τὰ καθ’ ὑμᾶς1I will decide the things concerning you

“I will make a decision concerning these accusations against you” or “I will judge whether you are guilty”

2434ACT2423sxy2ἔχειν…ἄνεσιν1to have rest

“to grant Paul some freedom not otherwise granted to prisoners”

2435ACT2424wus4μετὰ δὲ ἡμέρας τινὰς1But after some days

“But after several days”

2436ACT2424qy9ytranslate-namesΔρουσίλλῃ, τῇ ἰδίᾳ γυναικὶ1Drusilla his own wife

Drusilla is a womans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2437ACT2424xmq5figs-explicitοὔσῃ Ἰουδαίᾳ1who was a Jewess

This means a female Jew. Alternate translation: “who was a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2438ACT2425b8v1ἔμφοβος γενόμενος, ὁ Φῆλιξ1Felix, having became frightened

Felix may have felt conviction of his sins.

2439ACT2425p8yiτὸ νῦν ἔχον1Go away for now

“Leave me for a while”

2440ACT2426h4v7χρήματα δοθήσεται αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου1money will be given to him by Paul

Felix was hoping Paul would offer him a bribe to set him free.

2441ACT2426n45pδιὸ καὶ πυκνότερον αὐτὸν μεταπεμπόμενος, ὡμίλει αὐτῷ1and therefore often summoning him, he was speaking to him

“and so Felix often sent for Paul and spoke with Paul”

2442ACT2427ur2ytranslate-namesἔλαβεν διάδοχον ὁ Φῆλιξ Πόρκιον Φῆστον1Felix received a successor—Porcius Festus

Porcius Festus was the new roman governor who succeeded Felix. Alternate translation: “Porcius Festus replaced Felix as the governor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2443ACT2427p59cfigs-synecdocheθέλων…χάριτα καταθέσθαι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις1wanted to gain favor with the Jews

Here the Jews refers to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “wanting the Jewish leaders to like him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2444ACT2427gln6ὁ Φῆλιξ…κατέλιπε τὸν Παῦλον δεδεμένον2Felix left Paul imprisoned

“Felix kept Paul in prison”

2445ACT25introb6uk0

Acts 25 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Favor

This word is used in two different ways in this chapter. When the Jewish leaders asked Festus for a favor, they were asking him to do something special for them on that day. They wanted him to do for them something that he would not usually do. When Festus “wanted to gain the favor of the Jews,” he wanted them to like him and be willing to obey him in the months and years to come. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/favor]])

Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. Roman officials could have been punished for treating a Roman citizen the same way they would treat a non-citizen.

2446ACT251c84u0General Information:

Festus becomes the governor of Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 24:27.

2447ACT251tj760Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to be a prisoner in Caesarea.

2448ACT251w8h3οὖν1then

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

2449ACT251i7t9Φῆστος…ἐπιβὰς τῇ ἐπαρχείᾳ1Festus … having arrived in the province

Possible meanings are (1) Festus arrived in the area to begin his rule or (2) Festus simply arrived in the area.

2450ACT251zz4lἀνέβη εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀπὸ Καισαρείας1went from Caesarea up to Jerusalem

The phrase went up is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

2451ACT252qnc8figs-metaphorἐνεφάνισάν…αὐτῷ οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι τῶν Ἰουδαίων κατὰ τοῦ Παύλου1the chief priest and the most prominent of the Jews made clear to him the things against Paul

This speaks about accusations as if they were an object that a person could bring to someone else. Alternate translation: “the chief priest and the important Jews accused Paul to Festus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2452ACT252uj5pπαρεκάλουν αὐτὸν1they begged him

Here the word him refers to Festus.

2453ACT253w8umχάριν κατ’ αὐτοῦ1a favor against him

Here the word him refers to Paul.

2454ACT253qz46ὅπως μεταπέμψηται αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ1that he might summon him to Jerusalem

This means that Festus would order his soldiers to bring Paul to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “that he might order his soldiers to bring Paul to Jerusalem”

2455ACT253pg8xἀνελεῖν αὐτὸν κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν1to kill him along the way

They were going to ambush Paul on the way to Jerusalem.

2456ACT254p3ttfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” refers to Festus and the Romans traveling with him, but not to his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2457ACT254v5f9figs-quotationsΦῆστος ἀπεκρίθη, τηρεῖσθαι τὸν Παῦλον εἰς Καισάρειαν, ἑαυτὸν δὲ μέλλειν ἐν τάχει ἐκπορεύεσθαι1Festus answered that Paul was being held at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there in haste.

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “Festus said, Paul is being held prisoner in Caesarea, and I myself will soon return there.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2458ACT255a54hοἱ οὖν ἐν ὑμῖν, φησίν, δυνατοὶ συνκαταβάντες1He said, “Therefore, the leaders among you, having come down together

“He said, Therefore, your leaders should go to Caesarea with us and”

2459ACT255iz98εἴ τί ἐστιν ἐν τῷ ἀνδρὶ ἄτοπον1If there is something wrong with the man

“If Paul has done anything wrong”

2460ACT255nei6κατηγορείτωσαν αὐτοῦ1you should accuse him

“you should accuse him of violating laws” or “you should bring charges against him”

2461ACT256fi270General Information:

Here the first three times the word “he” is used as well as the word “him,” the words refer to Festus. The fourth word “he” refers to Paul. The word “they” refers to the Jews who came from Jerusalem.

2462ACT256s69cκαταβὰς εἰς Καισάρειαν1he went down to Caesarea

Jerusalem is higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.

2463ACT256qv24figs-metonymyκαθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1having sat in the judgment seat

Here judgment seat refers to Festus ruling as judge over Pauls trial. Alternate translation: “having sat upon the seat where he acted as judge” or “having sat down as judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2464ACT256j7c5figs-activepassiveτὸν Παῦλον ἀχθῆναι1Paul to be brought to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his soldiers bring Paul to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2465ACT257v4v8παραγενομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ1And when he had come

“And when he came and stood before Festus”

2466ACT257e7g2figs-metaphorπολλὰ καὶ βαρέα αἰτιώματα καταφέροντες1bringing many and serious charges

Charging a person with a crime is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could bring to court. Alternate translation: “they spoke against Paul many serious things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2467ACT258hc3wfigs-synecdocheεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1against the temple

Paul says he did not break any rules about who could enter the Jerusalem temple. Alternate translation: “against the entry rules of the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2468ACT259m49r0Connecting Statement:

Paul asks to be taken before Caesar for judgment.

2469ACT259b49xfigs-synecdocheθέλων τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις χάριν καταθέσθαι1wanting to do a favor for the Jews

Here the Jews means the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “wanting to please the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2470ACT259qe8hεἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀναβὰς1to go up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of going up to Jerusalem.

2471ACT259wi2dfigs-activepassiveἐκεῖ περὶ τούτων κριθῆναι ἐπ’ ἐμοῦ1and to be judged there before me about these things

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “where I will judge you with regard to these charges” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2472ACT2510u1effigs-metonymyἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος Καίσαρος ἑστώς εἰμι, οὗ με δεῖ κρίνεσθαι1I stand before the judgment seat of Caesar, where it is necessary for me to be judged

The judgment seat refers to Caesars authority to judge Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am already being judged by Roman authority, which is the only place where I should be judged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2473ACT2511el9dfigs-hypoεἰ μὲν οὖν ἀδικῶ καὶ ἄξιον θανάτου πέπραχά τι, οὐ παραιτοῦμαι τὸ ἀποθανεῖν; εἰ δὲ οὐδέν ἐστιν ὧν οὗτοι κατηγοροῦσίν μου, οὐδείς με δύναται αὐτοῖς χαρίσασθαι1Therefore, if I have done wrong and have done anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing of which they can accuse me, no one is able to hand me over to them

Paul is stating a hypothetical situation. If he were guilty, he would accept the punishment, but he knows that he is not guilty. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

2474ACT2511ta55ἄξιον θανάτου πέπραχά τι1have done anything worthy of death

“have done some wrong that deserves the death penalty”

2475ACT2511hxr1εἰ δὲ οὐδέν ἐστιν ὧν οὗτοι κατηγοροῦσίν μου1But if there is nothing of which they can accuse me

“But if the charges against me are not true”

2476ACT2511hr23οὐδείς με δύναται αὐτοῖς χαρίσασθαι1no one is able to hand me over to them

Possible meanings are (1) Festus does not have the legal authority to hand Paul over to these false accusers or (2) Paul was saying that if he has done nothing wrong, the governor should not give into the request of the Jews.

2477ACT2511b1bfΚαίσαρα ἐπικαλοῦμαι1I appeal to Caesar

“I ask that I go before Caesar so he himself can judge me”

2478ACT2512t96zμετὰ τοῦ συμβουλίου1with the council

This is not the Sanhedrin that is referred to as council throughout Acts. This is a political council in the Roman government. Alternate translation: “with his own government advisors”

2479ACT2513izu8writing-participants0General Information:

King Agrippa and Bernice are new people in the story. Though he ruled over only a few territories, King Agrippa is the current reigning king in Palestine. Bernice is Agrippas sister.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2480ACT2513ge5h0Connecting Statement:

Festus explains Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2481ACT2513c3gcδὲ1Now

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

2482ACT2513ukd3ἀσπασάμενοι τὸν Φῆστον1paid their respects to Festus

“to make a formal visit to greet Festus”

2483ACT2514x8jffigs-activepassiveἀνήρ τὶς ἐστιν καταλελειμμένος ὑπὸ Φήλικος δέσμιος1There is a certain man who has been left behind by Felix, a prisoner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When Felix left office, he left a man in prison here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2484ACT2514z7ywΦήλικος1Felix

Felix was the Roman governor of the area who resided in Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24.

2485ACT2515b6hxfigs-metaphorπερὶ οὗ…ἐνεφάνισαν1brought charges concerning him

To charge someone in court is spoken of as if it were an object that a person brings to court. Alternate translation: “spoke to me against this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2486ACT2515hyp5figs-abstractnounsαἰτούμενοι κατ’ αὐτοῦ καταδίκην1requesting a judgment against him

The abstract noun “judgment” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “asking me to judge him” or “requesting that I judge him to be guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2487ACT2516e4tkfigs-metaphorχαρίζεσθαί τινα ἄνθρωπον1to hand over any man

Here hand over represents sending someone to people who will punish or kill him. Alternate translation: “to let someone punish anyone” or “to condemn anyone to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2488ACT2516xjb4figs-idiomπρὶν ἢ ὁ κατηγορούμενος, κατὰ πρόσωπον ἔχοι τοὺς κατηγόρους1before the one who is accused may have his accusers face to face

Here have his accusers face to face is an idiom that means to meet in person with the people who accuse him. Alternate translation: “before the person whom others have accused of a crime had met directly with those who accused him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2489ACT2517z6g2οὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true.” Fetus had just said that an accused man should be able to face his accusers and make his defense.

2490ACT2517rm5zσυνελθόντων…ἐνθάδε1when they had come together here

“when the Jewish leaders had come to meet with me here”

2491ACT2517efe2figs-metonymyκαθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1having sat in the judgment seat

Here judgment seat refers to Festus ruling over Pauls trial as judge. Alternate translation: “having sat upon the seat to act as judge” or “having sat down as judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2492ACT2517hm6gfigs-activepassiveἐκέλευσα ἀχθῆναι τὸν ἄνδρα1I commanded the man to be brought in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I ordered the soldiers to bring Paul before me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2493ACT2519d1qmτῆς ἰδίας δεισιδαιμονίας1their own religion

Here religion means the belief system people have toward life and the supernatural.

2494ACT2520y9bvfigs-activepassiveκἀκεῖ κρίνεσθαι περὶ τούτων1and there to be judged concerning these things

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for me to judge him there concerning these charges” or “for a judge to decide if these charges against him are true or not” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2495ACT2521yli30Connecting Statement:

Festus finishes explaining Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2496ACT2521ie7xfigs-activepassiveτοῦ δὲ Παύλου ἐπικαλεσαμένου τηρηθῆναι αὐτὸν εἰς τὴν τοῦ Σεβαστοῦ διάγνωσιν1But when Paul appealed for him to be kept for the decision of the emperor

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But when Paul insisted that he stay under Roman guard until the time when the emperor could decide his case” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2497ACT2521ceq2figs-activepassiveἐκέλευσα τηρεῖσθαι αὐτὸν1I commanded him to be kept

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I ordered the soldiers to keep him in custody” or “I told the soldiers to guard him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2498ACT2522t322writing-quotationsαὔριον, φησίν, ἀκούσῃ αὐτοῦ1“Tomorrow,” he says, “you will hear him.”

The phrase he says can be moved to the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: “Festus says, I will arrange for you to listen to Paul tomorrow.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]])

2499ACT2523y1yj0General Information:

Though he ruled over only a few territories, Agrippa was the current reigning king in Palestine. Bernice was his sister. See how you translated these names in Acts 25:13.

2500ACT2523qlm50Connecting Statement:

Festus again gives information about Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2501ACT2523yw76μετὰ πολλῆς φαντασίας1with much ceremony

“with a great ceremony to honor them”

2502ACT2523ldb7τὸ ἀκροατήριον1the hall

This was a large room where people gathered for ceremonies, trials, and other events.

2503ACT2523at4tfigs-activepassiveἤχθη ὁ Παῦλος1Paul was brought in

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the soldiers brought Paul to appear before them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2504ACT2524n8qjfigs-hyperboleἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν Ἰουδαίων1all the multitude of the Jews

The word all is an exaggeration used to emphasize that a great number of Jews wanted Paul to die. Alternate translation: “a great number of the Jews” or “many of the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2505ACT2524yv2qfigs-litotesμὴ δεῖν αὐτὸν ζῆν μηκέτι1he ought not to live any longer

This statement is made in the negative to emphasize the positive equivalent. Alternate translation: “he should die immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2506ACT2525fe2nfigs-you0General Information:

Here the first “you” is plural; the second “you” is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2507ACT2525f6hyαὐτοῦ δὲ τούτου ἐπικαλεσαμένου τὸν Σεβαστὸν1but he himself having appealed to the emperor

“but because he said that he wanted the emperor to judge him”

2508ACT2525g856τὸν Σεβαστὸν1to the emperor

The emperor was the ruler of the Roman empire. He ruled over many countries and provinces.

2509ACT2526jcq2προήγαγον αὐτὸν ἐφ’ ὑμῶν, καὶ μάλιστα ἐπὶ σοῦ, Βασιλεῦ Ἀγρίππα1I have him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa

“I have brought Paul to all of you, but especially to you, King Agrippa.”

2510ACT2526rhy2ὅπως…σχῶ τι γράψω1so that … I might have something to write

“so that … I will have something else to write” or “so that … I will know what I should write”

2511ACT2527txs6figs-doublenegativesἄλογον…μοι δοκεῖ πέμποντα δέσμιον, μὴ καὶ…σημᾶναι1it seems unreasonable for me to send a prisoner and to not state

The negative words unreasonable and to not can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “it seems reasonable to me that if I send a prisoner then I should also state” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2512ACT2527xm65τὰς κατ’ αὐτοῦ αἰτίας1the charges against him

Possible meanings are (1) the accusations that the Jewish leaders have brought against him or (2) the charges under Roman law that apply to Pauls case.

2513ACT26introe2q60

Acts 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the third account of Pauls conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Pauls conversion. (See: Acts 9 and Acts 22)

Paul told the King Agrippa why he had done what he had done and that the governor should not punish him for that.

Special concepts in this chapter

Light and darkness

The Bible often speaks of unrighteous people, people who do not do what pleases God, as if they were walking around in darkness. It speaks of light as if it were what enables those sinful people to become righteous, to understand what they are doing wrong and begin to obey God. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

2514ACT261b34d0Connecting Statement:

Festus has brought Paul before King Agrippa. In verse 2, Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.

2515ACT261gz9fἈγρίππας1Agrippa

Agrippa was the current reigning king in Palestine, though he ruled over only a few territories. See how you translated this name in Acts 25:13.

2516ACT261wme6ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα1having stretched out his hand

“holding out his hand” or “gesturing with his hand”

2517ACT261vni8figs-abstractnounsἀπελογεῖτο1made his defense

The abstract noun defense can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “began to defend himself against those who were accusing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2518ACT262ha47ἥγημαι ἐμαυτὸν μακάριον1I consider myself blessed

Paul said he was blessed because he considered his appearance before Agrippa to be an opportunity to speak about the gospel.

2519ACT262xhz1ἀπολογεῖσθαι1to make my defense

“to defend myself” or “to explain why I am innocent of these charges”

2520ACT262mdq2figs-activepassiveπερὶ πάντων ὧν ἐνκαλοῦμαι ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων1Concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “About the crimes that the Jews are saying that I committed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2521ACT262cbr3figs-synecdocheἸουδαίων1the Jews

This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2522ACT263kns2figs-explicitζητημάτων1their controversies

You can make explicit what kinds of controversies Paul is speaking about. Alternate translation: “questions about religious matters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2523ACT264t8bgfigs-hyperboleπάντες οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1all the Jews

This is a generalization. Possible meanings are (1) this refers to Jews in general who knew about Paul. Alternate translation: “the Jews” or (2) this refers to Pharisees who knew Paul. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2524ACT264x96hἐν τῷ ἔθνει μου1among my nation

Possible meanings are (1) among his own people, not necessarily in the geographical land of Israel or (2) in the land of Israel.

2525ACT265y9a1τὴν ἀκριβεστάτην αἵρεσιν τῆς ἡμετέρας θρησκείας1the strictest sect of our religion

“a group within Judaism who live by very strict rules”

2526ACT266xkp9figs-you0General Information:

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people who were listening to Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2527ACT266s9krνῦν1Now

This word marks a shift from Paul discussing his past to talking about himself in the present.

2528ACT266i9y5figs-activepassiveἕστηκα κρινόμενος1I stand here being judged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am here, where they are putting me on trial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2529ACT266r42gfigs-metaphorἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τῆς εἰς τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν ἐπαγγελίας, γενομένης ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1because of my hope of the promise that was made to our fathers by God

This speaks about a promise as if it were something a person could look for and see. Alternate translation: “because I am waiting expectantly for God to do what he promised our forefathers he would do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2530ACT267hnf1figs-metonymyεἰς ἣν τὸ δωδεκάφυλον ἡμῶν…ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι1to which our 12 tribes hope to attain

The phrase our 12 tribes stands for the people in those tribes. Alternate translation: “which is also what our fellow Jews in the 12 tribes are waiting for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2531ACT267apf2figs-metaphorεἰς ἣν…ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι1to which … hope to attain

This speaks about a promise as if it were a destination that can be reached. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2532ACT267kzg4figs-merismνύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν λατρεῦον1serving night and day

The extremes night and day mean they “worshiped God continually.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2533ACT267c4lmfigs-synecdocheὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων1by the Jews

This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: “by the leaders of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2534ACT268de83figs-rquestionτί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ’ ὑμῖν, εἰ ὁ Θεὸς νεκροὺς ἐγείρει?1Why is it judged unbelievable among you that God raises the dead?

Paul uses a question to challenge the Jews present. They believe God can raise the dead but do not think God brought Jesus back to life. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “None of you think it is unbelievable that God raises the dead.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2535ACT268ukk6νεκροὺς ἐγείρει1raises the dead

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “makes dead people come alive again”

2536ACT269hm33μὲν οὖν1Then

Paul uses this word to mark another shift in his defense. He is now beginning to describe how he formerly persecuted Jesus people.

2537ACT269r4dffigs-metonymyπρὸς τὸ ὄνομα Ἰησοῦ…ἐναντία1opposed to the name of Jesus

The word name here stands for the teaching about the person. Alternate translation: “to stop people from teaching about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2538ACT2610nys7figs-activepassiveἀναιρουμένων…αὐτῶν, κατήνεγκα ψῆφον1when they were being put to death, I cast my vote against them

The phrase were being put to death can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I voted in agreement with the other Jewish leaders to condemn the believers to die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2539ACT2611rri6πολλάκις τιμωρῶν αὐτοὺς1often punishing them

Possible meanings are (1) Paul punished some believers many times or (2) Paul punished many different believers.

2540ACT2612p55i0Connecting Statement:

While talking to King Agrippa, Paul tells about when the Lord spoke with him.

2541ACT2612us8dἐν οἷς1While doing this

Paul uses this phrase to mark another shift in his defense. He is now telling about when he saw Jesus and became his disciple.

2542ACT2612h3icἐν οἷς1While

This word is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time. In this case, Paul went to Damascus during the time when he persecuted Christians.

2543ACT2612ajp6μετ’ ἐξουσίας καὶ ἐπιτροπῆς1with authority and a commission

Paul had written letters from the Jewish leaders, granting him authority to persecute the Jewish believers.

2544ACT2614sip5figs-metonymyἤκουσα φωνὴν, λέγουσαν πρός με1I heard a voice speaking to me

Here voice stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2545ACT2614du3tΣαοὺλ, Σαούλ, τί με διώκεις?1Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?

This is a rhetorical question. The speaker is alerting Saul to what Saul is doing to him, and implying that Saul should not do that. Alternate translation: “Saul, Saul, you are persecuting me.” or “Saul, Saul, stop persecuting me.” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

2546ACT2614zsi2figs-metaphorσκληρόν σοι πρὸς κέντρα λακτίζειν1It is hard for you to kick against a goad

For Paul to resist Jesus and to persecute believers is spoken of as if he were an ox kicking at the sharp stick that a person uses to prod (or goad) the animal. It means that Paul is only harming himself. Alternate translation: “You will only harm yourself like an ox kicking a goad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2547ACT2615h2ws0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa. In these verses he continues quoting his conversation with the Lord.

2548ACT2618fk1kfigs-metaphorἀνοῖξαι ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν1to open their eyes

Helping people to understand the truth is spoken of as if a person were literally helping someone to open his eyes. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2549ACT2618gw8ffigs-metaphorἐπιστρέψαι ἀπὸ σκότους εἰς φῶς1to turn from darkness to light

Helping someone to stop doing what is evil and to start trusting and obeying God is spoken of as if the person is literally leading someone out of a dark place into a place of light. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2550ACT2618q3h8figs-metaphorἐπιστρέψαι ἀπὸ…τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ Σατανᾶ ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν1to turn from … from the power of Satan to God

Helping someone to stop obeying Satan and to start obeying God is spoken of as if a person were literally turning a person and taking them from the place where Satan rules and leading him to the place where God rules. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2551ACT2618m65ifigs-abstractnounsτοῦ λαβεῖν αὐτοὺς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν καὶ1for them to receive forgiveness of sins and

The abstract noun forgiveness can be stated as the verb “forgive.” Alternate translation: “so that God may forgive their sins and give them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2552ACT2618m9vefigs-metaphorκλῆρον1an inheritance

The blessings that Jesus gives to those who believe in him are spoken of as if they were an inheritance that children receive from their father. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2553ACT2618c5ijfigs-metaphorτοῖς ἡγιασμένοις πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ1those who have been sanctified by faith that is in me

Jesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he set them apart from other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2554ACT2618bgc5πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ1by faith that is in me

“because they believe in me.” Here Paul finishes quoting the Lord.

2555ACT2619ljx2ὅθεν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true.” Paul had just explained what the Lord had commanded him in his vision.

2556ACT2619zv2ufigs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἐγενόμην ἀπειθὴς τῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ1I did not disobedient to the heavenly vision

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I obeyed the heavenly vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2557ACT2619sn4hfigs-metonymyτῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ1to the heavenly vision

This refers to what the person in the vision told Paul. Alternate translation: “to what the person from heaven told me in the vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2558ACT2620fei4figs-metaphorἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν1to turn to God

To start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate translation: “to trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2559ACT2620h1v2figs-abstractnounsἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας1doing deeds worthy of repentance

The abstract noun repentance can be stated as the verb “repented.” Alternate translation: “and start doing good deeds to show they truly have repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2560ACT2621tl6tfigs-synecdocheἸουδαῖοι1the Jews

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “some Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2561ACT2622n5hn0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes giving his defense to King Agrippa.

2562ACT2622t8f4μικρῷ τε καὶ μεγάλῳ1to both small and great

Here small and great are used together to mean “all people.” Alternate translation: “to all people, whether common or great” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism)

2563ACT2622f6pyοὐδὲν ἐκτὸς…ὧν1nothing other than what

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the same thing that”

2564ACT2622i9kiὧν τε οἱ προφῆται1what both the prophets

Paul is referring to the collective writings of the Old Testament prophets.

2565ACT2623pe9hfigs-explicitεἰ παθητὸς ὁ Χριστός1that the Christ is to suffer

You can make explicit that Christ must also die. Alternate translation: “that the Christ must suffer and die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2566ACT2623p9t8ἐξ ἀναστάσεως1from the resurrection

to be brought back to life

2567ACT2623sc5fνεκρῶν1of the dead

The phrase the dead refers to the spirits of people who have died. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

2568ACT2623z2msfigs-metaphorφῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν1is going to proclaim light

“he would proclaim the message about the light.” To tell people about how God saves people is spoken of as if a person were speaking about the light. Alternate translation: “he would proclaim the message about how God saves people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2569ACT2624h5b90Connecting Statement:

Paul and King Agrippa continue to talk together.

2570ACT2624dvn2μαίνῃ1you are insane

“you are speaking nonsense” or “you are crazy”

2571ACT2624tk27τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει1your great learning is turning you to insanity

“you have learned so much that it is now making you crazy”

2572ACT2625dur9figs-doublenegativesοὐ μαίνομαι…ἀλλὰ1I am not insane … but

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I am sane … and” or “I am able to think well … and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2573ACT2625a6pbκράτιστε Φῆστε1most excellent Festus

“Festus, who deserves highest honors”

2574ACT2626ed7yfigs-123personὁ βασιλεύς, πρὸς ὃν…αὐτὸν1the king … to him … from him

Paul is still speaking to King Agrippa, but he is referring to him in the third person. Alternate translation: “you … to you … from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

2575ACT2626cs7bπαρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ1I am speaking boldly

Paul was not afraid to speak to the king about Christ. Alternate translation: “I speak with confidence”

2576ACT2626svn9figs-activepassiveπείθομαι1I am persuaded that

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am sure that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2577ACT2626tta8figs-activepassiveλανθάνειν…αὐτὸν τι τούτων οὐ1that none of this are hidden from him

This can be stated in active and positive form. Alternate translation: “that he is aware of this” or “that you are aware of this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2578ACT2626v1uufigs-activepassiveοὐ…ἐστιν ἐν γωνίᾳ πεπραγμένον τοῦτο2this was not done in a corner

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “this has not happened in a corner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2579ACT2626i5wgfigs-metaphorἐν γωνίᾳ1in a corner

This means doing something in secret as if a person went and did something in the corner of a room where no one can see him. Alternate translation: “in a dark place” or “in secret” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2580ACT2627a4a2figs-rquestionπιστεύεις, Βασιλεῦ Ἀγρίππα, τοῖς προφήταις?1Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa?

Paul asks this question to remind Agrippa that Agrippa already believes what the prophets said about Jesus. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You already believe what the Jewish prophets said, King Agrippa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2581ACT2628y8qqfigs-rquestionἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι1In a short time, are you persuading me to become a Christian?

Agrippa asks this question to show Paul that he cannot convince Agrippa so easily without more proof. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not think you can convince me so easily to believe in Jesus!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2582ACT2629k7kqfigs-metonymyπαρεκτὸς τῶν δεσμῶν τούτων1but without these chains

Here chains stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: “but, of course, I do no want you to be a prisoner like I am” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2583ACT2630k7jh0General Information:

Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa (Acts 25:13).

2584ACT2630gaq50Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time before King Agrippa.

2585ACT2630u8vlἀνέστη τε ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ ὁ ἡγεμὼν1And then the king got up, and the governor

“And then King Agrippa stood up, and Governor Festus”

2586ACT2631blz8figs-abstractnounsοὐδὲν θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν ἄξιον τι πράσσει ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος1This man is not doing anything worthy of death or of chains

The abstract noun death can be stated as the verb “die.” Here chains stands for being in prison. Alternate translation: “This man does not deserve to die or to be in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2587ACT2632n293figs-activepassiveἀπολελύσθαι ἐδύνατο ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος1This man was able to have been released

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This man could have gone free” or “I could have freed this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2588ACT27intror82x0

Acts 27 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Sailing

People who lived near the sea traveled by boat powered by the wind. During some months of the year, the wind would blow in the wrong direction or so hard that sailing was impossible.

Trust

Paul trusted God to bring him safely to land. He told the sailers and soldiers to trust that God would also keep them alive. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Paul breaks bread

Luke uses almost the same words here to describe Paul taking bread, thanking God, breaking it, and eating it that he used to describe the last supper Jesus ate with his disciples. However, your translation should not make your reader think that Paul was leading a religious celebration here.

2589ACT271efe4figs-exclusive0General Information:

Adramyttium was a city possibly located on the west coast of modern-day Turkey. The word “we” includes the author of Acts, Paul, and the others traveling with Paul, but not the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2590ACT271dyf50Connecting Statement:

Paul, as a prisoner, begins his journey to Rome.

2591ACT271b2yzfigs-activepassiveὡς…ἐκρίθη1when it was decided

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the king and the governor decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2592ACT271yv84εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν1to Italy

Italy is the name of the province Rome was in. See how you translated Italy in Acts 18:2.

2593ACT271s6nyπαρεδίδουν τόν τε Παῦλον καί τινας ἑτέρους δεσμώτας, ἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ, σπείρης Σεβαστῆς1they handed over both Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the Augustan regiment

“they put a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan regiment, in charge of Paul and some other prisoners”

2594ACT271k52uπαρεδίδουν τόν τε Παῦλον καί τινας ἑτέρους δεσμώτας1they handed over both Paul and some other prisoners

Possible meanings are that (1) they refers to the governor and the king or (2) they refers to other Roman officials.

2595ACT271un2stranslate-namesἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ1to a centurion named Julius

Julius is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2596ACT271d22ftranslate-namesσπείρης Σεβαστῆς1of the Augustan regiment

This was the name of the battalion or army from which the centurion came. Some versions translate this as “the Imperial regiment.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2597ACT272dnr9figs-metonymyἐπιβάντες…πλοίῳ…μέλλοντι πλεῖν1having boarded a ship … being about to sail

Here ship … being about to sail stands for the crew that will sail the ship. Alternate translation: “having boarded a ship … with a crew that was about to sail” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2598ACT272fqy2πλοίῳ Ἀδραμυντηνῷ1a ship from Adramyttium

Possible meanings are (1) a ship that had come from Adramyttium or (2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Adramyttium.

2599ACT272f8pfμέλλοντι πλεῖν1being about to sail

“going to sail soon” or “departing soon”

2600ACT272m3psἀνήχθημεν1we set sail

“we began our journey on the sea”

2601ACT272h3uyἈριστάρχου1Aristarchus

Aristarchus came from Macedonia but had been working with Paul in Ephesus. See how you translated his name in Acts 19:29.

2602ACT273r71efigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2603ACT273u6ltφιλανθρώπως…ὁ Ἰούλιος τῷ Παύλῳ χρησάμενος1Julius having treated Paul kindly

“Julius having treated Paul with a friendly concern.” See how you translated Julius in Acts 27:1.

2604ACT273rp73figs-abstractnounsπρὸς τοὺς φίλους πορευθέντι, ἐπιμελείας τυχεῖν1to go to his friends to receive their care

The abstract noun care can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “to go to his friends so they could care for him” or “to go to his friends so they could help him with whatever he needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2605ACT274d4hgἀναχθέντες, ὑπεπλεύσαμεν1having put to sea, we sailed under

“we started sailing and went under”

2606ACT274mjt8ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κύπρον1we sailed under Cyprus

Here under Cyprus means they sailed along the side of that island that blocks the strong wind, so the ship was not forced off its course.

2607ACT275g1t7Παμφυλίαν1Pamphylia

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

2608ACT275y6m6figs-explicitκατήλθαμεν εἰς Μύρρα τῆς Λυκίας1we came to Myra of Lycia

You can make explicit that they got off the ship in Myra. Alternate translation: “we came to Myra, a city of Lycia, where we got off the ship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2609ACT275ni2xtranslate-namesεἰς Μύρρα1to Myra

Myra is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2610ACT275uaf4translate-namesτῆς Λυκίας1of Lycia

Lycia was a Roman province, located on the southwestern coast of modern-day Turkey. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2611ACT276j4cffigs-explicitεὑρὼν…πλοῖον Ἀλεξανδρῖνον, πλέον εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν1having found a ship from Alexandria sailing to Italy

It is implied that a crew would sail the ship to Italy. Alternate translation: “having found a ship that a crew had sailed from Alexandria and was about to sail to Italy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2612ACT276fdq2translate-namesἈλεξανδρῖνον1from Alexandria

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2613ACT277zzw1figs-explicitδὲ…βραδυπλοοῦντες καὶ μόλις, γενόμενοι1And sailing slowly … and having arrived with difficulty

You can make explicit that the reason they were sailing slowly and with difficulty was because the wind was blowing against them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2614ACT277pye5translate-namesκατὰ τὴν Κνίδον1near Cnidus

This is an ancient settlement located in modern-day Turkey. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2615ACT277hhf1μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς τοῦ ἀνέμου1the wind no longer allowing us to go that way

“with a strong wind blowing against us so we could no longer go that way”

2616ACT277b746ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κρήτην1we sailed along Crete

“we sailed along the side of Crete where there was less wind”

2617ACT277mq4ntranslate-namesκατὰ Σαλμώνην1opposite Salmone

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2618ACT278p4rifigs-explicitμόλις…παραλεγόμενοι αὐτὴν1sailing along it with difficulty

You can make explicit that even though the winds were not as strong as before, they were still strong enough to make sailing difficult. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2619ACT278a64ytranslate-namesΚαλοὺς Λιμένας1Fair Havens

This was a port near Lasea, located on the south coast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2620ACT278n7retranslate-namesπόλις ἦν Λασαία1the city of Lasea

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2621ACT279ea4lἱκανοῦ…χρόνου διαγενομένου1much time having passed

Because of the direction the wind was blowing, the journey from Caesarea to Fair Havens had taken more time than planned.

2622ACT279u6x5ὄντος ἤδη ἐπισφαλοῦς τοῦ πλοὸς, διὰ τὸ καὶ τὴν νηστείαν ἤδη παρεληλυθέναι1the voyage already being dangerous because even the fast had already passed

This fast took place on the Day of Atonement, which was usually either in the last part of September or the first part of October according to Western calendars. After this time, there was a higher risk of seasonal storms.

2623ACT2710p29vθεωρῶ ὅτι μετὰ ὕβρεως καὶ πολλῆς ζημίας…μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι τὸν πλοῦν1I see that the voyage is about to be with injury and much loss

“if we travel now, we will suffer much injury and loss”

2624ACT2710nx9cζημίας, οὐ μόνον τοῦ φορτίου καὶ τοῦ πλοίου, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν1loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives

Here loss means destruction when referring to things and death when referring to people.

2625ACT2710q9xtοὐ μόνον τοῦ φορτίου καὶ τοῦ πλοίου1not only of the cargo and the ship

Cargo is something that a person transports from one place to another by boat. Alternate translation: “not only the ship and the goods on the ship”

2626ACT2711b1kzfigs-activepassiveὑπὸ Παύλου λεγομένοις1spoken by Paul

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that Paul said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2627ACT2712l2n4figs-activepassiveἀνευθέτου…τοῦ λιμένος ὑπάρχοντος πρὸς παραχειμασίαν1the harbor being unsuitable for wintering

You can make explicit why it was not easy to stay in the harbor. Alternate translation: “because the harbor did not sufficiently protect docked ships during winter storms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2628ACT2712jmi3λιμένος1harbor

a place on the coast that is protected from wind and waves so that ships can safely stay there

2629ACT2712k2titranslate-namesΦοίνικα1Phoenix

Phoenix is a city port on the south coast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2630ACT2712z1lffigs-metaphorπαραχειμάσαι1to spend the winter there

This speaks about the season of winter as if it were a commodity that someone can spend. Alternate translation: “to stay there for the cold season” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2631ACT2712x6vlβλέποντα κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον1looking toward the southwest and toward the northwest

This means the opening of the harbor was toward those directions. Alternate translation: “it opened to the northwest and southwest”

2632ACT2712gyd2κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον1toward the southwest and toward the northwest

These directions are based on the rising and setting sun. Southwest is a little to the left of the setting sun. Northwest is a little to the right of the setting sun.

2633ACT2713xx67ἄραντες1after they had weighed anchor

Here weighed anchor means to pull the anchor out of the water. An anchor is a heavy object attached to a rope that is secured to the boat. The anchor is tossed into the water and sinks to the bottom of the sea keeping the ship from drifting about.

2634ACT2714hv8h0Connecting Statement:

Paul and those traveling on the boat encounter a fierce storm.

2635ACT2714m2xeμετ’ οὐ πολὺ1not long after

“after a little while”

2636ACT2714fs4zἄνεμος τυφωνικὸς1a violent wind

“a very strong, dangerous wind”

2637ACT2714g1ektranslate-transliterateὁ καλούμενος Εὐρακύλων1called the northeaster

The word for northeaster in the original language is “Euroclydon.” You can transliterate this word for your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

2638ACT2714tz2kἔβαλεν κατ’ αὐτῆς1rushed down from it

“came in from the island of Crete, and it blew strongly against our ship”

2639ACT2715fxp1συναρπασθέντος δὲ τοῦ πλοίου, καὶ μὴ δυναμένου ἀντοφθαλμεῖν τῷ ἀνέμῳ1And having been seized and the ship not being able to face into the wind

“And when the wind blew so strongly against the front of the ship that we could not sail against it”

2640ACT2715w1hlfigs-activepassiveἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα1having given way, we were driven along

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we stopped trying to sail forward, and we let the wind push us whichever way it blew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2641ACT2716c4cgνησίον…τι ὑποδραμόντες1sailing under the lee of a certain island

“sailing where the wind was not so strong, on the side of the island”

2642ACT2716aq56translate-namesνησίον…τι…καλούμενον Καῦδα1of a certain island called Cauda

This island was located on the south coast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2643ACT2716h9z2τῆς σκάφης1of the lifeboat

This is a smaller boat that is sometimes pulled behind the ship, and sometimes it was brought onto the ship and tied down. The smaller boat was used for various reasons, including escaping from a sinking ship.

2644ACT2717v9agἣν ἄραντες1Having hoisted it up

“When they had lifted up the lifeboat” or “After they had pulled the lifeboat aboard the ship”

2645ACT2717tx1fβοηθείαις ἐχρῶντο, ὑποζωννύντες τὸ πλοῖον1they used ropes, binding the ship

They tied ropes around the bottom of the ship so that the ship would not come apart during the storm.

2646ACT2717dvv4translate-namesτὴν Σύρτιν1Syrtis

Syrtis is located on the coast of Libya, northern Africa. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2647ACT2717l8klχαλάσαντες τὸ σκεῦος1having lowered the sea anchor

They put an anchor in the water in order to slow down where the wind would blow them.

2648ACT2717v6dnσκεῦος1sea anchor

An anchor is a heavy object attached to a rope that is secured to the boat. The anchor is tossed into the water and sinks to the bottom of the sea keeping the ship from drifting about. See how you translated this in Acts 27:13.

2649ACT2717g7rwfigs-activepassiveἐφέροντο1they were driven along

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they had to go in whatever direction the wind blew them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2650ACT2718fx4mfigs-activepassiveσφοδρῶς…χειμαζομένων ἡμῶν1with us being exceedingly battered by the storm

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “since the wind blew us roughly back and forth so that all of us were badly battered and bruised by the storm” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2651ACT2718nd5hἐκβολὴν ἐποιοῦντο1they began the jettisoning of the cargo

Here they is the sailors. This is done to lighten the weight of the ship in an effort to prevent the ship from sinking.

2652ACT2718ny6kἐκβολὴν1the jettisoning of the cargo

Cargo is something that a person transports from one place to another by boat. See how you translated this in Acts 27:10. Alternate translation: “goods on the ship”

2653ACT2719vm2kαὐτόχειρες τὴν σκευὴν τοῦ πλοίου ἔριψαν1they threw overboard the equipment of the ship with their own hands

Here equipment refers to the sailors equipment needed to sail the ship: tackle, hoists, beams of wood, block and tackle, ropes, lines, sails, and the like. This indicates how desperate the situation was.

2654ACT2720if7aμήτε δὲ ἡλίου μήτε ἄστρων ἐπιφαινόντων ἐπὶ πλείονας ἡμέρας1But neither sun nor stars appearing for many days

They could not see the sun and stars because of the dark storm clouds. Sailors needed to see the sun and stars in order to know where they were and what direction they were headed.

2655ACT2720p2wdχειμῶνός…οὐκ ὀλίγου ἐπικειμένου1no small storm assaulting us

“as the terrible storm blew us roughly back and forth”

2656ACT2720mnj5figs-activepassiveλοιπὸν περιῃρεῖτο ἐλπὶς πᾶσα, τοῦ σῴζεσθαι ἡμᾶς1all remaining hope for us to be saved was taken away

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone stopped believing we would survive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2657ACT2721mmb20Connecting Statement:

Paul speaks to the sailors on the ship.

2658ACT2721d1lefigs-explicitπολλῆς τε ἀσιτίας ὑπαρχούσης1And after being a long time without food

It is implied that neither the sailors, nor Luke, Paul, and those with them had eaten anything. Alternate translation: “And when we had gone a long time without food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2659ACT2721zns2ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν1in the midst of them

“in the middle of the people on the ship”

2660ACT2721bc1xκερδῆσαί τε τὴν ὕβριν ταύτην, καὶ τὴν ζημίαν1and to suffer this injury and loss

“and as a result to suffer this harm and loss”

2661ACT2722d95rfigs-explicitἀποβολὴ…ψυχῆς οὐδεμία ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν1there will be no loss of life among you

Paul is speaking to the sailors. It is implied that Paul also means that he and those with him will not die either. Alternate translation: “none of us will die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2662ACT2722djh4πλὴν τοῦ πλοίου1but only of the ship

Here “loss” is implied. Alternate translation: “but the only thing that will be lost is the ship”

2663ACT2724z1j8figs-metonymyΚαίσαρί σε δεῖ παραστῆναι1You must stand before Caesar

The phrase stand before Caesar refers to Pauls going to court and letting Caesar judge him. Alternate translation: “You must stand before Caesar so he can judge you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2664ACT2724s3wvκεχάρισταί σοι…πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ1has graciously granted to you all those who are sailing with you

“has graciously decided to allow all those who are sailing with you to live”

2665ACT2725r9t8figs-activepassiveκαθ’ ὃν τρόπον λελάληταί μοι1according to the way it was told to me

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “just as the angel told me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2666ACT2726vmp6εἰς νῆσον…τινα, δεῖ ἡμᾶς ἐκπεσεῖν1we must run aground upon some island

“the ship is going to be wrecked on some island”

2667ACT2727im340Connecting Statement:

The fierce storm continues.

2668ACT2727rrm5translate-ordinalὡς δὲ τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτη νὺξ ἐγένετο1And when the fourteenth night came

The ordinal number fourteenth can be translated as “fourteen” or “14.” Alternate translation: “After 14 days since the storm started, that night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2669ACT2727la7ufigs-activepassiveδιαφερομένων ἡμῶν1as we were being driven this way and that

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as the wind blew us back and forth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2670ACT2727afs6translate-namesτῷ Ἀδρίᾳ1the Adriatic Sea

This is the sea between Italy and Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2671ACT2728ruj1βολίσαντες1taking soundings

“measuring the depth of the sea water.” They measured the depth of water by dropping a line with a weight tied to the end of it into the water.

2672ACT2728tq53translate-numbersεὗρον ὀργυιὰς εἴκοσι1they found 20 fathoms

A fathom is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: “they found the water was 40 meters deep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2673ACT2728ig3mtranslate-numbersεὗρον ὀργυιὰς δεκαπέντε1they found 15 fathoms

A “fathom” is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: “they found the water was about 30 meters deep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2674ACT2729b1qcἀγκύρας1anchors

An anchor is a heavy object attached to a rope that is secured to the boat. The anchor is tossed into the water and sinks to the bottom of the sea, keeping the ship from drifting about. See how you translated this in Acts 27:13.

2675ACT2729q4amἐκ πρύμνης1from the stern

“from the back of the ship”

2676ACT2730br71figs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the centurion and the Roman soldiers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2677ACT2730b4wvτὴν σκάφην1the lifeboat

This is a smaller boat that is sometimes pulled behind the ship and sometime it was brought onto the ship and tied down. The smaller boat was used for various reasons, including escaping from a sinking ship. See how you translated this in Acts 27:16.

2678ACT2730rr89ἐκ πρῴρης1from the bow

“from the front of the ship”

2679ACT2731ez5cfigs-doublenegativesἐὰν μὴ οὗτοι μείνωσιν ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, ὑμεῖς σωθῆναι οὐ δύνασθε1Unless these men stay in the ship, you are not able to be saved

The negative words unless and not able can be stated in positive form. The passive phrase be saved can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “These men must stay in the ship in order for you to survive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2680ACT2733q3y8ἄχρι δὲ οὗ ἡμέρα ἤμελλεν γίνεσθαι1And up until it was about to become daytime

“And until almost sunrise”

2681ACT2733j5ygtranslate-ordinalτεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτην σήμερον ἡμέραν1Today is the fourteenth day

The ordinal number fourteenth can be stated as “fourteen.” Alternate translation: “For 14 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2682ACT2734j3qxfigs-idiomοὐδενὸς…ὑμῶν θρὶξ ἀπὸ τῆς κεφαλῆς ἀπολεῖται1a hair from the head of none of you will perish

This was a customary way of saying no harm would come upon them. Alternate translation: “none of you will be injured in any way in this disaster” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2683ACT2735yh7yκλάσας1having broken bread

“after he had torn the bread into pieces” or “tearing off a piece from the loaf of bread”

2684ACT2736zt9qfigs-activepassiveεὔθυμοι δὲ γενόμενοι πάντες, καὶ1And they were all encouraged and

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And this encouraged all of them and they” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2685ACT2737ynq3translate-numbersἤμεθα δὲ αἱ πᾶσαι ψυχαὶ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, διακόσιαι ἑβδομήκοντα ἕξ1And in all, we were 276 souls in the ship

“And there was a total of two hundred and seventy-six people in the ship.” This is background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2686ACT2739vdk2κόλπον1a bay

a large area of water partly surrounded by land

2687ACT2739r1bxτὴν γῆν οὐκ ἐπεγίνωσκον1they did not recognize the land

“they saw land but could not recognize it as any place they knew”

2688ACT2740k66vτὰς ἀγκύρας περιελόντες, εἴων1having cut loose the anchors, they left them

“they cut the ropes and left the anchors behind”

2689ACT2740ntr9τῶν πηδαλίων1of the rudders

large oars or pieces of wood at the back of the ship used for steering

2690ACT2740cn2wτὸν ἀρτέμωνα1the foresail

“the sail at the front of the ship.” The sail was a large piece of cloth that catches the wind to move the ship.

2691ACT2740pa1kκατεῖχον εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν1they headed to the beach

“they steered the ship toward the beach”

2692ACT2741y22nπεριπεσόντες…εἰς τόπον διθάλασσον1having come to a place between two seas

A current is water flowing in one continuous direction. Sometimes where two seas meet, the current of one can flow across the current of the other. This may cause the sand under the water to pile up making the water more shallow, and dangerous for ships.

2693ACT2741cpu5πρῷρα1bow of the ship

“front of the ship”

2694ACT2741v35zἡ…πρύμνα2the stern

“the back of the ship”

2695ACT2742qul7τῶν…στρατιωτῶν, βουλὴ ἐγένετο1the plan of the soldiers was

“the soldiers were planning”

2696ACT2743s2szἐκώλυσεν αὐτοὺς τοῦ βουλήματος1stopped their plan

“kept them from doing what they planned to do”

2697ACT2743br8uἀπορίψαντας1having jumped overboard

“having jumped off the ship into the water”

2698ACT2744hw7pοὓς…ἐπὶ σανίσιν1some on planks

“some on wooden boards”

2699ACT28introw8yn0

Acts 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

No one knows for sure why Luke ends his history without telling what happened to Paul after he had been in Rome for two years.

Special concepts in this chapter

“Letters” and “brothers”

The Jewish leaders were surprised that Paul wanted to speak with them, because they had received no letters from the high priest in Jerusalem telling them that Paul was coming.

When the Jewish leaders spoke of “brothers,” they were referring to fellow Jews, not to Christians.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“He was a god”

The native people believed that Paul was a god, but they did not believe that he was the one true God. We do not know why Paul did not tell the native people that he was not a god.

2700ACT281p1bdfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, the writer, and those who traveled with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2701ACT281twx80Connecting Statement:

After the shipwreck, people on the island of Malta helped Paul and everyone on the ship. They stay there for 3 months.

2702ACT281j1yffigs-activepassiveκαὶ διασωθέντες1And having been brought safely through

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And when we had arrived safely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2703ACT281tt1ifigs-exclusiveτότε ἐπέγνωμεν1we then learned

Paul and Luke learned the name of the island. Alternate translation: “we learned from the people” or “we found out from the residents” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2704ACT281f8y4translate-namesΜελίτη ἡ νῆσος καλεῖται1the island was called Malta

Malta is an island located south of the modern-day island of Sicily. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2705ACT282e7w6οἵ…βάρβαροι1the native people

“the local people”

2706ACT282v8yhfigs-metaphorπαρεῖχαν οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν ἡμῖν1offered to us not ordinary kindness

Being kind to someone is spoken of as if it were an object that someone offers. Alternate translation: “were especially kind to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2707ACT282r7jyfigs-litotesοὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν1not just ordinary kindness

This phrase is used to emphasize the opposite of what is said. Alternate translation: “a great deal of kindness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2708ACT282z9cpἅψαντες…πυρὰν1having lit a fire

“when they put together twigs and branches and burned them”

2709ACT282itw2προσελάβοντο πάντας ἡμᾶς1they welcomed us all

Possible meanings are (1) “welcomed all of the people from the ship” or (2) “welcomed Paul and all his companions.”

2710ACT283g4adἔχιδνα ἀπὸ τῆς θέρμης ἐξελθοῦσα1a viper, having come out from the heat

“a poisonous snake, driven from the bundle of sticks by the heat of the fire”

2711ACT283xmx4καθῆψε τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ1fastened on to his hand

“bit Pauls hand and did not let go”

2712ACT284ye7hπάντως φονεύς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος1This man certainly is a murderer

“For sure, this man is a murderer” or “This man is truly a murderer”

2713ACT284ma1bfigs-explicitἡ δίκη1justice

The word justice refers to the name of a god that they worshiped. Alternate translation: “the god called Justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2714ACT285q5i3ἀποτινάξας τὸ θηρίον εἰς τὸ πῦρ1shaking off the snake into the fire

“after shaking his hand so that the snake fell from his hand into the fire”

2715ACT285asr8ἔπαθεν οὐδὲν κακόν1suffered no harm

“was not hurt at all”

2716ACT286m11iπίμπρασθαι1to become inflamed

Possible meanings are (1) his body would swell because of the snake venom or (2) he would become very hot with fever.

2717ACT286i6i6figs-doublenegativesμηδὲν ἄτοπον εἰς αὐτὸν γινόμενον1nothing unusual happening to him

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “everything about him was as it should be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2718ACT286u81ufigs-metaphorμεταβαλόμενοι1having changed their minds

To think differently about a situation is spoken of as if a person is changing his mind. Alternate translation: “thinking again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2719ACT286cfe9figs-quotationsἔλεγον αὐτὸν εἶναι θεόν1they said that he was a god

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “they said, This man must be a god.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

2720ACT286d1rjἔλεγον αὐτὸν εἶναι θεόν1they said that he was a god

Perhaps there was a belief that someone who lived after a poisonous snake bite was divine or a god.

2721ACT287f4safigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “us” and we” refer to Paul, Luke, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2722ACT287r95rἐν δὲ τοῖς περὶ τὸν τόπον ἐκεῖνον1Now in the area near that same place

Now is used to introduce a new person or event in the account.

2723ACT287wx6tτῷ πρώτῳ τῆς νήσου1of the most important man of the island

Possible meanings are (1) the main leader of the people or (2) someone who was the most important person on the island, perhaps because of his wealth.

2724ACT287wh2dtranslate-namesὀνόματι Ποπλίῳ1named Publius

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2725ACT288g12twriting-backgroundἐγένετο δὲ, τὸν πατέρα τοῦ Ποπλίου πυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερίῳ συνεχόμενον κατακεῖσθαι1And it happened that the father of Publius was lying sick, having been afflicted with fever and dysentery

This is background information about Publius father that is important to understanding the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

2726ACT288m154figs-activepassiveπυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερίῳ συνεχόμενον1having been afflicted with fever and dysentery

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “was suffering from fever and dysentery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2727ACT288fr46δυσεντερίῳ1dysentery

Dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease.

2728ACT288pwk5ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ1having placed his hands on him

“having touched him with his hands”

2729ACT289yk6ufigs-activepassiveἐθεραπεύοντο1were being healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he healed them too” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2730ACT2810ydg4πολλαῖς τιμαῖς ἐτίμησαν ἡμᾶς1honored us with many honors

Probably they honored Paul and those with him by giving them gifts.

2731ACT2811jc5tfigs-explicit0General Information:

The Twin Brothers refers to Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus, a Greek god. They were thought to be protectors of ships. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2732ACT2811be1c0Connecting Statement:

Pauls journey to Rome continues.

2733ACT2811qi6eπαρακεχειμακότι ἐν τῇ νήσῳ1that had wintered at the island

“that the crew left at the island for the cold season”

2734ACT2811cm2tἐν πλοίῳ…Ἀλεξανδρίνῳ1in an Alexandrian ship

Possible meanings are this refers to (1) a ship that came from Alexandria, or (2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Alexandria.

2735ACT2811em5pπαρασήμῳ Διοσκούροις1with a “Twin Gods” figurehead

On the bow of the ship, there was a carving of the two idols called “the Twin Gods.” Their names were Castor and Pollux.

2736ACT2812w5c6translate-namesΣυρακούσας1Syracuse

Syracuse is a city on the southeast coast of the modern-day island of Sicily, just southwest of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2737ACT2813se8vtranslate-names0General Information:

The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns was a popular market and inn on the main highway called the Appian Way, about 50 kilometers south of the city of Rome. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2738ACT2813z2u4translate-namesῬήγιον1Rhegium

This is the port city located at the southwestern tip of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2739ACT2813p633ἐπιγενομένου νότου1a south wind having sprung up

“when the wind began to blow from the south”

2740ACT2813tz4htranslate-namesΠοτιόλους1Puteoli

Puteoli is located in modern-day Naples on the west coast of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2741ACT2814m1isοὗ εὑρόντες ἀδελφοὺς1Having found brothers there

“When we met fellow believers there”

2742ACT2814n3twfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὺς1brothers

These were followers of Jesus, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2743ACT2814a2c5figs-activepassiveπαρεκλήθημεν1we were begged

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they begged us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2744ACT2814bc3jκαὶ οὕτως εἰς τὴν Ῥώμην ἤλθαμεν1and in this way, we came to Rome

Once Paul reached Puteoli, the rest of the journey to Rome was on land. Alternate translation: “and after we stayed seven days with them, we went to Rome” or “and so our trip ended as we arrived in Rome”

2745ACT2815k754ἀκούσαντες, τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν1having heard the things about us

“after they heard why we were there”

2746ACT2815m9tzfigs-metaphorεὐχαριστήσας τῷ Θεῷ, ἔλαβε θάρσος1having thanked God, took courage

Here courage is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could take. Alternate translation: “thanked God and was encouraged” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2747ACT2816fib2figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2748ACT2816hf2t0Connecting Statement:

Paul arrives in Rome as a prisoner but with the freedom to stay in his own place. He calls the local Jews together to explain what has happened to him.

2749ACT2816te8vfigs-activepassiveἐπετράπη τῷ Παύλῳ μένειν καθ’ ἑαυτὸν1Paul was allowed to stay by himself

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Roman authorities gave Paul permission to stay by himself instead of in prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2750ACT2817vf7rἐγένετο δὲ1And it happened that

This phrase is used here to mark the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

2751ACT2817d77zτῶν Ἰουδαίων πρώτους1the most important of the Jews

These were the Jewish civil or religious leaders present in Rome.

2752ACT2817e1ddἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means “fellow Jews.”

2753ACT2817g55iἐναντίον…τῷ λαῷ1opposed to the people

“against our people” or “against the Jews”

2754ACT2817hgk4figs-activepassiveἐγώ…δέσμιος ἐξ Ἱεροσολύμων παρεδόθην εἰς τὰς χεῖρας τῶν Ῥωμαίων1I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “some of the Jews arrested me in Jerusalem and placed me in the custody of the Roman authorities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2755ACT2817x3r2figs-metonymyεἰς τὰς χεῖρας τῶν Ῥωμαίων1into the hands of the Romans

Here hands stands for power or control. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2756ACT2818fed7τὸ μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου ὑπάρχειν ἐν ἐμοί1there is no reason in me for a death penalty

“I had done nothing to cause them to execute me”

2757ACT2819lr96figs-synecdocheτῶν Ἰουδαίων1the Jews

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2758ACT2819zk8fἀντιλεγόντων1objecting

“complaining about what the Roman authorities wanted to do”

2759ACT2819n6vffigs-activepassiveἠναγκάσθην ἐπικαλέσασθαι Καίσαρα1I was forced to appeal to Caesar

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I had to ask for Caesar to judge me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2760ACT2819e7grfigs-metonymyοὐχ ὡς τοῦ ἔθνους μου ἔχων τι κατηγορεῖν1not as if I have anything to accuse my nation

Here nation stands for the people. Alternate translation: “but it was not because I wanted to accuse the people of my nation before Caesar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2761ACT2820b1fdτῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ1the hope of Israel

Possible meanings are (1) the people of Israel confidently expect the Messiah to come or (2) the people of Israel confidently expect God to bring those who have died back to life.

2762ACT2820pgr8figs-metonymyτὴν ἅλυσιν ταύτην περίκειμαι1I am bound with this chain

Here bound with this chain stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: “I am a prisoner” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2763ACT2820n3s7figs-metonymyτοῦ Ἰσραὴλ1of Israel

Here Israel stands for the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2764ACT2821x5d5figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the words “We,” “we,” and “us” refer to the Jewish leaders in Rome. (See: Acts 28:17 and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2765ACT2821biz70Connecting Statement:

The Jewish leaders respond to Paul.

2766ACT2821y4bxοὔτε παραγενόμενός τις τῶν ἀδελφῶν1nor have any of the brothers come

Here brothers stands for fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “and none of our fellow Jews have come”

2767ACT2822kw1dτῆς αἱρέσεως ταύτης1this sect

A sect is a smaller group within a larger group. Here it refers to those who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “this group to which you belong”

2768ACT2822gy8tfigs-activepassiveγνωστὸν ἡμῖν ἐστιν1it is known to us

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “we know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2769ACT2822j12vfigs-activepassiveπανταχοῦ ἀντιλέγεται1it is spoken against everywhere

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “many Jews all over the Roman Empire are saying bad things about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2770ACT2823u7pc0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish leaders in Rome. The words “him,” “his,” and “He” and refer to Paul (Acts 28:17).

2771ACT2823q4ivταξάμενοι…αὐτῷ ἡμέραν1when they had appointed a day for him

“when they had chosen a time for him to speak to them”

2772ACT2823dg5ffigs-metonymyδιαμαρτυρόμενος τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1testifying about the kingdom of God

Here kingdom of God stands for Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “telling them about Gods rule as king” or “telling them how God would show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2773ACT2823peu1figs-metonymyτῶν προφητῶν1from the prophets

Here the prophets refers to what they wrote. Alternate translation: “from what the prophets wrote” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2774ACT2824pmd6figs-activepassiveκαὶ οἱ μὲν ἐπείθοντο τοῖς λεγομένοις1And some were convinced about the things which he was saying

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “And Paul was able to convince some of them by what he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2775ACT2825t5dq0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:17). The word “your” refers to the people to whom Paul had been speaking. In verse 26, Paul begins to quote the prophet Isaiah.

2776ACT2825i5xz0Connecting Statement:

As the Jewish leaders were ready to leave, Paul quotes the Old Testament scriptures that were appropriate for this time.

2777ACT2825n7pmfigs-metonymyεἰπόντος τοῦ Παύλου ῥῆμα ἓν1after Paul had spoken one word

Here word stands for a message or statement. Alternate translation: “after Paul had said one more thing” or “after Paul had made this statement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2778ACT2825b11nfigs-quotesinquotesκαλῶς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐλάλησεν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν1The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers.

This sentence contains quotations within quotations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2779ACT2826qj7qfigs-quotesinquotesλέγων, πορεύθητι πρὸς τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον, καὶ εἰπόν, ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε, καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε; καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1saying, Go to this people and say, “By hearing you will hear, but you will certainly not understand; and by seeing you will see, but you will certainly not perceive

This is the end of the sentence that begins with the words “The Holy Spirit spoke” in verse 25 and that contains quotations within quotations. You can translate one of the inner quotations as an indirect quotation, or you can translate two of the inner quotations as indirect quotations. “The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to your forefathers when the Spirit told Isaiah to go tell them that they will hear but will not understand and they will see but they will not perceive” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

2780ACT2826pax8ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε…βλέποντες βλέψετε1By hearing you will hear … by seeing you will see

The words hear and see are repeated for emphasis. Alternate translation: “When you listen you will hear … when you look you will see”

2781ACT2826s1tifigs-parallelismκαὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε…καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε1but you will certainly not understand … but you will certainly not perceive

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand Gods plan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2782ACT2827fz420General Information:

Translate Pauls quotation of Isaiah as a direct quotation or indirect quotation according to how you translated it in Acts 28:25-26.

2783ACT2827qu6t0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes quoting Isaiah the prophet.

2784ACT2827ts5afigs-metaphorἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου1For the heart of this people has become dull

People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if their heart is dull. Here “heart” is a metonym for the mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2785ACT2827f5m4figs-metaphorτοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν1with their ears they hardly heard, and they shut their eyes

People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if they are unable to hear and are shutting their eyes so that they will see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2786ACT2827lr99figs-metonymyτῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν1might understand with their heart

Here heart stands for the mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2787ACT2827q8c2figs-metaphorἐπιστρέψωσιν1might turn again

To start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically turning toward God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2788ACT2827vb9fἰάσομαι αὐτούς1I will heal them

This does not mean God will only heal them physically. He will also heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins.

2789ACT2828c5750Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome.

2790ACT2828b2zafigs-metaphorτοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπεστάλη τοῦτο τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ1this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles

Gods message about how he saves people is spoken of as if it were an object that is sent. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God is sending his messengers to the Gentiles to tell them about how he will save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2791ACT2828d18nαὐτοὶ καὶ ἀκούσονται1they also will listen

“some of them also will listen.” This response of the Gentiles is in contrast to the way the Jews of that time refused to listen to God.

2792ACT2830c56ewriting-endofstory0Connecting Statement:

Luke ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

2793ACT2831wv1lfigs-metonymyκηρύσσων τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ1proclaiming the kingdom of God

Here kingdom of God refers to Gods rule as king. Alternate translation: “preaching about Gods rule as king” or “preaching about how God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])