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Introduction to Acts

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of Acts

  1. The apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (1:16:7)
  2. The church expands into Judea and Samaria (6:89:31)
  3. The church expands to include Gentiles (9:3212:24)
  4. Paul goes to Asia Minor as an apostle to the Gentiles (12:2516:5)
  5. The church expands into the middle Mediterranean area (16:619:20)
  6. Paul reaches Rome, but as a prisoner and after several trials (19:2128:31)

What is the book of Acts about?

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church. It relates how more and more people, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the Roman Empire, became believers in Jesus. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book begin with the return of Jesus to heaven and they end about 30 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 different title, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

Who wrote the book of Acts?

The author of this book does not give his own name. However, the book is dedicated to Theophilus, the same person to whom Luke dedicated his story of the life of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke. Also, in parts of this book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person who traveled with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that Luke was 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 personally witnessed many of the events that he describes in the book of Acts.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the church?

The church is the community of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. The book of Acts shows God helping the church. It shows God doing signs and wonders to confirm the churchs testimony to Jesus, leading many people to have faith in Jesus, guiding the church about where and how to share the good news, and enabling believers to resolve conflicts and endure persecution.

The kingdom of God

The “kingdom of God” is a major concept in the book of Acts, as it is in the Gospel of Luke. This concept is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where Gods wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing Gods rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Possible translation difficulties in the book of Acts

“to the same”

The phrase “to the same” occurs five times in this book (1:15, 2:1, 2:44, 2:47, 4:26). It is not entirely clear what this phrase means. In the first three instances it could mean “in the same place,” but it could also mean “in one accord,” that is, “in full agreement.” In 2:47 it seems to mean “to their group.” Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:20 and 14:23, where it could mean “in the same place” or it could have the sense of full agreement and mean something like “in Christian fellowship.” That sense would fit Acts 2:47, where the phrase could be translated “to their Christian fellowship.” In 4:26 it could mean “to the same place,” but it could also mean “by agreement.” Notes will discuss the different possibilities in each case where the phrase could mean more than one thing.

“in/to/into the temple”

Luke uses this phrase many times in this book, but it does not refer to the temple building itself. Only priests were allowed to enter that building, so the phrase refers to the courtyard or area around the temple. The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomons” in 3:11 makes it clear that Peter and John and the crowd that gathered on the occasion that chapter describes were not inside the temple building. Notes will address this phrase to explain its meaning each time it occurs in the book.

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

The following are the most significant textual issues in Acts. Notes will address them where they occur in the book.

First, there are some verses that are found in traditional versions of the Bible, but they are not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. Some modern versions put these verses in square brackets [ ]. The ULT and UST put them in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including these verses if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you put these verses in footnotes. These verses are:

  • Acts 8:37, “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 15:34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
  • Acts 24:6-8, “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 28:29, “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Second, in some verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. The ULT uses the first readings listed below, but it includes the second readings in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider following the same reading that it does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the same reading that ULT does. These verses are:

  • Acts 3:22, “the Lord our God.” Some versions read “the Lord your God,” and other versions read “the Lord God.”
  • Acts 12:25, “They returned from Jerusalem.” Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem” (or “to there”).
  • Acts 13:18, “he put up with them.” Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
  • Acts 15:17-18, “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” 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

The UST has set the words “Dear Theophilus” apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You may want to start this book in the way that 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 quotations from the book of Psalms in 1:20.

Special concepts in this chapter

The Ascension

This chapter records an event that is commonly known as the “Ascension.” That word describes how Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. In the future he will come back to earth again, and his return to earth is known as his “Second Coming.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]])

Baptism

Luke uses the word “baptize” with two different meanings in 1:5. In the first instance, it refers literally to the water baptism of John. In the second instance, it refers figuratively to people being filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke uses the term “filled” to mean this same thing in 2:4. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

“He spoke things concerning the kingdom of God”

Some scholars believe that when Jesus spoke “things concerning the kingdom of God,” as Luke describes in 1:3, he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God had not come while he was on earth the first time. Other scholars believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was on earth and that Jesus explained that it had come in a form different from the one the disciples had expected. Since Christians hold different views about the kingdom of God coming, translators should be careful to avoid letting how they understand that issue affect how they translate this verse.

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Long sentence

As was common in compositions of this time, for stylistic purposes Luke begins this book with a very long sentence. It goes from the beginning of 1:1 to the end of 1:3. ULT represents all of this as a single sentence. It may be clearer in your translation to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

The details of the death of Judas

There are some differences in detail between the way Luke describes the death of Judas in the book of Acts and the way Matthew describes it in his gospel. Luke says that Judas used the money he got for betraying Jesus to buy a field; Matthew says that Judas returned the money to the Jewish leaders and that they bought the field with it. Luke says that Judas killed himself by falling onto the field from a height; Matthew says that Judas hanged himself. Luke says that the field was named the “Field of Blood” because Judas died a bloody death there; Matthew says the field was given that name because it was purchased with “blood money,” that is, money paid to ensure someones death.

It is possible to reconcile many of these details. For example, the body of Judas may have fallen and split open on the field if he fell when he tried to hang himself. Luke may say that Judas bought the field because the Jewish leaders would not take back the money that they had paid him, and so in a sense it was still his money when the field was purchased with it.

But it would probably be best to avoid trying to reconcile these details within your translation. For example, when Luke says in 1:18 that Judas fell onto the field, instead of saying that he fell when he was trying to hang himself, you can let Luke and Matthew each tell the story the way they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible.

The 12 disciples

There is one small difference between the list of the 12 disciples that Matthew and Mark provide in their gospels and the list that Luke provides in his gospel and in the book of Acts.

All three writers list Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; James and John, the two sons of Zebedee; Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. But Matthew and Mark say that the twelfth disciple was Thaddeus, while Luke says he was Judas the son of James. However, it is quite likely that Thaddeus was another name by which this other Judas was known.

Once again it is not necessary to try to reconcile these details within your translation. Specifically, in 1:13 instead of saying, “Judas the son of James, who was also known as Thaddeus,” you can let each of the biblical writers tell the story in the way that they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible.

4ACT11q9epfigs-explicitτὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην1I made the first account

Luke assumes that Theophilus will know that by the first account he means the book that has become known as the Gospel of Luke. Since that book was not known by that title at this time, it would not be accurate to put the title in your translation as a name that Luke would have used to describe the book to Theophilus. However, you could explain this in a footnote and use another expression here. Alternate translation: “I wrote in my first volume” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

5ACT11a000ὦ Θεόφιλε1O Theophilus

Here Luke is identifying and addressing the man for whom he complied this account of the early church. Since this is like the salutation of a letter, in your translation you may wish to follow your cultures way of identifying and greeting the addressee of a letter. UST models this by saying “Dear Theophilus” and putting the phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

6ACT11ryj5translate-namesΘεόφιλε1Theophilus

Theophilus is the name of a man. It means “friend of God.” It may be his actual name, or it may describe what this man was like. Most translations treat it as his name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

7ACT11a001figs-idiomπερὶ πάντων…ὧν ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς ποιεῖν τε καὶ διδάσκειν1all that Jesus began both to do and to teach

Luke is using the word began in an idiomatic way to indicate that Jesus had been doing something else (he had been working as a carpenter), but he then began to do something new when he started his ministry. In many languages it would not be necessary to translate the word began. Alternate translation: “about all that Jesus did and taught” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

8ACT11a002figs-hyperboleπερὶ πάντων…ὧν ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς ποιεῖν τε καὶ διδάσκειν1all that Jesus began both to do and to teach

This is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “about some of the most important things that Jesus did and taught” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

9ACT12a003figs-idiomἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας1until that day when

While this did happen on a specific day, Luke is likely using the word day idiomatically to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “up to the time when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

10ACT12n435figs-activepassiveἀνελήμφθη1he was taken up

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God took him up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

11ACT12a424figs-explicitἀνελήμφθη1he was taken up

Luke is referring to Jesus being taken up into heaven. See the discussion of “Ascension” in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “he was taken up into heaven” or “God took him up into heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

12ACT13a004οἷς καὶ παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα, μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν, ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις1to whom also, after he had suffered, he presented himself living with many proofs

As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Jesus also presented himself alive with many proofs to his apostles after he had suffered”

13ACT13dup3figs-explicitμετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν1after he had suffered

This refers to how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. Alternate translation: “after he had suffered and died on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

14ACT13a005figs-explicitἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις1with many proofs

The word translated proofs describes items of evidence that are decisive and convincing. Alternate translation: “with many definitive proofs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

15ACT13yc16figs-explicitδι’ ἡμερῶν τεσσεράκοντα, ὀπτανόμενος αὐτοῖς, καὶ λέγων1appearing to them for 40 days and speaking

While the antecedent of whom is “the apostles whom he had chosen” in the previous verse, Jesus actually appeared to many other disciples besides his apostles. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “For 40 days he appeared to his apostles and many of his other disciples, and he spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

16ACT13a006figs-abstractnounsτὰ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ1things concerning the kingdom of God

See the discussion of the concept of the kingdom of God in Part 2 of the General Introduction to Acts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun kingdom with a verb such as “rule,” as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

17ACT14a007figs-doublenegativesἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων, μὴ χωρίζεσθαι, ἀλλὰ1not to depart from Jerusalem, but

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb depart. Alternate translation: “to remain in Jerusalem and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

18ACT14vb7gfigs-quotemarksἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων, μὴ χωρίζεσθαι1not to depart from Jerusalem

The content of Jesus instructions to the apostles on this occasion begins here. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate and punctuate the material from here to the end of the verse as a direct quotation, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

19ACT14a008translate-namesἹεροσολύμων1Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

20ACT14sg4hfigs-metonymyτὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πατρὸς1the promise of the Father

Jesus is referring figuratively to the Holy Spirit by association with the way God made a promise to send the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father promised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

21ACT14a009guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1of the Father

Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “of God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

22ACT14tj6rfigs-quotationsἣν ἠκούσατέ μου1which you heard from me

In keeping with his engaging storytelling style, Luke begins a quotation from Jesus here without introducing it with a formula such as “he said.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could include an introductory formula in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He said, You heard about this from me” or “He said, I told you about this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

23ACT14d3krfigs-youἠκούσατέ1you heard

Here, you is plural because Jesus is speaking to the apostles, so use the plural form of “you” in your translation if your language marks that distinction. In 1:6, “you” is singular because Jesus alone is being addressed, so the singular form would be accurate there. In general these notes will not discuss whether you is singular or plural when this should be clear from the context, but they will address ambiguous cases where this may not be clear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

24ACT15uu4ktranslate-namesἸωάννης1John

John is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

25ACT15fnq5figs-explicitἸωάννης1John

Jesus is referring to the man who was known as John the Baptist because he baptized people. It may help to identify him if you use that title after his name in your translation. However, because the word “Baptist” is associated with a group of churches in many parts of the world, it may be clearer to use a different form of the word as a title, as UST does by saying “Baptizer.” Alternate translation: “John the Baptist” or “John the Baptizer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

26ACT15a075figs-metaphorὑμεῖς…ἐν Πνεύματι βαπτισθήσεσθε Ἁγίῳ1you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit

After describing earlier in the verse how John baptized people literally, Jesus is using baptism in this second instance as a metaphor. See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit will come and empower you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

27ACT15dzj1figs-activepassiveὑμεῖς…βαπτισθήσεσθε1you will be baptized

You may wish to retain the metaphor of baptism in your translation. If you do, if it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will baptize” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

28ACT15a010figs-litotesοὐ μετὰ πολλὰς ταύτας ἡμέρας1after these not many days

Jesus is using a figure of speech that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “just a few days from now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

29ACT16n9wtwriting-pronounsοἱ μὲν οὖν συνελθόντες, ἠρώτων αὐτὸν1They therefore having assembled, they were asking him

In the first instance, they describes Jesus and the apostles, while in the second instance, they refers to the apostles. (Other disciples could have been present on this occasion, but the instructions that Jesus gives about being “witnesses” in 1:8 apply specifically to the apostles, so it would be good to name them directly.) Alternate translation: “When the apostles were together with Jesus, the apostles were asking him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

30ACT16a011figs-idiomεἰ ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ, ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ1if you are restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time

This is an idiomatic way of asking a question. Alternate translation: “are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time” or “will you now restore the kingdom to Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

31ACT16f7ujfigs-abstractnounsεἰ…ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ1if you are restoring the kingdom to Israel

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun kingdom with a concrete noun such as “king.” Alternate translation: “are you going to give Israel its own king again” or “are you going to become the restored king of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

32ACT16a252translate-namesτῷ Ἰσραήλ1to Israel

Israel is the name of a nation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

33ACT17a012figs-explicitοὐχ ὑμῶν ἐστιν γνῶναι1It is not for you to know

Jesus is saying implicitly by this response that he is not going to tell the apostles when the thing they are asking about will happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “I am not going to tell you when that will happen, because it is not for you to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

34ACT17y1fufigs-doubletχρόνους ἢ καιροὺς1the times or the seasons

The words times and seasons could: (1) refer to different kinds of time. Alternate translation: “the general period of time or the specific date” (2) have similar meanings, being used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the exact time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

35ACT17a013guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesὁ Πατὴρ1the Father

Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

36ACT17a014figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ1by his own authority

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun authority with a verb such as “control.” Alternate translation: “as the one who controls all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

37ACT18ld4kgrammar-connect-logic-resultλήμψεσθε δύναμιν, ἐπελθόντος τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἔσεσθέ μου μάρτυρες1you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses

Jesus is using the word translated and to describe a result. Alternate translation: “when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, then you will receive power to be my witnesses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

38ACT18a015figs-abstractnounsδύναμιν1power

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun power with an adjective such as “powerful.” Alternate translation: “powerful ability” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

39ACT18a016translate-namesἸερουσαλὴμ…Ἰουδαίᾳ…Σαμαρείᾳ1Jerusalem … Judea … Samaria

Jerusalem is the name of a city, and Judea and Samaria are the names of regions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

40ACT18vb4mfigs-idiomἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς1to the end of the earth

This is a reference to place, not to time. Jesus does not mean “until the world ends.” Alternate translation: “all over the world” or “to the places on the earth that are farthest away from here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

41ACT19e1q1figs-explicitβλεπόντων αὐτῶν1as they were looking

Your language may require you to specify the object of looking. Alternate translation: “as they were looking at him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

42ACT19l1cqfigs-activepassiveἐπήρθη1he was raised up

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. (See the discussion of “Ascension” in the General Notes to this chapter.) Alternate translation: “he rose up” or “God raised him up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

43ACT19ug58figs-metonymyἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν1from their eyes

Luke is using the eyes of the apostles figuratively to mean their capacity to see. Alternate translation: “from their sight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

44ACT110enu1figs-explicitἀτενίζοντες ἦσαν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν1they were looking intently into heaven

Since a cloud was able to block the apostles view, it is clear that Luke is using the word translated heaven here in one of its specific senses to mean “sky.” It would be good to make clear that the apostles were not seeing into heaven itself. Alternate translation: “gazing at the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

45ACT110a017figs-metaphorκαὶ ἰδοὺ ἄνδρες δύο1and behold, two men

Luke is using the term behold to focus readers attention on how suddenly these two men appeared. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “just then two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

46ACT110a018grammar-connect-time-sequentialκαὶ1and

Luke uses the word translated And to indicate that the event of the men appearing happened after the event of Jesus going up. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])

47ACT110a019figs-explicitἄνδρες δύο1two men

These were actually angels. Luke calls them men because they appeared in human form. Alternate translation: “two angels” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

48ACT110a020ἐσθήσεσι λευκαῖς1white clothes

In this context, the word white likely has the specific sense of “bright” or “shining.” Alternate translation: “bright clothes” or “shining clothes”

49ACT111a021figs-explicitοἳ…εἶπαν1they said

This could mean: (1) one of the angels had spoken on behalf of both of them. Alternate translation: “one of them said” (2) the two angels had each said different parts of the quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

50ACT111a022figs-verbsοἳ…εἶπαν1they said

If you retain the word they in your translation and if your language uses dual forms for verbs, it would be accurate to use the dual form here, since two men are speaking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-verbs]])

51ACT111gpg3figs-idiomἄνδρες, Γαλιλαῖοι1Men, Galileans

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “You Galileans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

52ACT111a023translate-namesἄνδρες, Γαλιλαῖοι1Men, Galileans

Galileans are people who are from the region of Galilee. Alternate translation: “You men from Galilee” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

53ACT111a024figs-rquestionτί ἑστήκατε βλέποντες εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν?1why do you stand looking into heaven?

The angels are not looking for information. They are using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate their words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “there is no reason for you to stand looking into heaven!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

54ACT111a025figs-idiomτί ἑστήκατε βλέποντες1why do you stand looking

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “why do you keep looking” or “there is no reason for you to keep looking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

55ACT111a026ὁ ἀναλημφθεὶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν…ἐθεάσασθε αὐτὸν πορευόμενον εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν1who has been taken up from you into heaven … you saw him going into heaven

In its second occurrence in this sentence, the term translated heaven likely means “the sky,” as in the previous sentence and in the previous verse. However, in its first occurrence in this sentence, the term likely means “heaven” itself. It would not be accurate to say that Jesus was just “taken up from you into the sky.” Alternate translation: “who has been taken up from you into heaven … you saw him going into the sky”

56ACT111a027figs-activepassiveὁ ἀναλημφθεὶς1who has been taken up

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who has done the action. Alternate translation: “whom God has taken up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

57ACT111cue7figs-idiomὃν τρόπον1in which manner

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in the same way in which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

58ACT112x2nkwriting-pronounsὑπέστρεψαν1they returned

The word they refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “the apostles returned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

59ACT112a028figs-activepassiveὄρους τοῦ καλουμένου Ἐλαιῶνος1the hill that is called Olivet

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the hill that people call Olivet” or “the hill whose name is Olivet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

60ACT112a029translate-namesὄρους τοῦ καλουμένου Ἐλαιῶνος1the hill that is called Olivet

Olivet is the name of a hill. If your readers might recognize it better if you called it the Mount of Olives, you could use that name in your translation, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

61ACT112a030figs-idiomΣαββάτου ἔχον ὁδόν1having a journey of a Sabbath

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “a Sabbath-days journey away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

62ACT112p19gfigs-explicitΣαββάτου ἔχον ὁδόν1having a journey of a Sabbath

The journey of a Sabbath was the distance that interpreters of the law of Moses had determined people could walk on the Sabbath without that being “work.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the distance in the measurement that your culture uses. Alternate translation: “about a kilometer away” or “about half a mile away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

63ACT113vis2figs-explicitὅτε εἰσῆλθον1when they arrived

The previous verse explains that the apostles returned to Jerusalem. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that again explicitly here. Alternate translation: “when they arrived back in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

64ACT113zt12translate-unknownεἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον, ἀνέβησαν οὗ ἦσαν καταμένοντες1they went up into the upper chamber where they were staying

In this culture, in some houses, rooms were built on top of other rooms. The expression upper chamber describes such a room, which was reached by stairs. If your culture does not have houses like that, it may be helpful to explain the meaning of the expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “they climbed the stairs to the room where they were staying, which had been built on top of other rooms in the house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

65ACT113a031translate-namesΠέτρος…Ἰωάννης…Ἰάκωβος…Ἀνδρέας…Φίλιππος…Θωμᾶς…Βαρθολομαῖος…Μαθθαῖος1Peter … John … James … Andrew … Philip … Thomas … Bartholomew … Matthew

These are the names of eight men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

66ACT113a032figs-idiomἸάκωβος Ἁλφαίου…Ἰούδας Ἰακώβου1James of Alphaeus … Judas of James

These are two occurrences of an idiom. Alternate translation: “James the son of Alphaeus … Judas the son of James” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

67ACT113a033translate-namesἸάκωβος…Ἁλφαίου…Ἰούδας…Ἰακώβου1James … Alphaeus … Judas … James

These are the names of four men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

68ACT113a034translate-namesΣίμων ὁ Ζηλωτὴς1Simon the Zealot

Simon is the name of a man, and Zealot is another name by which he was known. (1) Zealot could be a title that indicates that this man was part of the group of people who wanted to free the Jewish people from Roman rule. Alternate translation: “Simon the Patriot” (2) Zealot could also be a description that indicates that this man was zealous for God to be honored. Alternate translation: “Simon the Passionate One” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names)

69ACT114z6cfὁμοθυμαδὸν1unanimously

The word unanimously indicates that the apostles and other believers shared a common commitment and purpose and that there was no strife among them. Alternate translation: “with one accord” or “harmoniously”

70ACT114a035figs-explicitγυναιξὶν1the women

Luke assumes that his readers will know he is referring to the women who accompanied Jesus and his disciples during his ministry. These women provided for them out of their own means, and they had traveled with them to Jerusalem. These women are described in Luke 8:23 and 23:49. Alternate translation: “the women who had helped Jesus and his disciples during his ministry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

71ACT114a036translate-namesΜαρία1Mary

Mary is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

72ACT114a037translate-kinshipτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς αὐτοῦ1his brothers

These were Jesus younger brothers. They were the sons of Mary and Joseph. Since the Father of Jesus was God, and their father was Joseph, they were actually his half-brothers. That detail is not normally translated, but if your language has a specific word for “younger brother,” you may wish to use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]])

73ACT115il8wwriting-neweventκαὶ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1And in those days

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story. The phrase refers to the period of time after Jesus ascended, when the disciples were meeting in the upper chamber. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

74ACT115cup2figs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1in those days

Luke is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “during that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

75ACT115a038translate-symactionἀναστὰς1having stood up

Peter stood up to indicate that he had something important to say. Alternate translation: “having stood up to show that he had something important to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

76ACT115liz1figs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

Luke is using the term brothers figuratively to mean people who share the same faith. Alternate translation: “his fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

77ACT115a039figs-gendernotationsτῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

Although the term brothers is masculine, Luke is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

78ACT115tl5mwriting-backgroundἦν τε ὄχλος ὀνομάτων ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ὡς ἑκατὸν εἴκοσι1and the multitude of names to the same was about 120

Luke provides this background information to help readers appreciate what happens shortly afterwards in the story, when the church grows in one day to many times this size. It may be helpful to put this background information first in the verse as a separate sentence, in which case it would not have to be in parentheses. Alternate translation: “Now the number of people in that one place was about 120.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

79ACT115a040figs-metonymyὄχλος ὀνομάτων1the multitude of names

Luke is using the term names figuratively to mean “people,” by association with the way that people have names. Alternate translation: “the number of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

80ACT115a041ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ1to the same

See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Alternate translation: “in that one place” or “in their Christian fellowship”

81ACT116a042figs-idiomἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

82ACT116a043figs-metaphorἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

See how you translated the term brothers in 1:15. Alternate translation: “My fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

83ACT116a044figs-gendernotationsἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

If you decide to retain the metaphor of brothers, you could show that Peter is using the term in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “My brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

84ACT116a045figs-infostructureἔδει πληρωθῆναι τὴν Γραφὴν, ἣν προεῖπε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον διὰ στόματος Δαυεὶδ περὶ Ἰούδα, τοῦ γενομένου ὁδηγοῦ τοῖς συλλαβοῦσιν Ἰησοῦν1it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to the ones who arrested Jesus

If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the information that Peter provides to identify this scripture before his statement that it had to be fulfilled. It may be helpful to make that statement a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to the ones who arrested Jesus. It was necessary for that scripture to be fulfilled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

85ACT116i8tlfigs-activepassiveἔδει πληρωθῆναι τὴν Γραφὴν1it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the things needed to take place that the scripture described” or, if you put the background information first as a separate sentence, “What that scripture described needed to take place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

86ACT116a046προεῖπε1spoke before

Alternate translation: “spoke beforehand” or “spoke in advance”

87ACT116f3umfigs-metonymyδιὰ στόματος Δαυεὶδ1by the mouth of David

Peter is using the word mouth figuratively to refer to words that David spoke or sang using his mouth and that he recorded in the book of Psalms, as Peter indicates in 1:20. Alternate translation: “through the words of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

88ACT116a047translate-namesΔαυεὶδ…Ἰούδα1David … Judas

David and Judas are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

89ACT116a048figs-synecdocheτοῦ γενομένου ὁδηγοῦ τοῖς συλλαβοῦσιν Ἰησοῦν1who became a guide to the ones who arrested Jesus

Peter is using the act of guiding the ones who arrested Jesus to represent all of the things that Judas did to betray Jesus. This also included meeting beforehand with his enemies, receiving payment for the betrayal, and looking for the best opportunity to catch Jesus away from the crowds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express this in more general terms. Alternate translation: “who betrayed Jesus to his enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

90ACT117q73ygrammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1For

Peter uses the word For to introduce the reason for a result that is described in 1:2122, after Luke provides further background information and Peter quotes the scripture he referred to in 1:16. The overall meaning is, “Since Judas was one of us apostles, we need to replace him with another witness of the ministry of Jesus.” But since so much material comes between the reason and the result, it may be helpful to give an indication here that Peter has a response in mind. Alternate translation: “There is something important we need to do in response to this scripture being fulfilled, since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

91ACT117a049figs-parallelismκατηριθμημένος ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ἔλαχεν τὸν κλῆρον τῆς διακονίας ταύτης1he was numbered with us and received a share of this ministry

These two phrases mean similar things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “Jesus chose him to be an apostle along with us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

92ACT117a050κατηριθμημένος ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν1he was numbered with us

Peter is using the term numbered in one of its specific senses. Alternate translation: “he was considered to be one of us apostles”

93ACT117a051figs-activepassiveκατηριθμημένος ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν1he was numbered with us

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he belonged to our group of apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

94ACT117tmv2figs-exclusiveἐν ἡμῖν1with us

Although Peter is addressing a larger group of people, he is using the word us to refer only to himself and the other apostles. So if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive “us,” it would be accurate to use the exclusive form here. Other languages may have other ways of indicating that us is exclusive here. Alternate translation: “with us apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

95ACT117a052figs-quotemarksτὸν κλῆρον τῆς διακονίας ταύτης1a share of this ministry

Luke temporarily ends his quotation from Peter after this phrase so that he can provide further background information about Judas in 1:1819. The quotation resumes in 1:20. If you are identifying quotations in your translation by putting them within quotation marks or by using some other punctuation or convention that your language uses, there should be an ending quotation mark or the equivalent after this phrase. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

96ACT118tmv1writing-backgroundμὲν οὖν1Now indeed

Luke is using this expression to introduce further background information that he provides in this verse and the next one about how Judas died and about what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peters speech. You may want to indicate that by putting these verses in parentheses or by using the equivalent convention in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

97ACT118dd58figs-nominaladjοὗτος1this one

Luke is using the demonstrative adjective this as a noun to refer to a specific person, Judas. (ULT shows that by adding one.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could say “he” or use the name “Judas.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

98ACT118a053figs-abstractnounsἐκ μισθοῦ τῆς ἀδικίας1from the wage of unrighteousness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun unrighteousness with an adjective such as “unrighteous.” Alternate translation: “with the money that he received for doing an unrighteous deed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

99ACT118w83jfigs-metonymyἐκ μισθοῦ τῆς ἀδικίας1from the wage of unrighteousness

Luke is using the term unrighteousness figuratively to describe Judas betraying Jesus, by association with the way that was an unrighteous thing to do. Alternate translation: “with the money that he received for betraying Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

100ACT118kg3qfigs-explicitπρηνὴς γενόμενος1having fallen headfirst

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Judas did not fall down accidentally. Rather, he threw himself onto the field intentionally in order to kill himself. The implications are that he must have done this from a height. Alternate translation: “because he then threw himself down from a height onto that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

101ACT118a054πρηνὴς γενόμενος1having fallen headfirst

The word headfirst describes someone falling forward, as opposed to falling backwards. Alternate translation: “having fallen forward”

102ACT118a055figs-activepassiveἐξεχύθη πάντα τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ1all his entrails were poured out

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “all his inward parts poured out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

103ACT119a056γνωστὸν ἐγένετο πᾶσι τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ1it became known to all those living in Jerusalem

The verb form is not passive here, since known is an adjective rather than a participle. Even so, it may be clearer in your language to make it the object rather than the subject. Alternate translation: “all those living in Jerusalem heard about it”

104ACT119a057figs-hyperboleγνωστὸν ἐγένετο πᾶσι τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλήμ1it became known to all those living in Jerusalem

Luke says all as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “it became well known to those living in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

105ACT119a058figs-activepassiveὥστε κληθῆναι τὸ χωρίον ἐκεῖνο1Therefore that field was called

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “So they called that field” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

106ACT119mxf3translate-transliterateἉκελδαμάχ1Akeldama

Akeldama is an Aramaic word. Luke spells it out using Greek letters so his readers will know how it sounds, and then he says what it means, Field of Blood. In your translation you can spell it the way it sounds in your language and then explain its meaning. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate]])

107ACT120mz13figs-quotemarksγέγραπται γὰρ1For it is written

Luke now resumes his quotation of what Peter said on this occasion. If you are identifying quotations in your translation by putting them within quotation marks or by using some other punctuation or convention that your language uses, there should be an opening quotation mark or the equivalent before this phrase. It may also be helpful to indicate explicitly that the quotation resumes here. Alternate translation: “Peter went on to say, For it is written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

108ACT120d7pkfigs-quotesinquotesγέγραπται…ἐν βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν, γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος, καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ; καί, τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ, λαβέτω ἕτερος1it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be made desolate, and let not one dwelling be in it, and Let another take his overseership.

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “it is written in the book of Psalms that his habitation should be made desolate, with no one dwelling in it, and that another should take his overseership” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

109ACT120ip5wfigs-activepassiveγέγραπται…ἐν βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν1it is written in the book of Psalms

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “David wrote in the book of Psalms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

110ACT120mc45figs-parallelismγενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος, καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ1Let his habitation be made desolate, and let not one dwelling be 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. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Let his habitation be made desolate, yes, let no one dwell in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

111ACT120chq4figs-metaphorγενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος, καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ1Let his habitation be made desolate, and let not one dwelling be in it

The word habitation likely refers to Judas home and is a metaphor for his family line. Alternate translation: “May he leave no descendants, none to continue his family line” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

112ACT120lsm2figs-activepassiveγενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος1Let his habitation be made desolate

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Let his habitation become desolate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

113ACT120a059τὴν ἐπισκοπὴν αὐτοῦ, λαβέτω ἕτερος1Let another take his overseership

The word overseership refers to a position of leadership and supervision. It is the same term that Paul uses for a spiritual leader in 1 Timothy 3:1. Alternate translation: “Let someone else take his leadership position”

114ACT121t916translate-versebridge0

To make Peters main point in this verse and the next one clearer, you could combine both verses into a verse bridge. You could put his main point in a first sentence and his further explanation in a second sentence. Alternate translation: “Therefore it is necessary for someone else to become a witness with us of Jesus resurrection. It should be one of the men who accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day that he was taken up from us.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

115ACT121xz69figs-exclusiveἡμῖν…ἡμᾶς1us … us

In the first instance of us, Peter means himself and his fellow apostles, not everyone to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of the word if your language marks that distinction. However, in the second instance of us, Peter could well mean himself and his entire audience, so use the inclusive form in that instance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

116ACT121zuf7figs-idiomεἰσῆλθεν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς1the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us

Peter is speaking in an idiomatic way. Alternate translation: “the Lord Jesus lived among us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

117ACT122qb8jfigs-abstractnounsἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος Ἰωάννου1beginning from the baptism of John

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun baptism with a verb such as “baptize.” Alternate translation: “beginning from when John started baptizing people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

118ACT122a060translate-namesἸωάννου1John

John is the name of a man. Peter means the man who was known as John the Baptist. See how you translated his name in 1:5. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

119ACT122a061figs-idiomτῆς ἡμέρας ἧς1the day on which

While Jesus was taken up to heaven on a specific day, Peter may be using the word day idiomatically to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “the time when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

120ACT122a062writing-pronounsἀνελήμφθη…τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ1he was taken up … his resurrection

The pronoun he refers to Jesus, not to John the Baptist. The pronoun his also refers to Jesus. For clarity, you may want to use the name Jesus instead of one or both of these pronouns. Alternate translation: “Jesus was taken up … the resurrection of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

121ACT122yi3afigs-activepassiveἀνελήμφθη ἀφ’ ἡμῶν1he was taken up from us

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God took him up from us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

122ACT122a063figs-exclusiveἀφ’ ἡμῶν…σὺν ἡμῖν1from us … with us

When Peter says from us, he is referring to God taking Jesus from everyone to whom he is speaking. But when Peter says with us, he means only himself and the other apostles. So the word “us” would be inclusive in the first instance and exclusive in the second instance, if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

123ACT122mrx7figs-nominaladjἕνα τούτων1one of these is

Peter is using the demonstrative adjective these as a noun to refer to specific people, the men whose qualifications he has just described. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could add the term “men” to clarify the meaning. Alternate translation: “one of these men is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

124ACT122g3n9figs-abstractnounsτῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ1of his resurrection

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun resurrection with an adjective such as “alive.” Alternate translation: “that God made him alive again after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

125ACT123lz7ywriting-pronounsἔστησαν δύο1they stood up two

The pronoun they refers to all of the believers who were present on this occasion. This is the group that Luke describes as “the brothers” in 1:15. Alternate translation: “the believers stood up two” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

126ACT123a064figs-nominaladjἔστησαν δύο1they stood up two

Luke is using the adjective two as a noun to refer to specific people, two men who met the qualifications Peter described. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could add the term “men” to clarify the meaning, and you could also describe these men more specifically. Alternate translation: “the believers stood up two men” or “the believers stood up two men who met the qualifications that Peter described” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

127ACT123a065translate-symactionἔστησαν δύο1they stood up two

When the believers stood up these two men, that is, when they had them stand up within the group, this was a symbolic way of proposing them as candidates to replace Judas. Alternate translation: “the believers proposed two men who met the qualifications that Peter described” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

128ACT123a066translate-namesἸωσὴφ…Βαρσαββᾶν…Ἰοῦστος1Joseph … Barsabbas … Justus

Joseph is the name of a man, and Barsabbas and Justus are two other names by which he was known. Barsabbas is probably a patronymic, that is, an indication of who his father was. If your language and culture identify people by patronymics, it may be helpful to translate this name as “the son of Sabbas,” as UST does. Justus is a Roman name, and it may be a name that this man used for official purposes and in interactions with people who spoke Latin. (It would be like the name Paul, by which Saul of Tarsus was also known in the Roman Empire.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

129ACT123s1fffigs-activepassiveτὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν, ὃς ἐπεκλήθη Ἰοῦστος1the one called Barsabbas, who was named Justus

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say both of these things with active forms. Alternate translation: “whom people called Barsabbas and whose other name was Justus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

130ACT123a067translate-namesΜαθθίαν1Matthias

Matthias is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

131ACT124a068translate-versebridge0

Judas betrayed Jesus and abandoned his position as an apostle. The person who is praying says that in the next verse. As a result, the believers are asking God to show them whom he has chosen to replace Judas, as the person praying says in this verse. You could put the reason before the result by creating a verse bridge. UST provides a model for doing that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

132ACT124a069figs-hendiadysπροσευξάμενοι, εἶπαν1praying they said

Together the words praying and said indicate that the believers said what they did while praying. Alternate translation: “they said in prayer” or “they prayed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

133ACT124zd1ffigs-synecdocheπροσευξάμενοι, εἶπαν1praying they said

The pronoun they refers to all of the believers, but one of the apostles alone probably spoke these words on behalf of everyone. Alternate translation: “as the believers were all praying together, one of the apostles said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

134ACT124a070σὺ Κύριε, καρδιογνῶστα πάντων1You, Lord, heart-knower of all

Alternate translation: “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people”

135ACT124se6mfigs-metaphorσὺ Κύριε, καρδιογνῶστα πάντων1You, Lord, heart-knower of all

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “You, Lord, who know the thoughts and motives of all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

136ACT124a071figs-youformalσὺ Κύριε1you, Lord

The word you is singular because the person who is praying is addressing God. If your language has a formal form of “you” that it uses to address a superior respectfully, you may wish to use that form in your translation. However, it might be more natural in your language for someone who has a good, close relationship with God to address God using the informal form of “you.” Use your best judgment about what form to use here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal]])

137ACT124a072figs-nominaladjὃν ἐξελέξω ἐκ τούτων τῶν δύο ἕνα1which one from these two

The person who is praying is using the adjective two as a noun to refer to specific people, the two men whom the believers have proposed. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could add the term “men” to clarify the meaning. Alternate translation: “which one of these two men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

138ACT125mg47figs-hendiadysλαβεῖν τὸν τόπον τῆς διακονίας ταύτης καὶ ἀποστολῆς1to take this place of ministry and apostleship

The person who is praying is expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word apostleship identifies what kind of ministry this is. Alternate translation: “to take this place of apostolic ministry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

139ACT125ryv6figs-metaphorἀφ’ ἧς παρέβη Ἰούδας1from which Judas turned aside

The expression turned aside figuratively means that Judas stopped performing this ministry. Alternate translation: “which Judas stopped fulfilling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

140ACT125tx6nfigs-euphemismπορευθῆναι εἰς τὸν τόπον τὸν ἴδιον1to go to his own place

This phrase uses a mild expression to describe Judas death and likely also his judgment after death. Alternate translation: “and died under Gods judgment as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

141ACT126a073grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

Luke uses the word translated And to introduce what the believers did as a result of Peters speech. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

142ACT126r84cwriting-pronounsἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς1they cast lots for them

The pronoun they refers to the believers and the pronoun them refers to Joseph and Matthias. You may want to specify that for clarity. (But if you decide to retain the pronoun them and if your language marks the dual form, them would be dual because it refers to those two men.) Alternate translation: “the believers cast lots to decide between Joseph and Matthias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

143ACT126a074translate-unknownἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς1they cast lots for them

The term lots describes objects with various markings on different sides that were used, most likely by dropping them on the ground, to select between possibilities. The belief was that God would control which way these objects fell and so guide the selection process. Alternate translation: “they threw marked objects on the ground, trusting that God would use these to guide them whether to choose Joseph or Matthias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

144ACT126w4phfigs-idiomἔπεσεν ὁ κλῆρος ἐπὶ Μαθθίαν1the lot fell to Matthias

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the lot selected Matthias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

145ACT126fk4xfigs-activepassiveσυνκατεψηφίσθη1he was chosen

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

146ACT2introx8fr0

Acts 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines 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 2:1721, 2528, and 3435.

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 material that is quoted in 2:31.

Special concepts in this chapter

Pentecost

The events described in this chapter took place on the day of Pentecost. That was a festival that the Jews observed each year 50 days after Passover. It was a harvest festival that celebrated the first produce from the fields. That produce was known as “firstfruits.” Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers on this particular day of Pentecost. Those believers were the “firstfruits” of all those who would become part of the church down through the years.

Tongues

The word “tongues” has two meanings in this chapter. In 2:3, Luke describes what came down from heaven as “tongues as if of fire.” A “tongue of fire” means a “flame of fire” (as in Isaiah 5:24, for example), so this means “something like flames of fire.” In 2:4, Luke uses the word “tongues” in the different sense of “languages” to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them.

Last days

In 2:1721, Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel that describes something that will happen in the “last days.” Some scholars understand the “last days” to mean a time in the future just before Jesus returns. Other scholars understand the “last days” to mean the entire time from when Jesus first came to when he will return. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this expression where it occurs in 2:17. It may be best not to say more about this than ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])

The prophecy of Joel

In 2:1721, Peter quotes a prophecy of Joel about what would happen in the “last days.” Some of the things that prophecy describes did happen on the day of Pentecost, for example, the pouring out of the Spirit (2:1718). Some other things did not happen, at least not literally, for example, the sun turning to darkness (2:20). Depending on how scholars understand the “last days,” they may say either that these other things await a literal future fulfillment or that they were fulfilled in some spiritual sense on the day of Pentecost. Once again it may be best not to say any more than ULT does and to allow preachers and teachers of the Bible to interpret and explain the meaning of Peters statement in 2:16, “this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Baptize

In this chapter, the word “baptize” refers to water baptism as an expression of faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. That is how Luke uses the term in 2:38 and 2:41. Jesus did promise the disciples in 1:5 that they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the events that Luke describes in 2:1-11 are the fulfillment of that promise. But Luke does not use the word “baptize” to describe those events in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

Wonders and signs

These words refer to things that only God could do that showed that Jesus was who the disciples said he was. See the notes to this expression in 2:43.

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You killed” (2:23)

The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and urged the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter tells the people in the crowd on the day of Pentecost that they were guilty of killing Jesus. See the note to this phrase in 2:23 for suggestions about how to make clear in your translation what Peter means when he says this.

Long sentences

There is a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:9 to the end of 2:11. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be clearer in your translation to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:44 to the end of 2:47. Once again it may be clearer in your translation to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

Poetry

The quotations from the Old Testament in 2:1721, 2528, and 3435 are poetry. For advice about how to represent this literary form in your translation, see: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])

147ACT21i4sawriting-neweventκαὶ ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς1And when the day of Pentecost was completely filled

Luke uses this time reference to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

148ACT21a076figs-idiomἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς1when the day of Pentecost was completely filled

This is an idiomatic way of speaking about time. Alternate translation: “when the day of Pentecost had come” or, if your language does not speak of days “coming,” “on the day of Pentecost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

149ACT21a425figs-activepassiveἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς1when the day of Pentecost was completely filled

Since this is an idiom, it would probably not be meaningful in most languages to use an active form of the verb “fill” in place of the passive form of that verb here. However, if your language does speak of someone or something “filling” days or times so that they arrive, but your language does not use passive verbal forms, you could use an active form of “fill” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

150ACT21x075translate-namesτὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς1the day of Pentecost

Pentecost is the name of a festival. It occurs 50 days after Passover. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

151ACT21i4sbwriting-pronounsἦσαν πάντες ὁμοῦ1they were all together

Here the word they refers to the apostles and the other 120 believers whom Luke mentions in 1:15. Alternate translation: “the apostles and all the other believers were together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

152ACT21a077ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό1to the same

See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Alternate translation: “in the same place” or “in united Christian fellowship”

153ACT22qjc3ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1from heaven

The word translated heaven could mean: (1) “the sky.” Alternate translation: “from the sky” (2) the sound came from heaven itself.

154ACT22a078figs-simileὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας1as of a strong wind being borne along

Luke is using a simile to describe what this wind was like. You could use the same simile in your translation, or you could use a different comparison, to a similar loud sound that your readers would recognize. It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It sounded like a strong wind being borne along” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

155ACT22jec5figs-metaphorφερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας1a strong wind being borne along

Luke speaks figuratively of the wind as if it were being carried through the air. Alternate translation: “a mighty, rushing wind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

156ACT22a079figs-metaphorἐπλήρωσεν ὅλον τὸν οἶκον1it filled the whole house

Luke speaks figuratively of this sound as if it filled the house. Alternate translation: “it could be heard throughout the house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

157ACT22t4y4ὅλον τὸν οἶκον1the whole house

Luke may be using the word translated house in one of its specific senses to mean a building. So this could have been either a private home or a larger building. Alternate translation: “the entire building”

158ACT22a080figs-idiomοὗ ἦσαν καθήμενοι1where they were sitting

Luke may be using the term sitting idiomatically to mean “meeting.” Alternate translation: “in which they were meeting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

159ACT23re3tγλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός1tongues as if of fire

This phrase means “something like tongues of fire,” and a “tongue of fire” means a “flame of fire.” (The expression is used with that meaning in Isaiah 5:24, for example.) This is not a simile. Luke is describing what these objects looked like. Alternate translation: “objects that looked like flames of fire”

160ACT23xtk4διαμεριζόμεναι1distributing themselves

This means that the objects that looked like flames of fire spread out so that there was one on each person. Alternate translation: “spreading around”

161ACT23a081writing-pronounsἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν1they sat upon each one of them

The pronoun they refers to the objects, and the pronoun them refers to the disciples. Alternate translation: “one of the objects sat upon each one of the disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

162ACT23a082figs-metaphorἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν1they sat upon each one of them

Luke is using the word sat figuratively to indicate that the objects remained in one place once they had spread around. Alternate translation: “one of the objects remained on each one of the disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

163ACT24v7hifigs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν πάντες Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit filled them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

164ACT24a251figs-metaphorἐπλήσθησαν πάντες Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

Luke is speaking figuratively as if the believers were containers that the Holy Spirit filled. Alternate translation: “they were all inspired by the Holy Spirit” or “the Holy Spirit inspired them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

165ACT24a083ἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις1they began to speak in other tongues

Luke is using the word tongues in one of its specific senses to mean “languages.” Alternate translation: “they began to speak in other languages”

166ACT24nr9ffigs-explicitἤρξαντο λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις1they began to speak in other tongues

The implication, as 2:611 makes clear, is that the disciples were speaking languages that they did not know. Alternate translation: “they began to speak in languages that they did not know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

167ACT24a084καθὼς τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐδίδου ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς1as the Spirit was giving them to speak out

Here, giving has the sense of enabling. Alternate translation: “as the Spirit was enabling them to speak out”

168ACT24a085καθὼς τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐδίδου ἀποφθέγγεσθαι αὐτοῖς1as the Spirit was giving them to speak out

The word translated to speak out means to speak clearly and articulately. To express this meaning, it may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “The Spirit was enabling them to speak these languages clearly and articulately”

169ACT25dz1lgrammar-connect-time-backgroundδὲ1Now

Luke uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. You can translate it with a word or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

170ACT25yft2figs-gendernotationsἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς1godly men

Luke is using the term men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “godly people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

171ACT25stq9figs-hyperboleπαντὸς ἔθνους1every nation

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

172ACT25a086figs-idiomὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν1under heaven

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

173ACT26bpj7figs-activepassiveσυνεχύθη1was confused

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say what did the action. Alternate translation: “what they heard confused them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

174ACT26u9hcwriting-pronounsἤκουον εἷς ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ λαλούντων αὐτῶν1each one was hearing them speaking in his own language

The pronoun them refers to the believers and the pronoun his refers to each person in the multitude. Alternate translation: “each person in the multitude could hear one of the disciples speaking in that persons own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

175ACT27m8kdfigs-doubletἐξίσταντο…καὶ ἐθαύμαζον1they were … amazed and were marveling

The terms amazed and marveling mean similar things. Luke may be using the two terms together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “they were … greatly amazed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

176ACT27a087figs-activepassiveἐξίσταντο…πάντες καὶ ἐθαύμαζον1they were all amazed and were marveling

The expression were … amazed is not a passive verbal form. However, if your language does not use passive forms, it might be clearer for your readers to use an expression that does not seem to be a passive verbal form. Alternate translation: “this amazed all of them and they were marveling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

177ACT27a088figs-metaphorἰδοὺ1Behold

Behold is an expression that speakers use to focus the attention of their listeners on what they are about to say. Though it literally means “look” or “see,” the term can be used figuratively to get people to pay attention. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “In fact” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

178ACT27wnk2figs-rquestionοὐχ…ἅπαντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι1are not all these who are speaking Galileans?

The speakers are not looking for information. They are using the question form to express their amazement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate their words as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “all of these people who are speaking are Galileans!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

179ACT27a089translate-namesΓαλιλαῖοι1Galileans

See how you translated the name Galileans in 1:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

180ACT28hzm8figs-rquestionκαὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν?1And how are we hearing, each in our own language in which we were born?

The speakers do not expect someone to be able to answer this question for them. Rather, they are using the question form to express their amazement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate their words as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “So we should not each be hearing them speak in our own languages in which we were born!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

181ACT28a090grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

The speakers are using the word translated And to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

182ACT28a091figs-explicitπῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος1how are we hearing, each

Your language may require you to specify the object of hearing. Alternate translation: “how are we each hearing them speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

183ACT28a092figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς…ἡμῶν1we … our

The speakers are using the words we and our to refer to themselves and to their listeners, so use the inclusive forms of those words if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

184ACT28wb5tfigs-metaphorἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν1in which we were born

The speakers say figuratively that they were born in these languages to mean that they learned them from birth. Alternate translation: “that we learned from birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

185ACT28a093figs-activepassiveἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν1in which we were born

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. However, since this is a metaphor, it would be preferable to use another expression to explain its meaning, rather than to say something like “in which our mothers gave birth to us.” Alternate translation: “that we learned from birth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

186ACT29f1vetranslate-namesΠάρθοι…Μῆδοι…Ἐλαμεῖται1Parthians … Medes … Elamites

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

187ACT29dm23translate-namesτὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν;…Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον…Ἀσίαν1Mesopotamia, Judea … Cappadocia, Pontus … Asia

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

188ACT210tmb4translate-namesΦρυγίαν…Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον…Λιβύης1Phrygia … Pamphylia, Egypt … Libya

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

189ACT210a094translate-namesΚυρήνην1Cyrene

Cyrene is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

190ACT210a095translate-namesοἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες Ῥωμαῖοι1Romans visiting

Here, Romans is a name for people who are from the city of Rome. Alternate translation: “visitors from Rome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

191ACT211w8jyἸουδαῖοί τε καὶ προσήλυτοι1both Jews and proselytes

The term proselytes describes converts to the Jewish religion. The phrase both Jews and proselytes could apply specifically to the visitors from Rome mentioned at the end of the previous verse, or it could apply to the whole list of people in 2:911. Alternate translation: “both Jews and converts to the Jewish religion”

192ACT211jnp7translate-namesΚρῆτες…Ἄραβες1Cretans and Arabians

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

193ACT211a096γλώσσαις1tongues

As in 2:4, here the word tongues has the specific sense of “languages.” Alternate translation: “languages”

194ACT211a097figs-nominaladjτὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ Θεοῦ1the great things of God

The speakers are using the adjective great as a noun. (The term is plural; ULT adds things to show this.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the great things that God has done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

195ACT212el2ffigs-doubletἐξίσταντο…πάντες καὶ διηποροῦντο1they were all amazed and were perplexed

The words amazed and perplexed mean similar things. Luke is using them together to emphasize that the people could not understand what was happening. Alternate translation: “they were very perplexed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

196ACT212a098figs-activepassiveἐξίσταντο…πάντες καὶ διηποροῦντο…λέγοντες1they were all amazed and were perplexed, saying

These are not passive verbal forms. However, if your language does not use passive forms, it might be clearer for your readers to use an expression that does not seem to be a passive verbal form. Alternate translation: “this amazed and perplexed all of them, and they said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

197ACT212a099figs-idiomτί θέλει τοῦτο εἶναι1What does this want to be

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “What is the explanation for this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

198ACT213a100figs-activepassiveγλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν1They are filled with sweet wine

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. However, it would be preferable to use an equivalent expression that conveys the meaning rather than to say something like “sweet wine has filled them.” Alternate translation: “They have drunk their fill of sweet wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

199ACT213fg59figs-explicitγλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν1They are filled with sweet wine

The implications of this statement are that the disciples have gotten drunk and are babbling and that this is the explanation for the languages the people think they are hearing. Alternate translation: “They have gotten drunk on sweet wine, and so what we are hearing is just drunken babbling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

200ACT213jj1ntranslate-unknownγλεύκους1with sweet wine

This refers to wine that is thicker and more intoxicating than ordinary wine. If your readers would not be familiar with this drink, you could use the name of another strong drink that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “with strong liquor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

201ACT214k5hrtranslate-symactionσταθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα, ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ1But Peter, having stood with the Eleven, raised up his voice

Peter stood to show that he had something important to say, and the other apostles stood with him to show their support for him as he spoke. You could indicate that in your translation, perhaps as a separate sentence, if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But Peter stood up to show that he had something important to say, and the other apostles stood with him to show their support for him as he spoke. Peter raised up his voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

202ACT214c919figs-nominaladjτοῖς ἕνδεκα1the eleven

Luke is using the adjective eleven as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the other 11 apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

203ACT214d9tbfigs-idiomἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπεφθέγξατο αὐτοῖς1raised up his voice and spoke out to them

The idiom raised up his voice means that Peter spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “spoke out to them in a loud voice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

204ACT214a102figs-idiomἄνδρες, Ἰουδαῖοι1Men, Jews

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

205ACT214a103figs-gendernotationsἄνδρες, Ἰουδαῖοι1Men, Jews

Peter is using the term men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the idiomatic form of address in your translation, follow the convention in your language that indicates a mixed group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

206ACT214a104figs-explicitοἱ κατοικοῦντες Ἰερουσαλὴμ πάντες1all who are inhabiting Jerusalem

This seems to mean implicitly people who are not Jews but who live in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “all of you non-Jews who are residents of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

207ACT214ei5jτοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω1let this be known to you

This expression means that Peter wants to explain the meaning of what the people are seeing and hearing. Alternate translation: “let me explain this to you” or “I am going to explain this to you”

208ACT214a105grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1and

Peter uses the word translated and to indicate what his listeners should do as a result of what he has just told them. Alternate translation: “so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

209ACT214qp16figs-metonymyἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου1take my words into your ears

Peter is using the term words figuratively to mean what he is about to say by using words, and he is using the term ears figuratively to mean the capacity for listening. Alternate translation: “listen carefully to what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

210ACT215a106grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

Peter says for in this first instance to introduce the reason why the crowd should listen to him. Alternate translation: “You should listen to me because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

211ACT215a107figs-nominaladjοὗτοι1these

Peter is using the demonstrative adjective these as a noun to refer to specific people, the disciples who are speaking different languages. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could add more information to clarify the meaning. Alternate translation: “these people who are speaking different languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

212ACT215a108grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2For

Peter says for in this second instance to introduce the reason why the people speaking different languages are not drunk. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are not drunk, because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

213ACT215a109ἔστιν…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας1it is the third hour of the day

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “it is nine oclock in the morning”

214ACT215h28qfigs-explicitἔστιν…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας1it is the third hour of the day

Peter assumes that his listeners will know that people do not get drunk that early in the day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “it is only nine oclock in the morning, and people do not get drunk that early” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

215ACT215a110translate-ordinalὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας1the third hour of the day

If you decide to translate this in the way that the biblical culture reckoned time, but your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “hour three of the day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

216ACT216f9hzfigs-activepassiveτοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ1this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “this is what God said through the prophet Joel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

217ACT216ktw9figs-explicitτοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ1this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel

The implication is that God is now making happen what he said through Joel. Alternate translation: “you are seeing God make happen what he announced earlier through the prophet Joel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

218ACT217a111figs-quotesinquotesκαὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ Θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα1“And it will be in the last days,” God says, “I will pour out from my Spirit on all flesh”

The material in 2:1721 contains a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. Luke is quoting Peter, Peter is quoting Joel, and Joel is quoting God. You could avoid having a third-level quotation by moving the phrase God says to before the quotation from Joel. (The phrase itself does not occur in the passage from Joel that Peter quotes. It appears to be something that Peter supplies within the quotation to show that God is the speaker. Since that is the case, putting it before the quotation would not change the actual biblical text.) Alternate translation: “God said, And it will be in the last days, I will pour out from my Spirit on all flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

219ACT217a112figs-quotationsκαὶ ἔσται ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις, λέγει ὁ Θεός, ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα1“And it will be in the last days,” God says, “I will pour out from my Spirit on all flesh”

You could also avoid having a second-level quotation by turning the direct quotation into an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “God said that in the last days he would pour out his Spirit on all flesh” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

220ACT217ijl8καὶ ἔσται1And it will be

Alternate translation: “This is what will happen” or “This is what I will do”

221ACT217a113ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις1the last days

See the discussion of this phrase in the General Notes to this chapter, which recommend not interpreting or explaining it, but representing it simply as ULT does.

222ACT217u2d1figs-metaphorἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου1I will pour out from my Spirit

God says figuratively that he will pour out his Spirit, as if the Spirit were a liquid, to mean that he will give the Spirit generously and abundantly. Alternate translation: “I will lavish my Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

223ACT217a114figs-metonymyἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα1on all flesh

God refers figuratively to flesh to mean people, by association with the way that people are made of flesh. Alternate translation: “to all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

224ACT217a115figs-quotationsκαὶ προφητεύσουσιν οἱ υἱοὶ ὑμῶν, καὶ αἱ θυγατέρες ὑμῶν; καὶ οἱ νεανίσκοι ὑμῶν ὁράσεις ὄψονται, καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι ὑμῶν ἐνυπνίοις ἐνυπνιασθήσονται1and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams

If you have decided to turn Peters quotation from Joel into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation, also do that here in the rest of the verse. It may be helpful to make this a new sentence. Alternate translation: “God said that our sons and our daughters would prophesy and our young men would see visions and our old men would dream dreams” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

225ACT217a116figs-exclusiveὑμῶν-1your

If you turn the direct quotation into an indirect quotation and translate these instances of your as “our,” use the inclusive form of the word “our” in each instance if your language marks that distinction, since Joel would be referring to himself and his listeners. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

226ACT217a117figs-gendernotationsοἱ νεανίσκοι…οἱ πρεσβύτεροι1young men … old men

God speaks separately of sons and daughters in this verse and of “male servants” and “female servants” in the next verse. But here the contrast is between young and old. So the word men could have a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “young people … old people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

227ACT218uwd7figs-quotationsκαί γε ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου, ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου, καὶ προφητεύσουσιν1And even on my male servants and on my female servants in those days I will pour out from my Spirit, and they will prophesy

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation from Joel into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. Alternate translation: “God said that even on his male servants and on his female servants in those days he would pour out from his Spirit, and they would prophesy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

228ACT218nd34ἐπὶ τοὺς δούλους μου, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας μου1on my male servants and on my female servants

If your language has masculine and feminine forms of the word “servant,” it would be accurate to use those forms here. Other languages can indicate this distinction in other ways, as ULT does with the adjectives “male” and “female.”

229ACT218a118figs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις1in those days

Here, days idiomatically means a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

230ACT218wz2ifigs-metaphorἐπὶ…ἐπὶ…ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου1on … on … I will pour out from my Spirit

See how you translated this in 2:17. Alternate translation: “to … to … I will give my Spirit abundantly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

231ACT219a119figs-quotationsκαὶ δώσω1And I will give

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation from Joel into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. Alternate translation: “God said that he would give” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

232ACT219a120δώσω τέρατα…καὶ σημεῖα1I will give wonders … and signs

Alternate translation: “I will show wonders … and signs”

233ACT219a121ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ ἄνω1in the heaven above

Since God specifies in the next verse that these wonders will affect the sun and the moon, the word translated heaven likely has the specific sense of “sky.” Alternate translation: “in the sky above”

234ACT219p5zifigs-possessionἀτμίδα καπνοῦ1vapor of smoke

Here the possessive form describes vapor that looks smoky or that has smoke in it. Alternate translation: “smoky vapor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

235ACT220ylv7figs-quotationsὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος καὶ ἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα, πρὶν ἢ ἐλθεῖν ἡμέραν Κυρίου τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἐπιφανῆ1The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood before the great and remarkable day of the Lord comes

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation from Joel into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. Alternate translation: “God said that sun would be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood before the great and remarkable day of the Lord came” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

236ACT220a6yhfigs-activepassiveὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος1The sun will be turned to darkness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will turn the sun to darkness” or, if you are making this an indirect quotation, “God said that he would turn the sun to darkness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

237ACT220a122figs-metaphorὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος1The sun will be turned to darkness

God is speaking figuratively as if he would change the sun into something else. Alternate translation: “The sun will become dark” or “The sun will no longer shine brightly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

238ACT220a123figs-abstractnounsὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος1The sun will be turned to darkness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun darkness with an adjective such as “dark.” Alternate translation: “The sun will become dark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

239ACT220a124figs-ellipsisκαὶ ἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα1and the moon to blood

Here some words have been left out that a sentence would need in many languages to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and the moon will be turned to blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

240ACT220a125figs-activepassiveκαὶ ἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα1and the moon to blood

If you decide to supply words as the previous note suggests, but your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form. Alternate translation: “and I will turn the moon to blood” or, if you are making this an indirect quotation, “and that he would turn the moon to blood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

241ACT220f34kfigs-metaphorκαὶ ἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα1and the moon to blood

God is speaking figuratively as if he would change the moon into something else. Alternate translation: “and the moon will look like blood” or “and the moon will appear to be red” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

242ACT220swb2figs-doubletἡμέραν…τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἐπιφανῆ1the great and remarkable day

The words great and remarkable mean similar things. They are being used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the very great day” or “the truly remarkable day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

243ACT220lc4gfigs-idiomἐλθεῖν ἡμέραν Κυρίου1the day of the Lord comes

This is an expression that many of the prophets use. It refers to the time when God will judge and punish people for their sins. Alternate translation: “the time when the Lord judges and punishes people for their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

244ACT220a126figs-123personἐλθεῖν ἡμέραν Κυρίου1the day of the Lord comes

In this expression, God is speaking of himself in the third person. If that would be confusing to your readers, you can use the first person in your translation. Alternate translation: “time arrives when I judge and punish people for their sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

245ACT221a127figs-quotationsκαὶ ἔσται, πᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου σωθήσεται1And it will be, everyone who may call on the name of the Lord will be saved

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation from Joel into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. Alternate translation: “And God said it would happen that everyone who called on the name of the Lord would be saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

246ACT221a128καὶ ἔσται, πᾶς1And it will be, everyone

Alternate translation: “And this is what will happen: Everyone”

247ACT221vql5figs-activepassiveπᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου σωθήσεται1everyone who may call on the name of the Lord will be saved

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Lord will save everyone who calls on his name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

248ACT221a129figs-idiomπᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται1everyone who may call on

Here, call on is an idiom. Alternate translation: “everyone who may appeal to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

249ACT221a130figs-123personτὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου1the name of the Lord

God is speaking of himself in the third person. If that would be confusing to your readers, you can use the first person in your translation. Alternate translation: “my name” or “me by name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

250ACT221a131figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου1the name of the Lord

Here, name figuratively represents a person, by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

251ACT221a132figs-explicitτὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου1the name of the Lord

The implication is that people would appeal to God to show them mercy and save them. Alternate translation: “the Lord for mercy and salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

252ACT221a133figs-quotemarksσωθήσεται1will be saved

This is the end of Joels quotation of the Lord. If you chose to mark the Lords words as a third-level quotation, indicate that ending here with a closing third-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. It is also the end of Peters quotation of Joel. If you chose to mark Joels words as a second-level quotation, similarly indicate the ending of that quotation within a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

253ACT222sa78figs-idiomἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται1Men, Israelites

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My fellow Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

254ACT222g6vjfigs-metonymyἀκούσατε τοὺς λόγους τούτους1hear these words

Peter is using the term words figuratively to mean what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “listen to what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

255ACT222a134translate-namesἸησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον1Jesus the Nazarene

The word Nazarene describes someone who comes from the city of Nazareth. Alternate translation: “Jesus of Nazareth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

256ACT222f2t1figs-activepassiveἀποδεδειγμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ1attested to you by God

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom God proved he had sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

257ACT222a135figs-doubletδυνάμεσι, καὶ τέρασι, καὶ σημείοις1with mighty deeds and wonders and signs

The terms mighty deeds, wonders, and signs mean similar things. Peter is using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “by means of many great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

258ACT223a136figs-nominaladjτοῦτον1This one

Peter is using the demonstrative adjective this as a noun to refer to a specific person, Jesus. (ULT shows that by adding one.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could specify whom Peter means. Alternate translation: “This Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

259ACT223i6unfigs-activepassiveτῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔκδοτον1given up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God

The term translated given up is an adjective, not a passive verbal form, but even so you may wish to translate it with an active verbal form. Alternate translation: “whom God gave up by his determined counsel and foreknowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

260ACT223s38bfigs-abstractnounsτῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ1by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns counsel and foreknowledge with verbs. Alternate translation: “as God had planned in a determined way for things he knew about ahead of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

261ACT223a137figs-activepassiveτῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ1by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God

The word determined is a passive verbal form that you could express with an active form. Alternate translation: “in a way that God had determined as he planned for things he knew about ahead of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

262ACT223f5knfigs-synecdocheἀνείλατε1you killed

It was the Romans who literally killed Jesus, but Peter says figuratively that the Jewish people in the crowd killed him because their demands led to his death. Alternate translation: “you demanded to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

263ACT223e38afigs-metonymyδιὰ χειρὸς ἀνόμων1of the lawless

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

264ACT223a138figs-nominaladjἀνόμων1the lawless

Peter is using the adjective lawless as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply the word “people” to show this. Alternate translation: “lawless people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

265ACT223f6kdfigs-metonymyἀνόμων1of the lawless

By lawless, Peter does not mean people who disregard the law and break the law. He is figuratively describing Gentiles (that is, people who are not Jews) by association with the fact that they do not have the Jewish law. Alternate translation: “of the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

266ACT223a197προσπήξαντες1having fastened

This is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus. Alternate translation: “having nailed him to a cross” or “by crucifying him”

267ACT224a140ὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνέστησεν1whom God raised up

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “But God raised him up”

268ACT224ei37figs-idiomὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνέστησεν1whom God raised up

The idiom raised up means that God made Jesus alive again after he died. Alternate translation: “whom God brought back to life” or, as a new sentence, “But God brought him back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

269ACT224s8j3figs-metaphorλύσας τὰς ὠδῖνας τοῦ θανάτου1having loosed the agonies of death

Peter speaks figuratively of the agonies of death as if they were ropes with which Jesus had been tied, and of God bringing Jesus back to life as if God had untied those ropes and set him free. Alternate translation: “delivering him from the agonies of death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

270ACT224a141figs-possessionτὰς ὠδῖνας τοῦ θανάτου1the agonies of death

Peter uses the possessive form to describe death as something that is characterized by agonies. Alternate translation: “agonizing death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

271ACT224a142figs-explicitκαθότι οὐκ ἦν δυνατὸν κρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1because it was not possible for him to be held by it

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly why this was not possible. Alternate translation: “because God is so much stronger than death that it was not possible for him to be held by it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

272ACT224ykq4figs-activepassiveκρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1for him to be held by it

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “for death to hold him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

273ACT224vuf4figs-personificationκρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ1for him to be held by it

Peter speaks of death figuratively as if it were a living thing that held Jesus captive. Alternate translation: “for him to remain dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

274ACT225dd5afigs-quotationsΔαυεὶδ γὰρ λέγει εἰς αὐτόν, προορώμην τὸν Κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν, ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ1For David says about him, I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right so that I should not be moved

In order to avoid having a second-level quotation, you could turn Peters quotation from David into an indirect quotation. (Peter is quoting from Psalm 16:811.) Alternate translation: “For David said about him that he saw the Lord always before him, for he was at his right so that he should not be moved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

275ACT225a143writing-pronounsΔαυεὶδ γὰρ λέγει εἰς αὐτόν, προορώμην τὸν Κύριον ἐνώπιόν μου διὰ παντός, ὅτι ἐκ δεξιῶν μού ἐστιν, ἵνα μὴ σαλευθῶ1For David says about him, I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right so that I should not be moved

The pronoun him refers to the Messiah, about whom David is prophesying. This means that within the quotation, the pronouns I and my are spoken by the Messiah. If you turn the direct quotation into an indirect quotation and change these pronouns to “he,” “him,” and “his,” it may be helpful to indicate the references in some cases so that your readers will recognize this. Alternate translation: “For David said about the Messiah that he saw the Lord always before him, for the Lord was at the Messiahs right so that he should not be moved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

276ACT225a144grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

Peter uses the word For to introduce a reason why the crowd should believe him when he says that God brought Jesus back to life. The reason is that the Scriptures predicted this. As a result, the crowd should be confident that it did happen. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You can be confident that God did bring Jesus back to life, because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

277ACT225a145figs-explicitΔαυεὶδ…λέγει εἰς αὐτόν1David says about him

Peter assumes that the crowd will know that he is referring to what David says in one of the psalms that he wrote, and that David is prophesying what the Messiah would say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “David says in one of his psalms that the Messiah will say” or “David wrote in one of his psalms that the Messiah would say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

278ACT225n2lsfigs-metaphorἐνώπιόν μου1before me

The phrase before me, which means “in front of me,” is a spatial metaphor. Alternate translation: “present with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

279ACT225a146figs-nominaladjἐκ δεξιῶν μού1at my right

Here the adjective right is being used as a noun to indicate the right side. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could say that specifically. Alternate translation: “at my right side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

280ACT225l6xpfigs-metaphorἐκ δεξιῶν μού1at my right

In this context, to be at someones right side figuratively means to be in a position to help and sustain that person. Alternate translation: “there to help me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

281ACT225a147figs-metaphorμὴ σαλευθῶ1I should not be moved

Here, moved means to be taken out of a safe and secure position, and so figuratively it means to be harmed. Alternate translation: “I will not be harmed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

282ACT225s4ypfigs-activepassiveμὴ σαλευθῶ1I should not be moved

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “no one will harm me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

283ACT226a148figs-quotationsδιὰ τοῦτο ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου; ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1Because of this, my heart was glad and my tongue exulted. And indeed, my flesh will also dwell in hope

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation of David into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. Alternate translation: “Because of this, his heart was glad and his tongue exulted, and indeed his flesh would also dwell in hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

284ACT226z8vwfigs-metaphorηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου1my heart was glad

Here, the heart figuratively represents the emotions. Alternate translation: “I felt glad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

285ACT226a149figs-metonymyἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου1my tongue exulted

Here, the tongue figuratively represents the capacity for speech. Alternate translation: “I said joyful things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

286ACT226zz6kfigs-metonymyκαὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1my flesh will also dwell in hope

Here, flesh figuratively means the human body by association with the way that is made of flesh. Alternate translation: “my body will also dwell in hope” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

287ACT226a150figs-abstractnounsκαὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1my flesh will also dwell in hope

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun hope with an adverb such as “hopefully.” Alternate translation: “my body will also live hopefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

288ACT226a151figs-personificationκαὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1my flesh will also dwell in hope

The Messiah is speaking figuratively as if his body itself would live hopefully. Alternate translation: “I will also have hope for my body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

289ACT226a152figs-explicitκαὶ ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι1my flesh will also dwell in hope

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what hope the Messiah had for his body. Alternate translation: “I will also have hope that God will bring my body back to life after I die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

290ACT227m3ijfigs-quotationsὅτι οὐκ ἐνκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾍδην, οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will you allow your Holy One to see decay

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation from David into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. If so, it may be necessary to add some introductory material here. Alternate translation: “The Messiah knew that God would not abandon his soul to Hades and that God would not allow his Holy One to see decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

291ACT227a153figs-parallelismοὐκ ἐνκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾍδην, οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1you will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will you allow your Holy One to see decay

These two statements mean similar things. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it may be helpful to show that to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than nor in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “you will not abandon my soul to Hades, no, you will not allow your Holy One to see decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

292ACT227whi3figs-youformalοὐκ ἐνκαταλείψεις…οὐδὲ δώσεις…σου1you will not abandon … nor will you allow your

The words you and your are singular, and they refer to God. See what you decided to do in your translation in 1:24 in a similar case where God is addressed as “you.” You may have decided in such cases to use a formal form of “you” that your language may have, or you may have decided to use an informal form of “you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal]])

293ACT227a154figs-synecdocheοὐκ ἐνκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾍδην1you will not abandon my soul to Hades

The Messiah says my soul figuratively to mean himself, using one part of his being to represent his whole being. Alternate translation: “you will not abandon me to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

294ACT227a155translate-namesοὐκ ἐνκαταλείψεις τὴν ψυχήν μου εἰς ᾍδην1you will not abandon my soul to Hades

Hades is the name for the realm of the dead. If your readers would not be familiar with that name, you could express its meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

295ACT227a156figs-explicitτὸν Ὅσιόν σου1your Holy One

The expression Holy One is a title for the Messiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your Messiah” or “your holy Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

296ACT227rld3figs-123personτὸν Ὅσιόν σου1your Holy One

The Messiah is referring to himself in the third person. If that would be confusing to your readers, you can use the first person in your translation. Alternate translation: “me, your Holy One” or “me, the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

297ACT227a157figs-idiomἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1to see decay

Here the word see is being used idiomatically to mean “experience.” Alternate translation: “to experience decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

298ACT227l5cdfigs-explicitἰδεῖν διαφθοράν1to see decay

The term decay refers in this context to the decomposition of the body after death. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to experience the decomposition of his body” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

299ACT228a158figs-quotationsἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς; πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου1You made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with gladness with your face

You may have decided to turn Peters quotation of David into an indirect quotation in order to avoid having a second-level quotation. If so, it may be helpful to add some introductory material here. Alternate translation: “The Messiah said that God had made known to him the paths of life and that God would fill him with gladness with his face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations]])

300ACT228a159figs-youformalἐγνώρισάς…πληρώσεις…σου1You made known … you will fill … your

The words you and your are singular and they refer to God. See what you decided to do in the similar case in 1:24. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal]])

301ACT228xhi3figs-metaphorἐγνώρισάς μοι ὁδοὺς ζωῆς1You made known to me the paths of life

The Messiah speaks figuratively of life as if it consisted of paths that a person walked along. Those represent the various pursuits and adventures that people have in life. The word known refers to experiential knowledge. Alternate translation: “You enabled me to experience the adventures of life once again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

302ACT228ej5mfigs-metaphorπληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης1you will fill me with gladness

The Messiah speaks figuratively as if he were a container that God could fill with gladness. Alternate translation: “you will give me great gladness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

303ACT228y7gffigs-metaphorμετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου1with your face

Here, the word face figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “by your presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

304ACT228a161figs-quotemarksμετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου1with your face

This is the end of Peters quotation of David. If you chose to mark Davids words as a second-level quotation, in your translation you can indicate this ending with a closing second-level quotation mark or whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

305ACT229pv1xfigs-idiomἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

306ACT229ps7cfigs-metaphorἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

See how you translated the term brothers in 1:15. Alternate translation: “My fellow believers” or “My brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

307ACT229wh97figs-metaphorτοῦ πατριάρχου Δαυεὶδ1the patriarch David

A patriarch is literally the ancestor of a group of people. David was not the ancestor of all the Jews to whom Peter is speaking. So he is likely using the term figuratively to identify David as the king who established the Israelite kingdom as a lasting dynasty. Alternate translation: “David, the founder of our kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

308ACT229vtc6figs-activepassiveἐτάφη1he was buried

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people buried him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

309ACT229a162figs-idiomἄχρι τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης1to this day

Peter is using the word day idiomatically to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “at this time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

310ACT230a163grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1Therefore

Peter uses the word Therefore to introduce the logical result of what he has just said. Alternate translation: “We can therefore conclude that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

311ACT230a164figs-explicitπροφήτης…ὑπάρχων, καὶ εἰδὼς1being a prophet and having known

Peter is still speaking about David. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “because David was a prophet and he knew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

312ACT230x11qfigs-metonymyἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ, καθίσαι ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1to set from the fruit of his loins upon his throne

Peter is using the word loins figuratively to represent David himself by association with the way the reproductive organs are in the loins. He is using the word fruit in a broad sense to mean what someone or something produces, in this case a descendant. Alternate translation: “to set one of his descendants upon his throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

313ACT230hq71figs-synecdocheἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ, καθίσαι ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ1to set from the fruit of his loins upon his throne

When Peter says that God promised to set one of Davids descendants upon his throne, he is using that one action figuratively to represent Gods promise to David that this descendant would succeed him as king. Alternate translation: “to make one of his descendants succeed him as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

314ACT231a165writing-pronounsἐλάλησεν… ἐνκατελείφθη…αὐτοῦ1he spoke … was he abandoned … his

The first instance of he refers to David, and the second instance of he and the pronoun his refer to Christ. Alternate translation: “David spoke … was Christ abandoned … Christs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

315ACT231a166figs-abstractnounsἐλάλησεν περὶ τῆς ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Χριστοῦ1he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun resurrection with an adjective such as “alive.” Alternate translation: “he described how God would make Christ alive again after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

316ACT231tn4bfigs-activepassiveοὔτε ἐνκατελείφθη εἰς ᾍδην1neither was he abandoned to Hades

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “neither did God abandon him to Hades” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

317ACT231a167figs-explicitτοῦ Χριστοῦ1the Christ

Christ is the Greek word for “Messiah.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use the term “Messiah” in your translation, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

318ACT231a168translate-namesᾍδην1Hades

See how you translated the term Hades in 2:27. Alternate translation: “the realm of the dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

319ACT231a169figs-idiomοὔτε ἡ σὰρξ αὐτοῦ εἶδεν διαφθοράν1nor did his flesh see decay

Here the word see is being used idiomatically to mean “experience.” Alternate translation: “nor did his flesh experience decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

320ACT231a170figs-metonymyοὔτε ἡ σὰρξ αὐτοῦ εἶδεν διαφθοράν1nor did his flesh see decay

Peter is using the word flesh figuratively to mean the body of Jesus by association with the way the body is made of flesh. Alternate translation: “nor did his body experience decay” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

321ACT231up5xfigs-explicitοὔτε ἡ σὰρξ αὐτοῦ εἶδεν διαφθοράν1nor did his flesh see decay

The term decay refers in this context to the decomposition of the body after death. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “nor did his body experience decomposition” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

322ACT232udn1figs-idiomἀνέστησεν ὁ Θεός1God has raised up

As in 2:24, the idiom raised up means that God made Jesus alive again after he died. Alternate translation: “God has brought back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

323ACT232kw6afigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

By we, Peter means himself and the other apostles, so use the exclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

324ACT233a171grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1Therefore

Peter is using the word Therefore to introduce a result. But it is not the immediate result of what he has just said. He is not saying that Jesus has done what the people see and hear because God raised him from the dead. Instead, this is an overall conclusion. Peter is saying that Jesus sending the Holy Spirit is the reason why the disciples are able to speak in other languages. The crowd should not conclude that they are babbling drunkenly, as some of them have suggested. UST models a way of expressing this sense of the word Therefore. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

325ACT233kij2figs-activepassiveτῇ δεξιᾷ οὖν τοῦ Θεοῦ ὑψωθεὶς1having been exalted to the right of God

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “now that God has exalted Jesus to his right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

326ACT233c9mrfigs-nominaladjτῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ1to the right of God

Peter is using the adjective right as a noun in order to indicate the right side. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:25. Alternate translation: “to the right side of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

327ACT233a172figs-explicitτῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ1to the right of God

In this culture, the place at the right side of a ruler was a position of honor. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “to a place of honor next to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

328ACT233a173figs-possessionτήν τε ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πνεύματος τοῦ Ἁγίου1the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father

Peter is using the possessive form to describe the Holy Spirit as someone whom God the Father promised to send. Alternate translation: “the promised Holy Spirit from the Father” or “the Holy Spirit whom the Father promised to send” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

329ACT233a174guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesτοῦ Πατρὸς1the Father

Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God the Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

330ACT233c1drwriting-pronounsἐξέχεεν1he has poured out

The pronoun he refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus has poured out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

331ACT233wsg9figs-metaphorἐξέχεεν1he has poured out

Peter says figuratively that Jesus has poured out the things that the people are seeing and hearing as if those things were a liquid. Peter means that Jesus has given these things generously and abundantly. See how you translated the similar statement in 2:17, to which Peter is likely alluding here. Alternate translation: “he has generously given” or “he has abundantly given” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

332ACT234m7fyfigs-quotesinquotesλέγει…αὐτός, εἶπεν Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου, κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου1he himself says, The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right

The material in 2:3435 contains a quotation within a quotation within a quotation. Luke is quoting Peter, Peter is quoting another psalm by David (Psalm 110:1), and David is quoting God. You could avoid having second-level and third-level quotations by translating this as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “he himself says that the Lord told his Lord to sit at his right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

333ACT234i8wufigs-explicitεἶπεν Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου1The Lord said to my Lord

The Lord means God here, and my Lord means the Messiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “God said to the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

334ACT234a175figs-nominaladjἐκ δεξιῶν μου1at my right

Here the adjective right is used as a noun in order to indicate the right side. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:25. Alternate translation: “at my right side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

335ACT234kvn8figs-explicitἐκ δεξιῶν μου1at my right

In this culture, the place at the right side of a ruler was a position of honor. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in a place of honor next to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

336ACT235nf1xfigs-metaphorἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου1until I make your enemies a stool for your feet

The psalm says figuratively that God would make the Messiahs enemies a stool for his feet to mean that God would conquer those enemies and make them submit to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “until I conquer your enemies for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

337ACT235a176figs-quotemarksτῶν ποδῶν σου1for your feet

This is the end of Davids quotation of the Lord and of Peters quotation of David. If you chose to mark these in your translation as a third-level and a second-level quotation, indicate that ending here with the appropriate closing quotation marks or the comparable punctuation or convention in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

338ACT236a177grammar-connect-logic-resultοὖν1Therefore

Peter is using the word Therefore to introduce the result of what he has just said. Alternate translation: “Since David was not talking about himself, but about the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

339ACT236pnp5figs-metaphorπᾶς οἶκος Ἰσραὴλ1all the house of Israel

Here, house means all the people descended from a particular person. It envisions them as if they were one household living together. So the house of Israel figuratively means all the people descended from the patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the entire nation of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

340ACT237s85qfigs-activepassiveἀκούσαντες…κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1hearing this, they were pierced in the heart

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “what they heard Peter say pierced their heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

341ACT237xan1writing-pronounsκατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1they were pierced in the heart

Here the word they refers to the people in the crowd to whom Peter spoke. Alternate translation: “the people in the crowd were pierced in the heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

342ACT237w1maκατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1they were pierced in the heart

Since Luke is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of heart. Alternate translation: “the people in the crowd were pierced in their hearts”

343ACT237l15xfigs-metaphorκατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν1they were pierced in the heart

Luke is speaking figuratively. The people were not literally pierced in the heart by anything. He means that the people felt guilty and became very sad. Alternate translation: “they felt guilty and became very sad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

344ACT237zls6figs-idiomἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “Our brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

345ACT237a178figs-metaphorἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί1Men, brothers

See how you translated the term brothers in 1:15. Alternate translation: “Our fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

346ACT237a179figs-exclusiveτί ποιήσωμεν1what should we do

The people in the crowd are asking about themselves but not the apostles, so use the exclusive form of we in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

347ACT238a180figs-youμετανοήσατε…βαπτισθήτω ἕκαστος ὑμῶν…τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ὑμῶν…λήμψεσθε1Repent … each of you be baptized … of your sins … you will receive

The words you and your are plural, you will receive is a plural verb form, and the implied “you” in the imperative Repent is also plural. But the implied “you” in the imperative be baptized is singular, since the subject is each. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

348ACT238cmb7figs-activepassiveβαπτισθήτω1be baptized

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “allow us to baptize you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

349ACT238geb2figs-idiomἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1in the name of Jesus Christ

Peter has just finished demonstrating that God sent Jesus as the Christ or Messiah 2:36. He is saying here that people should acknowledge that as the basis of their baptism for the forgiveness of their sins. So in the name here is an idiomatic way of saying “on the basis of naming.” Alternate translation: “on the basis of naming Jesus as the Christ” or “upon acknowledging that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

350ACT238a181figs-abstractnounsεἰς ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ὑμῶν1for the forgiveness of your sins

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun forgiveness with a verb such as “forgive.” Alternate translation: “to show that you want God to forgive your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

351ACT239a182figs-metonymyἐστιν ἡ ἐπαγγελία1the promise is

Peter is speaking figuratively of the Holy Spirit by association with the way God promised to send the Holy Spirit, as Peter says specifically in 2:33. Alternate translation: “God has promised the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

352ACT239a183figs-explicitὑμῖν…καὶ τοῖς τέκνοις ὑμῶν1to you and to your children

Peter showed the people in 2:17 that Gods promise through Joel to pour out his Spirit included their “sons” and “daughters.” So the implication could be that the people in the crowd should not think that any of them have to reach a certain age before professing faith in Jesus and being baptized. Alternate translation: “to all of you, no matter what your age,” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

353ACT239a184figs-metaphorὑμῖν…καὶ τοῖς τέκνοις ὑμῶν1to you and to your children

Peter could also be using the word children in a figurative sense to mean “descendants.” In that case, he would be saying that faith in Jesus as the Messiah was not something just for the people living at this time, but also for people living at all times in the future. That would parallel what he says next about faith in Jesus not being just for those who are present in this place, but for people living in all places. Alternate translation: “to you and your descendants” or “to you and everyone who will live after you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

354ACT239v8vifigs-explicitπᾶσι τοῖς εἰς μακρὰν1to all who are at a distance

Since Peter is speaking to Jews as a fellow Jew, this is likely an implicit reference to the Jews who were living in other parts of the Roman Empire. However, this statement took on greater meaning when the church realized that “God has also given repentance unto life to the Gentiles,” as its leaders say in 11:18. So you could either express the likely initial meaning here in your translation, or you could leave the statement more general. Alternate translation: “to the Jews living in faraway parts of the empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

355ACT239a185figs-exclusiveΚύριος, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν1the Lord our God

By the Lord our God, Peter means the God of the Jews. He is speaking of himself and his fellow apostles and of the people in the crowd, so use the inclusive form of the word our in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

356ACT239a186figs-idiomἂν προσκαλέσηται1may call

Peter is using the word call in an idiomatic sense here. Alternate translation: “may bring to salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

357ACT240a187figs-metonymyἑτέροις…λόγοις πλείοσιν1with many other words

Luke is using the term words figuratively to mean things that Peter said by using words. Alternate translation: “by saying many other things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

358ACT240v6ipfigs-hendiadysδιεμαρτύρατο, καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτοὺς1he testified and urged them

Here Luke is expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word urged tells in what way Peter testified further about faith in Jesus. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this same idea with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “he testified urgently to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

359ACT240a188figs-activepassiveσώθητε1Be saved

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “Let God save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

360ACT240wtd5figs-explicitἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς τῆς σκολιᾶς ταύτης1from this perverse generation

The implication is that God is going to punish this perverse generation. Alternate translation: “from the punishment that this perverse generation will suffer if it does not repent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

361ACT240a189figs-explicitτῆς γενεᾶς τῆς σκολιᾶς ταύτης1this perverse generation

The word perverse describes things or actions that do not conform to what is right and expected. Peter may be referring implicitly to how the people of this generation rejected and killed Jesus. Alternate translation: “this wicked generation that rejected and killed Jesus” or “the wicked people of this time who rejected and killed Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

362ACT241k1kjwriting-endofstoryοὖν1Therefore

Luke uses the word Therefore to introduce information about what happened after the story of Pentecost as a result of the events within the story itself. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

363ACT241r9qzfigs-idiomἀποδεξάμενοι τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ1having received his word

Here, received means that the people in the crowd accepted that what Peter said was true. Alternate translation: “because they believed his word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

364ACT241a190figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ1his word

Luke is using the term word figuratively to mean what Peter said by using words. Alternate translation: “what Peter said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

365ACT241kz64figs-activepassiveοἱ…ἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. The apostles themselves may have baptized all these people, but because so many people repented and wanted to be baptized, it is possible that some of the other believers may have baptized some of them. Alternate translation: “the apostles baptized them” or “the believers baptized them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

366ACT241sv5jfigs-synecdocheψυχαὶ1souls

Luke is using one part of these people, their souls, to mean the people themselves. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

367ACT241a47ffigs-activepassiveπροσετέθησαν1were added

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “became part of the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

368ACT242a191figs-abstractnounsἦσαν…προσκαρτεροῦντες τῇ διδαχῇ τῶν ἀποστόλων, καὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ, τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου, καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς1they were continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns teaching and fellowship with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “they continued to learn from what the apostles taught and to share life with one another, and to break bread together and to pray together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

369ACT242gc59figs-synecdocheτῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου1in the breaking of bread

Luke could be using the word breaking to mean “eating,” and he could be using the word bread to mean “food.” In each case he would be figuratively using one part of something to mean the whole thing. Breaking bread is one thing people do when they eat it, and bread is one kind of food. So this could be a reference to the believers sharing meals together. Alternate translation: “in sharing meals” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

370ACT242a192figs-explicitτῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου1in the breaking of bread

By the breaking of bread, Luke could also mean remembering the death of Jesus in the way that Jesus commanded, by literally breaking a loaf of bread and sharing it and also sharing a cup of wine. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “in observing the Lords Supper” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

371ACT243a193figs-personificationἐγίνετο…πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος1fear was coming on every soul

Here the word fear describes a deep respect for God. Luke describes this fear figuratively as if it were a living thing that could come onto people. Alternate translation: “every soul began to feel a deep respect for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

372ACT243gi9vfigs-synecdocheἐγίνετο…πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος1fear was coming on every soul

Luke is using one part of a person, the soul, to mean the entire person. Alternate translation: “every person began to feel a deep respect for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

373ACT243a194figs-hyperboleἐγίνετο…πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος1fear was coming on every soul

Luke says every as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many people began to feel a deep respect for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

374ACT243ys3yfigs-explicitπολλά…τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετο1many wonders and signs were happening through the apostles

Since Luke says that these things happened through the apostles, the implication is that God was doing them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could make God the subject of this sentence and wonders and signs the object. Alternate translation: “God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

375ACT243q6dmfigs-doubletπολλά…τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα1many wonders and signs

The terms wonders and signs mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:22. Alternate translation: “many great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

376ACT244u8qkἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ1to the same

See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Alternate translation: “in the same place” or “united in Christian fellowship”

377ACT244jy2wfigs-hyperboleεἶχον ἅπαντα κοινά1had all things in common

Luke may be saying all as a generalization to emphasize the powerful spirit of generosity among the believers. The next verse explains more specifically how the believers showed this generosity, and you could give some indication of that here. Alternate translation: “shared their belongings with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

378ACT245h8tnfigs-doubletτὰ κτήματα καὶ τὰς ὑπάρξεις ἐπίπρασκον1they were selling their properties and their possessions

The words properties and possessions mean similar things. Luke may be using these words together for emphasis. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They were selling many valuable things that they owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

379ACT245f74swriting-pronounsκαὶ διεμέριζον αὐτὰ1they were distributing them

Here the pronoun they refers to believers who sold things they owned, and the pronoun them refers to the money they received from these sales. Alternate translation: “the believers who sold these things were distributing the money that they received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

380ACT245n9hiπᾶσιν, καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν1to all, as anyone might have need

Alternate translation: “to everyone who needed help”

381ACT246in43καθ’ ἡμέραν τε προσκαρτεροῦντες ὁμοθυμαδὸν1and, continuing unanimously

The word unanimously indicates that the apostles and other believers shared a common commitment and purpose and that there was no strife among them. See how you translated the same expression in 1:14. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Continuing to meet with one accord” or “Continuing to meet harmoniously”

382ACT246a427figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so here the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

383ACT246q1gefigs-synecdocheκλῶντές…κατ’ οἶκον ἄρτον1breaking bread in each house

See how you translated the similar expression in 2:42. There were two possible meanings there, but here breaking bread seems to mean specifically sharing meals. Alternate translation: “having meals together in their homes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

384ACT246i2ykfigs-metaphorἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας1with exultation and sincerity of heart

Here, the heart figuratively represents the emotions. Alternate translation: “with feelings of exultation and sincerity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

385ACT246a195figs-abstractnounsἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας1with exultation and sincerity of heart

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns exultation and sincerity with adverbs that would indicate feelings. Alternate translation: “joyfully and sincerely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

386ACT247z6igfigs-hyperboleαἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν1praising God and having favor with the whole people

Luke says the whole people as a generalization to emphasize how widely the people favored the believers. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They praised God and enjoyed wide favor with the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

387ACT247kc42figs-activepassiveτοὺς σῳζομένους1those who were being saved

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “those whom he was saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

388ACT247a196ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό1to the same

See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Alternate translation: “to their Christian fellowship”

389ACT3introhpd90

Acts 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The covenant God made with Abraham

This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews in fulfillment of the covenant that God made with Abraham.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“Servant”

Twice in this chapter Peter uses the word “Servant” as a title to mean “Messiah” (3:13, 3:26). He and other believers use the word in the same sense twice in chapter 4 as well (4:27, 4:30). The word takes on this meaning by allusion to the book of Isaiah, where Isaiah uses it to mean the person whom God has chosen for the special purpose of bringing salvation. In your translation, indicate in some way that “Servant” is a Messianic title. Jesus was not a servant of God in the more ordinary sense, in which the believers apply it to themselves in 4:29, for example. Jesus was fully the Son of God, sent to earth on a special mission. If you would not be able to make this clear by using the word “Servant,” you may wish to use the word “Messiah” instead.

“You killed” (3:15)

For the same reasons as when he was speaking on the day of Pentecost (2:23), Peter tells people in this chapter that they were guilty of killing Jesus. But he also tells them that they are the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus followers to invite them to repent (3:26). For further information and suggestions for how to make clear in your translation what Peter means, see the discussion of this phrase in the General Notes to chapter 2 and the notes to this phrase in 2:23 and 3:15. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Important textual issues in this chapter

“the Lord our God” (3:22)

In 3:22, some ancient manuscripts read “the Lord our God.” ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Lord your God,” and still other ancient manuscripts read simply “the Lord God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

390ACT31b5rmgrammar-connect-time-backgroundδὲ1Now

Luke uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. You can translate it with a word or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

391ACT31br7ifigs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1to the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “to the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

392ACT31a198τὴν ἐνάτην1the ninth hour

In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six oclock in the morning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this time in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “three oclock in the afternoon”

393ACT31a199translate-ordinalτὴν ἐνάτην1the ninth hour

If you decide to translate this in the way that the biblical culture reckoned time but your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here. Alternate translation: “hour nine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])

394ACT32f227figs-activepassiveκαί τις ἀνὴρ, χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ ὑπάρχων, ἐβαστάζετο, ὃν ἐτίθουν καθ’ ἡμέραν πρὸς τὴν θύραν τοῦ ἱεροῦ1And a certain man, being lame from the womb of his mother, was being carried, whom each day they placed at the gate of the temple

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use an active verbal form instead of the passive form was being carried. Alternate translation: “And there was a certain man who had been lame since birth whom people would carry to the temple every day and place at the gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

395ACT32u6nuwriting-backgroundκαί τις ἀνὴρ1And a certain man

In this verse, Luke provides background information about this man to help readers understand what happens next in the story. In your translation, present this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

396ACT32j68tfigs-metonymyἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ1from the womb of his mother

Luke is figuratively describing the time of the lame mans birth by association with the way he came from the womb of his mother when he was born. Alternate translation: “since birth” or “since he was born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

397ACT32a200figs-activepassiveτὴν λεγομένην1that is called

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that people call” or “whose name is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

398ACT32a201translate-namesὩραίαν1Beautiful

Beautiful is the name of one of the gates of the Jerusalem temple. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

399ACT32a202figs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερόν1into the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

400ACT33a203figs-explicitἠρώτα ἐλεημοσύνην λαβεῖν1asked to receive alms

The man specifically asked Peter and John to give him alms (that is, a charitable gift). Alternate translation: “asked to receive alms from them” or “asked them to give him alms” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

401ACT34xq4uἀτενίσας…Πέτρος εἰς αὐτὸν σὺν τῷ Ἰωάννῃ εἶπεν1Peter, looking intently at him with John, said

This means that both Peter and John looked at the man. It does not mean that Peter looked at the man and at John, and it does not mean that both Peter and John spoke to the man. Alternate translation: “Peter and John looked intently at him, and Peter said”

402ACT34e3c6figs-exclusiveβλέψον εἰς ἡμᾶς1Look at us

Peter is asking the man to look at him and John, not to look at himself as well, so use the exclusive form of us in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

403ACT36x6bmfigs-metonymyἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον1silver and gold

Peter is referring figuratively to money by association with the way that silver and gold were used for money at this time. Alternate translation: “money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

404ACT36zi9tfigs-explicitὃ δὲ ἔχω, τοῦτό σοι δίδωμι1but what I have, this I give to you

What happens next in the story shows that by what I have, Peter implicitly means the authority that Jesus has given him to heal. Alternate translation: “but Jesus has given me the authority to heal, and I will use it on your behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

405ACT36t2vffigs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου1In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene

Here the name of Jesus figuratively represents his authority. Alternate translation: “By the authority of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, I command you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

406ACT36a204translate-namesἸησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου1of Jesus Christ the Nazarene

The word Nazarene describes someone who comes from the city of Nazareth. See how you translated it in 2:23. Alternate translation: “of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

407ACT36a205figs-imperativeπεριπάτει1walk

This was not a command that the man was capable of obeying. Instead, it was a command that directly caused the man to be healed. Alternate translation: “I give you the ability to walk” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]])

408ACT37ec6jwriting-pronounsπιάσας αὐτὸν τῆς δεξιᾶς χειρὸς, ἤγειρεν αὐτόν; παραχρῆμα δὲ ἐστερεώθησαν αἱ βάσεις αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ σφυδρά1seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong

In this verse, the pronoun he refers to Peter, while the pronouns him and his refer to the lame man. You could indicate that specifically in at least some of the cases if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “seizing the man by the right hand, Peter raised him up, and immediately the mans feet and ankles were made strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

409ACT37a206figs-activepassiveἐστερεώθησαν αἱ βάσεις αὐτοῦ καὶ τὰ σφυδρά1his feet and ankles were made strong

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “his feet and ankles became strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

410ACT38a207grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

Luke is using the word translated And to indicate that the events in this verse happened as a result of the events in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

411ACT38abc1writing-pronounsἔστη καὶ περιεπάτει, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν σὺν αὐτοῖς1he stood and began to walk, and he entered with them

The pronoun he refers to the man who had been lame, and the pronoun them refers to Peter and John. You could indicate that specifically if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the man stood and began to walk, and the man entered with Peter and John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

412ACT38zp7xfigs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1into the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

413ACT39a208figs-hyperboleπᾶς ὁ λαὸς1all the people

The word all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the crowd that was in the courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

414ACT310zy7hἐπεγίνωσκον…αὐτὸν, ὅτι αὐτὸς ἦν ὁ…καθήμενος1they recognized him, that he was the one sitting

Alternate translation: “they realized that he was the man who had been sitting”

415ACT310p2zhtranslate-namesτῇ Ὡραίᾳ Πύλῃ1the Beautiful Gate

This was the name of one of the entrances to the temple area. See how you translated the similar expression in 3:2. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

416ACT310a209figs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως ἐπὶ τῷ συμβεβηκότι αὐτῷ1they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “what had happened to him filled them with wonder and amazement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

417ACT310j6zffigs-doubletἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως ἐπὶ τῷ συμβεβηκότι αὐτῷ1they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him

The words wonder and amazement mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. You can combine the words in your translation if that might be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “what had happened to him filled them with complete amazement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

418ACT310a210figs-metaphorἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως ἐπὶ τῷ συμβεβηκότι αὐτῷ1they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him

Luke is speaking figuratively as if the people were containers that these responses could fill. Alternate translation: “what had happened to him made them completely amazed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

419ACT310a211figs-abstractnounsἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως ἐπὶ τῷ συμβεβηκότι αὐτῷ1they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns wonder and amazement with verbs. Alternate translation: “they wondered and marveled greatly at what had happened to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

420ACT311a212figs-hyperboleπᾶς ὁ λαὸς1all the people

The word all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the crowd that was there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

421ACT311rk1mtranslate-namesτῇ στοᾷ τῇ καλουμένῃ Σολομῶντος1the porch that is called Solomons

This is the name of a covered walkway in the Jerusalem temple courtyard. It consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof. People had named this porch after King Solomon. Alternate translation: “Solomons Porch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

422ACT311rj43figs-activepassiveτῇ καλουμένῃ1that is called

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that people call” or “whose name is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

423ACT312ndi3figs-idiomἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται1Men, Israelites

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My fellow Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

424ACT312uyg1figs-rquestionτί θαυμάζετε ἐπὶ τούτῳ1why do you marvel at this?

Peter does not expect the crowd to tell him why they are marveling. He is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you should not marvel at this!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

425ACT312j6ldfigs-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 is using the question form for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation. 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]])

426ACT312g4y1figs-exclusiveἡμῖν…ἰδίᾳ1at us … our own

By us and our own, Peter means himself and John but not also the people in the crowd. So use the exclusive forms of us and our in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

427ACT312mwd9figs-hendiadysἰδίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ εὐσεβείᾳ1by our own power or godliness

Peter may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with or. The term godliness describes what the crowd may consider the source or nature of the power that he and John have. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “by our own godly power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

428ACT313q8q2translate-namesἈβραὰμ…Ἰσαὰκ…Ἰακώβ1Abraham … Isaac … Jacob

These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

429ACT313a213figs-metaphorτῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1our fathers

Peter is using the term fathers figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

430ACT313a214τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ, Ἰησοῦν1his Servant Jesus

See the discussion of the term Servant in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “Jesus his Messiah”

431ACT313a215παρεδώκατε1delivered up

Alternate translation: “handed over for trial”

432ACT313cp1jfigs-idiomκατὰ πρόσωπον Πειλάτου1before the face of Pilate

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

433ACT313a216translate-namesΠειλάτου1Pilate

Pilate is the name of a man. His full name was Pontius Pilate. He was the governor of Judea during the time of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

434ACT313yy96figs-nominaladjκρίναντος ἐκείνου ἀπολύειν1when that one had decided to release him

Peter is using the demonstrative adjective that as a noun to refer to a certain person, Pilate. (ULT adds one to indicate that.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could indicate specifically whom Peter means. Alternate translation: “when Pilate had decided to release him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

435ACT314a217grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1But

Peter uses this word to introduce a contrast between what Pilate wanted to do and what these people demanded he do instead. Alternate translation: “Even though Pilate wanted to release Jesus,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

436ACT314a218figs-nominaladjτὸν Ἅγιον καὶ Δίκαιον1the Holy and Righteous One

Peter is using both the adjective Holy and the adjective Righteous to indicate a certain person, Jesus. (ULT adds One to indicate that.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could indicate specifically whom Peter means. Alternate translation: “Jesus, who was holy and righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

437ACT314a219figs-doubletτὸν Ἅγιον καὶ Δίκαιον1the Holy and Righteous One

The terms Holy and Righteous mean similar things. Peter is using the two terms together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the Supremely Holy One” or “Jesus, who was supremely holy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

438ACT314a220figs-explicitτὸν Ἅγιον καὶ Δίκαιον1the Holy and Righteous One

This description of Jesus is an implicit assertion that he is the Messiah. Alternate translation: “Jesus, the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

439ACT314s6qjfigs-activepassiveᾐτήσασθε ἄνδρα, φονέα χαρισθῆναι ὑμῖν1for a man, a murderer, to be granted to you

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “asked Pilate to release to you a man who was a murderer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

440ACT315a221figs-synecdocheἀπεκτείνατε1you killed

It was the Romans who literally killed Jesus, but Peter says figuratively that the Jewish people in the crowd killed him because their demands led to his death. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:23. Alternate translation: “you demanded the death of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

441ACT315ljn8figs-explicitτὸν…Ἀρχηγὸν τῆς ζωῆς1the Originator of Life

Peter is using the expression the Originator of Life as another title for Jesus. This expression could be a reference to the way Jesus, as the Son of God, took part in the original creation of all life. It could also be a reference to the way Jesus gives spiritual life to all who believe in him. Or it could mean both things. In any event, Peter is drawing a contrast between the life-giving Jesus whom the people rejected and the life-taking murderer whom they asked Pilate to release. It may be best in your translation to bring out this contrast while leaving the specific meaning open. Alternate translation: “Jesus, who gives life rather than taking it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

442ACT315a222figs-nominaladjἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

Peter is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

443ACT315jwb1figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

Peter is speaking at least of himself and John, and perhaps also of the other apostles, but not of the people he is addressing. So use the exclusive form of we in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Other languages may have other ways of indicating that we is exclusive here. Alternate translation: “we and the other apostles whom Jesus chose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

444ACT315a223writing-pronounsἡμεῖς1we

If you conclude that Peter is referring only to himself and John, and if your language uses dual forms, use the dual form of the pronoun we here, since it would apply to two people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

445ACT316abc2figs-infostructureἐπὶ τῇ πίστει τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ, τοῦτον ὃν θεωρεῖτε καὶ οἴδατε, ἐστερέωσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1by faith in his name, this one whom you see and know, his name has made strong

Your language might naturally present the phrases in this sentence in a different order. Alternate translation: “this man whom you see and know had faith in his name, and his name has made him strong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

446ACT316qt8wwriting-pronounsτοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ…τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1in his name … his name

The pronoun his refers to Jesus in both of these instances. Alternate translation: “in the name of Jesus … that name” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

447ACT316a224figs-metonymyτοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ…τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1in his name … his name

Peter is using the name of Jesus figuratively to mean his authority or power. Alternate translation: “in the authority of Jesus … the authority of Jesus” or “in the power of Jesus … the power of Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

448ACT316abc3writing-pronounsἡ πίστις ἡ δι’ αὐτοῦ, ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ1the faith that is through him has given to him

The first instance of the pronoun him refers to Jesus, and the second instance refers to the man who had been lame. Alternate translation: “the faith that is through Jesus has given to this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

449ACT316a225figs-personificationἡ πίστις ἡ δι’ αὐτοῦ, ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ τὴν ὁλοκληρίαν ταύτην1the faith that is through him has given to him this complete health

Peter is speaking of faith figuratively as if it were a living thing that could have given complete health to the man. Alternate translation: “because this man had faith in Jesus, Jesus has given him this complete health” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

450ACT317v45tκαὶ νῦν1And now

Peter uses the expression And now to shift the peoples attention away from the lame man so that he can speak to them directly. In your translation, use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that would be natural for this same purpose.

451ACT317a226figs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

Peter addresses the people figuratively as his brothers because they are related to him as fellow descendants of the founders of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: “my kinsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

452ACT317a227figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί1brothers

Although the term brothers is masculine, Peter is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

453ACT317x62kfigs-explicitκατὰ ἄγνοιαν ἐπράξατε1you acted in ignorance

Peter likely means that the people acted in ignorance of the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you acted in ignorance of the fact that Jesus was the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

454ACT317a228figs-ellipsisὥσπερ καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ὑμῶν1as also your rulers

Peter is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “and that your rulers also acted in ignorance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

455ACT318gcc1figs-infostructureὁ δὲ Θεὸς ἃ προκατήγγειλεν διὰ στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν, παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν αὐτοῦ, ἐπλήρωσεν οὕτως1But what God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he has fulfilled thus

Your language might naturally put first in this sentence the information that God fulfilled prophecies when Christ suffered. Alternate translation: “But in this way God has fulfilled what he foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]])

456ACT318ms6dδιὰ στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν1through the mouth of all the prophets

Since Peter is speaking of a group of people, the prophets, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “through the mouths of all the prophets”

457ACT318z3l7figs-metonymyδιὰ στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν1through the mouth of all the prophets

Peter is figuratively using the mouth of the prophets to represent what they said by using their mouths. Alternate translation: “through what all the prophets said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

458ACT318a229figs-hyperboleπάντων τῶν προφητῶν1of all the prophets

Peter is using the word all as a generalization. It is true that the overall witness of Old Testament prophecy is that the Messiah would come first in humility and suffering, but not every prophet spoke specifically of the sufferings of Christ. Alternate translation: “of many prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

459ACT319cw18figs-metaphorἐπιστρέψατε1turn back

Peter is speaking of his listeners figuratively as if they were traveling somewhere and had taken the wrong way and needed to turn back onto the right way. Alternate translation: “start obeying the Lord again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

460ACT319zm6yfigs-activepassiveπρὸς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι ὑμῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας1for your sins to be wiped away

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God will wipe away your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

461ACT319a230figs-metaphorπρὸς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι ὑμῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας1for your sins to be wiped away

Peter is speaking of sins as if they would be physically wiped away when God forgave them. Alternate translation: “so that God will forgive your sins” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

462ACT320a231figs-personificationὅπως ἂν ἔλθωσιν καιροὶ ἀναψύξεως ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου1so that times of refreshment may come from the face of the Lord

Peter is speaking of these times figuratively as if they could actively come to his listeners on their own. Alternate translation: “so that the Lord may send you times of refreshing from his face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

463ACT320x3cafigs-abstractnounsκαιροὶ ἀναψύξεως1times of refreshment

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun refreshment with an adjective such as “refreshing” or “restful.” Alternate translation: “refreshing times” or “restful times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

464ACT320f2wmfigs-metaphorἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου1from the face of the Lord

Peter is using the term face figuratively to represent the presence of the Lord. Alternate translation: “from the presence of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

465ACT320h3nkfigs-explicitἀποστείλῃ1he may send

Peter is referring implicitly to Christs coming again. Alternate translation: “he may again send” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

466ACT320yzr6figs-activepassiveτὸν προκεχειρισμένον ὑμῖν1the one appointed for you

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the one whom he has appointed for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

467ACT321vgn8figs-personificationὃν δεῖ οὐρανὸν μὲν δέξασθαι1whom it is necessary for heaven to receive

Peter is speaking figuratively of heaven as if it were a person who has welcomed Jesus into his home. Alternate translation: “who must remain in heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

468ACT321x2f3figs-abstractnounsἄχρι χρόνων ἀποκαταστάσεως πάντων1the times of the restoration of all things

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun restoration with a verb such as “restore.” Alternate translation: “until the times when God will restore all things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

469ACT321a2m8figs-idiomἀπ’ αἰῶνος1from the age

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “long ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

470ACT321a12ifigs-metonymyδιὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων…αὐτοῦ προφητῶν1through the mouth of his holy prophets

Peter is figuratively using the mouth of the prophets to represent what they said by using their mouths. Alternate translation: “through what his holy prophets said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

471ACT322a232figs-quotesinquotesΜωϋσῆς μὲν εἶπεν, ὅτι προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει Κύριος, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐμέ αὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε κατὰ πάντα, ὅσα ἂν λαλήσῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς1Moses indeed said, The Lord our God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You will listen to him according to everything—whatever he may speak to you

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses indeed said that the Lord our God would raise up a prophet like himself for us Israelites from among our brothers. Moses said that we were to listen to him according to everything—whatever he might speak to us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

472ACT322a233translate-namesΜωϋσῆς1Moses

Moses is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

473ACT322a249translate-textvariantsΚύριος, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν1The Lord our God

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to use this reading or one of two other possible readings, “The Lord your God” or “The Lord God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

474ACT322a250figs-exclusiveΚύριος, ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν1The Lord our God

Moses is speaking of himself and his fellow Israelites, whom he is addressing, so use the inclusive form of the word our in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

475ACT322v5nffigs-idiomὑμῖν ἀναστήσει1will raise up for you

Here the expression raise up does not mean “bring back to life,” as it did in 2:24 and 2:32. In this context, it refers instead to God giving someone the mission to go as a prophet to certain people with a message for them. Alternate translation: “will send to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

476ACT322t8difigs-metaphorτῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν1your brothers

Moses is using the term brothers to mean people who are fellow descendants with his listeners of the founders of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: “your kinsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

477ACT322a234figs-declarativeαὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε κατὰ πάντα1You will listen to him according to everything

Moses is using a future statement to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must listen to everything he tells you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])

478ACT322a235figs-idiomαὐτοῦ ἀκούσεσθε κατὰ πάντα1You will listen to him according to everything

Here, listen is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “You must obey every command that he gives you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

479ACT323a236figs-quotesinquotesἔσται δὲ πᾶσα ψυχὴ, ἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου, ἐξολεθρευθήσεται ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ1But it will be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Moses also said that every soul that did not listen to that prophet would be destroyed from the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

480ACT323t8a5figs-activepassiveπᾶσα ψυχὴ, ἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου, ἐξολεθρευθήσεται ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ1every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “God will destroy from the people every soul that does not listen to that prophet” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

481ACT323a237figs-declarativeπᾶσα ψυχὴ, ἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου, ἐξολεθρευθήσεται ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ1every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people

Moses could be using a future statement to give a command, in which case he would be telling the people to take this action. Alternate translation: “you must destroy from the people every soul that does not listen to that prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])

482ACT323a238figs-synecdocheπᾶσα ψυχὴ, ἥτις1every soul that

Moses is using one part of a person, the soul, to mean the entire person. Alternate translation: “every person who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

483ACT323a239figs-idiomἥτις ἐὰν μὴ ἀκούσῃ τοῦ προφήτου ἐκείνου1does not listen to that prophet

Here, listen is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “does not obey that prophet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

484ACT324u6x3figs-hyperboleπάντες…οἱ προφῆται1all the prophets

Here the phrase all the prophets is probably not the same kind of generalization that it seems to be in 3:18. It is true in a more literal sense that all the prophets announced these days. There was something in the messages of each one of them that pointed to the culmination of Gods work in the coming of Jesus. So even if your language does not use generalizations for emphasis, you can translate these words just as Peter says them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

485ACT324xp9hἀπὸ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν καθεξῆς1from Samuel and those after him

Alternate translation: “beginning with Samuel and continuing with those who lived after he did”

486ACT324a240translate-namesΣαμουὴλ1Samuel

Samuel is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

487ACT324m9prfigs-idiomτὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας1these days

Peter is using the word days idiomatically to mean a specific time. Alternate translation: “this time” or “these times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

488ACT324a241figs-explicitτὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας1these days

Peter is referring to a specific time to mean implicitly what is happening at that time. Alternate translation: “the things that are happening now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

489ACT325rh2nfigs-metonymyὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ υἱοὶ τῶν προφητῶν1You are the sons of the prophets

Peter is using the word sons figuratively in the sense of “heirs,” by association with the way that children inherit from their parents. He means that the Israelites living at this time are going to receive something as a legacy from those who lived before them. Alternate translation: “You are the ones who are going to receive what the prophets promised” or “You are the ones who are going to experience what the prophets foretold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

490ACT325a242figs-gendernotationsοἱ υἱοὶ1the sons

Although the term sons is masculine, Peter is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “the sons and daughters” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

491ACT325a243figs-metonymyκαὶ τῆς διαθήκης ἧς διέθετο ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν1and of the covenant that God made with your fathers

The figurative sense of sons as “heirs” continues in this phrase. Alternate translation: “and who are going to receive what God promised to your fathers when he made a covenant with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

492ACT325a244figs-quotesinquotesπρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν, λέγων πρὸς Ἀβραάμ, καὶ ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου ἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς1with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “with your fathers when he said to Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

493ACT325a245figs-metaphorτοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν1your fathers

Here, fathers figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “your ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

494ACT325mad5figs-metaphorἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου1in your seed

The term seed figuratively means “offspring.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “through your descendants” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

495ACT325a246figs-explicitἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου1in your seed

As the apostle Paul notes in Galatians 3:16, God used the singular form of the word seed when he said this to Abraham, and so the ultimate fulfillment of this promise came when God sent Jesus as the Savior for everyone in the world who would believe in him. That may also be what Peter has in view here, since he refers in the next verse to Gods “Servant,” meaning the Messiah. Alternate translation: “through the Messiah, who will be your descendant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

496ACT325a247figs-activepassiveἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς1will all the families of the earth be blessed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will bless all the families of the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

497ACT325g31mfigs-metonymyπᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς1all the families of the earth

Here, families refers figuratively to people groups or nations by association with the way that many of them consist of people who have a common ancestry. Alternate translation: “all the nations of the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

498ACT326b7tzfigs-idiomἀναστήσας ὁ Θεὸς τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ, ἀπέστειλεν αὐτὸν1God, having raised up his Servant, sent him

The expression raised up has the same meaning here as in 3:22. See how you translated it there. Alternate translation: “When God appointed Jesus as the Messiah, he sent him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

499ACT326z5q6τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ1his Servant

See the discussion of the term Servant in the General Notes to this chapter, and see how you translated that term in 3:13. Alternate translation: “his Messiah”

500ACT326x8ssfigs-metaphorτῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν1by turning each of you from your wickedness

Here, turning someone from something figuratively means leading that person to stop doing that thing. See how you translated the similar expression in 3:19. Alternate translation: “by leading every one of you to repent of your wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

501ACT326a248figs-abstractnounsτῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν1by turning each of you from your wickedness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun wickedness with an adjective such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “by leading every one of you to stop doing wicked things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

502ACT4intropv3a0

Acts 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines 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 4:2526.

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 could do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

The “head of the corner” or cornerstone (4:11)

The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building out of stone. Peter refers to it as the “head of the corner” in 4:11. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything else 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 in 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

“no other name” (4:12)

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). As a note to this verse explains, in this expression the term “name” figuratively represents a person. So with these words, Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or who will ever be on earth can save people. This statement might cause some controversy in some places today, but it is an essential part of the Christian message, and it should be translated so that its meaning is clear.

503ACT41abc4writing-pronounsλαλούντων…αὐτῶν1as they were speaking

The pronoun they refers to Peter and John. Alternate translation: “as Peter and John were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

504ACT41ew3lfigs-explicitὁ στρατηγὸς τοῦ ἱεροῦ1the captain of the temple

The temple had its own guards, and this man was their commanding officer. Alternate translation: “the commander of the temple guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

505ACT41a253translate-namesοἱ Σαδδουκαῖοι1the Sadducees

Sadducees is the name of a group of Jewish priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

506ACT41m74sfigs-explicitοἱ Σαδδουκαῖοι1the Sadducees

The Sadducees would have been particularly upset that Peter and John were saying that God raised Jesus from the dead, because they did not believe in the resurrection. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain that explicitly here. Alternate translation: “the Sadducees, who do not believe in the resurrection,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

507ACT41d3tvfigs-synecdocheοἱ Σαδδουκαῖοι1the Sadducees

Luke is using the name of the whole group to mean some of its members. Alternate translation: “some of the Sadducees” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

508ACT42abc5writing-pronounsδιαπονούμενοι διὰ τὸ διδάσκειν αὐτοὺς1greatly troubled because they were teaching

The pronoun they refers to Peter and John. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These men were greatly troubled because Peter and John were teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

509ACT42mg5lfigs-abstractnounsκαταγγέλλειν ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ τὴν ἀνάστασιν, τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν1proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection that is from the dead

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun resurrection with an equivalent phrase. Peter and John were saying that God would raise people from the dead in the same way that he had raised Jesus. Translate this in a way that allows the resurrection to refer to both Jesus resurrection and the general resurrection of other people. Alternate translation: “proclaiming that God makes people alive again who have died, just as God had done for Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

510ACT42np5gfigs-nominaladjτὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

Peter is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

511ACT43a254grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

Luke is using the word translated And to introduce what the men who came up to Peter and John did because they were so troubled by their teaching. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

512ACT43a255writing-pronounsἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας1they laid hands on them

The pronoun they refers to the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees. The pronoun them refers to Peter and John. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees laid hands on Peter and John” or “the men who had come up to Peter and John laid hands on them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

513ACT43zla7figs-metonymyἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας1they laid hands on them

The expression laid hands on figuratively means to arrest someone, by association with the way that arresting officers might physically take hold of a person with their hands. Alternate translation: “they arrested them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

514ACT43a256figs-abstractnounsἔθεντο εἰς τήρησιν1put them in custody

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun custody with a verb such as “imprison.” Alternate translation: “they imprisoned them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

515ACT43h5f9figs-explicitἦν γὰρ ἑσπέρα ἤδη1since it was already evening

The implication is that the ruling council, which Luke describes in 4:56, would not meet to question anyone at night. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “since it was already evening and the council would not meet to question them at night” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

516ACT44a257writing-endofstoryδὲ1But

Luke uses the word But to introduce information about what happened after this much of the story as a result of the events within the story itself. This is not the end of the whole story, but it is the end of a significant part of it. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a significant part of a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

517ACT44a258figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

Luke is using the term word figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that Peter and John shared by using words. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

518ACT44bm1ffigs-gendernotationsἀριθμὸς τῶν ἀνδρῶν1the number of the men

Luke is not using the word men in a generic sense here. The figure of 5,000 is the number of the men alone. It does not include women and children. So it would not be accurate to translate men as “people.” Instead, if it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this distinction explicitly. Alternate translation: “the number of the men alone, not counting the women and children,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

519ACT44qd8gfigs-explicitἐγενήθη…ὡς χιλιάδες πέντε1became about 5,000

The word translated became could mean: (1) the community of believers in Jesus grew to a total of 5,000 as a result of the professions of faith on this day. Alternate translation: “in the community of believers grew to about 5,000” (2) “was,” and that would indicate that 5,000 men made professions of faith on this day. Alternate translation: “who put their faith in Jesus that day was about 5,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

520ACT45lw2dwriting-neweventἐγένετο δὲ1And it happened that

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a significant development in this story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

521ACT45cdj1figs-explicitσυναχθῆναι αὐτῶν τοὺς ἄρχοντας, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς1their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together

Luke is implicitly describing the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, which consisted of these three groups of people. Luke describes this council explicitly as “the Sanhedrin” in 4:15. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify it by name here. Alternate translation: “the Sanhedrin, consisting of their rulers and elders and scribes, was gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

522ACT45j6p8writing-pronounsαὐτῶν τοὺς ἄρχοντας, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς1their rulers and elders and scribes

The pronoun their refers to the Jewish people. Alternate translation: “the rulers and elders and scribes of the Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

523ACT45i9tjfigs-activepassiveσυναχθῆναι1were gathered together

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

524ACT46a259figs-explicitἍννας ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς, καὶ Καϊάφας1Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas

Luke describes Annas as the high priest, but the actual situation was complicated. At this time the Romans were appointing the high priests for Judea. One Roman official had appointed Annas some years earlier, but ten years after that, another official deposed him and named his son-in-law Caiaphas high priest instead. However, the Jews still recognized Annas claim to the position. If you decide to clarify this for your readers, it would probably be best to state the matter as simply as possible. Alternate translation: “Annas, whom the Jews recognized as the high priest, and Caiaphas, whom a Roman official had appointed as the high priest” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

525ACT46l44ntranslate-namesἍννας…Καϊάφας…Ἰωάννης…Ἀλέξανδρος1Annas … Caiaphas … John … Alexander

These are the names of four men. The John mentioned here was a member of the high priests family. This is not the same John as the apostle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

526ACT46a260ὅσοι ἦσαν ἐκ γένους ἀρχιερατικοῦ1as many as were from the high priestly family

Alternate translation: “all the other members of the high priestly family who were members of the council”

527ACT47abc6writing-pronounsστήσαντες αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ μέσῳ, ἐπυνθάνοντο1having set them in their midst, they asked them

The pronoun them refers to Peter and John, and the pronouns their and they refer to the council members. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “when the council members had set Peter and John in their midst, the members asked them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

528ACT47t1eqfigs-doubletἐν ποίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ ἐν ποίῳ ὀνόματι ἐποιήσατε τοῦτο ὑμεῖς?1By what power or in what name have you done this?

The words power and name (meaning authority; see next note) mean similar things. The council members may be using them together to ask a comprehensive or emphatic question. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these terms in your translation. Alternate translation: “By whatever means were you able to do this?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

529ACT47jc21figs-metonymyἐν ποίῳ ὀνόματι1in what name

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

530ACT47a261figs-youdualὑμεῖς1you

Since the council members are speaking to two men, you would be dual if your language uses that form. (All other pronouns in this account that refer to Peter and John would also be dual, such as them in its two instances in this verse.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])

531ACT48su5xfigs-activepassiveΠέτρος πλησθεὶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, εἶπεν1Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. See how you translated the comparable expression in 2:4. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit filled Peter and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

532ACT48a262figs-metaphorΠέτρος πλησθεὶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, εἶπεν1Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said

Luke is speaking figuratively of Peter as if he were a container that the Holy Spirit filled. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit inspired Peter and he said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

533ACT48a263figs-merismἄρχοντες τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ πρεσβύτεροι1Rulers of the people and elders

Peter is addressing the entire council by referring to its two components. Some of the members had ruling responsibilities. Others, the elders, were added to the council to bring its total membership up to 70, since according to Exodus 24:1, that was the number of elders who accompanied Moses when God confirmed the covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “You members of the Sanhedrin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

534ACT48a264figs-explicitτοῦ λαοῦ1of the people

Here, the people means specifically the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “of the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

535ACT49pq85figs-ironyεἰ ἡμεῖς σήμερον ἀνακρινόμεθα ἐπὶ εὐεργεσίᾳ ἀνθρώπου ἀσθενοῦς, ἐν τίνι οὗτος σέσωσται1if we are being questioned today concerning a good deed to a sick man, by what means he was made well

Peter is not suggesting seriously that the subject of the questioning is uncertain. He knows the subject, but he is suggesting ironically that it is uncertain so that he can describe it from his own perspective. The council asked by what power or authority he and John did “this,” implying that “this” was something bad, a public disturbance that troubled the authorities. In response, Peter asserts that “this” was instead something good, a good deed to a sick man. If it would be helpful to your readers, in your translation you could indicate the meaning that Peter is communicating through this irony. Alternate translation: “what we actually did was a good deed for a sick man, and if you want to know by what means he was made well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

536ACT49je6dfigs-activepassiveἡμεῖς…ἀνακρινόμεθα1we are being questioned

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you are questioning us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

537ACT49b92nfigs-activepassiveοὗτος σέσωσται1he was made well

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “he became healthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

538ACT410snd5figs-activepassiveγνωστὸν ἔστω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν καὶ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραὴλ1let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel

The word translated known is an adjective, so this is not a passive verbal form. However, if your language does not use passive forms, it might be clearer for your readers to use an expression that does not seem to be a passive verbal form. Alternate translation: “then we want you and all the people of Israel to know” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

539ACT410j3pxwriting-pronounsπᾶσιν ὑμῖν1to you all

The pronoun you refers to the council members. Alternate translation: “to all of you council members” or “to all of you who are questioning us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

540ACT410khn7figs-metonymyἐν τῷ ὀνόματι1in the name

Here, name refers figuratively to power and authority. Alternate translation: “through the power” or “by the authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

541ACT410a265translate-namesἸησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου1of Jesus Christ the Nazarene

See how you translated this in 2:22 and 3:6. Alternate translation: “of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

542ACT410a266figs-synecdocheὃν ὑμεῖς ἐσταυρώσατε1whom you crucified

It was the Romans who literally crucified Jesus, but Peter says figuratively that these Jewish leaders crucified him because their demands led to his death. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:23. Alternate translation: “whom you demanded to be crucified” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

543ACT410jyj6figs-idiomὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν1whom God raised from the dead

As in 2:24, the idiom raised up means that God made Jesus alive again after he died. Alternate translation: “whom God made alive again after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

544ACT410a267figs-nominaladjἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

Peter is using the adjective dead as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “from among those who have died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

545ACT411nwg6writing-pronounsοὗτός1He

The pronoun He refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

546ACT411w195figs-metaphorὁ λίθος ὁ ἐξουθενηθεὶς ὑφ’ ὑμῶν, τῶν οἰκοδόμων, ὁ γενόμενος εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας1the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has been made into the head of the corner

Peter is quoting from Psalm 118:22, and the quotation contains a metaphor. This psalm is figuratively describing the Messiah as if he were a stone that builders chose not to use. This means that people will reject him. When the psalm says that this stone became the cornerstone, this means figuratively that God will nevertheless make the Messiah the ruler of these people. However, since this is a quotation from Scripture, we recommend that you translate the words directly rather than providing a non-figurative explanation of them, even if your language does not customarily use such figures of speech. If you want to explain the meaning of the metaphor, we recommend that you do that in a footnote rather than in the Bible text. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

547ACT411c1bhfigs-activepassiveὁ ἐξουθενηθεὶς ὑφ’ ὑμῶν, τῶν οἰκοδόμων1that was rejected by you, the builders

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that you, the builders, rejected” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

548ACT411f1nxfigs-idiomκεφαλὴν γωνίας1the head of the corner

The phrase the head of the corner is an idiom that refers to a large stone with straight edges that builders would place down first and use as a reference to make sure that the walls of a stone building were straight and that the building was oriented in the right direction. Your language may have its own term for such a stone. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the cornerstone” or “the reference stone for the whole building” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

549ACT412a268figs-doublenegativesοὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενὶ ἡ σωτηρία1there is no salvation in anyone else

In Greek this is a double negative for emphasis, “there is no salvation in no one else.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. You could also state the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “he is the only one in whom there is salvation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

550ACT412tq3zfigs-abstractnounsοὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενὶ ἡ σωτηρία1there is no salvation in anyone else

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun salvation with a verb such as “save.” Alternate translation: “he is the only one who is able to save” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

551ACT412l66wfigs-activepassiveοὐδὲ…ὄνομά ἐστιν ἕτερον ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν τὸ δεδομένον1there is no other name under heaven given

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “God has not given any other name under heaven” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

552ACT412iz7kfigs-metonymyοὐδὲ…ὄνομά ἐστιν ἕτερον…ἐν ᾧ δεῖ σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς1there is no other name … by which we must be saved

Here, name figuratively represents a person, by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “there is no other person … by whom we must be saved” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

553ACT412jm25figs-idiomὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν1under heaven

This is an idiom. See how you translated it in 2:5. Alternate translation: “on earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

554ACT412a269figs-gendernotationsἐν ἀνθρώποις1among men

Peter is using the term men in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “among people” or “to people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

555ACT412gg8hfigs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ δεῖ σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς1by which we must be saved

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that can save us” or, if you translate “name” as “person,” “who can save us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

556ACT412tdw8figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1we

Peter is using the word we to refer to himself and his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

557ACT413r6d6figs-idiomθεωροῦντες1seeing

Luke is using the word seeing idiomatically to mean that the council members noticed this and found it significant. Alternate translation: “taking note of” or “impressed with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

558ACT413t6kcfigs-abstractnounsτὴν 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. It 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-abstractnouns]])

559ACT413qaa5figs-explicitκαταλαβόμενοι1realizing

The implication is that the Jewish leaders realized this because of the way Peter and John spoke. Alternate translation: “realizing from the way they spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

560ACT413xn39writing-pronounsἐθαύμαζον; ἐπεγίνωσκόν τε αὐτοὺς, ὅτι σὺν τῷ Ἰησοῦ ἦσαν1they marveled, and they recognized them, that they had been with Jesus

Here the pronoun they refers in its first two instances to the council members, and in its third instance it refers to Peter and John, as does the pronoun them. It may be helpful to your readers to clarify this and to state the meaning here more concisely. Alternate translation: “the council members marveled, and they recognized that Peter and John had been with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

561ACT413erv7figs-doubletἄνθρωποι ἀγράμματοί εἰσιν καὶ ἰδιῶται1they were uneducated and ordinary men

The words uneducated and ordinary mean similar things. Both words indicate that Peter and John had no formal education. Luke uses them together for emphasis, to express from the council members perspective how amazed they were. Alternate translation: “they had no formal education at all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

562ACT414h3cyfigs-activepassiveτόν…ἄνθρωπον…τὸν τεθεραπευμένον1the man who had been healed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the man whom Peter and John had healed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

563ACT414a270writing-pronounsσὺν αὐτοῖς ἑστῶτα, τὸν τεθεραπευμένον, οὐδὲν εἶχον1standing with them, they had nothing

The pronoun them refers to Peter and John, and the pronoun they refers to the council members. It may be helpful to your readers to clarify this. Alternate translation: “standing with Peter and John, the council members had nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

564ACT414fq4wfigs-explicitοὐδὲν εἶχον ἀντειπεῖν1they had nothing to say in opposition

The implication is that anything the council members said in opposition would have been in an attempt to discredit the claim that the man had been healed in the name of Jesus. But there was nothing they could say, since the evidence that the claim was true was right in front of them in the person of the formerly lame man standing on his own. Alternate translation: “they had nothing to say to discredit the account” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

565ACT415ql31writing-pronounsκελεύσαντες…αὐτοὺς ἔξω τοῦ Συνεδρίου ἀπελθεῖν, συνέβαλλον πρὸς ἀλλήλους1having commanded them to go outside the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves

The pronoun them refers at least to Peter and John, and probably also to the man who was healed, while the pronoun they refers to the council members. It may be helpful to your readers to clarify this. Alternate translation: “having commanded Peter and John and the man who was healed to go outside the Sanhedrin, the council members conferred among themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

566ACT415a271translate-namesτοῦ Συνεδρίου1the Sanhedrin

Sanhedrin is the name of the Jewish ruling council. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

567ACT415a272figs-metonymyτοῦ Συνεδρίου1the Sanhedrin

Luke is figuratively using the name of the Jewish ruling council to mean the meeting place of that council. Alternate translation: “the place where the Sanhedrin met” or “the council chamber” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

568ACT416p4g6figs-rquestionτί ποιήσωμεν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τούτοις?1What should we do to these men?

This could mean: (1) the Jewish leaders were using the question form to express their frustration because they realize that they cannot punish Peter and John. As 4:21 indicates explicitly, and as the leaders suggest here, they are afraid of how the people might respond if they do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It is very difficult to know what we should do to these men!” (2) the leaders were asking one another a genuine question, because ultimately they do decide to do something to Peter and John. They warn them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, with an implied threat of punishment if they do. In that case it would be accurate to translate this as a question. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

569ACT416jn12figs-hyperboleπᾶσιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλὴμ1everyone who lives in Jerusalem

This is a generalization that the leaders are making to emphasize how widely the news of the healing has spread. Alternate translation: “people who live throughout Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

570ACT416nh5sγνωστὸν σημεῖον1a notable sign

Here the word sign has the same sense that it has in the phrase “wonders and signs” in 2:22 and 2:43. It means a miracle. Alternate translation: “a remarkable miracle”

571ACT417a273figs-activepassiveἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον διανεμηθῇ1so that it may not be spread

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that it does not spread” or “so that they will not spread it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

572ACT417f71lfigs-explicitἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον διανεμηθῇ1so that it may not be spread

By it, the council members do not mean the news of the mans healing, since they have already said that everyone in Jerusalem knows about it. They mean the teaching that Jesus is Messiah, since they then try to prevent this from spreading by not allowing the apostles to speak to anyone about Jesus. Alternate translation: “so that this teaching about Jesus does not spread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

573ACT417a274ἐπὶ πλεῖον1unto more

Alternate translation: “any further”

574ACT417w52jfigs-metonymyλαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ1to speak in this name

Here, name figuratively represents a person, by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “to speak about this person Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

575ACT417a275figs-doublenegativesμηκέτι λαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ μηδενὶ ἀνθρώπων1no longer to speak in this name to any of men

In Greek this is a double negative for emphasis, “no longer to speak in this name to none of men.” The second negative does not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. If for emphasis your language uses double negatives that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. You could also state the meaning positively. Alternate translation: “to stop speaking in this name to any of men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

576ACT417a276figs-gendernotationsμηδενὶ ἀνθρώπων1to any of men

Here, men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “to any person” or “to anyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

577ACT418a277grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1So

Luke uses the word translated And to introduce what the council members did as a result of their discussion. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

578ACT418a278writing-pronounsκαλέσαντες αὐτοὺς, παρήγγειλαν1summoning them, they commanded them

The pronoun them refers in both instances to Peter and John, and the pronoun they refers to the council members. It may be helpful to your readers to clarify this. Alternate translation: “summoning Peter and John, the council members commanded them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

579ACT418a279figs-doubletμὴ φθέγγεσθαι μηδὲ διδάσκειν1neither to speak nor to teach

The words speak and teach mean similar things. The council members may be using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “not to say anything publicly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

580ACT418a280figs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1in the name of Jesus

Here, name figuratively represents a person, by association with the way that each person has a name. Alternate translation: “about this person Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

581ACT419a281figs-hendiadysὁ…Πέτρος καὶ Ἰωάννης ἀποκριθέντες εἶπον1answering, Peter and John said

Together the words answering and said mean that Peter and John responded to the council. Alternate translation: “Peter and John responded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

582ACT419a282figs-explicitὁ…Πέτρος καὶ Ἰωάννης ἀποκριθέντες εἶπον1answering, Peter and John said

This could mean: (1) Peter and John each said different parts of the quotation in 4:1920. (2) Peter spoke these words on behalf of both of them, since the Holy Spirit had inspired him to speak to the council in 4:812. Alternate translation: “Peter responded on their behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

583ACT419jf1dfigs-metonymyεἰ δίκαιόν ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1Whether it is right before God

Here the phrase before God refers to Gods opinion, by association with the way that God would assess anything that came to his attention in front of him. Alternate translation: “Whether God thinks it is right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

584ACT419a283figs-idiomὑμῶν ἀκούειν μᾶλλον ἢ τοῦ Θεοῦ1to listen to you rather than to God

Here, listen is an idiom that means “obey.” Alternate translation: “to obey you rather than God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

585ACT420a284grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

Peter and John are using the word For to introduce the reason why the council needs to judge whether it would be right for them to obey the council rather than God. Alternate translation: “The reason why you must judge whom we should obey is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

586ACT420hf3ufigs-exclusiveἡμεῖς…εἴδαμεν καὶ ἠκούσαμεν1we … we have seen and heard

Peter and John are using the word we to refer to themselves but not to their listeners, so use the exclusive form of the word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

587ACT420a285figs-doublenegativesοὐ δυνάμεθα…ἡμεῖς…μὴ λαλεῖν1we are not able not to speak

You could state the meaning of this double negative positively. Alternate translation: “we must speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

588ACT421y5y1writing-pronounsοἱ δὲ προσαπειλησάμενοι ἀπέλυσαν αὐτούς1having warned them further, they released them

The pronoun them refers in both instances to Peter and John, and the pronoun they refers to the council members. It may be helpful to your readers to clarify this. Alternate translation: “having warned Peter and John further, the council members released them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

589ACT421z2bxfigs-explicitδιὰ τὸν λαόν1on account of the people

The implication is that the Jewish leaders were afraid that the people would riot if they punished Peter and John. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They were afraid that if they did punish Peter and John, the people would riot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

590ACT421jbl6figs-hyperboleπάντες ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεὸν1they were all glorifying God

Here, all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “large numbers of them were glorifying God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

591ACT422gy8dwriting-backgroundἐτῶν γὰρ ἦν πλειόνων τεσσεράκοντα ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ἐφ’ ὃν γεγόνει τὸ σημεῖον τοῦτο τῆς ἰάσεως1For the man to whom this sign of healing had happened was more than 40 years old

In this verse, Luke provides background information about the age of the man who was healed to help readers understand why the people considered his healing such a remarkable miracle. In your translation, present this background information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

592ACT422a286grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

Luke is using the word For to introduce the reason why the people were glorifying God. Alternate translation: “The people were glorifying God because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

593ACT422ju4wfigs-personificationὁ ἄνθρωπος, ἐφ’ ὃν γεγόνει τὸ σημεῖον τοῦτο τῆς ἰάσεως1the man to whom this sign of healing had happened

Luke is speaking figuratively as if the healing had happened on its own. Alternate translation: “the man whom Peter and John had miraculously healed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

594ACT422a287figs-possessionτὸ σημεῖον τοῦτο τῆς ἰάσεως1this sign of healing

Luke is using the possessive form to describe a sign that consisted of a healing. The word sign has the same sense here that it has in the phrase “wonders and signs” in 2:22 and 2:43. It means a miracle. Alternate translation: “this miraculous healing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]])

595ACT423a288figs-activepassiveἀπολυθέντες1having been released

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “after the council members had released Peter and John” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

596ACT423a289figs-goἦλθον πρὸς τοὺς ἰδίους1they came to their own people

In a context such as this, your language might say “went” instead of came. Alternate translation: “they went to their own people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

597ACT423j2cxfigs-explicitτοὺς ἰδίους1their own people

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

598ACT423a290figs-merismοἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι1the chief priests and the elders

As Peter does in 4:8, here Luke is referring to the entire council by naming its two components. Alternate translation: “the members of the Sanhedrin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

599ACT424j3apwriting-pronounsοἱ…ἀκούσαντες…ἦραν1having heard, they raised

The phrase having heard refers to the other believers, but the pronoun they seems to include Peter and John as well, since those who pray ask for boldness to keep speaking the message about Jesus (4:29). It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “when the other believers heard this report, together with Peter and John they raised” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

600ACT424a291ἦραν φωνὴν1they raised their voice

Since Luke is referring to a group of people, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of voice. Alternate translation: “they raised their voices”

601ACT424zu28figs-idiomἦραν φωνὴν1they raised their voice

The expression they raised their voice is an idiom that means they spoke loudly. Alternate translation: “they prayed loudly” or “they prayed out loud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

602ACT424a292ὁμοθυμαδὸν1unanimously

The word unanimously indicates that the apostles and other believers shared a common commitment and purpose and that there was no strife among them. See how you translated the same expression in 1:14. Alternate translation: “with one accord” or “harmoniously”

603ACT424a293figs-youformalσὺ1you

The word you is singular, and it refers to God. The same is true of the words “you” and “your” in 4:2530. You may have decided to use a formal form of “you” in your translation in such cases. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youformal]])

604ACT424a160figs-merismποιήσας τὸν οὐρανὸν, καὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τὴν θάλασσαν, καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς1who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them

The believers are referring to all of creation by naming its components. Alternate translation: “who created everything that exists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

605ACT424a294τὸν οὐρανὸν1the heaven

The believers are using the word translated heaven in one of its specific senses to mean the sky. Alternate translation: “the sky”

606ACT425ka83figs-metonymyὁ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου εἰπών1the one who said by the Holy Spirit from the mouth of our father David, your servant

The word mouth refers figuratively to what David said by using his mouth. Alternate translation: “the one whose Holy Spirit inspired our father David, your servant, to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

607ACT425vc5zfigs-quotesinquotesτοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου εἰπών, ἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά?1who said by the Holy Spirit from the mouth of our father David, your servant, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine useless things?

As the believers pray together, they quote from one of the psalms that David composed, Psalm 2:12. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “whose Holy Spirit inspired our father David, your servant, to ask why the Gentiles raged and why the peoples imagined useless things.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

608ACT425a295figs-exclusiveἡμῶν1our

The believers are using the word our to refer to themselves but not to God, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

609ACT425kat6figs-metaphorτοῦ πατρὸς1father

Here, father figuratively means “ancestor.” Alternate translation: “ancestor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

610ACT425a296παιδός1servant

The believers are using the word servant here in its ordinary sense, not as a title for the Messiah, so it would not be appropriate to translate it as “Messiah,” as you may have done when it was a title in 3:13 and 3:26.

611ACT425a297figs-ellipsisἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά1Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine useless things

Here some words have been left out that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence. Alternate translation: “Why did the Gentiles rage, and why did the peoples imagine useless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

612ACT425a298figs-parallelismἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά1Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine useless things

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea with different words. Hebrew poetry was based on this kind of repetition, and it would be good to show this to your readers by including both phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “Why did the Gentiles rage, indeed, why did the peoples imagine useless things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

613ACT425f1x6figs-rquestionἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά?1Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine useless things?

In this psalm, David uses the question form to emphasize the futility of opposing God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “The Gentiles should not have raged, and the peoples should not have imagined useless things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

614ACT425h6rctranslate-namesἔθνη1the Gentiles

Gentiles is the name for people groups that are not Jewish. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

615ACT425w622figs-explicitκενά1useless things

The phrase useless things implicitly describes plans to oppose God, which can never succeed. Alternate translation: “ways to oppose God, which always prove useless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

616ACT426fb5afigs-quotesinquotesπαρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers were gathered to the same against the Lord and against his Christ

This is the rest of the quotation from Psalm 2 that the believers started in 4:25. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “David said that the kings of the earth had taken their stand and the rulers had gathered to the same against the Lord and against his Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]])

617ACT426w2byfigs-parallelismπαρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ1The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers were gathered to the same

In keeping with the conventions of Hebrew poetry, these two phrases mean basically the same thing. If the repetition might be confusing for your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth took their stand, yes, the rulers were gathered to the same” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

618ACT426w64bfigs-idiomπαρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς1The kings of the earth took their stand

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “The kings of the earth lined up their troops for battle” or “The kings of the earth formed their battle lines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

619ACT426a299figs-activepassiveοἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν1the rulers were gathered

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the rulers gathered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

620ACT426a300ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ1to the same

See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Here it could mean “by agreement” or “in the same place.” You could use either phrase as an alternate translation.

621ACT426yv19figs-explicitτοῦ Κυρίου…τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ1the Lord … his Christ

Here the word Lord refers to God and the word Christ refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “God the Lord … his Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

622ACT427a301translate-namesἩρῴδης1Herod

Herod is the name of a man. He was the official whom the Romans appointed to rule Galilee during the time of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

623ACT427a302translate-namesΠόντιος Πειλᾶτος1Pontius Pilate

This is the full name of the man who was the governor of Judea during the time of Jesus. See how you translated the name Pilate in 3:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

624ACT427b1g9figs-activepassiveσυνήχθησαν1were gathered together

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

625ACT427nuc1figs-explicitἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ1in this city

The phrase this city refers to Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “here in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

626ACT427ca33παῖδά1Servant

Here the word Servant is a title for the Messiah. See the discussion of that term in the General Notes to chapter 3, and see how you translated it in 3:13 and 3:26. Alternate translation: “Messiah”

627ACT427a303figs-metaphorὃν ἔχρισας1whom you anointed

In the Old Testament, ceremonial oil was poured on a person who was being given the authority to assume an office or to do a special task. The believers are speaking figuratively of anointing to indicate that God appointed Jesus to be the Messiah. Alternate translation: “whom you appointed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

628ACT428yz7mfigs-metonymyὅσα ἡ χείρ σου, καὶ ἡ βουλὴ σου προώρισεν γενέσθαι1all that your hand and your counsel had predetermined to happen

Here, hand figuratively means Gods power and counsel figuratively means Gods plan. Alternate translation: “all that your power and your plan had predetermined to happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

629ACT428a304figs-hendiadysὅσα ἡ χείρ σου, καὶ ἡ βουλὴ σου προώρισεν γενέσθαι1all that your hand and your counsel had predetermined to happen

The words hand and counsel, joined by and, are expressing a single idea. The word hand, meaning “power,” tells by what means God intended to carry out his counsel, that is, his plan. Alternate translation: “all that you planned in advance to make happen by your power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

630ACT428a305figs-personificationὅσα ἡ χείρ σου, καὶ ἡ βουλὴ σου προώρισεν γενέσθαι1all that your hand and your counsel had predetermined to happen

The believers are speaking figuratively of Gods hand and his counsel (that is, his power and his plan) as if they had predetermined what would happen to Jesus. They mean that God himself had done this. Alternate translation: “all that you planned in advance to make happen by your power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

631ACT429b38zκαὶ τὰ νῦν1And now

The believers use the expression And now to direct Gods attention to the request they are making in light of what they have said to this point in their prayer. In your translation, use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this same purpose.

632ACT429t5qmfigs-idiomἔπιδε ἐπὶ τὰς ἀπειλὰς αὐτῶν1look upon their threats

The phrase look upon is an idiomatic way of asking God to pay attention to the threats that the Jewish leaders have made against the believers. Alternate translation: “pay attention to the threats they have made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

633ACT429a306figs-123personτοῖς δούλοις σου1to your servants

The believers are speaking of themselves in the third person. If that would be confusing to your readers, you can use the first person in your translation. Alternate translation: “to us, your servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

634ACT429zh7jfigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον σου1your word

The believers are using the term word figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that God has told them to share by using words. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

635ACT429a307figs-abstractnounsμετὰ παρρησίας πάσης1with all boldness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boldness with an adverb such as “boldly.” The word all is an intensifier. Alternate translation: “very boldly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

636ACT430x9r1figs-metonymyἐν τῷ τὴν χεῖρά σου, ἐκτείνειν σε εἰς ἴασιν, καὶ σημεῖα, καὶ τέρατα, γίνεσθαι1as you stretch out your hand to heal and for signs and wonders to happen

Here the hand figuratively represents Gods power. To stretch out the hand means to use it. So this is a prayer for God to do powerful things. Alternate translation: “as you do powerful things to heal people and to make signs and wonders happen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

637ACT430a308figs-doubletσημεῖα, καὶ τέρατα1signs and wonders

The terms signs and wonders mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:43. Alternate translation: “great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

638ACT430t5uwfigs-metonymyδιὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος1through the name

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

639ACT430txb5τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ ἁγίου παιδός σου, Ἰησοῦ1the name of your holy Servant Jesus

Here the word Servant is a title for the Messiah. See the discussion of that term in the General Notes to chapter 3, and see how you translated it in 3:13, 3:26, and 4:27. Alternate translation: “the name of Jesus, your holy Messiah”

640ACT431a309writing-endofstoryκαὶ1And

This verse is the end of the whole story of how the lame man was healed and how Peter and John were arrested as a result. Luke uses the word translated And to introduce information about what happened after the story as a result of the events within the story itself. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

641ACT431a310figs-activepassiveἐν ᾧ ἦσαν συνηγμένοι1in which they were gathered together

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “where they had gathered together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

642ACT431x9b3figs-activepassiveἐσαλεύθη1was shaken

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “shook” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

643ACT431ps3mfigs-activepassiveἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. See how you translated the same expression in 2:4. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit filled them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

644ACT431a311figs-metaphorἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1they were all filled with the Holy Spirit

Luke is speaking figuratively as if the believers were containers that the Holy Spirit filled. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit inspired them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

645ACT431a312figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God

Luke is using the term word figuratively to mean the message that God wanted the believers to share by using words. Alternate translation: “the message from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

646ACT431a313figs-abstractnounsμετὰ παρρησίας1with boldness

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun boldness with an adverb such as “boldly.” Alternate translation: “boldly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

647ACT432a314grammar-connect-time-backgroundδὲ1Now

Luke uses the word Now to introduce background information in 4:3237 that will help readers understand further episodes in the story. These verses introduce Barnabas, who will be an important character in the book, and they also help account for what happens to Ananias and Sapphira in the next chapter. You can translate the word Now with a term or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

648ACT432xu3jfigs-metonymyἦν καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία1was one in heart and soul

Here the word heart seems to represent the emotions and the word soul seems to represent the desires. Alternate translation: “thought the same way and desired the same things” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

649ACT432a315figs-doubletἦν καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία1was one in heart and soul

The terms heart and soul mean similar things, and Luke may be using them together for emphasis. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the terms in your translation. Alternate translation: “was genuinely united” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

650ACT432a316τῶν ὑπαρχόντων αὐτῷ1of the things that were to him

Alternate translation: “of the things that he owned”

651ACT432zyp5figs-hyperboleἦν αὐτοῖς πάντα κοινά1everything was common to them

The word everything may be a generalization that emphasizes the powerful spirit of generosity among the believers. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:44. Alternate translation: “they shared their belongings with one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

652ACT433a317figs-abstractnounsτῆς ἀναστάσεως τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ1of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun resurrection with an adjective such as “alive.” Alternate translation: “of how God made the Lord Jesus alive again after he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

653ACT433a318writing-pronounsχάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς1great grace was upon them all

The pronoun them refers back to “the multitude of those who believed” in 4:32. It does not refer just to the apostles, who are mentioned in this verse. Alternate translation: “great grace was upon all of the believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

654ACT433d8drfigs-abstractnounsχάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς1great grace was upon them all

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun grace with an equivalent expression. The word could describe: (1) how God was blessing the believers. Alternate translation: “God was blessing all of the believers in wonderful ways” (2) how the people in Jerusalem held the believers in high esteem. Alternate translation: “the people of Jerusalem thought very highly of all the believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

655ACT434a331translate-versebridgeοὐδὲ γὰρ ἐνδεής τις ἦν ἐν αὐτοῖς1For there was not anyone needy among them

This statement expresses the result of the rest of what Luke says in this verse and what he says in the next verse. If it would be clearer in your language to put this result after the reasons for it, you could create a verse bridge by moving this statement to the end of the next verse and beginning it with the word “So” instead of For. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])

656ACT434a319grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

Luke uses the word For in its first instance in this verse to introduce the evidence or reason for his statement at the end of the previous verse that “great grace was upon them all.” The meaning here depends on the meaning there. Alternate translation: (1) “The way God was blessing the believers could be seen in the fact that” or (2) “One thing that made the people think very highly of the believers was that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

657ACT434a320grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ2for

Luke uses the word for in its second instance in this verse to introduce the reason why no one in the community of believers was needy. Alternate translation: “and the reason for this was that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

658ACT434gw3vfigs-hyperboleὅσοι γὰρ κτήτορες χωρίων ἢ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον1all who were owners of lands or houses

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

659ACT434l938figs-activepassiveτὰς τιμὰς τῶν πιπρασκομένων1the price of the things being sold

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the money that they received from the things they sold” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

660ACT435a321translate-symactionἐτίθουν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων1they were laying it at the feet of the apostles

The expression laying it at the feet indicates that believers who sold possessions were putting the money they got on the ground in front of the apostles. In this culture, that was a symbolic way of presenting it to them as a gift to be used to help others in the community. If there is a comparable symbolic action in your culture, you could use that in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “they were presenting it to the apostles” (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction)

661ACT435vv4ztranslate-symactionἐτίθουν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων1they were laying it at the feet of the apostles

In this culture, putting the money on the ground in front of the apostles was a symbolic way of presenting it to them as a gift to be used to help others in the community. If there is a comparable symbolic action in your culture, you could use that in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “they were presenting it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

662ACT435a322figs-activepassiveδιεδίδετο1it was being distributed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles were distributing it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

663ACT435ps4sfigs-abstractnounsἑκάστῳ, καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν1to each one, according as anyone had need

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun need with a verb such as “need.” Alternate translation: “to every person in the amount that he needed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

664ACT436uc2awriting-participantsἸωσὴφ δὲ1Then Joseph

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

665ACT436a323translate-namesἸωσὴφ…Βαρναβᾶς1Joseph … Barnabas

Joseph and Barnabas are two names for the same man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

666ACT436a324figs-activepassiveὁ ἐπικληθεὶς Βαρναβᾶς, ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων1who was called Barnabas by the apostles

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom the apostles called Barnabas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

667ACT436a325figs-activepassiveὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, υἱὸς παρακλήσεως1which, being translated, is Son of Encouragement

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning of the passive verbal form being translated with an active form. Alternate translation: “which means Son of Encouragement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

668ACT436a326figs-explicitὅ ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενον, υἱὸς παρακλήσεως1which, being translated, is Son of Encouragement

Luke assumes that his readers will know that he is saying what the name Barnabas means when translated from the Aramaic language. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “which means Son of Encouragement in Aramaic” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

669ACT436nr4vfigs-idiomυἱὸς παρακλήσεως1Son of Encouragement

The expression Son of figuratively describes a person who shares the qualities of something. The apostles used this name to describe Josephs behavior and character, since he was a person who encouraged others. Alternate translation: “the Encourager” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

670ACT436a327figs-abstractnounsυἱὸς παρακλήσεως1Son of Encouragement

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun Encouragement with a verb such as “encourage.” Alternate translation: “the One who Encourages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

671ACT436a328translate-namesΛευείτης1a Levite

The name Levite describes a person from the tribe of Levi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

672ACT436a329translate-namesΚύπριος1Cyprus

Cyprus is the name of an island. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

673ACT437a330ὑπάρχοντος αὐτῷ1that was to him

See how you translated the similar expression in 4:32. Alternate translation: “that he owned”

674ACT437gtv5translate-symactionἔθηκεν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων1laid it at the feet of the apostles

See how you translated the similar expression in 4:35. Alternate translation: “presented it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

675ACT5introk2uh0

Acts 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

“Why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (5:3)

No one knows for sure whether Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (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.

Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Long sentences

Acts 5:36 consists of a single long sentence. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be clearer in your translation to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 5:38 to nearly the end of 5:39. In this case as well it may be clearer in your translation to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

676ACT51v27awriting-participantsἀνὴρ δέ τις1Now a certain man

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

677ACT51ysl9translate-namesἉνανίας1Ananias

Ananias is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

678ACT51a332writing-participantsσὺν Σαπφείρῃ τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ1with Sapphira his wife

Luke uses this phrase to introduce another new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

679ACT51a333translate-namesΣαπφείρῃ1Sapphria

Sapphira is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

680ACT52a334figs-explicitἐνοσφίσατο ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς1he kept back from the price

The implication, as the story later makes clear, is that Ananias did not tell anyone except his wife that he was keeping some of the money for himself. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly, and you could say why he did this. Alternate translation: “he kept some of the money from the sale for himself, but he did not admit that he was doing that, because he wanted everyone to think he was being completely generous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

681ACT52xm1tσυνειδυίης καὶ τῆς γυναικός, καὶ ἐνέγκας μέρος τι…ἔθηκεν1his wife also knowing, and bringing a certain portion, he laid

It may be helpful to make two new sentences here, particularly if you add information to the previous phrase as suggested in the preceding note. Alternate translation: “His wife also knew that he was keeping back part of the sale money. He brought a certain portion of the money and laid it”

682ACT52dy8bfigs-idiomπαρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔθηκεν1he laid it at the feet of the apostles

This means that he presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated the same expression in 4:37. Alternate translation: “he presented it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

683ACT53grr9figs-rquestionδιὰ τί ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου, ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ χωρίου?1why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the price of the land?

Peter is using the question form to rebuke Ananias. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “you should not have let Satan fill your heart so that you lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back from the price of the land!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

684ACT53pqd4figs-metaphorδιὰ τί ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου1why has Satan filled your heart

Peter is speaking figuratively of the heart of Ananias as if it were a container that Satan had filled. Alternate translation: “why have you allowed Satan to influence your heart so strongly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

685ACT53a335figs-metaphorτὴν καρδίαν σου1your heart

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “your thoughts and motives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

686ACT53a426figs-eventsψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ χωρίου1for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the price of the land

Ananais first withheld some of the money, then he lied to the Holy Spirit about this by pretending he was giving all of the money. To make this clear in your translation, it may be helpful to describe the events in that order. Alternate translation: “for you to keep back from the price of the land and lie to the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

687ACT53zz5ufigs-metonymyψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον1for you to lie to the Holy Spirit

Ananias did not lie literally to the Holy Spirit, but he did lie to the apostles and to all of the believers who would have learned about his gift, and the Holy Spirit was present in them. So by lying to them, he was effectively also lying to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “for you to lie to the Holy Spirit, who is present in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

688ACT53a336figs-explicitκαὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς1and to keep back from the price of the land

The implication of what Peter says here is that Ananias claimed or pretended that he was giving the entire amount that he had received from selling his land. Alternate translation: “by pretendng that you were giving us the entire amount when you had kept back some for yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

689ACT54vu7gfigs-rquestionοὐχὶ μένον σοὶ ἔμενεν, καὶ πραθὲν ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν?1While it remained, did it not remain yours, and being sold, was it not in your authority?

Peter continues to use the question form to rebuke Ananias. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “While it remained, it remained yours, and after it was sold, it was still in your authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

690ACT54vi8wἔμενεν1While it remained

Alternate translation: “While it remained unsold” or “Before you sold it”

691ACT54k7ncfigs-activepassiveπραθὲν1being sold

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “once you had sold it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

692ACT54a337writing-pronounsἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν1was it not in your authority

The pronoun it refers to the money that Ananias received from the sale of the land. Alternate translation, as a statement: “you could still do whatever you wanted with the money you received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

693ACT54a338writing-pronounsἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν1was it not in your authority

The implications are that Ananias was not obligated to give all of the money to the apostles. He was free to keep some if he wished or if he needed it. He could simply have acknowledged that he was doing that, and giving the rest of the money would still have been a generous act because there was no compulsion. Alternate translation, as a statement: “you could have kept some and acknowledged that and you would have still been making a generous gift” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

694ACT54i5dwfigs-rquestionτί ὅτι ἔθου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο?1How is it that you placed this thing in your heart?

Peter continues to use the question form to rebuke Ananias. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not have placed this thing in your heart!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

695ACT54a339figs-metaphorτί ὅτι ἔθου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο?1How is it that you placed this thing in your heart?

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation, as an exclamation: “You should not have placed this thing in your thoughts!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

696ACT54a340figs-metaphorτί ὅτι ἔθου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο?1How is it that you placed this thing in your heart?

Peter speaks figuratively of this thing, that is, the plan to keep back some of the money, as if Ananias had placed it in his heart, meaning his thoughts. Alternate translation, as an exclamation: “You should not even have thought of doing such a thing!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

697ACT54a341figs-metonymyοὐκ ἐψεύσω ἀνθρώποις, ἀλλὰ τῷ Θεῷ1You have not lied to men, but to God

Ananaias actually has lied to men, but Peter is speaking of the ultimate implications of his act. As in the previous verse, where Peter says that Ananias has lied to the Holy Spirit, here he means that Ananias has lied to the apostles and other believers, and God is present in them. So by lying to them, he has effectively also lied to God. Alternate translation: “You have not lied merely to men, but also to God, who is present in us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

698ACT54a342figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώποις1to men

Peter is using the term men in a generic sense to mean “human beings.” Alternate translation: “to human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

699ACT55a343figs-metonymyἀκούων δὲ…τοὺς λόγους τούτους1And hearing these words

Luke is using the term words figuratively to mean what Peter used words to say. Alternate translation: “When he heard what Peter said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

700ACT55cc5yfigs-euphemismπεσὼν ἐξέψυξεν1falling down, expired

The word translated expired means that Ananias “breathed out for the last time.” It is a mild way of saying that he died. Alternate translation: “fell down and died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

701ACT55a344figs-eventsπεσὼν ἐξέψυξεν1falling down, expired

Ananias fell down because he died. He did not die because he fell down. To make this clear in your translation, it may be helpful to say first that he died and then that he fell. Alternate translation: “died and fell to the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

702ACT55a345figs-personificationἐγένετο φόβος μέγας ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας1great fear came upon all who heard

Luke describes this fear figuratively as if it were a living thing that could come onto people. Here the word fear describes a deep respect for God. Alternate translation: “everyone who heard about it came to feel a very deep respect for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

703ACT56a346figs-idiomἀναστάντες δὲ, οἱ νεώτεροι συνέστειλαν αὐτὸν1rising up, the young men wrapped him up

Here the expression rising up means that the young men took an action that they recognized they needed to take. It does not mean that they stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “the young men took action and wrapped him up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

704ACT56a347figs-explicitοἱ νεώτεροι1the young men

This could refer to: (1) some strong young men who were present who realized that burying Ananias was a task they could help with. Alternate translation: “some strong young men who were present” (2) a group of young men among the believers who regularly helped the apostles with tasks that required physical strength. Alternate translation: “the young men who regularly helped the apostles with physical tasks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

705ACT56a348translate-unknownσυνέστειλαν αὐτὸν1wrapped him up

It was the custom in this culture to wrap linen cloths around the bodies of people who had died, in order to prepare the bodies for burial. If your readers would not be familiar with such a custom, you could describe it more specifically, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “wrapped a linen burial cloth around his body” or “prepared his body for burial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

706ACT57a349figs-idiomἐγένετο δὲ ὡς ὡρῶν τριῶν διάστημα, καὶ1And an interval of about three hours happened, and

This is an idiomatic way of speaking about time passing. Your language may have its own way of describing that. Alternate translation: “After about three hours had gone by,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

707ACT57ry54writing-pronounsἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ1his wife

The pronoun his refers to Ananias. Alternate translation: “the wife of Ananias” or “Sapphira” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

708ACT57k3c9figs-explicitτὸ γεγονὸς1what had happened

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what this means. Alternate translation: “that Peter had exposed their lie and that her husband was dead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

709ACT58a350ἀπεκρίθη…πρὸς αὐτὴν1said to her

The word translated said means to continue or resume a conversation. Alternate translation: “asked her, based on what her husband had said”

710ACT58a351figs-youdualἀπέδοσθε1you sold

Since Peter is speaking of two people, Ananaias and Sapphira, you would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])

711ACT58bcf6figs-explicitτοσούτου… ναί, τοσούτου1for so much … yes, for so much

This refers to the amount of money that Ananias had given to the apostles. Peter may be naming the amount or, as UST suggests, he may be showing Sapphira the money. Alternate translation: “for this amount of money … yes, for that amount of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

712ACT59v7swfigs-rquestionτί ὅτι συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν πειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου?1How is it that it was agreed together by you to test the Spirit of the Lord?

Peter is using the question form to rebuke Sapphira. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

713ACT59hc22figs-activepassiveσυνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν1it was agreed together by you

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “you agreed together” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

714ACT59w1lbfigs-youὑμῖν…σου…σε1by you … your … you

The word you in its first instance refers to two people, Ananias and Sapphira, so it would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, it would be plural. The word your and the word you in its second instance refer only to Sapphira, so those words are singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

715ACT59pg1eπειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου1to test the Spirit of the Lord

Here the word test means to challenge. Ananias and Sapphira were trying to see if they could get away with lying about how much they received for the land they sold. Alternate translation: “to challenge the Spirit of the Lord”

716ACT59a352figs-metonymyπειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου1to test the Spirit of the Lord

Ananias and Sapphira actually tested or challenged the apostles, but Peter is speaking of the ultimate implications of their act, as he does similarly in 5:3 and 5:4. Since the Spirit of the Lord was present in the apostles, by challenging them, Ananias and Sapphira effectively lied to the Spirit. Alternate translation: “to test the Spirit of the Lord, who is present in us apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

717ACT59a353figs-metaphorἰδοὺ, οἱ πόδες1Behold, the feet

Peter says Behold to get Sapphira to focus her attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “And now the feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

718ACT59xj1lfigs-metonymyοἱ πόδες τῶν θαψάντων τὸν ἄνδρα σου ἐπὶ τῇ θύρᾳ1the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door

Peter is referring figuratively to the return of the young men who buried Ananaias. Their feet represent them by association with the way they are using their feet to walk back. The door represents their return by association with the way they will come through the door when they return. Alternate translation: “the young men who buried your husband are just now returning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

719ACT59a354figs-explicitοἱ πόδες τῶν θαψάντων τὸν ἄνδρα σου ἐπὶ τῇ θύρᾳ1the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door

Peter is telling Sapphira implicitly that her husband died as a judgment from God when Peter confronted him with the lie about the price of the land. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “your husband died as a judgment from God when I confronted him with the lie you both told about the price of the land, and the young men who buried him are just now returning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

720ACT59a355figs-explicitκαὶ ἐξοίσουσίν σε1and they will carry you out

The implications are that Sapphira is also going to die and that the same young men will carry her out to bury her. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “You are also going to die as a judgment from God, and those same young men are going to carry you out and bury you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

721ACT510s7enfigs-euphemismἔπεσεν…πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξέψυξεν1she fell down at his feet and expired

The word translated expired means that Sapphira “breathed out for the last time.” It is a mild way of saying that she died. Alternate translation: “she fell down at his feet and died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

722ACT510a356figs-eventsἔπεσεν…πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξέψυξεν1she fell down at his feet and expired

Sapphira fell down because she died. She did not die because she fell down. To make this clear in your translation, it may be helpful to to say first that she died and then that she fell. Alternate translation: “she died and fell down at his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

723ACT510nwb9figs-metonymyἔπεσεν…πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ1she fell down at his feet

This means that she fell to the ground in front of Peter. This expression should not be confused with the idea of “falling down at a persons feet,” that is, bowing down to the ground in front of someone as a sign of humility. Alternate translation: “she collapsed onto the ground in front of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

724ACT510a357figs-explicitοἱ νεανίσκοι1the young men

See how you translated this expression in 5:6. However, it may not be necessary to explain again here who these young men were in terms of their role in the community. Instead, you could identify them by their role in the story. Alternate translation: “the same young men who had buried Ananias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

725ACT511vym8writing-endofstoryκαὶ1And

This verse is the end of the story about Ananias and Sapphira. Luke uses the word translated And to introduce information about what happened after the story as a result of the events within the story itself. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

726ACT511a358figs-personificationἐγένετο φόβος μέγας ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, καὶ ἐπὶ πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας ταῦτα1great fear came upon the whole church and upon all those hearing these things

Luke describes this fear figuratively as if it were a living thing that could come onto people. See how you translated the similar expression in 5:5. Alternate translation: “the whole church and everyone who heard about these things came to feel a very deep respect for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

727ACT512c2e7grammar-connect-time-backgroundδὲ1And

Luke uses the word translated And to introduce background information in 5:1216 that will help readers understand what happens next in the story. You can translate this word with a word or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])

728ACT512sri8figs-metonymyδιὰ…τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων, ἐγίνετο σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα πολλὰ1many signs and wonders were happening through the hands of the apostles

Luke is using the hands of the apostles figuratively to represent their actions. Alternate translation: “the apostles were doing many signs and wonders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

729ACT512ux3nfigs-doubletσημεῖα καὶ τέρατα1signs and wonders

The terms signs and wonders mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. See how you translated this expression in 4:30. Alternate translation: “great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

730ACT512aud2writing-pronounsἦσαν…πάντες1they were all

The pronoun they refers to the whole community of believers. Alternate translation: “the whole community of believers was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

731ACT512a359ὁμοθυμαδὸν1unanimously

The word unanimously indicates that the apostles and other believers shared a common commitment and purpose and that there was no strife among them. See how you translated the same expression in 1:14. Alternate translation: “meeting together with one accord” or “meeting together harmoniously”

732ACT512k99ktranslate-namesτῇ Στοᾷ Σολομῶντος1the Porch of Solomon

This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof. It was named after King Solomon. See how you translated the phrase “the porch that is called Solomons” in 3:11, which is a description of this same walkway. Alternate translation: “Solomons Porch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

733ACT513a360figs-explicitτῶν…λοιπῶν, οὐδεὶς1none of the others

The expression the others refers to people who were not believers in Jesus. Alternate translation: “none of the people who were not believers in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

734ACT513a361figs-explicitἐτόλμα κολλᾶσθαι αὐτοῖς1dared to join them

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly why no unbelievers dared to join them. The reason seems to be that the Jewish leaders had commanded the apostles not to speak or teach about Jesus (4:18), but they were still doing that. Later in this chapter, in 5:28, the Sanhedrin indicates that it has arrested the apostles for violating that command. Alternate translation: “would meet with them, because the apostles were still preaching about Jesus even though the Jewish leaders had commanded them not to do so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

735ACT514a362figs-metonymyπροσετίθεντο…τῷ Κυρίῳ1were being added to the Lord

Luke says the Lord figuratively to mean the community of people who believed in the Lord. Alternate translation: “were being added to the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

736ACT514m9wxfigs-activepassiveπροσετίθεντο…τῷ Κυρίῳ1were being added to the Lord

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:41. Alternate translation: “were becoming part of the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

737ACT515a364grammar-connect-logic-resultὥστε1so that

Luke says so that to introduce a result, but it is not the direct result of what he said just before, that many men and women became part of the church. It is the result of what he said in 5:12, that the apostles were doing “many signs and wonders.” All of 5:1215 could be understood as a single sentence, and in that case what Luke says here would more clearly follow logically and grammatically from what he says in 5:12. However, ULT divides the material into several sentences, which is another way in which it can be understood. UST models a way to show how what Luke says here introduces a result of what he said in 5:12 about the “signs and wonders” that the apostles were doing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

738ACT515l9bswriting-pronounsἐκφέρειν1they … carried

The pronoun they refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “people who lived in Jerusalem … carried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

739ACT515a365figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἀσθενεῖς1the sick

Luke is using the adjective sick as a noun in order to indicate a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who were sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

740ACT515a366figs-doubletκλιναρίων καὶ κραβάττων1cots and mats

The words cots and mats mean similar things. Luke could be using them together for emphasis, although he could also be describing two different ways that people managed to make their sick relatives and friends reasonably comfortable as they waited in the streets for Peter to walk by. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these terms in your translation. Alternate translation: “improvised beds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

741ACT515y2evfigs-explicitἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ τινὶ αὐτῶν1his shadow might overshadow any one of them

The implication is that God was healing sick people whom Peters shadow touched. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “his shadow might overshadow any one of them and God would heal that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

742ACT515a367ἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ τινὶ αὐτῶν1his shadow might overshadow

Luke is using a construction in which the subject and verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have its own way of describing this. Alternate translation: “his shadow might fall on”

743ACT516a368figs-nominaladjἀσθενεῖς1the sick

See how you translated the expression the sick in 5:15. Alternate translation: “people who were sick” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

744ACT516fu1afigs-activepassiveὀχλουμένους ὑπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων1those afflicted by unclean spirits

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “those whom unclean spirits were afflicting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

745ACT516lyc7figs-activepassiveοἵτινες ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες1who were all healed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and the apostles healed them all” or “and God used the apostles to heal them all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

746ACT516a369figs-hyperboleοἵτινες ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες1who were all healed

It does not appear that all is a generalization for emphasis in this case. So it would not be accurate to treat all as figurative and say something like “and large numbers of them were healed.” Luke is describing what remarkable things God did through the apostles at this time, and he does seem to mean that every sick person whom the people brought to Jerusalem was healed. So it would be appropriate to say in your translation just what ULT says here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

747ACT517x2edgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1But

Luke uses the word But to introduce a strong contrast into the story. Your language may have its own way of introducing a contrasting narrative. You could also refer back to the previous action in order to highlight the contrast. Alternate translation: “But even though the apostles were doing so much good,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

748ACT517f9yefigs-eventsἀναστὰς…ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ πάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ, ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων, ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου,1rising up, the high priest and all those with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy

The high priest and these Sadducees were first filled with jealousy and then they rose up (took action) against the apostles. To make this clear in your translation, it may be helpful to describe the events in that order. Alternate translation: “the high priest and all those with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy and they rose up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])

749ACT517pc45figs-activepassiveἀναστὰς…ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ πάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ, ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων, ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου,1rising up, the high priest and all those with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use an active verbal form instead of the passive form were filled. Alternate translation: “jealousy filled the high priest and all those with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) and they rose up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

750ACT517a370figs-idiomἀναστὰς1rising up

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

751ACT517a371figs-explicitπάντες οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ, ἡ οὖσα αἵρεσις τῶν Σαδδουκαίων1all those with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees)

The phrase all those with him means specifically all the other priests who joined the high priest in taking action against the apostles. Luke observes here that those other priests were from the group known as the Sadducees. As a note to 4:1 explains, they opposed the apostles teaching because they did not believe in the resurrection. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and all of the priests from the group known as the Sadducees who wanted to oppose the apostles teaching because they did not believe in the resurrection” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

752ACT517a372figs-abstractnounsἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου1were filled with jealousy

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun jealousy with an adjective such as “jealous.” Alternate translation: “became very jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

753ACT517a373figs-metaphorἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου1were filled with jealousy

Luke is speaking figuratively as if the high priest and his allies were containers that jealousy filled. Alternate translation: “became very jealous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

754ACT518j58pfigs-metonymyἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους1they laid hands on the apostles

The expression laid hands on figuratively means to arrest someone, by association with the way that arresting officers might physically take hold of a person with their hands. Alternate translation: “they arrested the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

755ACT518a374figs-synecdocheἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους1they laid hands on the apostles

The high priest and his allies did not arrest the apostles personally. They would have ordered the temple guards to arrest them. But Luke speaks figuratively as if the high priest and his allies did this action because they had a significant part in it by ordering it. Alternate translation: “they had the temple guards arrest the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

756ACT519wd37writing-pronounsἐξαγαγών…αὐτοὺς1bringing them out

The pronoun them refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “bringing the apostles out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

757ACT520qm16figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

758ACT520z1x3figs-metonymyπάντα τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης1all the words of this life

The angel is using the term words figuratively to mean the message that the apostles were to share by using words. Alternate translation: “the entire message about this life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

759ACT520a375τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης1of this life

Alternate translation: “about the everlasting life that God gives through Jesus” or “about the new way of living that people can have as followers of Jesus”

760ACT521a376figs-idiomἀκούσαντες1having heard this

Luke may be using the word “hear” in an idiomatic sense to mean “obey.” Alternate translation: “in obedience to this command from the angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

761ACT521df1ufigs-explicitεἰς τὸ ἱερὸν1into the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “into the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

762ACT521l7uffigs-explicitὑπὸ τὸν ὄρθρον1about daybreak

The implication is that although the angel led the apostles out of the jail during the night, the sun was rising by the time they reached the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “as it was beginning to get light” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

763ACT521a377grammar-connect-time-simultaneousδὲ1And

Luke is using the word translated And to introduce other events that took place around the same time as the events he has just described. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])

764ACT521a378figs-explicitπαραγενόμενος1having arrived

This does not mean that the high priest and his allies arrived in the temple courtyard where the apostles were. Rather, it means that they went into the chamber where the Sanhedrin met so that they could summon the rest of its members to join them there. Alternate translation: “having arrived in the council chamber” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

765ACT521a379figs-explicitτὸ Συνέδριον καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν Γερουσίαν τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the Sanhedrin, even all the elders of the sons of Israel

The phrase even all the elders of the sons of Israel clarifies the name Sanhedrin by describing it membership. Luke is using the word elders here in a general sense to mean “leaders.” He is not making a distinction between “elders” and “rulers” as he does in 4:5. Alternate translation: “the Sanhedrin, which was composed of the leaders of the sons of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

766ACT521a380figs-metaphorτῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ1the sons of Israel

Here, sons figuratively means “descendants.” Luke is identifying the Israelites as descendants of their ancestor Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

767ACT521li6afigs-ellipsisἀπέστειλαν εἰς τὸ δεσμωτήριον1sent to the prison

Luke is leaving out a word that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. He means that the high priest and his allies sent someone to the prison to get the apostles. Alternate translation: “sent someone to the prison” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

768ACT523a381figs-activepassiveτὸ δεσμωτήριον εὕρομεν κεκλεισμένον ἐν πάσῃ ἀσφαλείᾳ, καὶ τοὺς φύλακας1We found the prison shut in all security and the guards

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use an active verbal form in place of the passive form shut, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “We found that the guards had shut the prison in all security and we found the guards” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

769ACT523a382figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ ἀσφαλείᾳ1in all security

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun security with an adverb such as “securely.” The word all is an intensifier. Alternate translation: “very securely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

770ACT523a383figs-explicitἀνοίξαντες1having opened

Your language may require you to specify the object of opened. Alternate translation: “once we opened the doors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

771ACT523ld7dfigs-hyperboleἔσω οὐδένα εὕρομεν1we found no one inside

By no one, the officers mean that they found none of the men they had been sent to bring, that is, none of the apostles. It is possible that other people were also being held in the prison, but the angel would not have released them, and they would still have been inside. Alternate translation: “we did not find any of the apostles inside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

772ACT524k5g6figs-metonymyτοὺς λόγους τούτους1these words

Luke is using the term words figuratively to mean the report that the officers gave. Alternate translation: “this report” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

773ACT524baw2writing-pronounsπερὶ αὐτῶν1concerning them

The pronoun them does not refer to the apostles but to the words that the officers spoke in giving their report. Alternate translation: “about the things the officers had told them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

774ACT524p78mfigs-idiomτί ἂν γένοιτο τοῦτο1as to what this might become

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “wondering what would happen as a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

775ACT525a384figs-metaphorἰδοὺ, οἱ ἄνδρες1Behold, the men

This person says Behold to get the council members to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Right now the men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

776ACT525a8dzfigs-youἔθεσθε1you put

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

777ACT525c1amfigs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, ἑστῶτες1standing in the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “standing in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

778ACT526e24hwriting-pronounsτότε ἀπελθὼν, ὁ στρατηγὸς σὺν τοῖς ὑπηρέταις ἦγεν αὐτούς, οὐ μετὰ βίας, ἐφοβοῦντο γὰρ τὸν λαόν, μὴ λιθασθῶσιν1Then the captain, going with the officers, brought them back, not with violence, for they feared the people, lest they stone them

The first instance of them refers to the apostles, but the second instance of them refers to the captain and the officers. The captain and officers were not afraid that the people would stone the apostles. They were afraid that they would be stoned themselves if they used violence against the apostles. You could reword this to make the referents clear. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “Then the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles back. But the captain and officers did not use any violence, because they were afraid that the people would stone them if they did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

779ACT527iq7wwriting-pronounsἀγαγόντες δὲ αὐτοὺς1And having brought them

The pronoun them refers to the apostles in all three instances in this verse. It may be helpful to specify this here in the first instance. Alternate translation: “Once they had brought the apostles back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

780ACT528a385παραγγελίᾳ παρηγγείλαμεν ὑμῖν1We commanded you with a command

For emphasis, the high priest is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. If your language uses the same construction for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of conveying this emphasis. Alternate translation: “we commanded you very strictly”

781ACT528f7pzfigs-youὑμῖν…πεπληρώκατε…ὑμῶν…βούλεσθε1you … you have filled … your … you desire

In this verse the words you and your refer to the apostles, and so those words are plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

782ACT528g2hifigs-metonymyἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ1in this name

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

783ACT528a386figs-metaphorἰδοὺ, πεπληρώκατε1behold, you have filled

The high priest says behold to get the apostles to focus their attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “nevertheless you have filled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

784ACT528j4krfigs-metaphorπεπληρώκατε τὴν Ἰερουσαλὴμ τῆς διδαχῆς ὑμῶν1you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching

The high priest is speaking figuratively of Jerusalem as if it were a container that the apostles had filled with their teaching. Alternate translation: “you have taught people who live in every part of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

785ACT528a387figs-metaphorβούλεσθε ἐπαγαγεῖν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς1you desire to bring upon us

The high priest is speaking figuratively as if the apostles wanted to put the blood of Jesus on him and his fellow Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “you want to make us responsible for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

786ACT528a388figs-exclusiveἡμᾶς1us

By us, the high priest means himself and his fellow Jewish leaders, but not the apostles to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

787ACT528ym1kfigs-metonymyτὸ αἷμα1the blood

The high priest is using the term blood figuratively to mean death, by association with the way Jesus blood was shed when he died. Alternate translation: “the death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

788ACT528a389figs-explicitτοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου1this man

The phrase this man refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “this man Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

789ACT529a390figs-hendiadysἀποκριθεὶς…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι εἶπαν1answering, Peter and the apostles said

Together the words answering and said mean that Peter and the other apostles responded to the high priest. Alternate translation: “Peter and the apostles responded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

790ACT529di9ufigs-explicitΠέτρος καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι εἶπαν1Peter and the apostles said

Luke seems to mean implicitly that Peter said what follows on behalf of all of the apostles. Alternate translation: “Peter said on behalf of all of the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

791ACT529a391figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώποις1men

Peter is using the term men in a generic sense to mean “human beings.” Alternate translation: “human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

792ACT530a392figs-metaphorτῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν1of our fathers

Peter is using the term fathers figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “of our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

793ACT530r7avfigs-idiomἤγειρεν Ἰησοῦν1raised up Jesus

As in 2:24, the idiom raised up means that God made Jesus alive again after he died. Alternate translation: “brought Jesus back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

794ACT530a393figs-youὃν ὑμεῖς διεχειρίσασθε1whom you killed

The word you is plural. Even though Peter is responding to the high priest, who has been interrogating the apostles, Peter is referring here to the entire council. If your language does not use separate forms for singular and plural “you,” you could indicate that in some other way. Alternate translation: “whom you Sanhedrin members killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

795ACT530a394figs-synecdocheὃν ὑμεῖς διεχειρίσασθε1whom you killed

It was the Romans who literally killed Jesus, but Peter says figuratively that the Sanhedrin members killed him because their demands led to his death. Alternate translation: “whom you demanded to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

796ACT530pu5jfigs-metonymyκρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου1having hung him on a tree

The word translated as tree can mean either an actual tree or something made of wood. Peter is using the word to refer to the cross, which was made out of wood. Alternate translation: “having hung him on a wooden cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

797ACT530a395figs-explicitκρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου1having hung him on a tree

In some languages the word hung would suggest a different method of execution. For clarity, you could use a different word that might indicate the actual meaning better. Alternate translation: “having suspended him from a wooden cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

798ACT531a396figs-nominaladjτοῦτον1this one

Peter is using the demonstrative adjective this as a noun to refer to a specific person, Jesus. (ULT shows that by adding one.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could specify whom Peter means. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “this Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

799ACT531a397figs-nominaladjτῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1to his right

Peter is using the adjective right as a noun in order to indicate the right side. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:25. Alternate translation: “to his right side” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

800ACT531uh2dtranslate-symactionτῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ1to his right

God placing Jesus at his right side was a symbolic way of giving him great honor. Alternate translation: “to a place of great honor next to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

801ACT531mr1dfigs-abstractnounsτοῦ δοῦναι μετάνοιαν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν1to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns repentance and forgiveness with 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]])

802ACT531q1ilfigs-personificationἸσραὴλ1Israel

Peter is referring figuratively to all of the people of Israel as if they were a single person, their ancestor, Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

803ACT532a398figs-exclusiveἡμεῖς1we

Peter is addressing the Sanhedrin, but he is using the word we to refer only to himself and the other apostles. So if your language distinguishes between exclusive and inclusive “us,” it would be accurate to use the exclusive form here. Other languages may have other ways of indicating that we is exclusive here. Alternate translation: “we apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

804ACT532a399figs-ellipsisκαὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, ὃ ἔδωκεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς πειθαρχοῦσιν αὐτῷ1and the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those obeying him

Peter is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those obeying him, is also a witness of these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

805ACT532yml6figs-explicitὃ ἔδωκεν ὁ Θεὸς τοῖς πειθαρχοῦσιν αὐτῷ1whom God has given to those obeying him

Here at the end of his response to the high priest, Peter is echoing what he said at the beginning: “It is necessary to obey God rather than men.” He is defining himself and his fellow apostles as people who are committed to obeying God and to testifying about Jesus even if the authorities forbid them to do that. Peter is saying that God has given the apostles the Holy Spirit to empower them to give that testimony in obedience to him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “whom God has given us to empower us to obey him by testifying about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

806ACT533abx6writing-pronounsοἱ…ἀκούσαντες διεπρίοντο, καὶ ἐβούλοντο ἀνελεῖν αὐτούς1having heard this, they were furious and wanted to kill them

The pronoun they refers to the council members and the pronoun them refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “the council members were furious when they heard this, and they wanted to kill the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

807ACT534i2rrwriting-participantsτις…Φαρισαῖος ὀνόματι Γαμαλιήλ1a certain Pharisee, Gamaliel by name

Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

808ACT534a400translate-namesΦαρισαῖος1Pharisee

The name Pharisee describes a member of a group of Jewish priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

809ACT534a401translate-namesΓαμαλιήλ1Gamaliel

Gamaliel is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

810ACT534a402writing-backgroundνομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ1a law teacher, honored by all the people

Luke provides this background information about Gamaliel to help readers understand what happens next in the story, when the council members follow Gamaliels advice to be patient rather than acting immediately against the apostles. In your translation, present this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture. It may be helpful to do that in a separate sentence, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

811ACT534fpr4figs-activepassiveτίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ1honored by all the people

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom all the people honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

812ACT534a403figs-hyperboleτίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ1honored by all the people

The word all is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “whom the people greatly honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

813ACT534a404translate-symactionἀναστὰς1rising up

Here, rising up means that Gamaliel stood up. He did that to indicate that he had something important to say. Alternate translation: “standing up to show that he had something important to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

814ACT534xk6gfigs-explicitἐκέλευσεν ἔξω…τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ποιῆσαι1commanded to put the apostles outside

Your language may require you to specify the object of commanded. Alternate translation: “commanded the officers to take the apostles outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

815ACT534a405figs-nominaladjβραχὺ1for a little

Luke is using the adjective little as a noun in order to indicate a length of time. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can supply a word such as “while” to show this. Alternate translation: “for a little while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

816ACT535a406grammar-connect-time-sequentialτε1And

Luke is using the word translated And to indicate that Gamaliel spoke after the officers had taken the apostles out of the council chamber. Alternate translation: “Then” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])

817ACT535a407figs-idiomἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται1Men, Israelites

This is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “My fellow Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

818ACT535ae1ufigs-explicitπροσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς ἐπὶ τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τούτοις τί μέλλετε πράσσειν1pay attention to yourselves, what you are about to do to these men

Gamaliel is warning the council members not to do something that they will later regret. He means “be very careful about what you do to these men,” and you could say that as an alternate translation. However, the implication is that the council should not kill the apostles, as 5:33 says they want to do. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “you need to be very cautious and not kill these men, because you might deeply regret that later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

819ACT536a408figs-idiomπρὸ…τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν1before these days

Gamaliel is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “some time ago” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

820ACT536a409translate-namesΘευδᾶς1Theudas

Theudas is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

821ACT536uaj6figs-metaphorἀνέστη1rose up

In this context, rose up figuratively means that Theudas rebelled against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “rebelled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

822ACT536b3nlfigs-idiomλέγων εἶναί τινα ἑαυτόν1saying himself to be somebody

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “saying that he was somebody important” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

823ACT536a410figs-activepassiveᾧ προσεκλίθη ἀνδρῶν ἀριθμὸς1to whom was joined a number of men

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “whom a number of men joined” or, as a new sentence, “A number of men joined him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

824ACT536ie3xfigs-activepassiveὃς ἀνῃρέθη1who was killed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. It may be helpful to begin another new sentence here. Alternate translation: “whom the Romans killed” or, as a new sentence, “But the Romans killed him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

825ACT536juz1figs-activepassiveὅσοι ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ1as many as were persuaded by him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “as many as he had persuaded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

826ACT536a411figs-activepassiveδιελύθησαν1were dispersed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “dispersed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

827ACT536rzg5καὶ ἐγένοντο εἰς οὐδέν1and they came to nothing

Alternate translation: “and their plans did not succeed”

828ACT537f33yfigs-nominaladjμετὰ τοῦτον1After this one

Gamaliel is using the demonstrative adjective this as a noun to refer to a specific person, Theudas. (ULT shows that by adding one.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could use a pronoun or this mans name. Alternate translation: “After him” or “After Theudas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

829ACT537a412translate-namesἸούδας ὁ Γαλιλαῖος1Judas the Galilean

Judas is the name of a man. See how you translated the same name in 1:13 and 1:16. (Those verses describe two other men with this name, not the same Judas as here.) Galilean is the name for someone who is from the region of Galilee. See how you translated that name in 1:11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

830ACT537a413figs-metaphorἀνέστη1rose up

As in 5:36, rose up here figuratively means that Judas rebelled against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “rebelled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

831ACT537p56ffigs-idiomἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς ἀπογραφῆς1in the days of the census

Gamaliel is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time of the census” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

832ACT537kz4sfigs-idiomἀπέστησε λαὸν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ1drew away people after him

Here, drew away is an idiom that means Judas persuaded people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “persuaded people to join him in rebellion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

833ACT537a414figs-nominaladjκἀκεῖνος1That one also

Gamaliel is using the demonstrative adjective that as a noun to refer to a specific person, Judas. (ULT shows that by adding one.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you use a pronoun or this mans name. Alternate translation: “He also” or “Judas also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

834ACT537a415figs-activepassiveὅσοι ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ1as many as were persuaded by him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “as many as he had persuaded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

835ACT537a416figs-activepassiveδιεσκορπίσθησαν1were scattered

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “scattered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

836ACT538i4bwκαὶ τὰ νῦν λέγω ὑμῖν1And now I say these things to you

Gamaliel uses this expression to shift the council members attention away from the stories of Theudas and Judas so that he could give them some direct advice. In your translation, use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that would be natural for this same purpose.

837ACT538a417grammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

Gamaliel is using the word translated And to introduce what he wants the council to conclude as a result of the two examples he has given. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

838ACT538wz89ἀπόστητε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων τούτων καὶ ἄφετε αὐτούς1keep away from these men and release them

When Gamaliel tells the council to keep away from these men, he implicitly means that they should not execute them, as 5:33 says they wanted to do. Alternate translation: “do not execute these men or put them back in prison”

839ACT538zh1dἐὰν ᾖ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη ἢ τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο1if this counsel or this work is from men

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

840ACT538a418figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1men

Gamaliel is using the term men in a generic sense to mean “humans.” Since he contrasts from men here with “from God” in the next verse, it may be appropriate to add the word “mere” to help show that contrast. Alternate translation: “mere humans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

841ACT538uql8figs-activepassiveκαταλυθήσεται1it will be destroyed

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “someone will destroy it” or “it will not last” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

842ACT539a419grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1but

Gamaliel uses this word to introduce a contrast between what would happen if the work the apostles are doing were “from men” and what would happen if it were from God. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “However,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

843ACT539j819writing-pronounsεἰ…ἐκ Θεοῦ ἐστιν1if it is from God

Here the pronoun it refers back to the phrase “this counsel or this work” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “if God has devised this plan or commanded these men to do this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]])

844ACT539a420figs-explicitμήποτε1lest

It may be helpful to state the implications of the word lest explicitly. Alternate translation: “and if you do try to destroy them,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

845ACT539a421figs-activepassiveκαὶ θεομάχοι εὑρεθῆτε1you may even be found

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. However, since this is also an idiom (see next note), it would only be meaningful to do that in your translation if your language uses the verb “find” in the same idiomatic sense. Alternate translation: “people may even find you to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

846ACT539a422figs-activepassiveεὑρεθῆτε1be found

The expression be found is an idiom. Alternate translation: “turn out to be” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

847ACT539cyp1figs-activepassiveἐπείσθησαν…αὐτῷ1they were persuaded by him

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Gamaliel persuaded them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

848ACT540z31cgrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ1And

Luke uses the word translated And to introduce what the Sanhedrin did as a result of Gamaliels advice. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

849ACT540p6lzfigs-synecdocheπροσκαλεσάμενοι τοὺς ἀποστόλους, δείραντες παρήγγειλαν1summoning the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them

The Sanhedrin would have ordered their officers to bring back the apostles and beat them. They did not do those things personally. But Luke speaks figuratively as if they did do those things because they ordered them to be done. Alternate translation: “they had their officers bring back the apostles and beat them, and then they commanded them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

850ACT540fca9figs-metonymyλαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ1to speak in the name of Jesus

Here, name figuratively means the person of Jesus. See how you translated the similar expression in 4:17. Alternate translation: “to speak about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

851ACT541a423figs-metaphorἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Συνεδρίου1from the face of the Sanhedrin

Luke is using the word face figuratively to mean “presence.” Alternate translation: “from the presence of the Sanhedrin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

852ACT541cv8yfigs-activepassiveκατηξιώθησαν1they had been considered worthy

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God had considered them worthy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

853ACT541lk82figs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος1for the Name

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

854ACT542jj94writing-endofstoryτε1And

Luke uses the word translated And to introduce information about what happened after this story as a result of the events within the story itself. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

855ACT542kyp6figs-explicitἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1in the temple

Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so the temple means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

856ACT542x424figs-litotesοὐκ ἐπαύοντο, διδάσκοντες καὶ εὐαγγελιζόμενοι1they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the gospel

Luke is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “they continued to teach and to proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

857ACT6introz5r50

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 spoke Hebrew and had lived mostly in Judea, while others spoke Greek and may have lived in Gentile areas. Those who gave out the food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not equally 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. A note to this phrase offers one suggestion, which you may choose to follow. However, you might also decide to say only what the ULT says about this.

858ACT61f8brwriting-neweventἐν δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1Now in those days

Luke uses this time reference to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

859ACT61cg5tfigs-idiomἐν…ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις1in those days

Luke is using the term days idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that same time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

860ACT61e7vbtranslate-namesτῶν Ἑλληνιστῶν1of the Hellenists

Hellenists was the name for Jews in the Roman Empire who spoke the Greek language and followed Greek customs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

861ACT61ftz8translate-namesτοὺς Ἑβραίους1the Hebrews

In this context, Luke is using the name Hebrews to mean Jews in the Roman Empire who spoke Aramaic, a language closely related to Hebrew, and who did not follow Greek customs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

862ACT61s4qyfigs-activepassiveπαρεθεωροῦντο ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ αἱ χῆραι αὐτῶν1their widows were being overlooked in the daily service

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who was doing the action. Alternate translation: “those who were distributing food each day were overlooking their widows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

863ACT61rde8figs-abstractnounsἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ1in the daily service

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun service with an equivalent expression. Alternate translations: “by those who were distributing food each day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

864ACT62kwvogrammar-connect-logic-resultδὲ0So

Luke is using the word So to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this same purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

865ACT62n5r4figs-nominaladjοἱ δώδεκα1the Twelve

Luke is using the adjective Twelve as a noun in order to indicate a group of people, the apostles who led the church. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the 12 apostles” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

866ACT62is74translate-namesοἱ δώδεκα1the Twelve

Alternatively, even if your language does not ordinarily use adjectives as nouns, you may be able to do that in this case, since this is a title by which the apostles were known. Even though it is a number, if you translate it as a title, as ULT does, follow the conventions for titles in your language. For example, capitalize main words and write out numbers rather than use digits. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

867ACT62jm17figs-metaphorκαταλείψαντας τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1to leave behind the word of God

The apostles are speaking figuratively as if they would walk away from the word of God and leave it behind them. Alternate translation: “to stop preaching and teaching the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

868ACT62w9refigs-metonymyτὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God

Luke is using the term word figuratively to mean the message that God wanted the believers to share by using words. Alternate translation: “the message from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

869ACT62fwk6figs-metaphorδιακονεῖν τραπέζαις1to serve tables

To describe the work that would be required for them personally to monitor the churchs program of distributing food to people in need, the apostles speak figuratively as if they would be bringing food to people who were sitting at tables. Alternate translation: “to give our attention to food distribution” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

870ACT63lcyxfigs-metaphorἀδελφοί1brothers

See how you translated the term brothers in 1:15. Alternate translation: “my fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

871ACT63p1yzfigs-activepassiveἄνδρας…μαρτυρουμένους1men being attested

The expression being attested is a passive verbal form. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the same meaning with an active form. Alternate translation: “men to whose honesty people attest” or “men whom people say they trust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

872ACT63mgidfigs-metaphorπλήρεις Πνεύματος καὶ σοφίας1full of the Spirit and of wisdom

The apostles are speaking figuratively of these men as if they were containers that the Holy Spirit and wisdom could fill. Alternate translation: “in whose lives the Spirit is evidently present and who possess great wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

873ACT63pxe5figs-abstractnounsπλήρεις Πνεύματος καὶ σοφίας1full of the Spirit and of wisdom

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun wisdom with an adverb such as “wisely.” Alternate translation: “in whose lives the Spirit is evidently present and who act very wisely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

874ACT63i27afigs-metaphorἐπὶ τῆς χρείας ταύτης1over this task

When the apostles say that they will appoint these men over the work of food distribution, they are using a spatial metaphor. Alternate translation: “to be responsible for this task” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

875ACT64b3bjfigs-metonymyτοῦ λόγου1of the word

The apostles are using the term word figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that God has told them to teach and preach by using words. Alternate translation: “of teaching and preaching the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

876ACT65wh9tfigs-metonymyἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους1the statement was pleasing before the whole multitude

Luke is using the word before to refer to the opinion of the believers, since people assess things that come to to their attention in front of them. Alternate translation: “what the apostles recommended pleased all of the other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

877ACT65jaycgrammar-connect-logic-resultκαὶ2And

Luke is using the word translated And to introduce what the believers did as a result of the apostles request. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

878ACT65ajq1translate-namesΣτέφανον…Φίλιππον…Πρόχορον…Νικάνορα…Τίμωνα…Παρμενᾶν…Νικόλαον1Stephen…Philip…Prochorus…Nicanor…Timon…Parmenas…Nicolaus

These are the names of seven men. They are all Greek names, and this suggests that all of the men selected were from the group of Greek-speaking Jews among the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

879ACT65vsykfigs-metaphorἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit

Luke is speaking figuratively of Stephen as if they were a container that faith and the Holy Spirit had filled. Alternate translation: “a man who possessed great wisdom and in whose life the Holy Spirit was evidently present” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

880ACT65yqsjfigs-abstractnounsἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “trust.” Alternate translation: “a man who confidently trusted in God and in whose life the Holy Spirit was evidently present” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

881ACT65cg5stranslate-namesἈντιοχέα1an Antiochian

The name Antiochian describes a person who comes from the city of Antioch. Alternate translation: “who came from Antioch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

882ACT66wu1ytranslate-symactionἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας1and placed their hands upon them

The apostles placed their hands on the seven men to show publicly that they were giving them the responsibility and authority to oversee the food distribution. Alternate translation: “and placed their hands on them to show that they were giving them responsibility and authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

883ACT67x48wwriting-endofstory0

As the outline in the General Introduction indicates, this verse is the end of the first major section of the book of Acts. That section describes how the apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem. Luke uses this verse to summarize what happened as a result of the events within this whole section of the book. You language may have its own way of indicating how such a summary relates to a significant part of a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

884ACT67wu4lfigs-metaphorὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν1the word of God was growing

Luke is speaking figuratively of the way the message about Jesus kept becoming more widespread as if the word of God itself were growing. Alternate translation: “more and more people were hearing the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

885ACT67ueiefigs-metonymyὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν1the word of God was growing

Luke is using the term word figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that God told the believers to spread by using words. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus kept becoming more widespread” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

886ACT67jg8yfigs-synecdocheὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει1became obedient to the faith

Luke speaks generally of the faith (that is, belief in Jesus) to indicate that these priests became obedient to one part of it, Jesus teachings about how to live. But that obedience showed that the priests genuinely embraced faith in Jesus as Messiah in its entirety. Alternate translation: “came to believe in Jesus and so started obeying his teachings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

887ACT67qq3lfigs-abstractnounsὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει1became obedient to the faith

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “believe.” Alternate translation: “came to believe in Jesus and so started obeying his teachings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

888ACT68et2jwriting-participantsΣτέφανος δὲ1Now Stephen

Luke uses this phrase to introduce Stephen as the main character in this part of the story. Your language may have its own way of doing that. If so, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

889ACT68pzr0figs-metaphorΣτέφανος…πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ἐποίει1Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing

Luke is speaking figuratively as if Stephen were a container that grace and power were filling. Alternate translation: “Stephen had abundant grace and power, and so he was doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

890ACT68h8sgfigs-hendiadysΣτέφανος…πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ἐποίει1Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing

Luke may be using the two words grace and power together to express a single idea. The word grace would describe the character of the power that Stephen had. Specifically, it would be power that God was giving him. Alternate translation: “Stephen, full of gracious power, was doing” or “Stephen, full of power from God, was doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

891ACT68xscqfigs-abstractnounsΣτέφανος…πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ἐποίει1Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns grace and power with adverbs. Alternate translation: “Stephen was supernaturally and powerfully doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

892ACT68m0zhfigs-doubletτέρατα καὶ σημεῖα μεγάλα1great wonders and signs

The terms wonders and signs mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:22. Alternate translation: “many great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

893ACT69d74mfigs-idiomἀνέστησαν1rose up

Here the expression rose up means that these people took action, specifically to oppose Stephen, not that they stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “took action to oppose Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

894ACT69nei0figs-activepassiveτῆς συναγωγῆς, τῆς λεγομένης Λιβερτίνων1the synagogue called Freedmen

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the synagogue whose name was Freedmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

895ACT69k88nfigs-explicitτῆς συναγωγῆς, τῆς λεγομένης Λιβερτίνων1the synagogue called Freedmen

The word Freedmen probably refers to former slaves. Alternate translation: “the synagogue that former slaves attended” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

896ACT69e7b0translate-namesΚυρηναίων…Ἀλεξανδρέων…Κιλικίας…Ἀσίας1of the Cyrenians…of the Alexandrians…Cilicia…Asia

Cyrenians is the name for people from the city of Cyrene, and Alexandrians is the name for people from the city of Alexandria. Cilicia and Asia are the names of two Roman provinces. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

897ACT610v5iafigs-idiomοὐκ ἴσχυον ἀντιστῆναι1they were not able to stand against

The expression stand against is an idiom. Alternate translation: “they could not argue successfully against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

898ACT610fnb2figs-hendiadysτῇ σοφίᾳ καὶ τῷ Πνεύματι, ᾧ ἐλάλει1the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke

Luke may be using the two words wisdom and Spirit together to express a single idea. The word Spirit would describe the source and character of the wisdom that Stephen was displaying. The word Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Spirit-inspired wisdom by which he spoke” or “the wisdom that the Holy Spirit gave him as he spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

899ACT610pshafigs-abstractnounsτῇ σοφίᾳ καὶ τῷ Πνεύματι, ᾧ ἐλάλει1the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun wisdom with an adjective such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “the wise things he said as the Spirit inspired him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

900ACT611ren5figs-explicitὑπέβαλον ἄνδρας λέγοντας1they instigated men to say

The word instigated means that Stephens opponents in some way persuaded these men to lie about what Stephen was saying. They may have offered them money, or they may have convinced them that Stephen was a dangerous person who needed to be stopped. Since Luke does not specify the means, it may be best not to suggest a means in your translation. But it would be appropriate to indicate that what these men were recruited to say about Stephen was a lie. Alternate translation: “recruited some men to lie about Stephen by saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

901ACT611s2clfigs-exclusiveἀκηκόαμεν1We have heard

The men are using the word We to refer only to themselves, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

902ACT611x747figs-metonymyλαλοῦντος ῥήματα βλάσφημα1speaking blasphemous words

The men are using the term words figuratively to mean the things that Stephen has been saying by using words. Alternate translation: “saying blasphemous things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

903ACT611dgxitranslate-namesΜωϋσῆν1Moses

Moses is the name of a man. God gave him the law to give to Israel. See how you translated his name in 3:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

904ACT612tqk9writing-pronounsσυνεκίνησάν1They…stirred up
905ACT612l251figs-metaphorσυνεκίνησάν τε τὸν λαὸν, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς1They also stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes

Luke says figuratively that Stephens opponents stirred up these other groups to mean that they said things to make them very upset with Stephen. Alternate translation: “They also said things that made the people, the elders, and the scribes very upset with Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

906ACT612dkbjtranslate-namesΣυνέδριον1Sanhedrin

Sanhedrin is the name of the Jewish ruling council. See how you translated it in 4:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

907ACT613zv6sfigs-doublenegativesοὐ παύεται λαλῶν1does not stop speaking

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb stop. Alternate translation: “continually speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

908ACT613ju6wfigs-metonymyλαλῶν ῥήματα1speaking words

The men are using the term words figuratively to mean things that Stephen has been saying by using words. Alternate translation: “saying things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

909ACT613o3j2figs-metonymyτοῦ τόπου τοῦ ἁγίου1the holy place

The men are describing the temple in Jerusalem figuratively by referring to it by something associated with it, that it is a holy place. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

910ACT614c5l9translate-namesὁ Ναζωραῖος1the Nazarene

The word Nazarene describes someone who comes from the city of Nazareth. See how you translated it in 2:23. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

911ACT614uok4figs-explicitτὸν τόπον τοῦτον1this place

By this place, the false witnesses mean the temple, which they described as “the holy place” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “this temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

912ACT614vak4figs-metonymyτὰ ἔθη ἃ παρέδωκεν ἡμῖν Μωϋσῆς1the customs that Moses handed down to us

The phrase handed down is an idiom that refers to something that is passed from generation to generation. The false witnesses are describing how the ancestors of the Jews have passed on the teachings originally received from Moses to each successive generation. Alternate translation: “the customs that our ancestors learned from Moses and have taught each successive generation ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

913ACT615k8rwfigs-simileεἶδον τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, ὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου1saw his face as the face of an angel

Luke offers this comparison but he does not say specifically in what way Stephens face was like the face of an angel. However, this may mean that his face was shining brightly, since descriptions of angels in the Bible often say they were shining brightly. So you might choose to say that in your translation. Alternate translation: “saw that his face was shining brightly, like the face of an angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

914ACT7introp9h40

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.

915ACT71pt4hfigs-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]])

916ACT71hy9r0Connecting 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.

917ACT72abc7ὁ δὲ ἔφη1Then he said

Stephen is speaking.

918ACT72v5siἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε1brothers, and fathers, listen to me

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

919ACT74pfg30General 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.

920ACT74pfg4figs-youὑμεῖς1you

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

921ACT75ax1jοὐκ 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”

922ACT75qff6figs-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]])

923ACT75u6iwαὐτῷ 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”

924ACT76tn6bἐλάλησεν…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”

925ACT76t1h9translate-numbersἔτη τετρακόσια1400 years

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

926ACT77f7fwfigs-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]])

927ACT77q7y6τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν1the nation that will enslave him

“the nation that they will serve”

928ACT78mwc9figs-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]])

929ACT78g4bbοὕτως ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαὰκ1so he became the father of Isaac

The story transitions to Abrahams descendants.

930ACT78ams1figs-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]])

931ACT79n981οἱ πατριάρχαι1the patriarchs

“Jacobs older sons” or “Josephs older brothers”

932ACT79tik7figs-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]])

933ACT79w1isfigs-idiomἦν…μετ’ αὐτοῦ1was with him

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

934ACT710yr7mfigs-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]])

935ACT710pb4pfigs-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]])

936ACT711p42jἦλθεν…λιμὸς1came a famine

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

937ACT711p37vfigs-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]])

938ACT712pia8σιτία1grain

Grain was the most common food at that time.

939ACT712mbg8τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν1our fathers

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

940ACT713ce2btranslate-ordinalἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ1On their second time

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

941ACT713m37eἀνεγνωρίσθη1was made known

Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother.

942ACT713jxk8figs-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]])

943ACT714aam5ἀποστείλας1sending them back

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

944ACT715w2smἐτελεύτησεν 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”

945ACT715fe56αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1he and our fathers

“Jacob and his sons who became our ancestors”

946ACT716slg3figs-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]])

947ACT716la8aτιμῆς ἀργυρίου1for a price in silver

“with money”

948ACT717np3ufigs-exclusive0General Information:

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

949ACT717tuq2καθὼς 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.

950ACT717tlh9ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας1the time of the promise … approached

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

951ACT718whe7ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον1there arose over Egypt another king

“another king began to rule over Egypt”

952ACT718g2wqfigs-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]])

953ACT718e2y6figs-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]])

954ACT720q66swriting-participantsἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς1At that time Moses was born

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

955ACT720cd5zfigs-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]])

956ACT720pnb1figs-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]])

957ACT721w3iufigs-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]])

958ACT721url3ἡ 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.

959ACT721mbp7εἰς υἱόν1as a son

“as if he were her own son”

960ACT722c9nwfigs-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]])

961ACT722att9figs-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]])

962ACT722m3dmδυνατὸς ἐν λόγοις καὶ ἔργοις αὐτοῦ1mighty in his words and works

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

963ACT723fj9sfigs-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]])

964ACT723x493figs-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]])

965ACT724l4zvfigs-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]])

966ACT724abc8ἠμύνατο1he defended him

Moses defended the Israelite who was being mistreated.

967ACT724r2e8πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον1by striking the Egyptian

Moses hit the Egyptian so hard that he died.

968ACT725wm3jἐνόμιζεν1he thought

“he imagined”

969ACT725nhb9figs-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]])

970ACT726t1hwfigs-exclusive0General Information:

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

971ACT726t2vcfigs-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]])

972ACT726mpc7συνήλλασσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς εἰρήνην1he urged them to peace

“urged them to stop fighting”

973ACT726zzt4ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί ἐστε1Men, you are brothers

Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting.

974ACT726k1kufigs-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]])

975ACT727q2r4figs-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]])

976ACT728hk1gμὴ 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.

977ACT729l149figs-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]])

978ACT729q8qvfigs-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]])

979ACT730zx1cfigs-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]])

980ACT730f7yufigs-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]])

981ACT731q6w6figs-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]])

982ACT731uk7uπροσερχομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ κατανοῆσαι1and as he approached to look at it

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

983ACT732b4q6ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου1I am the God of your fathers

“I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped”

984ACT732tdr7ἔντρομος 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.

985ACT732e19kfigs-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]])

986ACT733x7cdtranslate-symactionλῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα1Untie the sandals

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

987ACT733clk4figs-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]])

988ACT734yz7bἰδὼν, εἶδον1I have certainly seen

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

989ACT734x5bgτοῦ λαοῦ μου1of my people

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

990ACT734j32cκατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς1I have come down to rescue them

“I will personally cause their release”

991ACT734sq8yνῦν δεῦρο1now come

“get ready.” God uses an order here.

992ACT735x4p20General 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.

993ACT735gn6eτοῦτον τὸν Μωϋσῆν, ὃν ἠρνήσαντο1This same Moses, whom they rejected

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

994ACT735vp7eλυτρωτὴν1a redeemer

“a rescuer”

995ACT735yjz9figs-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]])

996ACT735abc9ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ1appeared to him

The angel appeared to Moses.

997ACT736gz9rfigs-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]])

998ACT737b4sgπροφήτην…ἀναστήσει1will raise up a prophet

“will cause a man to be a prophet”

999ACT737j2rxἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν1from among your brothers

“from among your own people”

1000ACT738l8u70General Information:

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

1001ACT738e8quοὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1This is the one who was in the assembly

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

1002ACT738fd25οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος1This is the one

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

1003ACT738y2zuὃς 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”

1004ACT738p3xkfigs-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]])

1005ACT739mvz8figs-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]])

1006ACT739z3zefigs-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]])

1007ACT741w38i0General Information:

Stephens quotation here is from the prophet Amos.

1008ACT741ux1jfigs-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]])

1009ACT741hh77ἐμοσχοποίησαν…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.

1010ACT742d3ddtranslate-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]])

1011ACT742rag5παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς1gave them up

“abandoned them”

1012ACT742u7lxτῇ 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.

1013ACT742f314βίβλῳ 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.

1014ACT742gd1bfigs-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]])

1015ACT742j4q8figs-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]])

1016ACT743zek50General Information:

The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here.

1017ACT743fs4q0Connecting Statement:

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

1018ACT743rk4zfigs-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]])

1019ACT743im7eτὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ1the tabernacle of Molech

the tent that housed the false god Molech

1020ACT743cq47τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ῥαιφάν1the star of your god Rephan

the star that is identified with the false god Rephan

1021ACT743gm4gτοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε1and the images that you made

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

1022ACT743zgq6μετοικιῶ 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.

1023ACT744m9gwἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου1The tabernacle of the testimony

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

1024ACT745n2scἣν 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”

1025ACT745n1ppἐν 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”

1026ACT745spm5figs-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]])

1027ACT745c2fbfigs-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]])

1028ACT745m9ibὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς1whom God drove out

“whom God forced to leave the land”

1029ACT746w3cuσκήνωμα 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.

1030ACT747a7bx0General Information:

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

1031ACT748c822figs-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]])

1032ACT749k2vnὁ 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.

1033ACT749wc9mfigs-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]])

1034ACT749u1ftfigs-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]])

1035ACT750rfk1figs-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]])

1036ACT751zei20Connecting Statement:

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

1037ACT751umq6σκληροτράχηλοι1O stiff-necked

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

1038ACT751vn7hfigs-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]])

1039ACT751zp55figs-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]])

1040ACT752x7kffigs-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]])

1041ACT752q8wbτοῦ Δικαίου1of the Righteous One

This refers to the Christ, the Messiah.

1042ACT752agd9οὗ νῦν ὑμεῖς προδόται καὶ φονεῖς ἐγένεσθε1of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers

“you have also betrayed and murdered him”

1043ACT753euw5τὸν νόμον εἰς διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων1the law as ordained by angels

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

1044ACT754t4u20Connecting Statement:

The council reacts to Stephens words.

1045ACT754ef2gἀκούοντες δὲ ταῦτα1Now hearing these things

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

1046ACT754u4l7figs-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]])

1047ACT754ae9stranslate-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]])

1048ACT755ntp4ἀτενίσας 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.

1049ACT755bl2jfigs-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]])

1050ACT755vyz3translate-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]])

1051ACT756aqp8Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου1Son of Man

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

1052ACT757p4cgtranslate-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]])

1053ACT758ks1uἐκβαλόντες ἔξω τῆς πόλεως1throwing him outside the city

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

1054ACT758wy7nτὰ ἱμάτια1outer garments

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

1055ACT758sx2pπαρὰ τοὺς πόδας1at the feet

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

1056ACT758e2vlνεανίου1of a young man

Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time.

1057ACT759le7k0Connecting Statement:

This ends the story of Stephen.

1058ACT759k2elδέξαι 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”

1059ACT760u86qtranslate-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]])

1060ACT760tvf8figs-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]])

1061ACT760r9vifigs-euphemismἐκοιμήθη1he fell asleep

Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1062ACT8introq9d90

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.

1063ACT81tp9etranslate-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]])

1064ACT81a7uc0Connecting Statement:

The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses.

1065ACT81ez88writing-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]])

1066ACT81vc8xἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ1that day

This refers to the day that Stephen died (Acts 7:59-60).

1067ACT81u5pifigs-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]])

1068ACT81k5a2figs-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]])

1069ACT82sjc8ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς1devout men

“God-fearing men” or “men who feared God”

1070ACT82a38xἐποίησαν κοπετὸν μέγαν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ1made great lamentation over him

“greatly mourned his death”

1071ACT83nz28σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας1dragging out both men and women

Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their home and put them into prison.

1072ACT83yd2iκατὰ τοὺς οἴκους1according to the houses

“houses one by one” or “from house to house”

1073ACT83w6vkfigs-explicitἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας1men and women

This refers to men and women who believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1074ACT84dh3x0Connecting Statement:

This begins the story of Philip, whom the people had chosen as a deacon (Acts 6:5).

1075ACT84ymy5figs-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]])

1076ACT84su6ifigs-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]])

1077ACT85gz5mκατελθὼν 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.

1078ACT85f45bτὴν 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”

1079ACT85pk1lfigs-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]])

1080ACT86cnt9δὲ οἱ ὄχλοι1And the crowds

“And the people in the city of Samaria.” The location was specified in Acts 8:5.

1081ACT86wm83προσεῖχον1were paying attention to

The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did.

1082ACT87xb2nἐχόντων πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα1having unclean spirits

“who were controlled by unclean spirits”

1083ACT88z5z3figs-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]])

1084ACT89jm7nwriting-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]])

1085ACT89bed1writing-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]])

1086ACT89cx7aτῇ πόλει1the city

“the city in Samaria” (Acts 8:5)

1087ACT810kb9bwriting-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]])

1088ACT810evt7figs-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]])

1089ACT810ibl1figs-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]])

1090ACT810j3d8οὗτός 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.”

1091ACT810yw5vἡ 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” .

1092ACT811pxj8writing-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]])

1093ACT812yiw30Connecting Statement:

These verses give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.

1094ACT812vsy8figs-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]])

1095ACT813k2thfigs-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]])

1096ACT813v91tfigs-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]])

1097ACT814q8wx0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues the news of what was happening in Samaria.

1098ACT814s7lrwriting-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]])

1099ACT814ju21figs-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]])

1100ACT814e682δέδεκται1had received

“had believed” or “had accepted”

1101ACT815af1nοἵτινες καταβάντες1who, having come down

This refers to Peter and John.

1102ACT815hk1mκαταβάντες1having come down

This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

1103ACT815bun9προσηύξαντο περὶ αὐτῶν1prayed for them

“prayed for the Samaritan believers”

1104ACT815n7vcὅπως λάβωσιν Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον1so that they might receive the Holy Spirit

“so that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit”

1105ACT816rn3cfigs-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]])

1106ACT816m1nwfigs-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]])

1107ACT817fwh8ἐπετίθεσαν 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.

1108ACT817q7gdtranslate-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]])

1109ACT818rh79figs-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]])

1110ACT819fbw9ἵνα 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”

1111ACT820df1j0General Information:

Here the words him, your, you, and yours all refer to Simon.

1112ACT820jju3τὸ ἀργύριόν σου, σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν1Your silver with you is for destruction

“May you and your money be destroyed”

1113ACT820gh12τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ1the gift of God

Here this refers to the ability to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone.

1114ACT821p2evfigs-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]])

1115ACT821xbh2figs-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]])

1116ACT822ppk5figs-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]])

1117ACT822sa6sτῆς κακίας…ταύτης1this wickedness

“these evil thoughts”

1118ACT822pe2uεἰ 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”

1119ACT823d3v7figs-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]])

1120ACT823j696figs-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]])

1121ACT824n5cw0General Information:

Here the word “you” refers to Peter and John.

1122ACT824u1a4ὅπως 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”

1123ACT824sk5wμηδὲν…ὧν εἰρήκατε1nothing … of which you have spoken

This refers to Peters rebuke about Simons silver perishing along with him.

1124ACT825dl9f0Connecting Statement:

This is concludes the part of the story about Simon and the Samaritans.

1125ACT825uz15οἱ…διαμαρτυράμενοι1when they had testified

Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans.

1126ACT825ww9kfigs-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]])

1127ACT825eu66figs-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]])

1128ACT826zkc5writing-background0General Information:

Verse 27 gives background information about the man from Ethiopia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1129ACT826rnh40Connecting Statement:

This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia.

1130ACT826mbj9writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This marks a transition in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1131ACT826w1nkἀνάστηθι 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”

1132ACT826le2cτὴν 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.

1133ACT826a18ywriting-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]])

1134ACT827xy7xwriting-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]])

1135ACT827s1ufεὐνοῦχος1a eunuch

The emphasis of eunuch here is that the Ethiopian was a high government official, not that his physical state was being castrated.

1136ACT827t5t1translate-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]])

1137ACT827v8q7figs-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]])

1138ACT828d3kvτοῦ 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.

1139ACT828bx2jfigs-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]])

1140ACT829llh1figs-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]])

1141ACT830ffh7figs-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]])

1142ACT830x98iἆρά 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?”

1143ACT831r5g2figs-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]])

1144ACT831zx9hfigs-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]])

1145ACT832nd930General Information:

This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words “he” and “his” refer to the Messiah.

1146ACT832lu3jὡς 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.

1147ACT833y2a1figs-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]])

1148ACT833k3uzfigs-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]])

1149ACT833idk8figs-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]])

1150ACT834htb2δέομαί σου1I am begging you

“Please tell me”

1151ACT835uw21figs-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]])

1152ACT836ip13ἐπορεύοντο κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν1they were going along the road

“they continued to travel along the road”

1153ACT836muz2figs-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]])

1154ACT838l8wlἐκέλευσεν στῆναι τὸ ἅρμα1he commanded the chariot to stop

“the eunich told the driver of the chariot to stop”

1155ACT839tz5u0Connecting 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.

1156ACT839xp52οὐκ εἶδεν αὐτὸν οὐκέτι ὁ εὐνοῦχος1the eunuch did not see him anymore

“the eunuch did not see Philip again”

1157ACT840r1x7Φίλιππος…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.

1158ACT840arh5διερχόμενος1passed through

Philip preached in the area around the town of Azotus.

1159ACT840zfn6τὰς πόλεις πάσας1to all the cities

“to all the cities in that region”

1160ACT9introjm6x0

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.

1161ACT91r4n5writing-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]])

1162ACT91yt9e0Connecting Statement:

The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation.

1163ACT91anb6figs-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]])

1164ACT92v9lwfigs-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]])

1165ACT92y8f6ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ1if he might find anyone

“whenever he found anyone”

1166ACT92pk19τῆς ὁδοῦ, ὄντας1being of the Way

“who belonged to the Way” or “who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ”

1167ACT92n94sτῆς ὁδοῦ1of the Way

This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time.

1168ACT92a6z4figs-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]])

1169ACT93lv9q0Connecting Statement:

After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left for Damascus.

1170ACT93jf4gἐν…τῷ πορεύεσθαι1as he was traveling

Saul had left Jerusalem and was traveling to Damascus.

1171ACT93by55writing-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]])

1172ACT93dm6cαὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ1there shone on him a light from heaven

“a light from heaven shone all around him”

1173ACT93gua8ἐκ 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.

1174ACT94y4u4πεσὼν 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.

1175ACT94c9l4figs-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]])

1176ACT95q8ge0General Information:

Every occurrence of the word “you” here is singular.

1177ACT95jaq2τίς 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.

1178ACT95abc01he

Jesus is speaking. Alternate translation: “he replied”

1179ACT96i1kjἀνάστηθι καὶ εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν πόλιν1get up and enter into the city

“get up and go into Damascus”

1180ACT96fbi6figs-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]])

1181ACT97xu7cἀκούοντες μὲν τῆς φωνῆς, μηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες1hearing the voice, but seeing no one

“they heard the voice, but they did not see anyone”

1182ACT97f9feμηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες1but seeing no one

“but saw no one.” Apparently only Saul experienced the light.

1183ACT98puw3figs-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]])

1184ACT98dgg8οὐδὲν ἔβλεπεν1he was seeing nothing

“he could not see anything.” Saul was blind.

1185ACT99fhn6ἦν…μὴ βλέπων1he was … without sight

“he was … blind” or “he … could not see anything”

1186ACT99t8ucοὐκ 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.

1187ACT910kgn9translate-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]])

1188ACT910j847writing-participantsἦν δέ1Now there was

This introduces Ananias as a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1189ACT910vl8kὁ…εἶπεν3he said

“Ananias said”

1190ACT911mn24πορεύθητι ἐπὶ τὴν ῥύμην τὴν καλουμένην Εὐθεῖαν1go to the street which is called Straight

“go to Straight Street”

1191ACT911ie1lοἰκίᾳ 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.

1192ACT911u5j8Σαῦλον ὀνόματι Ταρσέα1a man named Saul, from Tarsus

“a man from the city of Tarsus named Saul” or “Saul of Tarsus”

1193ACT912jk46translate-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]])

1194ACT912nx5qἀναβλέψῃ1he might see again

“he might regain his ability to see”

1195ACT913la9tἁγίοις σου1to your saints

Here saints refers to Christians. Alternate translation: “the people in Jerusalem who believe in you”

1196ACT914ptd6figs-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]])

1197ACT914t3flfigs-metonymyτοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομά σου1who call upon your name

Here your name refers to Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1198ACT915jmt7figs-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]])

1199ACT915z5fjfigs-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]])

1200ACT916kty3figs-metonymyὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματός μου1for my name

This is an expression meaning “for telling people about me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1201ACT917q61xfigs-you0General Information:

The word “you” here is singular and refers to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

1202ACT917j2pf0Connecting Statement:

Ananias goes to the house where Saul is staying. After Saul is healed, the story shifts from Ananias back to Saul.

1203ACT917s8msἀπῆλθεν 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”

1204ACT917my6mtranslate-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]])

1205ACT917a89qfigs-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]])

1206ACT918m1hxἀπέπεσαν…ὡς λεπίδες1something like scales fell

“something that appeared like fish scales fell”

1207ACT918efs9figs-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]])

1208ACT920rc490General Information:

Here only the second “he” refers to Jesus, the Son of God. The first “he” and the other ones refer to Saul.

1209ACT920w65rguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΥἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ1Son of God

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

1210ACT921xid8figs-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]])

1211ACT921f4fdfigs-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]])

1212ACT921ctg3figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο1this name

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

1213ACT922r1npσυνέχυννεν 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.

1214ACT923g6gw0General Information:

The word “him” in this section refers to Saul.

1215ACT923g74cfigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1216ACT924lv62figs-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]])

1217ACT924cy9nπαρετηροῦντο…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.

1218ACT925lc8mοἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ1his disciples

people who believed Sauls message about Jesus and were following his teaching

1219ACT925u8g8διὰ 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”

1220ACT926j1el0General 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.

1221ACT926e38mfigs-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]])

1222ACT927abcaδιηγήσατο αὐτοῖς1told them

“Barnabas told the apostles”

1223ACT927abcbεἶδεν1he had seen

“Saul had seen”

1224ACT927abccἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ1he had spoken to him

“the Lord had spoken to Saul”

1225ACT927n9f1figs-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]])

1226ACT928m5rsἦν 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.

1227ACT928fbb7figs-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]])

1228ACT929d7lmσυνεζήτει πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς1debated with the Hellenists

Saul tried to reason with the Jews who spoke Greek.

1229ACT930uz9aοἱ ἀδελφοὶ1the brothers

The words the brothers refers to the believers in Jerusalem.

1230ACT930j4mtκατήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Καισάρειαν1they brought him down to Caesarea

The phrase brought him down is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

1231ACT930aqn6figs-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]])

1232ACT931vk8y0General Information:

Verse 31 is a statement that gives an update on the churchs growth.

1233ACT931n7c50Connecting Statement:

In verse 32, the story shifts from Saul to a new part of the story about Peter.

1234ACT931s4bnἡ…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.

1235ACT931fh2gεἶχεν εἰρήνην1had peace

“lived peacefully.” This means the persecution that started with the murder of Stephen was finished.

1236ACT931elq7figs-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]])

1237ACT931j8c9figs-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]])

1238ACT931hl24τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1in the comfort of the Holy Spirit

“with the Holy Spirit strengthening and encouraging them”

1239ACT932w68gwriting-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]])

1240ACT932m9sgfigs-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]])

1241ACT932ad7gκατελθεῖν1to come down

The phrase come down is used here because Lydda is lower in elevation than the other places where he was traveling.

1242ACT932g5c4Λύδδα1in 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.

1243ACT933hzd7εὗρεν…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”

1244ACT933jnc4writing-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]])

1245ACT933uj5fwriting-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]])

1246ACT933k7hwπαραλελυμένος1paralyzed

unable to walk, probably unable to move below the waist

1247ACT934ff2aστρῶσον σεαυτῷ1make your bed

“roll up your mat”

1248ACT935z3fpfigs-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]])

1249ACT935qkv4Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα1in Lydda and in Sharon

The city of Lydda was located in the Plain of Sharon.

1250ACT935pf23εἶδαν 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”

1251ACT935x9ywfigs-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]])

1252ACT936gy8uwriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about the woman named Tabitha. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1253ACT936du3s0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues the story with a new event about Peter.

1254ACT936zgq5writing-neweventδέ…ἦν1Now there was

This introduces a new part in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1255ACT936gwr4translate-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]])

1256ACT936q2rnπλήρης ἔργων ἀγαθῶν1full of good works

“doing many good things”

1257ACT937mg72figs-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]])

1258ACT937y8sxλούσαντες…αὐτὴν1having washed her

This was washing to prepare for her burial.

1259ACT937znj4ἔθηκαν ἐν ὑπερῴῳ1they laid her in an upper room

This was a temporary display of the body during the funeral process.

1260ACT939k1seεἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον1to the upper room

“to the upstairs room where Dorcas body was lying”

1261ACT939me79πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι1all the widows

It is possible that all the widows of the town were there since it was not a large town.

1262ACT939piu7χῆραι1widows

women whose husbands had died and therefore needed help

1263ACT939y6q5μετ’ αὐτῶν οὖσα1while being with them

“while she was still alive with the disciples”

1264ACT940ek9cwriting-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]])

1265ACT940yp2uἐκβαλὼν…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.

1266ACT941r7n6δοὺς…αὐτῇ χεῖρα, ἀνέστησεν αὐτήν1having given his hand to her, he raised her up

Peter took hold of her hand and helped her stand up.

1267ACT941b73sτοὺς 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.

1268ACT942nda9figs-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]])

1269ACT942fyz4ἐπίστευσαν…ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον1believed on the Lord

“believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus”

1270ACT943k9ikwriting-neweventἐγένετο1Now it happened that

This introduces the beginning of the next event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1271ACT943qar2Σίμωνι, βυρσεῖ1Simon, a tanner

“a man named Simon who made leather from animal skins”

1272ACT10introym7z0

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.

1273ACT101m1vxwriting-background0General Information:

These verses give background information about Cornelius. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1274ACT101nfy50Connecting Statement:

This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.

1275ACT101wtb9writing-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]])

1276ACT101x476ὀνόματι 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.

1277ACT101abcdΣπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς1the regiment that was called Italian.

“the Italian Regiment”

1278ACT102s6rhεὐσεβὴς καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1devout and fearing God

“believing in God and seeking to honor and worship God in his life”

1279ACT102n8i3φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1fearing God

The word fearing here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

1280ACT102abceτῷ λαῷ1to the people

This here refers to Jewish people who were in need.

1281ACT102w2kxfigs-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]])

1282ACT103up3jὥραν ἐνάτην1the ninth hour

“three oclock in the afternoon.” This is the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.

1283ACT103g3lvεἶδεν…φανερῶς1he clearly saw

“Cornelius clearly saw”

1284ACT104abcfὁ δὲ, ἀτενίσας αὐτῷ1But he stared at him

Cornelius looked intently at the angel.

1285ACT104abcgεἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ1And he said to him

“Then the angel said to Cornelius”

1286ACT104p5mlfigs-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]])

1287ACT106lt9nβυρσεῖ1a tanner

a person who makes leather from animal skins

1288ACT107g6lqὡς δὲ ἀπῆλθεν ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν αὐτῷ1And when the angel who spoke to him had left

“When Cornelius vision of the angel had ended.”

1289ACT107i3x7στρατιώτην 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.

1290ACT107yg7gεὐσεβῆ1devout

An adjective to describe a person who worshiped God and served him.

1291ACT108pcg2ἐξηγησάμενος ἅπαντα αὐτοῖς1having told them everything

Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.

1292ACT108d2p3ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν Ἰόππην1he sent them to Joppa

“he sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa”

1293ACT109ey9n0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Cornelius two servants and the soldier under Cornelius command (Acts 10:7).

1294ACT109w3g40Connecting Statement:

The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.

1295ACT109tu7nπερὶ ὥραν ἕκτην1at about the sixth hour

“at around noon”

1296ACT109r6l8ἀνέβη…ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα1went up to the housetop

The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.

1297ACT1010slq7παρασκευαζόντων…αὐτῶν1while they were preparing

“before the people finished cooking the food”

1298ACT1010im7xfigs-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]])

1299ACT1011n4hiθεωρεῖ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον1he sees the sky having been opened

This was the beginning of Peters vision. It can be a new sentence.

1300ACT1011u9u4ὡς 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.

1301ACT1011jh1mτέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς καθιέμενον1being let down by four corners

“suspended by its four corners”

1302ACT1012ua3jfigs-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]])

1303ACT1013a2z4figs-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]])

1304ACT1014z7r5μηδαμῶς1Not at all

“I will not do that”

1305ACT1014a2jjfigs-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]])

1306ACT1015xs5sfigs-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]])

1307ACT1016rlr9τοῦτο…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.”

1308ACT1017d4ziδιηπόρει ὁ Πέτρος1Peter was very confused … about

This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.

1309ACT1017n6daἰδοὺ1behold

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.

1310ACT1017e62mfigs-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]])

1311ACT1017h72mδιερωτήσαντες 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.

1312ACT1018qe9dφωνήσαντες1they called out

Cornelius men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.

1313ACT1019e8aiδιενθυμουμένου περὶ τοῦ ὁράματος1while … was still thinking about the vision

“as … was still wondering about the meaning of the vision”

1314ACT1019d9q8τὸ Πνεῦμα1the Spirit

“the Holy Spirit”

1315ACT1019iqx5ἰδοὺ1Behold

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three”

1316ACT1019va39translate-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]])

1317ACT1020ym1xκατάβηθι1go down

“go down from the roof of the house”

1318ACT1020wx4nπορεύου 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.

1319ACT1021lj1fἐγώ εἰμι ὃν ζητεῖτε1I am he whom you are seeking

“I am the man you are looking for”

1320ACT1022i4zh0General Information:

The words “They” and “them” here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).

1321ACT1022baa3figs-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]])

1322ACT1022wvl1φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν1fearing God

The word fearing here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

1323ACT1022gv91figs-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]])

1324ACT1023jlc7εἰσκαλεσάμενος οὖν αὐτοὺς ἐξένισεν1Therefore, having invited them in, he hosted them

The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.

1325ACT1023shs5ἐξένισεν1he hosted them

“he invited them to be his guests”

1326ACT1023t7czτινες τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἀπὸ Ἰόππης1some of the brothers who were from Joppa

This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.

1327ACT1024c3s6τῇ…ἐπαύριον1the following day

This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.

1328ACT1024g2upὁ δὲ Κορνήλιος ἦν προσδοκῶν αὐτοὺς1And Cornelius was waiting for them

“And Cornelius expected them”

1329ACT1025wxt8ὡς…τοῦ εἰσελθεῖν τὸν Πέτρον1as Peter entered

“when Peter entered the house”

1330ACT1025b4pntranslate-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]])

1331ACT1025u2x5πεσὼν1and falling down

He purposely lies down facing the ground to show that he is worshiping.

1332ACT1026s7n5ἀνάστηθι, 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”

1333ACT1027f9x6figs-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]])

1334ACT1027bg7b0Connecting Statement:

Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius house.

1335ACT1027twp9figs-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]])

1336ACT1028g7j7ὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε1You yourselves know

Peter is addressing Cornelius and his invited guests.

1337ACT1028iyx6ὡς 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.

1338ACT1028k3weἀλλοφύλῳ1a foreigner

This refers to people who were not Jews and not specifically to where they lived.

1339ACT1030krz8figs-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]])

1340ACT1030n5fs0Connecting Statement:

Cornelius responds to Peters question.

1341ACT1030na4uἀπὸ 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.”

1342ACT1030mqv8translate-textvariantsπροσευχόμενος1praying

Some ancient authorities say “fasting and praying” instead of simply praying. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

1343ACT1030yy6eτὴν ἐνάτην1at the ninth hour

The normal afternoon time when the Jews pray to God.

1344ACT1031heh3figs-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]])

1345ACT1031s6nzἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1have been remembered before God

“brought you to Gods attention.” This does not imply that God had forgotten.

1346ACT1032ci31μετακάλεσαι Σίμωνα, ὃς ἐπικαλεῖται Πέτρος1summon Simon who is called Peter

“tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you”

1347ACT1033p5eeἐξαυτῆς1immediately

“right away”

1348ACT1033ruf3σύ 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”

1349ACT1033ry21ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before God

This refers to the presence of God.

1350ACT1033xt4xfigs-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]])

1351ACT1034ku8u0Connecting Statement:

Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.

1352ACT1034cyn8ἀνοίξας δὲ Πέτρος τὸ στόμα εἶπεν1And Peter opened his mouth and said

“And Peter began to speak to them”

1353ACT1034ha31ἐπ’ ἀληθείας1In truth

This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.

1354ACT1034iii7οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολήμπτης ὁ Θεός1God is not one who shows partiality

“God does not favor certain people”

1355ACT1035j78eὁ 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”

1356ACT1035b5crφοβούμενος1fears

The word fears here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

1357ACT1036bjk70General Information:

The word “him” here refers to Jesus.

1358ACT1036sv4s0Connecting Statement:

Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.

1359ACT1036md1lοὗτός ἐστιν πάντων Κύριος1he is Lord of all

Here all means “all people.”

1360ACT1037ch65figs-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]])

1361ACT1037sq2iμετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐκήρυξεν Ἰωάννης1after the baptism that John proclaimed

“after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them”

1362ACT1038jtr3Ἰησοῦν 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.

1363ACT1038ku82figs-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]])

1364ACT1038y5yafigs-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]])

1365ACT1038tj3ufigs-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]])

1366ACT1039kal7figs-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]])

1367ACT1039sx3aἔν…τῇ χώρᾳ τῶν Ἰουδαίων1in the country of the Jews

This refers mainly to Judea at that time.

1368ACT1039z4dtκρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου1by hanging him on a tree

This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: “by nailing him to a wooden cross”

1369ACT1040cxj5figs-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]])

1370ACT1040w8kvτῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ1on the third day

“on the third day after he died”

1371ACT1040iz8lἔδωκεν αὐτὸν ἐμφανῆ γενέσθαι1caused him to be seen

“permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead”

1372ACT1041q7d1ἐκ νεκρῶν1from the dead

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

1373ACT1042ik96figs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “us” includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1374ACT1042zne50Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.

1375ACT1042c1akfigs-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]])

1376ACT1042ws4tfigs-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]])

1377ACT1043ub5dτούτῳ πάντες οἱ προφῆται μαρτυροῦσιν1To this one, all the prophets bear witness that

“All the prophets bear witness to Jesus that”

1378ACT1043vq6lfigs-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]])

1379ACT1043y6d1figs-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]])

1380ACT1044cz7xἐπέπεσε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον1the Holy Spirit fell

Here the word fell means “happened suddenly.” Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit suddenly came”

1381ACT1044wf7uπάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας1all of those who were listening

Here all refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.

1382ACT1045j6wtἡ δωρεὰ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος1the gift of the Holy Spirit

This refers to the Holy Spirit himself who was given to them.

1383ACT1045g161figs-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]])

1384ACT1045mqs8figs-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]])

1385ACT1045f33nκαὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔθνη1also on the Gentiles

Here also refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.

1386ACT1046w58d0General Information:

The words “he” and “him” refer to Peter.

1387ACT1046mpg50Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.

1388ACT1046p6paλαλούντων 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.

1389ACT1047u5d5figs-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]])

1390ACT1048t2y9figs-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]])

1391ACT1048ax6xfigs-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]])

1392ACT11introhva50

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.

1393ACT111uw5m0General Information:

This is the beginning of a new event in the story.

1394ACT111j7f70Connecting Statement:

Peter arrives in Jerusalem and begins talking to the Jews there.

1395ACT111ab75writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This marks a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1396ACT111f1mdοἱ…ἀδελφοὶ2the brothers

The phrase the brothers here refers to the believers in Judea.

1397ACT111q8wlοἱ ὄντες κατὰ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν1who were throughout Judea

“who were throughout the province of Judea”

1398ACT111w3rxfigs-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]])

1399ACT112kb4mἀνέβη…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.

1400ACT112yar6figs-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]])

1401ACT113ah7vfigs-metonymyἄνδρας, ἀκροβυστίαν ἔχοντας1uncircumcised men

The phrase uncircumcised men refers to Gentiles. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1402ACT113t9e1συνέφαγεν αὐτοῖς1ate with them

It was against Jewish tradition for Jews to eat with Gentiles.

1403ACT114lrh60Connecting Statement:

Peter responds to the Jews by telling them about his vision and about what had happened at Cornelius house.

1404ACT114bfp5ἀρξάμενος…Πέτρος ἐξετίθετο1Peter began to explain

Peter did not criticize the Jewish believers but reacted in a friendly explanatory manner.

1405ACT114nuy6καθεξῆς1in an orderly manner

“exactly what happened”

1406ACT115j37pὡς 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.

1407ACT115axu6τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς1by its four corners

“suspended by its four corners.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.

1408ACT116lbh4figs-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]])

1409ACT116ew64θηρία1wild beasts

This probably refer to the animals people do not or can not tame or control.

1410ACT116t36iἑρπετὰ1creeping animals

These are reptiles.

1411ACT117i5icfigs-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]])

1412ACT118m4muμηδαμῶς1By no means

“I will not do that.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:14.

1413ACT118m5p5figs-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]])

1414ACT118kj91ἀκάθαρτον1unclean

In the Old Testament Jewish law, a person became ritually unclean in various ways, such as eating certain forbidden animals.

1415ACT119n2gnfigs-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]])

1416ACT1110xrq6τοῦτο…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.

1417ACT1111ias8figs-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]])

1418ACT1111b2qvἰδοὺ1behold

This word alerts us to the new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1419ACT1111k44jἐξαυτῆς1right away

“immediately” or “at that exact moment”

1420ACT1111qwn5figs-activepassiveἀπεσταλμένοι1having been sent

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

1421ACT1112lf6mμηδὲν διακρίναντα1not making any distinction

“not being concerned that they were Gentiles”

1422ACT1112cf8xἦλθον…σὺν ἐμοὶ1went with me

went with me to Caesarea”

1423ACT1112xrc6οἱ ἓξ ἀδελφοὶ οὗτοι1these six brothers

“these six Jewish believers”

1424ACT1112w6iaεἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀνδρός1into the house of the man

This refers to the house of Cornelius.

1425ACT1113few6Σίμωνα, τὸν ἐπικαλούμενον Πέτρον1Simon, who is called Peter

“Simon, who is also called Peter.” See how you translated the same phrase in Acts 10:32.

1426ACT1114hpr2figs-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]])

1427ACT1115qy12figs-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]])

1428ACT1115a8jwἐν…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.

1429ACT1115ak2pfigs-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]])

1430ACT1115th4mἐν ἀρχῇ1in the beginning

Peter is referring to the day of Pentecost.

1431ACT1116v116figs-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]])

1432ACT1117pe42figs-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]])

1433ACT1117e5760Connecting 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.

1434ACT1117u3nufigs-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]])

1435ACT1117y7agτὴν ἴσην δωρεὰν1the same gift

Peter refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1436ACT1118nr7gἡσύχασαν1they became quiet

“they did not argue with Peter”

1437ACT1118z3fyfigs-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]])

1438ACT1119zck40Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about what happened to the believers who fled after the stoning of Stephen.

1439ACT1119bwb8writing-neweventοὖν1Then

This introduces the new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1440ACT1119m3i7οἱ…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.

1441ACT1119whm6figs-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]])

1442ACT1119vx4bτῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ1the persecution that arose over Stephen

the persecution that happened because of what Stephen had said and done

1443ACT1119w5jnδιῆλθον1spread

“went in many different directions”

1444ACT1119c8haμόνον Ἰουδαίοις1only to Jews

The believers thought Gods message was for the Jewish people, and not for the Gentiles.

1445ACT1120mww9figs-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]])

1446ACT1121aj5gfigs-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]])

1447ACT1121n9pqfigs-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]])

1448ACT1122mrg90General 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).

1449ACT1122i7vsfigs-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]])

1450ACT1123b7w7ἰδὼν τὴν χάριν τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ1saw the grace that is of God

“saw how God acted kindly toward the believers”

1451ACT1123m1q9παρεκάλει πάντας1exhorted them all

“kept on encouraging them”

1452ACT1123qlu4προσμένειν τῷ Κυρίῳ1to remain with the Lord

“to remain faithful to the Lord” or “to continue to trust in the Lord”

1453ACT1123bz6wfigs-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]])

1454ACT1124he5zπλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου1full of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit controlled Barnabas as he obeyed the Holy Spirit.

1455ACT1124e57tfigs-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]])

1456ACT1125yhl60General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Barnabas and “him” refers to Saul.

1457ACT1125dm92ἐξῆλθεν…εἰς Ταρσὸν1he went out to Tarsus

“he went out to the city of Tarsus”

1458ACT1126hu2gκαὶ εὑρὼν1and when he found him

It probably took some time and effort for Barnabas to locate Saul.

1459ACT1126wf5lwriting-neweventἐγένετο1It happened that

This begins a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1460ACT1126w4dzαὐτοῖς…συναχθῆναι ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ1they were gathered together with the church

“Barnabas and Saul were gathered together with the church”

1461ACT1126x8gxfigs-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]])

1462ACT1126r6slπρώτως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ1first in Antioch

“for the first time in Antioch”

1463ACT1127pz7ywriting-background0General Information:

Here Luke tells background information about a prophecy in Antioch. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1464ACT1127h6zwδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story-line.

1465ACT1127d8bbκατῆλθον 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.

1466ACT1128wyk8ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος1named Agabus

“whose name was Agabus”

1467ACT1128q3tlἐσήμανεν διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος1and indicated by the Spirit that

“and the Holy Spirit enabled him to prophesy that”

1468ACT1128l3izλιμὸν μεγάλην μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι1a great famine was about to occur

“a great shortage of food would happen”

1469ACT1128pd2tfigs-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]])

1470ACT1128jmc5figs-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]])

1471ACT1129lhp80General Information:

The words “They” and “they” refer to the believers in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27).

1472ACT1129de92δὲ1So

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.

1473ACT1129rk9zκαθὼς εὐπορεῖτό τις1just as anyone prospered

The richer people sent more; the poorer people sent less.

1474ACT1129up7aτοῖς κατοικοῦσιν ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ἀδελφοῖς1to the brothers living in Judea

“to the believers in Judea”

1475ACT1130l8i8figs-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]])

1476ACT12introf66j0

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]])

1477ACT121u4w7writing-background0General Information:

This is background information about Herods killing James. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1478ACT121ua9p0Connecting Statement:

This begins the new persecution, first of James death and then of Peters imprisonment and then release.

1479ACT121ti1ywriting-neweventδὲ1Now

This begins a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1480ACT121f2grκατ’ ἐκεῖνον…τὸν καιρὸν1about that time

This refers to the time of the famine.

1481ACT121zy6yfigs-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]])

1482ACT121u1gvfigs-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]])

1483ACT121s7lcκακῶσαί1to harm them

“in order to cause the believers to suffer”

1484ACT122aw4tἀνεῖλεν 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.

1485ACT122r1zvfigs-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]])

1486ACT123pms70General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Herod (Acts 12:1).

1487ACT123v4agἰδὼν 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”

1488ACT123cu7sὅτι…ἐστιν1that this is

“that Herod did this” or “that this happened”

1489ACT123wpm1ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις1this is pleasing to the Jews

“made the Jewish leaders happy”

1490ACT123ly66ἡμέραι 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”

1491ACT124pps1τέσσαρσιν 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.

1492ACT124i23aβουλόμενος…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”

1493ACT125v2yzfigs-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]])

1494ACT125f8qcfigs-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]])

1495ACT125g189ἐκτενῶς1earnestly

continuously and with dedication

1496ACT126km83figs-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]])

1497ACT126g2bhδεδεμένος 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.

1498ACT126aqv1ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν1were keeping watch over the prison

“were guarding the prison doors”

1499ACT127kk4i0General Information:

The words “him” and “his” refer to Peter.

1500ACT127i7g3ἰδοὺ1behold

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

1501ACT127lu25ἐπέστη1appeared by him

“appeared next to him” or “suddenly stood beside him”

1502ACT127z2i1ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι1in the prison cell

“in the prison room”

1503ACT127dc5bπατάξας…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.

1504ACT127dqn9ἐξέπεσαν αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν1his chains fell away from his hands

The angel caused the chains to fall from Peter without touching them.

1505ACT128hxt9ἐποίησεν…οὕτως1he did thus

“Peter did what the angel told him to do” or “Peter obeyed”

1506ACT128abchλέγει αὐτῷ1he said to him

“the angel said to Peter”

1507ACT129gx770General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to Peter. The words “they” and “They” refer to Peter and the angel.

1508ACT129abciἠκολούθει1he followed him

“Peter followed the angel”

1509ACT129sh8kοὐκ ᾔδει1he did not know

“he did not understand”

1510ACT129p9tyfigs-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]])

1511ACT1210r7gyfigs-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]])

1512ACT1210c18qδιελθόντες1when they had passed by

“when they had walked by”

1513ACT1210e36sfigs-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]])

1514ACT1210y86kἦλθαν ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν1they came to the iron gate

“Peter and the angel arrived at the iron gate”

1515ACT1210if3cτὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν1that led into the city

“that opened to the city” or “that went from the prison to the city”

1516ACT1210i3stfigs-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]])

1517ACT1210j268προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν1they went down a street

“they walked along a street”

1518ACT1210fl89εὐθέως ἀπέστη ὁ ἄγγελος ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ1right away the angel went away from him

“the angel left Peter suddenly” or “suddenly the angel disappeared”

1519ACT1211wlb6figs-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]])

1520ACT1211ue4kfigs-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]])

1521ACT1211hw63ἐξείλατό με1delivered me

“rescued me”

1522ACT1211p739figs-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]])

1523ACT1212tfh3συνιδών1having realized this

He became aware that God had rescued him.

1524ACT1212ux4vfigs-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]])

1525ACT1213x5fg0General 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).

1526ACT1213pfn7κρούσαντος…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.

1527ACT1213c634τὴν 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”

1528ACT1213khq1προσῆλθε…ὑπακοῦσαι1came to answer

“came to the gate to ask who was knocking”

1529ACT1214y2ffἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς1from joy

“because she was so joyful” or “being overly excited”

1530ACT1214m3m7οὐκ ἤνοιξεν τὸν πυλῶνα1she did not open the gate

“she did not open the door” or “she forgot to open the door”

1531ACT1214ky3pεἰσδραμοῦσα1running inside

You may prefer to say “went running into the room in the house”

1532ACT1214yq3rἀπήγγειλεν1she reported

“she told them” or “she said”

1533ACT1214a19kἑστάναι…πρὸ τοῦ πυλῶνος1stands at the gate

“is standing outside the door.” Peter was still standing outside.

1534ACT1215ybz7μαίνῃ1You are insane

The people not only did not believe her, but rebuked her by saying she was crazy. Alternate translation: “You are crazy”

1535ACT1215xnm2ἡ…διϊσχυρίζετο οὕτως ἔχειν1she insisted that it was thus

“she insisted that what she said was true”

1536ACT1215en8bοἱ…ἔλεγον2they said

“they answered”

1537ACT1215qa8mὁ 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.

1538ACT1216wwg10General Information:

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the people in the house. The words “He” and “he” refer to Peter.

1539ACT1216bi6lὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἐπέμενεν κρούων1But Peter continued knocking

The word “continued” means that Peter kept knocking the entire time those inside were talking.

1540ACT1217jx1aἀπαγγείλατε…ταῦτα1Report these things

“Tell these things”

1541ACT1217jf16τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1the brothers

“the other believers”

1542ACT1218blx50General Information:

The word “him” here refers to Peter. The word “he” refers to Herod.

1543ACT1218ail9δὲ1Now

This word is used to mark a break in the story-line. Time has passed; it is now the next day.

1544ACT1218iqv4γενομένης…ἡμέρας1when it became day

“in the morning”

1545ACT1218zl7ifigs-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]])

1546ACT1218ilz4figs-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]])

1547ACT1219pz6vἩρῴδης 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.”

1548ACT1219c69iἀνακρίνας 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.

1549ACT1219br16καὶ κατελθὼν1And having gone down

The phrase having gone down is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Judea.

1550ACT1220n2lw0Connecting Statement:

Luke continues with another event in Herods life.

1551ACT1220aip7writing-neweventδὲ1Now

This word is used here to mark the next event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])

1552ACT1220gxs4figs-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]])

1553ACT1220t6miπείσαντες Βλάστον1having persuaded Blastus

“these men persuaded Blastus”

1554ACT1220qsg4translate-namesΒλάστον1Blastus

Blastus was an assistant to or an officer of King Herod. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1555ACT1220l5r1ᾐτοῦντο εἰρήνην1they asked for peace

“these men requested peace”

1556ACT1220j253figs-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]])

1557ACT1220dy51figs-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]])

1558ACT1221e3w9τακτῇ…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”

1559ACT1221kv7gἐσθῆτα βασιλικὴν1in royal clothing

expensive clothing that would demonstrate he was the king

1560ACT1221g6irκαθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος1sitting on the throne

This was where Herod formally addressed people who came to see him.

1561ACT1222ze1s0Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Herod.

1562ACT1223b4bcπαραχρῆμα…ἄγγελος1immediately an angel

“right away an angel” or “while the people were still praising Herod, an angel”

1563ACT1223b5s9ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν1struck him

“afflicted Herod” or “caused Herod to become very ill”

1564ACT1223iw57οὐκ 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.

1565ACT1223d419figs-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]])

1566ACT1224j2unwriting-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]])

1567ACT1224m1swfigs-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]])

1568ACT1224wn8mὁ…λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ1the word of God

“the message God sent about Jesus”

1569ACT1225t7d8Βαρναβᾶς 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.

1570ACT1225pv6afigs-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]])

1571ACT13introrlh60

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]])

1572ACT131ce7swriting-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]])

1573ACT131qa2i0Connecting Statement:

Luke begins to tell about the mission trips on which the church at Antioch send Barnabas and Saul.

1574ACT131rej8δὲ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ κατὰ τὴν οὖσαν ἐκκλησίαν1Now there were in Antioch, in the church that was there

“At that time in the church at Antioch”

1575ACT131srw6translate-namesΣυμεὼν…Νίγερ…Λούκιος…Μαναήν1Simeon … Niger … Lucius … Manaen

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

1576ACT131u48cἩρῴδου 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.

1577ACT132ifb9ἀφορίσατε1Set apart

“Appoint to serve”

1578ACT132j6ymπροσκέκλημαι αὐτούς1I have called them

The verb here means that God chose them to do this work.

1579ACT133ku45translate-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]])

1580ACT133p1usἀπέλυσαν1they 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”

1581ACT134br2m0General Information:

Here the words “they,” “They,” and “their” refer to Barnabas and Silas.

1582ACT134mt3hοὖν1So

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.

1583ACT134abcjαὐτοὶ…ἐκπεμφθέντες1they, having been sent out

“Barnabas and Saul were sent out”

1584ACT134iyh8κατῆλθον1went down

The phrase went down is used here because Seleucia is lower in elevation than Antioch.

1585ACT134d1q5Σελεύκιαν1Seleucia

a city by the sea

1586ACT135at85Σαλαμῖνι1Salamis

The city of Salamis was on Cyprus Island.

1587ACT135ct8bfigs-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]])

1588ACT135p5t3συναγωγαῖς 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.”

1589ACT135sxw6εἶχον δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννην, ὑπηρέτην1And they also had John as an assistant

“And John Mark went with them and was helping them”

1590ACT135ukx2ὑπηρέτην1as an assistant

“as a helper”

1591ACT136h9he0General 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.

1592ACT136ja1iὅλην 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.

1593ACT136cl2zΠάφου1Paphos

a major city on Cyprus island where the proconsul lived

1594ACT136zf3bεὗρον1they found

Here found means they came upon him without looking for him. Alternate translation: “they met” or “they came upon”

1595ACT136xe7hἄνδρα, τινὰ μάγον1a certain man, a magician

“a particular person who practices witchcraft” or “a person who practices supernatural magic arts”

1596ACT136ak38translate-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]])

1597ACT137bee2ἦν σὺν1was with

“was often with” or “was often in the company of”

1598ACT137s1suἀνθυπάτῳ1proconsul

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

1599ACT137h5xxwriting-backgroundἀνδρὶ συνετῷ1an intelligent man

This is background information about Sergius Paulus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])

1600ACT137abckοὗτος, προσκαλεσάμενος1He summoned

“The proconsul summoned”

1601ACT138lp2utranslate-namesἘλύμας ὁ μάγος1Elymas “the magician”

This was Bar-Jesus, who was also called “the magician.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1602ACT138qw4jοὕτως γὰρ μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ1for that is how his name is translated

“for that was what he was called in Greek”

1603ACT138n23sἀνθίστατο…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”

1604ACT138w2xtfigs-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]])

1605ACT139gws20General Information:

The word “him” refers to the magician Elymas, who is also called Bar Jesus (Acts 13:6-8).

1606ACT139nau10Connecting Statement:

While on the island of Paphos, Paul begins to talk to Elymas.

1607ACT139ey6dfigs-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]])

1608ACT139xjy9ἀτενίσας εἰς αὐτὸν1stared at him intensely

“looked at him intensely”

1609ACT1310r8x2ὦ 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”

1610ACT1310d2pkfigs-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]])

1611ACT1310pyu7ῥᾳδιουργίας1wickedness

In this context it means to be lazy and not diligent in following Gods law.

1612ACT1310hlq9ἐχθρὲ 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.

1613ACT1310bc9pfigs-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]])

1614ACT1310p8safigs-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]])

1615ACT1311k51g0General Information:

The words “you” and “him” refer to Elymas the magician. The word “he” refers to the Sergius Paulus, proconsul (governor of Paphos).

1616ACT1311pey70Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to Elymas.

1617ACT1311xul9figs-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]])

1618ACT1311rse8figs-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]])

1619ACT1311w3ghμὴ 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”

1620ACT1311b5b8ἄχρι καιροῦ1for a time

“for a period of time” or “until the time appointed by God”

1621ACT1311t7j1ἔπεσεν 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”

1622ACT1311a7esπεριάγων1he is going around

“Elymas wandered around” or “Elymas started feeling around and”

1623ACT1312x9flἀνθύπατος1proconsul

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

1624ACT1312pyh7ἐπίστευσεν1believed

“believed in Jesus”

1625ACT1312twa8figs-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]])

1626ACT1313i65twriting-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]])

1627ACT1313rk3k0Connecting Statement:

This is a new part of the story about Paul in Antioch in Pisidia.

1628ACT1313r9hiδὲ1Now

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

1629ACT1313abclοἱ περὶ, Παῦλον1those around Paul

This refers to Paul and his companions.

1630ACT1313k4s9ἀναχθέντες…ἀπὸ τῆς Πάφου1having set sail from Paphos

“having traveled by sailboat from Paphos”

1631ACT1313h1cbἦλθον εἰς Πέργην τῆς Παμφυλίας1came to Perga in Pamphylia

“arrived in Perga which is in Pamphylia”

1632ACT1313g6l5Ἰωάννης δὲ ἀποχωρήσας ἀπ’ αὐτῶν1But John, withdrawing from them

“But John Mark, leaving Paul and Barnabas”

1633ACT1314vrp1Ἀντιόχειαν τὴν Πισιδίαν1Antioch of Pisidia

“the city of Antioch in the district of Pisidia”

1634ACT1315dnb4figs-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]])

1635ACT1315z7bhἀπέστειλαν…πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντες1sent to them, saying

“told someone to say to them” or “asked someone to tell them”

1636ACT1315td4hἀδελφοί1brothers

The term brothers is here used by the people in the synagogue to refer to Paul and Barnabas as fellow Jews.

1637ACT1315jru8εἴ 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”

1638ACT1315kj1hλέγετε1speak it

“please speak it” or “please tell it to us”

1639ACT1316tbc4figs-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]])

1640ACT1316p93q0Connecting Statement:

Paul begins his speech to those in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. He begins by talking about things that happened in Israels history.

1641ACT1316i8pztranslate-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]])

1642ACT1316rh93οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν1ones who fear God

This refers to Gentiles who had converted to Judaism. “you who are not Israelites but who worship God”

1643ACT1316ah55τὸν Θεόν, ἀκούσατε1God, listen

“God, listen to me” or “God, listen to what I am about to say”

1644ACT1317se2bὁ Θεὸς τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου Ἰσραὴλ1The God of this people Israel

“The God whom the people of Israel worship”

1645ACT1317l9cnτοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν1our fathers

“our ancestors”

1646ACT1317aaj5τὸν λαὸν ὕψωσεν1exalted the people

“caused our people to become very numerous”

1647ACT1317vw4zfigs-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]])

1648ACT1317b74tἐξ αὐτῆς1from it

“out from the land of Egypt”

1649ACT1318zv9eἐτροποφόρησεν 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”

1650ACT1319nvp7figs-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]])

1651ACT1319h5qgἔθνη1nations

Here the word nations refers to different people groups and not to geographical boundaries.

1652ACT1320abcmἔδωκεν1he gave them

“God gave them”

1653ACT1320qmc8ἕως Σαμουὴλ προφήτου1until Samuel the prophet

“until the time of the prophet Samuel”

1654ACT1321akg60General Information:

The quotation here is from the history of Samuel and from a Psalm of Ethan in the Old Testament.

1655ACT1321yxi8ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα1for 40 years

“to be their king for 40 years”

1656ACT1322z4x3μεταστήσας αὐτὸν1having removed him

This expression means God caused Saul to stop being king. Alternate translation: “rejected Saul from being king”

1657ACT1322bsp6ἤγειρεν τὸν Δαυεὶδ αὐτοῖς εἰς βασιλέα1he raised up David for them as their king

“God chose David to be their king”

1658ACT1322iyd6βασιλέα1their king

“the king of Israel” or “the king over the Israelites”

1659ACT1322sw2rᾧ καὶ εἶπεν μαρτυρήσας1to whom having testified, he also said

“about whom God testified by saying”

1660ACT1322dbu5εὗρον1I have found

“I have observed that”

1661ACT1322mp53figs-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]])

1662ACT1323lby60General Information:

The quotation here is from the Gospels.

1663ACT1323xj5aτούτου…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).

1664ACT1323kc76figs-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]])

1665ACT1323mk5gκατ’ ἐπαγγελίαν1according to promise

“just as God promised he would do”

1666ACT1324abcnπρὸ προσώπου τῆς εἰσόδου αὐτοῦ1before the face of his coming

“before the coming of Jesus”

1667ACT1324x892figs-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]])

1668ACT1325vww3figs-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]])

1669ACT1325rp32figs-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]])

1670ACT1325nnl5ἀλλ’ ἰδοὺ1But behold

This emphasizes the importance of what he will say next.

1671ACT1325r1plfigs-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]])

1672ACT1325gys2οὗ 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.

1673ACT1326jdp6figs-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]])

1674ACT1326kci9ἀδελφοί, 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.

1675ACT1326u6znfigs-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]])

1676ACT1326v6r3figs-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]])

1677ACT1327psk5τοῦτον ἀγνοήσαντες1did not recognize this one

“did not realize that this man Jesus was the one whom God had sent to save them”

1678ACT1327ri1ffigs-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]])

1679ACT1327m4tzfigs-activepassiveτὰς…ἀναγινωσκομένας2that are read

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

1680ACT1327rle6τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν…ἐπλήρωσαν1they fulfilled the voices of the prophets

“they actually did just what the prophets said that they would do”

1681ACT1328v3hw0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word him” here refers to Jesus.

1682ACT1328y9j6μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου εὑρόντες1they found no reason for death

“they did not find any reason why anyone should kill Jesus”

1683ACT1328d4xmᾐτήσαντο Πειλᾶτον1they asked Pilate

The word asked here is a strong word meaning to demand, beg or plead for.

1684ACT1329sq1jὡς 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”

1685ACT1329m5f1figs-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]])

1686ACT1329vwt4figs-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]])

1687ACT1330h5jwὁ δὲ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν1But God raised him

But indicates a strong contrast between what the people did and what God did.

1688ACT1330mqx8ἤγειρεν 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.

1689ACT1330zsx4figs-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]])

1690ACT1330d14pἐκ 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.

1691ACT1331ig7wfigs-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]])

1692ACT1331g4vlἡμέρας 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.

1693ACT1331vqj4νῦν 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”

1694ACT1332ipb90General Information:

The second quotation here is from the prophet Isaiah.

1695ACT1332y273καὶ1And

This word marks an event that happened because of previous event. In this case, the previous event is Gods raising Jesus from the dead.

1696ACT1332hr2gτοὺς 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.

1697ACT1333b1uhtranslate-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]])

1698ACT1333dy6wτοῖς 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.”

1699ACT1333d95nfigs-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]])

1700ACT1333y3tzὡς 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”

1701ACT1333h9irτῷ ψαλμῷ…τῷ δευτέρῳ1the second Psalm

“Psalm 2”

1702ACT1333tla1guidelines-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]])

1703ACT1334iy5qὅτι 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”

1704ACT1334h3njἐκ 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.

1705ACT1334q3kqτὰ ὅσια…τὰ πιστά1the holy and sure blessings

“the holy and certain blessings”

1706ACT1335r1evfigs-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]])

1707ACT1335gl8sκαὶ…λέγει1he also says

“David also says.” David is the author of Psalm 16 from which this quotation is taken.

1708ACT1335hvt8figs-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]])

1709ACT1335ry97οὐ δώσεις1You will not allow

David is speaking to God here.

1710ACT1336u8vhἰδίᾳ γενεᾷ1in his own generation

“during his lifetime”

1711ACT1336m5wxὑπηρετήσας 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”

1712ACT1336rpb4figs-euphemismἐκοιμήθη1fell asleep

This was a polite way to refer to death. Alternate translation: “he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

1713ACT1336nwy9προσετέθη πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας αὐτοῦ1was laid with his fathers

“was buried with his ancestors who had died”

1714ACT1336la5sfigs-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]])

1715ACT1337bmw3ὃν δὲ1But he whom

“But Jesus whom”

1716ACT1337n9plfigs-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]])

1717ACT1337j52xfigs-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]])

1718ACT1338ki8q0General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Jesus.

1719ACT1338yg35γνωστὸν…ἔστω ὑμῖν1let it be known to you

“know this” or “this is important for you to know”

1720ACT1338qy18ἀδελφοί1brothers

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”

1721ACT1338t3i5figs-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]])

1722ACT1338w7y1figs-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]])

1723ACT1339g5h9figs-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]])

1724ACT1339j6rrἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων1In this one every one who believes

“By him every person who believes” or “Every one who believes in him”

1725ACT1340kk1j0General Information:

In his message to the people in the synagogue, Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk. Here the word “I” refers to God.

1726ACT1340zx6p0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes his speech in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, which he began in Acts 13:16.

1727ACT1340y2kgfigs-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]])

1728ACT1340tt1xτὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις1the thing spoken about in the prophets

“what the prophets spoke about”

1729ACT1341tqk5ἴδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί1Look, you despisers

“Look, you who feel contempt” or “Look, you who ridicule”

1730ACT1341ky3sθαυμάσατε1be astonished

“be amazed” or “be shocked”

1731ACT1341ilh2καὶ ἀφανίσθητε1and perish

“and die”

1732ACT1341dvn1ἔργον ἐργάζομαι1am doing a work

“am doing something”

1733ACT1341nm2qἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν1in your days

“during your lifetime”

1734ACT1341w6tqἔργον ὃ1A work that

“I am doing something which”

1735ACT1341p4c2ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται ὑμῖν1even if someone would announce it to you

“even if someone would tell you about it”

1736ACT1342ax8vἐξιόντων δὲ, αὐτῶν1And as they were leaving

“When Paul and Barnabas were leaving”

1737ACT1342f3swπαρεκάλουν1they begged them

“the people begged them”

1738ACT1342y4p9figs-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]])

1739ACT1343a58zλυθείσης 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.

1740ACT1343sws7προσηλύτων1proselytes

These were non-Jewish people who converted to Judaism.

1741ACT1343q2ajοἵτινες προσλαλοῦντες αὐτοῖς, ἔπειθον αὐτοὺς1who speaking to them, urged them

“and Paul and Barnabas spoke to those people and urged them”

1742ACT1343fv15figs-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]])

1743ACT1344m1290General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

1744ACT1344vq3yfigs-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]])

1745ACT1344yga7figs-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]])

1746ACT1345j4zqfigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

Here Jews represents Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1747ACT1345qrh2figs-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]])

1748ACT1345nc5lἀντέλεγον1spoke against

“contradicted” or “opposed”

1749ACT1345m1anfigs-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]])

1750ACT1346zvt5figs-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]])

1751ACT1346as6qfigs-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]])

1752ACT1346jn55figs-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]])

1753ACT1346lly5figs-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]])

1754ACT1346ms36οὐκ 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”

1755ACT1346rf9kfigs-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]])

1756ACT1347v8aufigs-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]])

1757ACT1347t5spfigs-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]])

1758ACT1348e9agfigs-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]])

1759ACT1348jct2figs-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]])

1760ACT1349qh9zfigs-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]])

1761ACT1350eqi50General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1762ACT1350t4bv0Connecting Statement:

This ends Paul and Barnabas time in Antioch of Pisidia and they go to Iconium.

1763ACT1350u8rmfigs-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]])

1764ACT1350cf21παρώτρυναν1stirred up

“convinced” or “urged on”

1765ACT1350wmm5τοὺς πρώτους1the leading men

“the most important men”

1766ACT1350n7qeἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν ἐπὶ τὸν Παῦλον καὶ Βαρναβᾶν1a persecution arose against Paul and Barnabas

“They convinced the important men and women to persecute Paul and Barnabas”

1767ACT1350cq9hἐξέβαλον αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν1threw them out from their boundaries

“they removed Paul and Barnabas from their city”

1768ACT1351abcoοἱ δὲ, ἐκτιναξάμενοι1But when they had shaken off

“But after Paul and Silas shook off”

1769ACT1351xi1zwriting-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]])

1770ACT1352dp5kοἵ…μαθηταὶ1the disciples

This probably refers to the new believers in the Antioch of Pisidia that Paul and Silas just left.

1771ACT14introrsg20

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.

1772ACT141vh8u0General Information:

The story of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium continues.

1773ACT141hk1zἐγένετο δὲ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ1And it happened that Iconium

This begins a new event.

1774ACT141f4sqfigs-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]])

1775ACT142wc4xοἱ…ἀπειθήσαντες Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews who were disobedient

This refers to a portion of the Jews who did not believe the message about Jesus.

1776ACT142n2ppfigs-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]])

1777ACT142k8mvfigs-synecdocheτὰς ψυχὰς1the souls

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

1778ACT142fu13τῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

Here brothers refers to Paul and Barnabas and the new believers.

1779ACT143lp4v0General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to the Lord.

1780ACT143a3gpμὲν 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.

1781ACT143f2xhτῷ μαρτυροῦντι τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1who is testifying to the word of his grace

“who demonstrated that the message about his grace was true”

1782ACT143wcn5τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ1to the word of his grace

“about the message of the Lords grace”

1783ACT143c2cvfigs-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]])

1784ACT143p9iqfigs-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]])

1785ACT144btu3figs-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]])

1786ACT144smz5ἦσαν 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.

1787ACT144q1xcfigs-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]])

1788ACT144mw9hτοῖς ἀποστόλοις1the apostles

Luke refers to Paul and Barnabas. Here apostles might be used in the general sense of “ones sent out.”

1789ACT145s5h70General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1790ACT145q6g2ὑβρίσαι καὶ λιθοβολῆσαι αὐτούς1to mistreat and stone them

“to beat Paul and Barnabas and to kill them by throwing stones at them”

1791ACT146tpl1translate-namesτῆς Λυκαονίας1of Lycaonia

A district in Asia Minor (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1792ACT146m5gvtranslate-namesΛύστραν1Lystra

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and north of Derbe (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1793ACT146tl4qtranslate-namesΔέρβην1Derbe

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and Lystra (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1794ACT147z5ndκἀκεῖ εὐαγγελιζόμενοι ἦσαν1and where they continued to proclaim the gospel

“and where Paul and Barnabas continued to proclaim the good news”

1795ACT148ep460General 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.

1796ACT148l5pu0Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are now in Lystra.

1797ACT148wb5kwriting-participantsτις ἀνὴρ…ἐκάθητο1a certain man sat

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

1798ACT148kz7dἀδύνατος…τοῖς ποσὶν1powerless in his feet

“unable to move his legs” or “unable to walk on his feet”

1799ACT148tca1χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ1lame from the womb of his mother

“having been born as a cripple”

1800ACT148hw4lχωλὸς1crippled

unable to walk

1801ACT149di49ὃς ἀτενίσας αὐτῷ1He looked intently at him

“Paul looked straight at the man”

1802ACT149xak4figs-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]])

1803ACT1410v1kzἥλατο1he jumped up

“he dleaped in the air.” This implies that his legs were completely healed.

1804ACT1411axe6ὃ ἐποίησεν Παῦλος1what Paul had done

This refers to Pauls healing the crippled man.

1805ACT1411lvs9ἐπῆραν 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)

1806ACT1411d1gzfigs-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]])

1807ACT1411x3biΛυκαονιστὶ1in the Lycaonian language

“in their own Lycaonian language.” The people of Lystra spoke Lycaonian and also Greek.

1808ACT1411rm85ὁμοιωθέντες ἀνθρώποις1being made like men

These people believed that the gods needed to change their appearance in order to look like men.

1809ACT1412t7uutranslate-namesΔία1Zeus

Zeus was the king over all the other pagan gods. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

1810ACT1412hh25translate-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]])

1811ACT1413iz6rfigs-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]])

1812ACT1413v2a9ταύρους 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.

1813ACT1413iha1ἐπὶ τοὺς πυλῶνας1to the gates

The gates of the cities were often used as a meeting place for the people of the city.

1814ACT1413ud37ἤθελεν θύειν1wanting to sacrifice

“wanting to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as the gods Zeus and Hermes”

1815ACT1414kt1fοἱ ἀπόστολοι Βαρναβᾶς καὶ Παῦλος1the apostles, Barnabas and Paul

Luke is here probably using apostle in the general sense of “one sent out.”

1816ACT1414kx43διαρρήξαντες 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.

1817ACT1415w4fdfigs-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]])

1818ACT1415f8vcταῦτα ποιεῖτε1are you doing these things

“are you worshiping us”

1819ACT1415u9pqκαὶ 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!”

1820ACT1415n9e4ὁμοιοπαθεῖς…ὑμῖν1with the same feelings as you

“like you in every way”

1821ACT1415n98gfigs-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]])

1822ACT1415qr5bΘεὸν ζῶντα1a living God

“a God who truly exists” or “a God who lives”

1823ACT1416s2rnἐν ταῖς παρῳχημέναις γενεαῖς1In the generations gone by

“In previous times” or “Until now”

1824ACT1416vpt5figs-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]])

1825ACT1417fw2s0Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas continue speaking to the crowd outside the city of Lystra (Acts 14:8).

1826ACT1417kig8figs-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]])

1827ACT1417ps9zfigs-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]])

1828ACT1418ut73μόλις 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.

1829ACT1418la43μόλις κατέπαυσαν1they barely restrained

“had difficulty preventing”

1830ACT1419bz7k0General Information:

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Paul.

1831ACT1419wmc2figs-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]])

1832ACT1419xbv3τοὺς 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.

1833ACT1419t8mgνομίζοντες αὐτὸν τεθνηκέναι1thinking him to be dead

“because they thought that he was already dead”

1834ACT1420pan3τῶν μαθητῶν1the disciples

These were new believers in the city of Lystra.

1835ACT1420aqx3εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν1he entered into the city

“Paul re-entered Lystra with the believers”

1836ACT1420e2y9ἐξῆλθεν σὺν τῷ Βαρναβᾷ εἰς Δέρβην1he went with Barnabas to Derbe

“Paul and Barnabas went to the city of Derbe”

1837ACT1421wv7efigs-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]])

1838ACT1421ykt4τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην1in that city

“in Derbe” (Acts 14:20)

1839ACT1422ek9lfigs-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]])

1840ACT1422zkd2παρακαλοῦντες ἐμμένειν τῇ πίστει1and encouraging them to continue in the faith

“and encouraging the believers to keep trusting in Jesus”

1841ACT1422d9icwriting-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]])

1842ACT1422wu1cfigs-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]])

1843ACT1423pk5l0General 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.

1844ACT1423mqp9χειροτονήσαντες 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”

1845ACT1423nd87παρέθεντο 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”

1846ACT1423ls62εἰς 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).

1847ACT1425t513figs-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]])

1848ACT1425h8shκατέβησαν εἰς Ἀττάλιαν1they went down to Attalia

The phrase went down is used here because Attalia is lower in elevation than Perga.

1849ACT1426f2cgὅθεν 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”

1850ACT1427vcd30General Information:

Here the words “they,” “them,” and “They” refer to Paul and Barnabas. The word “he” refers to God.

1851ACT1427i9dvσυναγαγόντες τὴν ἐκκλησίαν1gathered together the church

“called the local believers to meet together”

1852ACT1427b4idfigs-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]])

1853ACT1428abcqfigs-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]])

1854ACT15introh9170

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.

1855ACT151qck60Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are still in Antioch when there is a dispute about the Gentiles and circumcision.

1856ACT151su66figs-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]])

1857ACT151p3k9κατελθόντες ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας1coming down from Judea

The phrase coming down is used here because Judea is higher in elevation than Antioch.

1858ACT151zi1nfigs-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]])

1859ACT151pm8hfigs-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]])

1860ACT152abcrfigs-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]])

1861ACT152f9ndfigs-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]])

1862ACT152ek6aἀναβαίνειν…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.

1863ACT152z983τοῦ ζητήματος τούτου1this question

“this issue”

1864ACT153h2mw0General Information:

Here the words “They,” “they,” and “them” refer to Paul, Barnabas, and certain others (Acts 15:2).

1865ACT153av5yfigs-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]])

1866ACT153aia5figs-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]])

1867ACT153i5kdδιήρχοντο 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.

1868ACT153rk37figs-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]])

1869ACT153nje7figs-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]])

1870ACT153bbd4πᾶσι τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1to all the brothers

Here brothers refers to fellow believers.

1871ACT154ej1rfigs-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]])

1872ACT154a2x1μετ’ αὐτῶν1with them

“through them”

1873ACT155efe50General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to non-Jewish believers who were not circumcised and did not keep the Old Testament laws of God.

1874ACT155f2b50Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas are now in Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders there.

1875ACT155k6k7δέ 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.

1876ACT155b9ntτηρεῖν τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως1to keep the law of Moses

“to obey the law of Moses”

1877ACT156ugu6ἰδεῖν 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.

1878ACT157wct8figs-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]])

1879ACT157hxu90Connecting 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).

1880ACT157a6q9ἀδελφοί1brothers

Peter is addressing all of the believers who were present.

1881ACT157s3wbfigs-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]])

1882ACT157yer1ἀκοῦσαι τὰ ἔθνη1the Gentiles to hear

“that the Gentiles would hear”

1883ACT157b5s8figs-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]])

1884ACT158m1xcfigs-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]])

1885ACT158p6d2ἐμαρτύρησεν αὐτοῖς1testified to them

“witnesses to the Gentiles”

1886ACT158i1gcδοὺς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον1giving them the Holy Spirit

“causing the Holy Spirit to come upon them”

1887ACT158abcsfigs-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]])

1888ACT159zs2gοὐδὲν διέκρινεν1he did not distinguish

God did not treat Jewish believers different from Gentile believers.

1889ACT159ase1figs-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]])

1890ACT1510ha45figs-exclusive0General Information:

Peter includes his audience by his use of “our” and “we.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1891ACT1510wjq70Connecting Statement:

Peter finishes speaking to the apostles and elders.

1892ACT1510rfr4νῦν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

1893ACT1510zaz6figs-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]])

1894ACT1510bfd5οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν1our fathers

This refers to their Jewish ancestors.

1895ACT1511q28cfigs-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]])

1896ACT1512um1p0General Information:

Here the word “them” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

1897ACT1512d1ucπᾶν τὸ πλῆθος1all the crowd

“everyone” or “the whole group” (Acts 15:6)

1898ACT1512uks6ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς1God had worked

“God had done” or “God had caused”

1899ACT1513vb250General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:12).

1900ACT1513l7mp0Connecting Statement:

James begins to speak to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:6).

1901ACT1513pl6mἀδελφοί, ἀκούσατέ1brothers, listen

“fellow believers, listen.” James was probably speaking only to men.

1902ACT1514abctἐπεσκέψατο, λαβεῖν ἐξ ἐθνῶν1concerned himself to take from the Gentiles

“graciously helped the Gentiles by taking out of them”

1903ACT1514s9dnλαβεῖν ἐξ ἐθνῶν λαὸν1to take from them a people

“so that he might choose from among them a people”

1904ACT1514pnr9figs-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]])

1905ACT1515h9um0General Information:

Here “I” refers to God who spoke through the words of his prophet.

1906ACT1515ibb20Connecting Statement:

James quotes the prophet Amos from the Old Testament.

1907ACT1515am6yfigs-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]])

1908ACT1515nbi1τούτῳ συμφωνοῦσιν1this agrees with

“this confirms”

1909ACT1515j4f5figs-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]])

1910ACT1516f5wffigs-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]])

1911ACT1516ist8figs-metonymyτὴν σκηνὴν Δαυεὶδ1the tent of David

Here tent stands for Davids family. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1912ACT1517sm79figs-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]])

1913ACT1517hkw1figs-gendernotationsκατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων1remnant of men

Here men includes males and females. Alternate translation: “remnant of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1914ACT1517pe4lfigs-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]])

1915ACT1517tu21figs-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]])

1916ACT1517c8gmfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομά μου1my name

Here my name stands for God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1917ACT1518tr27figs-activepassiveγνωστὰ1known

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

1918ACT1519g3zxfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here “we” includes James, the apostles, and the elders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

1919ACT1519f6za0Connecting Statement:

James finishes speaking to the apostles and elders. (See: Acts 15:2 and Acts 15:13)

1920ACT1519pyb9figs-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]])

1921ACT1519vr6ufigs-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]])

1922ACT1520wx8fἀπέχεσθαι 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.

1923ACT1520n6f2figs-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]])

1924ACT1520j2rlfigs-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]])

1925ACT1521si1hfigs-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]])

1926ACT1521zd7tfigs-metonymyΜωϋσῆς1Moses

Here Moses represents the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “the law of Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1927ACT1521wp1sfigs-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]])

1928ACT1521xg5nfigs-hyperboleκατὰ πόλιν1in every city

The word every here is a generalization. Alternate translation: “in many cities” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

1929ACT1522rhn30General 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.

1930ACT1522hp6jfigs-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]])

1931ACT1522c711translate-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]])

1932ACT1523e4g2οἱ 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”

1933ACT1523kp51ἀδελφοὶ…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.

1934ACT1523php8translate-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]])

1935ACT1524g8m9figs-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)

1936ACT1524p1tlὅτι τινὲς1that certain ones

“that some men”

1937ACT1524kh16οἷς οὐ διεστειλάμεθα1who were not ordered by us

“even though we gave no orders for them to go”

1938ACT1524bxq8figs-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]])

1939ACT1525c3dlἐκλεξαμένοις ἄνδρας1chosen men

The men they sent were Judas called Barsabbas and Silas (Acts 15:22).

1940ACT1526t7vwfigs-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]])

1941ACT1527j1jbfigs-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)

1942ACT1527v2ee0Connecting Statement:

This concludes the letter from the Jerusalem church to the Gentile believers in Antioch.

1943ACT1527xw8lfigs-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]])

1944ACT1528l9z6figs-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]])

1945ACT1529nt7sεἰδωλοθύτων1things sacrificed to idols

This means they are not allowed to eat the meat of an animal that someone sacrifices to an idol.

1946ACT1529vcc6figs-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]])

1947ACT1529rt55πνικτῶν1things strangled

A strangled animal was killed but its blood was not drained.

1948ACT1529buy9ἔρρωσθε1Farewell

This announces the end of the letter. Alternate translation: “Goodbye”

1949ACT1530khi80Connecting Statement:

Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas leave for Antioch.

1950ACT1530c3ukοἱ 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”

1951ACT1530usz6figs-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]])

1952ACT1530t55aκατῆλθον εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν1they came down to Antioch

The phrase came down is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

1953ACT1531k1mrἐχάρησαν1they rejoiced

“the believers in Antioch rejoiced”

1954ACT1531e4gffigs-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]])

1955ACT1532r65lκαὶ 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”

1956ACT1532e2enτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1the brothers

“the fellow believers”

1957ACT1532j99gfigs-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]])

1958ACT1533y2ls0Connecting Statement:

Judas and Silas return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch.

1959ACT1533v7pjfigs-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]])

1960ACT1533v6imfigs-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]])

1961ACT1533wzw4τῶν ἀδελφῶν1the brothers

This refers to the believers in Antioch.

1962ACT1533xv3hπρὸς τοὺς ἀποστείλαντας αὐτούς1to those who had sent them

“to the believers in Jerusalem who sent Judas and Silas” (Acts 15:22)

1963ACT1535e7s4figs-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]])

1964ACT1536k6c60Connecting Statement:

Paul and Barnabas go on separate journeys.

1965ACT1536i1n5ἐπιστρέψαντες δὴ1Returning, then

“On our way back to Antioch” or “As we are going back”

1966ACT1536ib2jἐπισκεψώμεθα τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1let us visit the brothers

“let us care for the brothers” or “we should offer to help the believers”

1967ACT1536ua1ffigs-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]])

1968ACT1536y9i9πῶς 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.

1969ACT1538a5nnfigs-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]])

1970ACT1538ht3kΠαμφυλίας1Pamphylia

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

1971ACT1538ln7wμὴ 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”

1972ACT1539bb8w0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Barnabas and Paul.

1973ACT1539u97afigs-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]])

1974ACT1540l2uqfigs-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]])

1975ACT1541e3ymfigs-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]])

1976ACT1541t81zτὴν Συρίαν καὶ τὴν Κιλικίαν1Syria and Cilicia

These are provinces or areas in Asia Minor, near the island of Cyprus.

1977ACT1541tbv3figs-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]])

1978ACT16introe7z20

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.

1979ACT161l2b10General Information:

The first, third, and fourth instances of the word “him” refer to Timothy. The second “him” refers to Paul.

1980ACT161f49mwriting-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]])

1981ACT161km5qfigs-goκατήντησεν…καὶ1Paul also came down

Here came can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1982ACT161d4kaΔέρβην1Derbe

This is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in Acts 14:6.

1983ACT161u3vrἰδοὺ1behold

The word behold alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this.

1984ACT161wxl8figs-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]])

1985ACT162t1lufigs-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]])

1986ACT162rez2ὑπὸ τῶν…ἀδελφῶν1by the brothers

Here brothers refers to believers. Alternate translation: “by the believers”

1987ACT163p6z8περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν1he circumcised him

It is possible that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, but it is more likely that he had someone else circumcise Timothy.

1988ACT163za93διὰ 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”

1989ACT163hk2lfigs-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]])

1990ACT164n46i0General Information:

The word “they” here refers to Paul, Silas (Acts 15:40), and Timothy (Acts 16:3).

1991ACT164bu6rαὐτοῖς φυλάσσειν1for them to keep

“for the church members to obey” or “for the believers to obey”

1992ACT164gpi3figs-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]])

1993ACT165q8v9figs-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]])

1994ACT165lv4ffigs-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]])

1995ACT166g97eτὴν Φρυγίαν1Phrygia

This is a region in Asia. See how you translated this name in Acts 2:10.

1996ACT166ue3kfigs-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]])

1997ACT166h4u4figs-metonymyτὸν λόγον1the word

Here word stands for “message.” Alternate translation: “the message about Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1998ACT167x1b1figs-goἐλθόντες1when they had come

Here had come can be translated as “had gone” or “had arrived.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1999ACT167b1xqtranslate-namesΜυσίαν…Βιθυνίαν1Mysia … Bithynia

These are two more regions in Asia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2000ACT167b539τὸ Πνεῦμα Ἰησοῦ1the Spirit of Jesus

“the Holy Spirit”

2001ACT168s6l1κατέβησαν εἰς Τρῳάδα1they came down to the city of Troas

The phrase came down is used here because Troas is lower in elevation than Mysia.

2002ACT168xq6nfigs-goκατέβησαν1they came down

Here came can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

2003ACT169t6v2ὅραμα…τῷ Παύλῳ ὤφθη1a vision appeared to Paul

“Paul saw a vision from God” or “Paul had a vision from God”

2004ACT169hq8eπαρακαλῶν αὐτὸν1calling him

“begging him” or “inviting him”

2005ACT169cm2uδιαβὰς εἰς Μακεδονίαν1Coming over into Macedonia

The phrase Coming over is used because Macedonia is across the sea from Troas.

2006ACT1610fg5hἐζητήσαμεν 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.

2007ACT1611m2p50Connecting 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.

2008ACT1611q2prtranslate-namesΣαμοθρᾴκην…Νέαν Πόλιν1Samothrace … Neapolis

These are coastal cities near Phillipi in Macedonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2009ACT1612tl9ffigs-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]])

2010ACT1614x8bp0Connecting Statement:

This ends the story of Lydia.

2011ACT1614n952writing-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]])

2012ACT1614qj86figs-ellipsisπορφυρόπωλις1a seller of purple

Here “cloth” is understood. Alternate translation: “a merchant who sold purple cloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2013ACT1614c6n8translate-namesΘυατείρων1of Thyatira

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2014ACT1614cyk3σεβομένη 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.

2015ACT1614rd4rfigs-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]])

2016ACT1614s9jufigs-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]])

2017ACT1614a74yfigs-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]])

2018ACT1615g7e9figs-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]])

2019ACT1615s799figs-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]])

2020ACT1616vyn4writing-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]])

2021ACT1616anc10Connecting Statement:

This begins the first event in another short story during Pauls travels; it is about a young fortune teller.

2022ACT1616ufy4ἐγένετο 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.

2023ACT1616y1gcwriting-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]])

2024ACT1616ymt9πνεῦμα Πύθωνα1a spirit of divination

An evil spirit spoke to her often about the immediate future of people.

2025ACT1617tni9figs-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]])

2026ACT1618lj79figs-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]])

2027ACT1618qi1kfigs-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]])

2028ACT1618u4z8ἐξῆλθεν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ1it came out that same hour

“the spirit came out immediately”

2029ACT1619m1y7οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς1her masters

“the owners of the slave girl”

2030ACT1619r1a1figs-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]])

2031ACT1619bws7εἰς 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.

2032ACT1619hf82ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας1before the authorities

“into the presence of the authorities” or “so that the authorities could judge them”

2033ACT1620d2rgπροσαγαγόντες αὐτοὺς τοῖς στρατηγοῖς1when they had brought them to the magistrates

“when they had brought them to the judges”

2034ACT1620wa94τοῖς στρατηγοῖς1to the magistrates

These were rulers or judges.

2035ACT1620dkz2figs-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]])

2036ACT1621gna6παραδέχεσθαι οὐδὲ ποιεῖν1to accept nor to practice

“to believe nor to obey” or “to accept nor to do”

2037ACT1622r1gr0General Information:

Here the words “their” and “them” refer to Paul and Silas. The word “they” here refers to soldiers.

2038ACT1622at6ifigs-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]])

2039ACT1623dsr3πολλάς…ἐπιθέντες αὐτοῖς πληγὰς1when they had laid many blows upon them

“when they had hit them many times with rods”

2040ACT1623y4mcπαραγγείλαντες τῷ δεσμοφύλακι ἀσφαλῶς τηρεῖν αὐτούς1having commanded the jailer to guard them securely

“having told the jailer to make sure they did not escape”

2041ACT1623zkp7δεσμοφύλακι1jailer

a person responsible for all the people held in the jail or prison

2042ACT1624a79xὃς παραγγελίαν τοιαύτην λαβὼν1who, having received such a command

“who, when he heard this command”

2043ACT1624rl8cτοὺς πόδας ἠσφαλίσατο αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ ξύλον1fastened their feet in the stocks

“securely locked their feet in the stocks”

2044ACT1624jug6ξύλον1stocks

a piece of wood with holes for preventing a persons feet from moving

2045ACT1625rwu30General Information:

The word “them” refers to Paul and Silas.

2046ACT1625hme20Connecting Statement:

This continues Paul and Silas time in Philippi in prison and tells what happens to their jailer.

2047ACT1626q7z1figs-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]])

2048ACT1626m4yefigs-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]])

2049ACT1626s6mufigs-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]])

2050ACT1626p393figs-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]])

2051ACT1627ljy6figs-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]])

2052ACT1627hr9qfigs-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]])

2053ACT1627cwt5ἤμελλεν 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.

2054ACT1629pe66figs-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]])

2055ACT1629h5aifigs-metonymyφῶτα1lights

The word lights stands for something that makes light. Alternate translation: “torches” or “lamps” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2056ACT1629r6isεἰσεπήδησεν1he rushed in

“he quickly entered the jail”

2057ACT1629bb6ttranslate-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]])

2058ACT1630a3h6προαγαγὼν αὐτοὺς ἔξω1having brought them out

“after he had led them outside the jail”

2059ACT1630u132figs-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]])

2060ACT1631br4kfigs-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]])

2061ACT1631w8edfigs-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]])

2062ACT1632kb350General 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.

2063ACT1632pq5wfigs-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]])

2064ACT1633r3lafigs-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]])

2065ACT1635x3x80General Information:

This is the last event in the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:12).

2066ACT1635lb4zδὲ1Now

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.

2067ACT1635vev9ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἐκείνους1Release those men

“Allow those men to leave”

2068ACT1636k3i6ἐξελθόντες1having come out

“having come out of the jail”

2069ACT1637v4ykfigs-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]])

2070ACT1637b4jmfigs-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]])

2071ACT1637b7ccfigs-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]])

2072ACT1637wc37ἀκατακρίτους 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”

2073ACT1637qq1ufigs-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]])

2074ACT1637jr2jfigs-rpronounsἀλλὰ ἐλθόντες αὐτοὶ1Instead, coming themselves

Here themselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2075ACT1638ym2ufigs-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]])

2076ACT1640q59h0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Silas. The word “them” refers to the believers in Philippi.

2077ACT1640y14iwriting-endofstory0

This is the end of Paul and Silas time in Philippi. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

2078ACT1640t1pffigs-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]])

2079ACT1640ylk9τὴν Λυδίαν1the house of Lydia

“the home of Lydia”

2080ACT1640ntc9figs-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]])

2081ACT17introgj4c0

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.

2082ACT171q9x40General 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.

2083ACT171r3qb0Connecting 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.”

2084ACT171e4w5δὲ1Now

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.

2085ACT171b7npδιοδεύσαντες1having passed through

“when they had traveled through”

2086ACT171kll1translate-namesτὴν Ἀμφίπολιν καὶ τὴν Ἀπολλωνίαν1Amphipolis and Apollonia

These are coastal cities in Macedonia. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2087ACT171yj66figs-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]])

2088ACT172vbf2κατὰ…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.

2089ACT172bt5eἐπὶ Σάββατα τρία1for three Sabbaths

“on each Sabbath day for three weeks”

2090ACT172wp3kfigs-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]])

2091ACT172qf4tδιελέξατο αὐτοῖς1reasoned with them

“debated with them” or “discussed with them”

2092ACT173e85n0General Information:

Here the word “He” refers to Paul (Acts 17:2).

2093ACT173ir9qfigs-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]])

2094ACT173he78ἔδει1it was necessary for

“it was part of Gods plan for”

2095ACT173ipb2ἀναστῆναι1to rise

“to come back to life”

2096ACT173b9qiἐκ 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.

2097ACT174es2ufigs-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]])

2098ACT174nyp2προσεκληρώθησαν τῷ Παύλῳ1joined Paul

“became associated with Paul”

2099ACT174t21zσεβομένων Ἑλλήνων1of worshiping Greeks

This refers to Greeks who worship God but have not converted to Judaism through circumcision.

2100ACT174ye8vfigs-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]])

2101ACT175nuh60General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the unbelieving Jews and wicked men from the marketplace.

2102ACT175uj43figs-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]])

2103ACT175vev6figs-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]])

2104ACT175btw6προσλαβόμενοι 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.

2105ACT175lc6gἄνδρας τινὰς πονηροὺς1certain wicked men

“some evil men.” The word men here refers specifically to males.

2106ACT175ie1fτῶν 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.

2107ACT175t3bcfigs-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]])

2108ACT175s3uvἐπιστάντες 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.

2109ACT175ks2ltranslate-namesἸάσονος1of Jason

Jason is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2110ACT175abcuαὐτοὺς προαγαγεῖν1to lead them

“to bring Paul and Silas”

2111ACT175pp7kεἰς 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.

2112ACT176i79pτινας ἀδελφοὺς1certain brothers

Here brothers refers to believers. Alternate translation: “some other believers”

2113ACT176e44zἐπὶ τοὺς πολιτάρχας1before the city officials

“in the presence of the city officials”

2114ACT176g7xjοἱ…οὗτοι1Those who … they

The Jewish leaders were referring to Paul and Silas.

2115ACT176c2avfigs-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]])

2116ACT177hlc9ὑποδέδεκται 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.

2117ACT178th2fἐτάραξαν1were disturbed

“were worried”

2118ACT179ya44λαβόντες 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.

2119ACT179bj48τῶν λοιπῶν1the rest of them

The words the rest of them refers to other believers that the Jews brought before the officials.

2120ACT179aru6ἀπέλυσαν αὐτούς1they released them

“the officials let Jason and the other believers go”

2121ACT1710na8h0General Information:

Paul and Silas travel on to the town of Berea.

2122ACT1710qy5cfigs-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]])

2123ACT1711k2stwriting-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]])

2124ACT1711gu6sοὗτοι…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”

2125ACT1711hle3figs-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]])

2126ACT1711uh8aμετὰ πάσης προθυμίας1with all readiness

These Bereans were prepared to examine earnestly Pauls teachings about the scripture.

2127ACT1711lzm3καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς Γραφὰς1examining the scriptures each day

“carefully reading and evaluating the scriptures every day”

2128ACT1711g8anἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως1these things were so

“the things Paul said were true”

2129ACT1712abcvfigs-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]])

2130ACT1713vn8htranslate-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]])

2131ACT1713asb4figs-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]])

2132ACT1713wjq3ταράσσοντες τοὺς ὄχλους1troubled the crowds

“worried the crowds” or “caused the people to become upset”

2133ACT1714ael8figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὶ1brothers

The word brothers here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2134ACT1714zw1cπορεύεσθαι 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.

2135ACT1715tjh5καθιστάνοντες τὸν Παῦλον1were leading Paul down

“who were accompanying Paul” or “who were going down with Paul”

2136ACT1715gs1pfigs-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]])

2137ACT1716wk630General 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.

2138ACT1716y9crδὲ1Now

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.

2139ACT1716we78figs-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]])

2140ACT1717q8pxδιελέγετο1he 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.

2141ACT1717jkj8τοῖς 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.

2142ACT1717ec14ἐν 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.

2143ACT1718ru6a0General Information:

Here the words “him,” “He, “and “he” refer to Paul.

2144ACT1718l7letranslate-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]])

2145ACT1718f976translate-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]])

2146ACT1718dnj8τινες ἔλεγον1some said

“some of the Stoic philosophers said”

2147ACT1718g4bvfigs-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]])

2148ACT1718k2psοἱ δέ, ξένων1But others said

“But other philosophers said”

2149ACT1718l41tδοκεῖ καταγγελεὺς εἶναι1He seems to be a proclaimer

“He seems to be teaching a philosophy”

2150ACT1718sx9tξένων δαιμονίων1of foreign gods

That is, gods that Greeks and Romans do not worship or know about.

2151ACT1719fs5gfigs-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]])

2152ACT1719mv8cἐπιλαβόμενοί 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.

2153ACT1719b56gfigs-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]])

2154ACT1719ze7eτὸν 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”

2155ACT1719unc8translate-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]])

2156ACT1720lay8figs-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]])

2157ACT1721dn1tfigs-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]])

2158ACT1721d8ybtranslate-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]])

2159ACT1721sk5bfigs-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]])

2160ACT1721ij4efigs-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]])

2161ACT1721wr1rλέγειν 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”

2162ACT1722zq3y0General Information:

Paul begins his speech to the philosophers on the Areopagus.

2163ACT1722ja1kκατὰ 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.

2164ACT1723gn1jδιερχόμενος γὰρ1For passing through

“Because as I was walked through” or “As I was walking along”

2165ACT1723cem7ἀγνώστῳ 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.

2166ACT1724m1jmτὸν κόσμον1the world

In the most general sense, the world refers to the heavens and the earth and everything in them.

2167ACT1724rqk9οὗτος…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.

2168ACT1724f2mzfigs-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]])

2169ACT1724ju4hfigs-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]])

2170ACT1725e3dgfigs-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]])

2171ACT1725yq68figs-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]])

2172ACT1725sj89figs-rpronounsαὐτὸς διδοὺς1himself giving

“because he himself gives.” The word himself is added for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2173ACT1726r3ltfigs-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]])

2174ACT1726p1e4ἑνὸς1one man

This means Adam, the first person God created.

2175ACT1726js4pὁρίσας 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”

2176ACT1727jae5figs-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]])

2177ACT1727p8hkfigs-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]])

2178ACT1728tkd3figs-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]])

2179ACT1728cbd9ἐν αὐτῷ γὰρ1For in him

“Because of him”

2180ACT1729k9wsfigs-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]])

2181ACT1729czi9figs-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]])

2182ACT1729q4q2figs-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]])

2183ACT1730y2u80General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to God.

2184ACT1730zj280Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes his speech to the philosophers in the Areopagus, which he began in Acts 17:22.

2185ACT1730suh6οὖν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true”

2186ACT1730iva4τοὺς…χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας ὑπεριδὼν ὁ Θεὸς1God, having overlooked the times of ignorance

“God, having decided not to punish people during the times of ignorance”

2187ACT1730h8uyχρόνους 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.

2188ACT1730qim5figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας1all men

This means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2189ACT1731htp7ἐν 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”

2190ACT1731jt3afigs-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]])

2191ACT1731i9awἐν δικαιοσύνῃ1in righteousness

“justly” or “fairly”

2192ACT1731l61pπίστιν παρασχὼν1He has provided signs

“God has demonstrated his choice of this man”

2193ACT1731ulr4ἐκ 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.

2194ACT1732tc8tfigs-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]])

2195ACT1732c4smwriting-endofstory0

This is the end of the part of the story about Paul in Athens. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

2196ACT1732nb26δὲ1Now

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.

2197ACT1732jlm5ἀκούσαντες1when they heard of

These are the people who were present at the Areopagus listening to Paul.

2198ACT1732sn6jοἱ 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.

2199ACT1734psh8translate-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]])

2200ACT1734hsz3translate-namesΔάμαρις1Damaris

This is the name of a woman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2201ACT18introrky60

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]])

2202ACT181jat1writing-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]])

2203ACT181qa9b0Connecting Statement:

This is another part of the story of Pauls travels as he goes to Corinth.

2204ACT181fky7μετὰ ταῦτα1After these things

“After these events took place in Athens”

2205ACT181abcwχωρισθεὶς1having departed

“when Paul had departed”

2206ACT181h2siτῶν Ἀθηνῶν1Athens

Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 17:15.

2207ACT182d9zxκαὶ εὑρών1And when he found

Possible meanings are that (1) Paul happened to find by chance or (2) Paul intentionally found.

2208ACT182hm16writing-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]])

2209ACT182y97ptranslate-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]])

2210ACT182q4vaπροσφάτως ἐληλυθότα1who had recently come

This probably happened sometime in the past year.

2211ACT182n631translate-namesτῆς Ἰταλίας1Italy

This is the name of land. Rome is the capital city of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2212ACT182n95fτὸ διατεταχέναι Κλαύδιον1Claudius had ordered

Claudius was the current Roman emperor. See how you translated this in Acts 11:28.

2213ACT183q259τὸ ὁμότεχνον εἶναι1he was of the same trade

“he did the same kind of work that they did”

2214ACT184r56h0General Information:

Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul.

2215ACT184h3azδιελέγετο 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.

2216ACT184r2gpἔπειθέν 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.”

2217ACT186ncx8translate-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]])

2218ACT186z12afigs-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]])

2219ACT187cd3u0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. The first word “his” refers to Titius Justus. The second word “his” refers to Crispus.

2220ACT187vs6ytranslate-namesΤιτίου Ἰούστου1Titius Justus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2221ACT187v8xgσεβομένου 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.

2222ACT188lj2ttranslate-namesΚρίσπος1Crispus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2223ACT188kkk9ἀρχισυνάγωγος1leader of the synagogue

a layperson who sponsored and administered the synagogue, not necessarily the teacher

2224ACT188uaq5figs-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]])

2225ACT188t3npfigs-activepassiveἐβαπτίζοντο1were being baptized

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

2226ACT189ws7pfigs-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]])

2227ACT189zg8afigs-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]])

2228ACT189a529figs-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]])

2229ACT1810a8lqλαός 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”

2230ACT1811mqx2writing-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]])

2231ACT1812f41ktranslate-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]])

2232ACT1812b5bf0Connecting Statement:

The unbelieving Jews bring Paul to the judgment seat before Gallio.

2233ACT1812se8mtranslate-namesΓαλλίωνος1Gallio

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2234ACT1812j762figs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This stands for the Jewish leaders that did not believe in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2235ACT1812lp79κατεπέστησαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν1rose up together against

“came together against” or “joined together to attack”

2236ACT1812u36cfigs-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]])

2237ACT1814d13bὁ Γαλλίων1Gallio

Gallio was the Roman governor of the Province.

2238ACT1815y6mtνόμου τοῦ καθ’ ὑμᾶς1your law

Here law refers to the law of Moses and as well as the Jewish customs of Pauls time.

2239ACT1815khr5κριτὴς ἐγὼ τούτων οὐ βούλομαι εἶναι1I do not want to be a judge of these matters

“I refuse to make a judgment about these matters”

2240ACT1816yf810General 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).

2241ACT1816d6nhfigs-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]])

2242ACT1817cyk6figs-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]])

2243ACT1817mj77ἐπιλαβόμενοι 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.

2244ACT1817x9w5translate-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]])

2245ACT1817z9fvἔτυπτον1were beating him

“repeatedly hit him” or “repeatedly punched him.”

2246ACT1818x25wtranslate-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]])

2247ACT1818ura90Connecting 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.

2248ACT1818et8cfigs-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]])

2249ACT1818v5klἐξέπλει 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.

2250ACT1818kq6ftranslate-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]])

2251ACT1819abcxκἀκείνους κατέλιπεν1he left them

“Paul left Priscilla and Aquilla”

2252ACT1819st93διελέξατο1reasoned with

“discussed with” or “debated with”

2253ACT1820u44s0General Information:

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the Jews in Ephesus.

2254ACT1821iz1uἀποταξάμενος1having left them

“when he had departed from them”

2255ACT1822pr6u0General Information:

Phrygia is a province in Asia which is now modern day Turkey. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

2256ACT1822p3640Connecting Statement:

Paul continues his missionary journey.

2257ACT1822gyy4κατελθὼν εἰς Καισάρειαν1having landed at Caesarea

“when he had arrived at Caesarea.” The word landed is used to show that he arrived by ship.

2258ACT1822r26zἀναβὰς1having gone up

He traveled to the city of Jerusalem. The phrase gone up is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

2259ACT1822q9j6figs-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]])

2260ACT1822n3rhκατέβη1he went down

The phrase went down is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

2261ACT1823pww5ἐξῆλθεν1he departed

“Paul went away” or “Paul left”

2262ACT1823h65jfigs-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]])

2263ACT1824a7p9writing-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]])

2264ACT1824muc20Connecting Statement:

Luke tells what happens in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila.

2265ACT1824xqy7δέ1Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line.

2266ACT1824n2b4writing-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]])

2267ACT1824di14translate-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]])

2268ACT1824t4ziἀνὴρ λόγιος1an eloquent man

“a good speaker”

2269ACT1824bh25δυνατὸς ὢν ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς1He was mighty in the scriptures

“he knew the scriptures thoroughly.” He understood the Old Testament writings well.

2270ACT1825z7a8figs-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]])

2271ACT1825ift8figs-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]])

2272ACT1825lr1hτὸ 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.

2273ACT1826ga6vfigs-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]])

2274ACT1826k1lbἀκριβέστερον1more accurately

“more correctly” or “more fully”

2275ACT1827c2sq0General Information:

Here the he words “he” and “him” refer to Apollos (Acts 18:24).

2276ACT1827ll36διελθεῖν 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.

2277ACT1827pql7τὴν Ἀχαΐαν1Achaia

Achaia was a Roman Province in the southern section of Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.

2278ACT1827v2i6figs-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]])

2279ACT1827q5f2ἔγραψαν τοῖς μαθηταῖς1and wrote to the disciples

“and wrote a letter to the Christians in Achaia”

2280ACT1827f99pτοῖς 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”

2281ACT1828l2ztεὐτόνως…τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις διακατηλέγχετο δημοσίᾳ1he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly

“in public debate Apollos powerfully proved that the Jews were wrong”

2282ACT19introg38y0

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.

2283ACT191rhv10General 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.

2284ACT191wu6p0Connecting Statement:

Paul travels to Ephesus.

2285ACT191lp23ἐγένετο 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.

2286ACT191ati9διελθόντα1passed through

“traveled through”

2287ACT192wqi4εἰ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐλάβετε1Did you receive the Holy Spirit

This means to have the Holy Spirit come upon them.

2288ACT192nvn4οὐδ’ εἰ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἔστιν ἠκούσαμεν1we did not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit

“we have never heard about the Holy Spirit”

2289ACT193hml10General 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.

2290ACT193mrm6figs-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]])

2291ACT193jzp7figs-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]])

2292ACT194r46yfigs-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]])

2293ACT194pv7tτὸν ἐρχόμενον1the one who is coming

Here the one refers to Jesus.

2294ACT194q5fhτὸν 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.

2295ACT195zx2b0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues staying in Ephesus.

2296ACT195k9stἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

Here they refers to the disciples in Ephesus who were talking with Paul (Acts 19:1),

2297ACT195ueh1figs-activepassiveἐβαπτίσθησαν1they were baptized

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

2298ACT195g2dmfigs-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]])

2299ACT196gk8lἐπιθέντος 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”

2300ACT196j4n8ἐλάλουν 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.

2301ACT197e7kjwriting-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]])

2302ACT197u71itranslate-numbersἄνδρες…δώδεκα112 men

“12 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2303ACT198qv8zεἰσελθὼν…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”

2304ACT198yky2διαλεγόμενος καὶ πείθων1reasoning and persuading them

“convincing people with convincing arguments and with clear teaching”

2305ACT198v8etfigs-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]])

2306ACT199mq1gfigs-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]])

2307ACT199n6irfigs-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)

2308ACT199ts8dκακολογοῦντες1speaking evil

“speaking bad things about”

2309ACT199xsm6ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου1in the lecture hall of Tyrannus

“in the large room where Tyrannus had taught people”

2310ACT199den4translate-namesΤυράννου1of Tyrannus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2311ACT1910cw5gfigs-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]])

2312ACT1910kj12figs-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]])

2313ACT1911cb6w0General Information:

Here the words “them” and “they” refer to those who were sick.

2314ACT1911fa6hfigs-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]])

2315ACT1911abcyοὐ τὰς τυχούσας1not ordinary

“unusual”

2316ACT1912m3klκαὶ 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”

2317ACT1912vc1vκαὶ…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.

2318ACT1912aks4σουδάρια1handkerchiefs

cloths worn around the head

2319ACT1912xs31σιμικίνθια1aprons

clothing worn on the front of the body to protect the clothes of people

2320ACT1912kw9zfigs-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]])

2321ACT1912nl3aἀπαλλάσσεσθαι ἀπ’ αὐτῶν τὰς νόσους1their illnesses departed from them

“those who were sick became healthy”

2322ACT1913he2x0General Information:

This is the beginning of another event that happened while Paul was in Ephesus. It is about Jewish exorcists.

2323ACT1913fgq4ἐξορκιστῶν1exorcists

people who send evil spirits away from people or places

2324ACT1913s12ufigs-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]])

2325ACT1913d59pτὸν 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.

2326ACT1913vqt1figs-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]])

2327ACT1914cb8ptranslate-namesΣκευᾶ1of Sceva

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2328ACT1915i4a2τὸν 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”

2329ACT1915nsl1figs-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]])

2330ACT1916ty4xἐφαλόμενος 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.

2331ACT1916lu7uαὐτοὺς1them

This refers to the exorcists who send evil spirits from people or places. See how you translated this in Acts 19:13.

2332ACT1916b8cbγυμνοὺς…ἐκφυγεῖν1they fled … naked

The exorcists fled with their clothes ripped off them.

2333ACT1917j85hfigs-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]])

2334ACT1917j2hhfigs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα1the name

This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2335ACT1918tj8twriting-endofstory0

This ends the story about the Jewish exorcists. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

2336ACT1919z9rjσυνενέγκαντες τὰς βίβλους1having brought their books together

“having collected their books.” The word books refers to scrolls on which magical incantations and formulas were written.

2337ACT1919m6nfἐνώπιον πάντων1before everyone

“in front of everyone”

2338ACT1919upz3τὰς τιμὰς αὐτῶν1the value of them

“the value of the books” or “the value of the scrolls”

2339ACT1919u9pitranslate-numbersμυριάδας πέντε150000

“fifty thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2340ACT1919bcv2translate-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]])

2341ACT1920es71figs-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]])

2342ACT1921k1j10Connecting Statement:

Paul talks about going Jerusalem but does not leave Ephesus yet.

2343ACT1921de4fδὲ1Now

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.

2344ACT1921q18bἐπληρώθη ταῦτα…ὁ Παῦλος1this was completed, Paul

“Paul had completed the work that God had for him to do in Ephesus, he”

2345ACT1921fgq5ἔθετο…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.

2346ACT1921brb7Ἀχαΐαν1Achaia

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.

2347ACT1921rdz4δεῖ με καὶ Ῥώμην ἰδεῖν1it is necessary for me also to see Rome

“I must also travel to Rome”

2348ACT1922cy6ftranslate-namesἜραστον1Erastus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2349ACT1922k35jfigs-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]])

2350ACT1922uy9xfigs-rpronounsαὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν1he himself stayed

Here himself is added for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2351ACT1923y5aewriting-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]])

2352ACT1923l7gz0Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about a riot that broke out while Paul was in Ephesus.

2353ACT1923kn49ἐγένετο…τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ1there was no small disturbance concerning the Way

This is a summary opening statement.

2354ACT1923nb3pfigs-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]])

2355ACT1923rwf2τῆς ὁδοῦ1the Way

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated this title in Acts 9:1.

2356ACT1924cg16writing-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]])

2357ACT1924nwt7ἀργυροκόπος1a silversmith

a craftsman who works with silver metal to make statues and jewelry

2358ACT1924v8cbtranslate-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]])

2359ACT1924p58mfigs-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]])

2360ACT1925kuz6τοὺς περὶ τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργάτας1the workmen of that occupation

An occupation is a profession or job. Alternate translation: “others who did that kind of work”

2361ACT1926w5z60Connecting Statement:

Demetrius continues to speak to the craftsmen.

2362ACT1926rm6wθεωρεῖτε καὶ ἀκούετε ὅτι1you see and hear that

“you have come to know and understand that”

2363ACT1926rx32figs-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]])

2364ACT1926z7e7figs-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]])

2365ACT1927r1w2figs-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]])

2366ACT1927j3bbfigs-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]])

2367ACT1927bqt4μέλλειν τε καὶ καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς1And indeed, her majesty is about to be destroyed

Artemiss greatness only comes from what people think of her.

2368ACT1927hz7lfigs-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]])

2369ACT1928t4lm0General Information:

Here “they” refers to the craftsmen who made the idols (Acts 19:24-25).

2370ACT1928uc5cfigs-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]])

2371ACT1928lcx8ἔκραζον1they cried out

“they shouted aloud” or “they shouted loudly”

2372ACT1929t7xsfigs-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]])

2373ACT1929nt7yὥρμησάν τε ὁμοθυμαδὸν1and they rushed together

This was a mob or near riot situation.

2374ACT1929ej3qεἰς 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.

2375ACT1929hjc8συνεκδήμους Παύλου1Pauls … travel companions

The men who had been with Paul.

2376ACT1929d6r9translate-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]])

2377ACT1930ii1u0General Information:

Ephesus was part of the Roman empire and in the province of Asia.

2378ACT1931z7wwτὸ 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.

2379ACT1933jr85translate-namesἈλέξανδρον1Alexander

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2380ACT1933j1mifigs-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]])

2381ACT1933tlq7ἀπολογεῖσθαι1to 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.”

2382ACT1934u1hpfigs-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]])

2383ACT1935fm3mfigs-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]])

2384ACT1935pu960Connecting Statement:

The clerk of Ephesus speaks to quiet the crowd.

2385ACT1935sy9mὁ γραμματεὺς1the town clerk

This refers to the town “writer” or “secretary.”

2386ACT1935sd3sfigs-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]])

2387ACT1935k8dyfigs-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]])

2388ACT1935hiw3νεωκόρον1temple keeper

The Ephesian people maintained and guarded the temple of Artemis.

2389ACT1935afd1τοῦ 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).

2390ACT1936r8cfἀναντιρρήτων οὖν ὄντων τούτων1So these things are undeniable

“So since you know these things are true”

2391ACT1936xj2nμηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν1to do nothing rash

“do not do anything before you have had time to think about it”

2392ACT1936s67qπροπετὲς1rash

without careful thought

2393ACT1937s8a9τοὺς ἄνδρας τούτους1these men

The words these men refer to Gaius and Aristarchus, Pauls traveling companions (Acts 19:29).

2394ACT1938wgv50Connecting Statement:

The town clerk finishes speaking to the crowd.

2395ACT1938qd4sοὖν1Therefore

“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.

2396ACT1938zkx5figs-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]])

2397ACT1938szf7translate-unknownἀνθύπατοί1proconsuls

the Roman governors representatives who made legal decisions in court (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

2398ACT1938g8tpἐγκαλείτωσαν 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”

2399ACT1939hxh3εἰ δέ τι περὶ ἑτέρων ἐπιζητεῖτε1But if you seek anything about other matters

“But if you have other matters to discuss”

2400ACT1939wga5figs-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]])

2401ACT1939et5jτῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ1the regular assembly

This refers to a public gathering of citizens over which the county clerk presided.

2402ACT1940sds7figs-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]])

2403ACT20introu91c0

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.

2404ACT201cwq70Connecting Statement:

Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his travels.

2405ACT201y5cqμετὰ δὲ τὸ παύσασθαι τὸν θόρυβον1After the uproar had ended

“After the riot” or “Following the riot”

2406ACT201hr32ἀσπασάμενος1and said farewell

“and he said goodbye”

2407ACT202edb8παρακαλέσας 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”

2408ACT203yxj3figs-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]])

2409ACT203cit9figs-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]])

2410ACT203ah5wfigs-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]])

2411ACT203m7naμέλλοντι ἀνάγεσθαι εἰς τὴν Συρίαν1as he was about to sail for Syria

“as he was ready to sail to Syria”

2412ACT204y35xfigs-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]])

2413ACT204c9etσυνείπετο δὲ αὐτῷ1And accompanying him

“And traveling with him”

2414ACT204dw6jtranslate-namesΣώπατρος…Πύρρου…Σεκοῦνδος,…Τυχικὸς…Τρόφιμος1were Sopater of Pyrrhus … Secundus … Tychicus … Trophimus

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

2415ACT204w4n1translate-namesΒεροιαῖος…Δερβαῖος1from Berea … from Derbe

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

2416ACT204w8j6Ἀρίσταρχος…Γάϊος1Aristarchus … Gaius

These are names of men. See how you translated these names in Acts 19:29.

2417ACT205itz1translate-namesΤρῳάδι1Troas

This is the name of a place. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2418ACT205kv8tοὗτοι…προσελθόντες1they had gone before us

“these men had traveled ahead of us”

2419ACT206l5drτὰς 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.

2420ACT207dnt4figs-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)

2421ACT207mbr80Connecting Statement:

Luke tells about Pauls preaching in Troas and about what happened to Eutychus.

2422ACT207zff8figs-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]])

2423ACT207j888παρέτεινέν τε τὸν λόγον1and so he continued his message

“and so he continued to speak”

2424ACT208ak8zὑπερῴῳ1upper room

This may have been the third floor of the house.

2425ACT209hw7b0General 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.

2426ACT209v5q7ἐπὶ 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.

2427ACT209ju64translate-namesΕὔτυχος1Eutychus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2428ACT209tsp4figs-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]])

2429ACT209abczκατενεχθεὶς ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕπνου1having been overcome by sleep

The young man was fell asleep, not Paul.

2430ACT209jp89figs-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]])

2431ACT209kh3hτριστέγου1third 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.”

2432ACT2011av7m0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Paul.

2433ACT2011lih80Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Pauls preaching at Troas and about Eutychus.

2434ACT2011w5w8figs-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]])

2435ACT2011t88cοὕτως ἐξῆλθεν1In this way, he left

“This is what happened as he was going away”

2436ACT2012jkj5τὸν 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.

2437ACT2012abx0figs-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]])

2438ACT2013dja7figs-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]])

2439ACT2013awt90Connecting Statement:

The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip.

2440ACT2013w4ewfigs-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]])

2441ACT2013q4yztranslate-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]])

2442ACT2013nq2qfigs-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]])

2443ACT2013p8y7πεζεύειν1to go on foot

“to walk”

2444ACT2014ju8ftranslate-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]])

2445ACT2015ll2hfigs-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]])

2446ACT2015ulk6translate-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]])

2447ACT2015jyr7παρεβάλομεν εἰς Σάμον1we landed at Samos

“we arrived at the island of Samos”

2448ACT2015b6c6translate-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]])

2449ACT2015s7g2translate-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]])

2450ACT2016p272translate-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]])

2451ACT2016p61efigs-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]])

2452ACT2017nw52figs-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]])

2453ACT2017v9al0Connecting Statement:

Paul calls the elders of the church of Ephesus and begins to speak to them.

2454ACT2017l9ajtranslate-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]])

2455ACT2018b6lifigs-rpronounsὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε1You yourselves know

Here yourselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2456ACT2018vw6nfigs-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]])

2457ACT2019wh5mfigs-metonymyδακρύων1tears

Here “tears” stands for feeling sad and crying. Alternate translation: “sadness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2458ACT2019e6k7πειρασμῶν, 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)

2459ACT2019y5iwfigs-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]])

2460ACT2020nu7hὡς 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”

2461ACT2020kut9κατ’ οἴκους1according to houses

Paul taught people in various private homes. Alternate translation: “in each house” or “in everyone's home”

2462ACT2021w7mvfigs-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]])

2463ACT2022ty3b0General Information:

Here the word “I” refers to Paul.

2464ACT2022vam4figs-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]])

2465ACT2022a9j1τὰ 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”

2466ACT2023q3iefigs-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]])

2467ACT2024w8d2figs-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]])

2468ACT2024m5gcfigs-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]])

2469ACT2024hg3lδιαμαρτύρασθαι 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.

2470ACT2025f1sb0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to talk to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17).

2471ACT2025kj9cκαὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ, ἐγὼ οἶδα1And now, behold, I know

“And now, pay careful attention, because I know”

2472ACT2025z4ngἐγὼ οἶδα ὅτι…ὑμεῖς πάντες1I know that you all

“I know that all of you”

2473ACT2025aur9figs-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]])

2474ACT2025cq45figs-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]])

2475ACT2026e546figs-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]])

2476ACT2026v5elfigs-gendernotationsπάντων1of all

Here this means any person whether male or female. Alternate translation: “of any person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2477ACT2027qa9yfigs-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]])

2478ACT2028u52dfigs-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]])

2479ACT2028cx69figs-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]])

2480ACT2028hjh6figs-metonymyτοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου1his own blood

Here blood stands for Christs death. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2481ACT2029ka6ufigs-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]])

2482ACT2030ftf4figs-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]])

2483ACT2031q2nlγρηγορεῖτε, μνημονεύοντες1be alert, remembering

“be on guard and remember” or “be on guard as you remember”

2484ACT2031ll64figs-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]])

2485ACT2031pvt6μνημονεύοντες ὅτι1Remembering that

“continuing to remember that” or “not forgetting that”

2486ACT2031rt1hfigs-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]])

2487ACT2031hs1mοὐκ ἐπαυσάμην…νουθετῶν1I did not stop admonishing

“I did not stop warning”

2488ACT2031rvh6figs-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]])

2489ACT2032ylm3figs-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]])

2490ACT2032vnb2παρατίθεμαι1I am entrusting

to give someone else the responsibility of taking care of someone or something

2491ACT2032s7rffigs-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]])

2492ACT2032zvz8figs-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]])

2493ACT2032x5jyfigs-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]])

2494ACT2033y6ii0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus; he began to speak them in Acts 20:18.

2495ACT2033yw8aἀργυρίου…οὐδενὸς ἐπεθύμησα1I coveted no ones silver

“I did not desire anyones silver” or “I did not want for myself anyones silver”

2496ACT2033ipq5ἀργυρίου, ἢ χρυσίου, ἢ ἱματισμοῦ, οὐδενὸς1no ones silver, gold, or clothing

Here clothing is considered a treasure; the more you had, the richer you were.

2497ACT2034f5a3figs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ γινώσκετε1You yourselves know

The word yourselves is used here to add emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2498ACT2034ja5vfigs-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]])

2499ACT2035wn8jκοπιῶντας 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”

2500ACT2035p3n8figs-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]])

2501ACT2035dpu1ἀσθενούντων1weak

“sick”

2502ACT2035ps2ifigs-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]])

2503ACT2035e396μακάριόν 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.

2504ACT2036q6bs0Connecting Statement:

Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.

2505ACT2036u3uctranslate-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]])

2506ACT2037pb4rἐπιπεσόντες ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τοῦ Παύλου1having fallen upon Pauls neck

“having embraced Paul” or “putting their arms around him”

2507ACT2037sze4κατεφίλουν αὐτόν1they were kissing him

Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.

2508ACT2038bs3sfigs-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]])

2509ACT21introgh1j0

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.

2510ACT211s3h3figs-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]])

2511ACT211i6f80Connecting Statement:

The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels.

2512ACT211zz5hεὐθυδρομήσαντες 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”

2513ACT211e5y6translate-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]])

2514ACT211p6sstranslate-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]])

2515ACT211x7kgtranslate-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]])

2516ACT212nz9kfigs-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]])

2517ACT212vbd3πλοῖον 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”

2518ACT213er3rfigs-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]])

2519ACT213vkr2καταλιπόντες αὐτὴν εὐώνυμον1leaving it behind on the left

“passed the island on our left” The left is the “port” side of a boat.

2520ACT213hwx8figs-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]])

2521ACT214y35mοἵτινες 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”

2522ACT215fe1u0General Information:

Here the word “They” refers to the believers from Tyre.

2523ACT215a5wjὅτε…ἐγένετο ἡμᾶς ἐξαρτίσαι τὰς ἡμέρας1when our days to supply happened

“when we had finished taking supplies onto the ship”

2524ACT215q8xltranslate-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]])

2525ACT216ja1xἀπησπασάμεθα ἀλλήλους1we said farewell to each other

“we said goodbye to one another”

2526ACT217hy6efigs-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]])

2527ACT217kt6u0Connecting Statement:

This begins Pauls time in Caesarea.

2528ACT217z4nttranslate-namesΠτολεμαΐδα1Ptolemais

Ptolemais was a city south of Tyre, Lebanon. Ptolemais is modern day Acre, Israel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2529ACT217ff1sτοὺς ἀδελφοὺς1the brothers

“the fellow believers”

2530ACT218ay52ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ1from the seven

The seven refers to the men chosen to distribute food and aid to the widows in Acts 6:5.

2531ACT218vi48εὐαγγελιστοῦ1evangelist

a person who tells people the good news about Jesus

2532ACT219rcf4τούτῳ1this man

“Philip” from verse 8

2533ACT219cv8bwriting-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]])

2534ACT219r1i1θυγατέρες τέσσαρες παρθένοι, προφητεύουσαι1four virgin daughters who prophesy

“four virgin daughters who regularly receive and pass along messages from God”

2535ACT2110fe6sfigs-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]])

2536ACT2110hx8k0Connecting Statement:

This tells about a prophecy made about Paul in Caesarea by the prophet Agabus.

2537ACT2110n3i8writing-participantsτις…προφήτης ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος1a certain prophet named Agabus

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])

2538ACT2110f9cbtranslate-namesἍγαβος1Agabus

Agabus was a man from Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2539ACT2111i8t2ἄρας τὴν ζώνην τοῦ Παύλου1taken Pauls belt

“removed Pauls belt from Pauls waist”

2540ACT2111nq2yfigs-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]])

2541ACT2111i8u7figs-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]])

2542ACT2111zvw8παραδώσουσιν1they will hand him over

“they will deliver him”

2543ACT2111s92dfigs-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]])

2544ACT2111b59gfigs-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]])

2545ACT2112fvh4figs-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]])

2546ACT2113uwt2figs-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]])

2547ACT2113bj76figs-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]])

2548ACT2113p5e5figs-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]])

2549ACT2113q35xfigs-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]])

2550ACT2114hwc5figs-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]])

2551ACT2114zl98figs-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]])

2552ACT2114as1ifigs-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]])

2553ACT2115p5fmfigs-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]])

2554ACT2115p5flfigs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “we” refers to some of the disciples from Caesarea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2555ACT2115kd5l0Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time in Caesarea.

2556ACT2116k9krπαρ’ 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.

2557ACT2116zd9itranslate-namesΜνάσωνί…Κυπρίῳ1Mnason … from Cyprus

Mnason is a man from the island of Cyprus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2558ACT2116c7r2ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ1an early disciple

This means Mnason was one of the first to believe in Jesus.

2559ACT2117zpa70General Information:

Here the words “he” and “his” refers to Paul. The word “them” refers to the elders.

2560ACT2117wz340Connecting Statement:

Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem.

2561ACT2117d3gjfigs-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]])

2562ACT2119bx9eἐξηγεῖτο καθ’ ἓν ἕκαστον1he reported according to each thing

“he gave a detailed account of everything”

2563ACT2120zks90Connecting Statement:

The elders in Jerusalem begin their response to Paul.

2564ACT2120a1hkοἱ…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.

2565ACT2120xki4ἀδελφέ1brother

Here brother means “fellow believer.”

2566ACT2120c5puὑπάρχουσιν1they are

The word they refers to Jewish believers who wanted all believing Jews to keep the Jewish laws and customs.

2567ACT2121pyg8figs-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]])

2568ACT2121e5s4figs-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]])

2569ACT2121sdl3figs-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]])

2570ACT2121knt4figs-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]])

2571ACT2121u56tτοῖς ἔθεσιν1in the customs

“do the things that Jews normally do”

2572ACT2122b28bfigs-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]])

2573ACT2123b22rἡμῖν 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.

2574ACT2124km4wfigs-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]])

2575ACT2124c3apfigs-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]])

2576ACT2124abq6translate-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]])

2577ACT2124nu9vfigs-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]])

2578ACT2124sv6ifigs-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]])

2579ACT2125c4klfigs-exclusive0General Information:

Here the word “we” refers to James and the elders. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2580ACT2125cqm90Connecting Statement:

James and the elders in Jerusalem finish their request to Paul (Acts 21:18).

2581ACT2125a35ufigs-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]])

2582ACT2125bpb5figs-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]])

2583ACT2125wjd2figs-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]])

2584ACT2126cr14παραλαβὼν τοὺς ἄνδρας1having taken the men

These are the four men who made a vow.

2585ACT2126s8z9σὺν 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.

2586ACT2126xu9rfigs-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]])

2587ACT2126pvy3τῶν 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.

2588ACT2126gc23figs-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]])

2589ACT2127l3bg0General Information:

Verse 29 gives background information about the Jews from Asia.

2590ACT2127p4gi0Connecting Statement:

This begins the story of Pauls arrest.

2591ACT2127j9zmαἱ ἑπτὰ ἡμέραι1the seven days

These are the seven days for purification.

2592ACT2127k4l1figs-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]])

2593ACT2127u942figs-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]])

2594ACT2127mks6figs-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]])

2595ACT2128sfg3τοῦ 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”

2596ACT2128jc9qfigs-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]])

2597ACT2129t2z7writing-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]])

2598ACT2129h1uuΤρόφιμον1Trophimus

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.

2599ACT2130upl8figs-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]])

2600ACT2130x2sxἐπιλαβόμενοι τοῦ Παύλου1having laid hold of Paul

“having seized Paul” or “after they grabbed Paul”

2601ACT2130xd6rfigs-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]])

2602ACT2131d6vtfigs-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]])

2603ACT2131hu5rἀνέβη 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.

2604ACT2131p85aτῷ χιλιάρχῳ1to the commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2605ACT2131u65rfigs-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]])

2606ACT2132j81t0General Information:

The first word “he” and the word “He” refer to the chief captain of the guard mentioned in Acts 21:31.

2607ACT2132dgz5κατέδραμεν1ran down

From the fortress, there are stairs going down into the court.

2608ACT2132e4rjτὸν χιλίαρχον1the commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2609ACT2133w28uἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ1laid hold of him

“took hold of Paul” or “arrested Paul”

2610ACT2133zi4lfigs-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]])

2611ACT2133xd9wἁλύσεσι δυσί1with two chains

This means they bound Paul to two Roman soldiers, one on each side of him.

2612ACT2133y6zwfigs-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]])

2613ACT2133fi22ἐπυνθάνετο τίς εἴη1he asked who he is

The commander is speaking to the crowd, not to Paul.

2614ACT2134k35eαὐτοῦ1he

This refers to the commander.

2615ACT2134qcc6figs-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]])

2616ACT2134w2qjεἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν1into the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court.

2617ACT2135h9n7figs-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]])

2618ACT2136kax6figs-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]])

2619ACT2137j9xkfigs-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]])

2620ACT2137qp63τὴν παρεμβολὴν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2621ACT2137inl1τῷ χιλιάρχῳ1to the commander

a Roman military officer of about 600 soldiers

2622ACT2137p5cdfigs-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]])

2623ACT2138xx2wfigs-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]])

2624ACT2138nxs6figs-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]])

2625ACT2138tqh6translate-numbersτοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας1the 4,000 men

“the four thousand terrorists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2626ACT2138p2ymτῶν σικαρίων1of the Assassins

This refers to a group of Jewish rebels who killed Romans and anyone who supported Romans.

2627ACT2139t6ax0Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to defend what he did.

2628ACT2139ys84δέομαι…σου1I ask you

“I beg you” or “I plead with you”

2629ACT2139a139ἐπίτρεψόν μοι1allow me

“please allow me” or please permit me”

2630ACT2140qp2qfigs-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]])

2631ACT2140a4y2ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν1Paul, standing on the steps

The word steps here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress.

2632ACT2140rk1yfigs-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]])

2633ACT2140xj6iπολλῆς δὲ σιγῆς γενομένης1And when there was a deep silence

“And when the people were completely silent”

2634ACT22introgq5g0

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.

2635ACT221kq95writing-background0General Information:

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

2636ACT221a8ir0Connecting Statement:

Paul speaks to the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem.

2637ACT221xe46ἀδελφοὶ 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.

2638ACT221pe8tἀκούσατέ 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”

2639ACT222b4skτῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ1in the Hebrew language

The Hebrew language was the language of the Jews.

2640ACT223g311figs-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]])

2641ACT223d4dxfigs-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]])

2642ACT223b1dqΓαμαλιήλ1of Gamaliel

Gamaliel was one of the most prominent teachers of the Jewish law. See how you translated this name in Acts 5:34.

2643ACT223iz4gfigs-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]])

2644ACT223lqk7τοῦ 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.

2645ACT223a8d6ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τοῦ Θεοῦ1being zealous for God

“I am completely dedicated to obeying God” or “I am passionate about my service to God”

2646ACT223dbl4καθὼς 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.

2647ACT224jy3zfigs-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]])

2648ACT224bk4cταύτην τὴν Ὁδὸν1this Way

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated the Way in Acts 9:2.

2649ACT224dr8cfigs-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]])

2650ACT224zd2rδεσμεύων 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”

2651ACT225v2kmμαρτυρεῖ1testifies

“can testify” or “can tell you”

2652ACT225i45uπαρ’ ὧν καὶ ἐπιστολὰς δεξάμενος1from whom also having received letters

“who also gave me letters”

2653ACT225in72πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, εἰς Δαμασκὸν1for the brothers in Damascus

Here brothers refers to “fellow Jews.”

2654ACT225y82bἄξων…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”

2655ACT225ht9ffigs-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]])

2656ACT226pe9s0Connecting Statement:

Paul describes his encounter with Jesus.

2657ACT226w4l7ἐγένετο 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.

2658ACT227d6ndfigs-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]])

2659ACT229h95hfigs-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]])

2660ACT2210a91afigs-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]])

2661ACT2211n1kbοὐκ 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”

2662ACT2211n2n1figs-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]])

2663ACT2212a17q0General Information:

The words “He” and “him” refer to Ananias.

2664ACT2212h5bhtranslate-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]])

2665ACT2212z1g3ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον1a devout man according to the law

Ananias was very serious about following Gods law.

2666ACT2212e7uwfigs-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]])

2667ACT2213un4gΣαοὺλ, ἀδελφέ1Saul, brother

Here brother is a polite way to address someone. Alternate translation: “Saul, my friend”

2668ACT2213x3kcfigs-idiomἀνάβλεψον1look up

This phrase is an idiom that means “receive your sight.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2669ACT2213se47figs-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]])

2670ACT221394s0figs-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]])

2671ACT2214v2i70General Information:

The word “he” refers to Ananias (Acts 22:12).

2672ACT2214k3ck0Connecting 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.

2673ACT2214k417τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ1his will

“what God is planning and will cause to happen”

2674ACT2214dg8qfigs-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]])

2675ACT2215i5q8figs-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]])

2676ACT2216bhg9νῦν1Now

Here now does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

2677ACT2216mmx9figs-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]])

2678ACT2216lt2ifigs-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]])

2679ACT2216zr5pfigs-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]])

2680ACT2216g5dqἐπικαλεσάμενος 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”

2681ACT2217znq60Connecting Statement:

Paul begins to tell the crowd about his vision of Jesus.

2682ACT2217its2ἐγένετο 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.

2683ACT2217yr9lγενέσθαι με ἐν ἐκστάσει1I fell into a trance

“I had a vision” or “God gave me a vision”

2684ACT2218jy2cἰδεῖν αὐτὸν λέγοντά μοι1I saw him saying to me

“I saw Jesus as he said to me”

2685ACT2218qul6οὐ 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”

2686ACT2219q5cl0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the non-believing Jews in Jerusalem.

2687ACT2219p7gz0Connecting Statement:

This ends what Paul was able to say to the crowd of Jewish people by the fortress.

2688ACT2219im4nfigs-rpronounsαὐτοὶ ἐπίστανται1they themselves know

The word themselves is used for emphasis. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

2689ACT2219da1eκατὰ 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.

2690ACT2220y7t1figs-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]])

2691ACT2222fj9x0General 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.

2692ACT2222ta8zαἶρε 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”

2693ACT2223ylr7κραυγαζόντων τε αὐτῶν1And as they were shouting

The phrase as they were is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time.

2694ACT2223b6a7translate-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]])

2695ACT2224x7zvχιλίαρχος1commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2696ACT2224h6gpfigs-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]])

2697ACT2224sth6τὴν παρεμβολήν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2698ACT2224pz47figs-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]])

2699ACT2225ar630General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the soldiers.

2700ACT2225st4kτοῖς ἱμᾶσιν1for the whip

The whip was made from strips of leather or animal hide.

2701ACT2225yjw3figs-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]])

2702ACT2226pca7figs-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]])

2703ACT2227pe310General Information:

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

2704ACT2227e69yfigs-goπροσελθὼν…ὁ χιλίαρχος1having come, the commander

Here come can be translated as “gone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

2705ACT2228dr2wἐγὼ 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.

2706ACT2228r79cfigs-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]])

2707ACT2228rly1ἐγὼ 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!”

2708ACT2229ii8pοἱ μέλλοντες…ἀνετάζειν1those who were about to examine

“the men who planned to examine” or “the men who were preparing to question”

2709ACT2230g33i0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to the chief captain.

2710ACT2230kx58ἔλυσεν αὐτόν1he released him

“the commander ordered his soldiers to untie Pauls bonds”

2711ACT2230c5iaκαταγαγὼν τὸν Παῦλον1having brought down Paul

From the fortress, there is a stairway going down to the temple courts.

2712ACT23introgbw50

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]])

2713ACT231z2sq0Connecting Statement:

Paul stands before the chief priests and the council members (Acts 22:30).

2714ACT231jru4ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means “fellow Jews.”

2715ACT231nn2qἐγὼ 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”

2716ACT232yz4ntranslate-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]])

2717ACT233igq4figs-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]])

2718ACT233un7gfigs-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]])

2719ACT233m6nbfigs-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]])

2720ACT234lkh8figs-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]])

2721ACT235e8lgfigs-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]])

2722ACT236pbe1ἀδελφοί1brothers

Here brothers means “fellow Jews”

2723ACT236as3fυἱὸς 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”

2724ACT236ys5kfigs-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]])

2725ACT236iz18figs-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]])

2726ACT237abs3ἐσχίσθη τὸ πλῆθος1the crowd was divided

“the people in the crowd strongly disagreed with one another”

2727ACT238gl1swriting-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]])

2728ACT239eaf1ἐγένετο 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.

2729ACT239ayr8figs-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]])

2730ACT2310dr1dfigs-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]])

2731ACT2310s65iχιλίαρχος1commander

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

2732ACT2310f568figs-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]])

2733ACT2310man3ἁρπάσαι αὐτὸν1to seize him by force

“to use physical force to take him away”

2734ACT2310ap3cεἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν1into the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2735ACT2311i9w5τῇ…ἐπιούσῃ νυκτὶ1the following night

This means the night after the day Paul went before the council. Alternate translation: “that night”

2736ACT2311r4q4figs-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]])

2737ACT2312fm3y0Connecting Statement:

While Paul was in the prison at the fortress, the disbelieving religious Jews vow to kill him.

2738ACT2312klb4ποιήσαντες συστροφὴν1having formed a conspiracy

“having organized a group with a shared purpose” here, to kill Paul.

2739ACT2312g3sjfigs-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]])

2740ACT2313f1u2translate-numbersτεσσεράκοντα οἱ140 who

“forty men who” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2741ACT2313u5s5οἱ ταύτην τὴν συνωμοσίαν ποιησάμενοι1who had formed this conspiracy

“who had made this plan” or “who planned to kill Paul”

2742ACT2314zb6wfigs-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]])

2743ACT2314ur73figs-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]])

2744ACT2315w418νῦν οὖν1Now, therefore

“Because what we have just said is true” or “Because we have put ourselves under this curse”

2745ACT2315q9e6νῦν1Now

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

2746ACT2315q9mbκαταγάγῃ αὐτὸν εἰς ὑμᾶς1he will bring him down to you

“the commander will bring Paul from the fortress to meet with you”

2747ACT2315m133ὡς 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”

2748ACT2316d7cy0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers to Pauls nephew. The word “him” refers to the chief captain.

2749ACT2316w6feὁ υἱὸς τῆς ἀδελφῆς Παύλου1the son of the sister of Paul

“the son of Pauls sister” or “Pauls nephew”

2750ACT2316pj5hἀκούσας…τὴν ἐνέδραν1having heard of the ambush

“hearing that they were ready to ambush Paul” or “finding out that they were waiting to kill Paul”

2751ACT2316a5hxτὴν παρεμβολὴν1the fortress

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

2752ACT2318abd0ὁ μὲν οὖν παραλαβὼν αὐτὸν, ἤγαγεν1So having taken him, he brought him

“So taking the young man, the centurion brought him”

2753ACT2318lzf3ὁ δέσμιος, Παῦλος, προσκαλεσάμενός με1The prisoner, Paul, having summoned me

“The prisoner named Paul after he asked me to come talk with him”

2754ACT2318ju2bτοῦτον 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.

2755ACT2319yp12ἐπιλαβόμενος…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.

2756ACT2320uv6rfigs-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]])

2757ACT2320wp5dΠαῦλον καταγάγῃς1you might bring Paul down

“you would bring Paul down from the fortress”

2758ACT2320fev5ὡς 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”

2759ACT2321vdr5translate-numbersἄνδρες…τεσσεράκοντα140 … men

“forty … men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2760ACT2321i2k9ἐνεδρεύουσιν…αὐτὸν1lie in wait for him

“are ready to ambush Paul” or “are waiting to kill Paul”

2761ACT2321r695οἵτινες 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”

2762ACT2322av3g0General Information:

Here the word “he” refers the chief captain.

2763ACT2322av3h0General Information:

Felix, who resided at Caesarea, was the roman governor of the area.

2764ACT2323wk7kπροσκαλεσάμενός1having summoned

“having called to himself”

2765ACT2323b7z3translate-numbersἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα170 horsemen

“seventy horsemen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2766ACT2323mgi9translate-numbersδεξιολάβους διακοσίους1200 spearmen

“two hundred soldiers that are armed with spears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2767ACT2323kg8sτρίτης ὥρας τῆς νυκτός1third hour of the night

This was about 9:00 p.m. at night.

2768ACT2325vg8x0General Information:

The chief captain writes a letter to Governor Felix about the arrest of Paul.

2769ACT2325vg8ytranslate-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]])

2770ACT2326zf93figs-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]])

2771ACT2326u2ihτῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι1to the most excellent Governor Felix

“to Governor Felix who deserves greatest honors”

2772ACT2327zr7lfigs-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]])

2773ACT2327ha13figs-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]])

2774ACT2327v78tἐπιστὰς 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”

2775ACT2328lb1a0General Information:

Here the word “I” refers to Claudius Lysias, the chief captain.

2776ACT2328lb1b0General Information:

The word “they” refers to the group of Jews who accused Paul.

2777ACT2328lb1cfigs-you0General Information:

The word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2778ACT2328pmq70Connecting Statement:

The chief captain ends his letter to Governor Felix.

2779ACT2329zt4ffigs-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]])

2780ACT2329wsh2figs-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]])

2781ACT2330i2jifigs-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]])

2782ACT2331ifs1translate-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]])

2783ACT2331s9rf0Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time under arrest in Jerusalem and begins his time of arrest in Caesarea with Governor Felix.

2784ACT2331ny4kοἱ…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.

2785ACT2331ptv4ἀναλαβόντες 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”

2786ACT2332abd1ὑπέστρεψαν1having allowed … they returned

Here they refers to the foot soldiers who left the horsemen and returned to their fortress.

2787ACT2333abx1οἵτινες εἰσελθόντες1When they had entered

Here they refers to the horsemen who took Paul all the way to Caesarea.

2788ACT2334u44w0General 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.

2789ACT2334abd2ἀναγνοὺς…ἐπερωτήσας…πυθόμενος1when he had read the letter … had asked … had learned

All of these actions are things the governor did.

2790ACT2334dtx1figs-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]])

2791ACT2335dwv2figs-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]])

2792ACT2335uji1διακούσομαί σου1I will hear you fully

“I will listen to all you have to say”

2793ACT2335mga2κελεύσας…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”

2794ACT24introj74u0

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]])

2795ACT241qw1rfigs-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]])

2796ACT241bc8k0Connecting Statement:

Paul is on trial in Caesarea. Tertullus presents Governor Felix with the charges against Paul.

2797ACT241e8rpμετὰ δὲ πέντε ἡμέρας1And after five days

“And five days after the Roman soldiers took Paul to Caesarea”

2798ACT241n9gutranslate-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]])

2799ACT241f3vxῥήτορος1an orator

“a lawyer.” Tertullus was an expert in Roman law who was there to accuse Paul in court.

2800ACT241xm6ctranslate-namesΤερτύλλου1Tertullus

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2801ACT241q7wjκατέβη1went there

“went to Caesarea where Paul was”

2802ACT241nq9xτῷ ἡγεμόνι1to the governor

“in the presence of the governor who was judge in the court”

2803ACT241zm5eἐνεφάνισαν…κατὰ τοῦ Παύλου1appeared … against Paul

“came there … to argue before the governor the case that Paul had broken the law.”

2804ACT242e6zgfigs-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]])

2805ACT242sv8cκαὶ 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”

2806ACT243r5jlfigs-abstractnounsμετὰ 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]])

2807ACT243q3fjκράτιστε 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.

2808ACT244tyq8figs-exclusive0General Information:

The word “we” refers to Ananias, certain elders, and Tertullus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2809ACT244jww2ἵνα 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”

2810ACT244xfm5ἀκοῦσαί…ἡμῶν συντόμως, τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ1to briefly listen to us in your kindness

“kindly listen to my short speech”

2811ACT245i1qsεὑρόντες…τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον λοιμὸν1we have found this man to be a troublemaker

“we have learned that Paul is always causing trouble”

2812ACT245k1v1figs-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]])

2813ACT245zg4afigs-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]])

2814ACT245n6zbαἱρέσεως1of sect

This is a smaller group of people within a larger group. Tertullus considers the Christians to be a small group within Judaism.

2815ACT247ujn8figs-you0General Information:

Here the word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2816ACT247xkr40Connecting Statement:

Tertullus finishes presenting the charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

2817ACT248e26aἐπιγνῶναι 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”

2818ACT249rq5ffigs-synecdocheοἱ Ἰουδαῖοι1the Jews

This refers to the Jewish leaders who were there at Pauls trial. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2819ACT2410my1c0General Information:

Here the word “they” refers to the Jews who were accusing Paul.

2820ACT2410ict80Connecting Statement:

Paul responds to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

2821ACT2410s92aνεύσαντος…τοῦ ἡγεμόνος1and the governor motioned

“and the governor gestured”

2822ACT2410uu7afigs-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]])

2823ACT2410sr5tἀπολογοῦμαι1I … make my defense

“I … explain my situation”

2824ACT2411dr4utranslate-numbersἡμέραι δώδεκα, ἀφ’ ἧς112 days from when

“twelve days since” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])

2825ACT2412wbf6ἢ ἐπίστασιν ποιοῦντα ὄχλου1nor causing a rebellion of the crowd

“and I did not provoke the crowd to rebel against Rome”

2826ACT2414c5xaὁμολογῶ…τοῦτό σοι1I confess this to you

“I acknowledge this to you”

2827ACT2414k79pὅτι κατὰ τὴν Ὁδὸν1that according to the Way

The phrase the Way was a title used for Christianity during Pauls time.

2828ACT2414rqu3λέγουσιν 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.

2829ACT2414cg73οὕτως 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.

2830ACT2415nv5aκαὶ αὐτοὶ1also these men

“the same as these men.” Here these men refers to the Jews who are accusing Paul in court.

2831ACT2415qza8figs-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]])

2832ACT2415x1ydfigs-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]])

2833ACT2416sfw4αὐτὸς ἀσκῶ…διὰ παντός1I myself always strive

“I myself always work hard” or “I always do my best”

2834ACT2416kcg8figs-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]])

2835ACT2416va3bπρὸς τὸν Θεὸν1before God

“in the presence of God”

2836ACT2417p92mδὲ1Now

This word marks a shift in Pauls argument. Here he explains the situation in Jerusalem when some of the Jews arrested him.

2837ACT2417py9vδι’ ἐτῶν…πλειόνων1after many years

“after many years away from Jerusalem”

2838ACT2417ryk6figs-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]])

2839ACT2418pk2mἡγνισμένον ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ1having been cleansed in the temple

“in the temple after I had finished a ceremony to purify myself”

2840ACT2418x6iyfigs-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]])

2841ACT2419ntg3εἴ τι ἔχοιεν1if they have anything

“if they have anything to say”

2842ACT2420npt50Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes responding to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

2843ACT2420ag5dαὐτοὶ1these

This refers to the members of the council who were present in Jerusalem at Pauls trial.

2844ACT2420hnt9εἰπάτωσαν, τί εὗρον ἀδίκημα1let … say what wrong they found

“let … prove what I did wrong”

2845ACT2421ds1sfigs-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]])

2846ACT2421d2lmfigs-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]])

2847ACT2422w1tntranslate-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]])

2848ACT2422a87fτῆς Ὁδοῦ1the Way

This is a title for Christianity. See how you translated this in Acts 9:2.

2849ACT2422k1f7Λυσίας1Lysias

This is the name of the commander. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:26.

2850ACT2422z5f9καταβῇ1may 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.

2851ACT2422ldi8διαγνώσομαι 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”

2852ACT2423sxy2ἔχειν…ἄνεσιν1to have rest

“to grant Paul some freedom not otherwise granted to prisoners”

2853ACT2424wus4μετὰ δὲ ἡμέρας τινὰς1But after some days

“But after several days”

2854ACT2424qy9ytranslate-namesΔρουσίλλῃ, τῇ ἰδίᾳ γυναικὶ1Drusilla his own wife

Drusilla is a womans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

2855ACT2424xmq5figs-explicitοὔσῃ Ἰουδαίᾳ1who was a Jewess

This means a female Jew. Alternate translation: “who was a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2856ACT2425b8v1ἔμφοβος γενόμενος, ὁ Φῆλιξ1Felix, having became frightened

Felix may have felt conviction of his sins.

2857ACT2425p8yiτὸ νῦν ἔχον1Go away for now

“Leave me for a while”

2858ACT2426h4v7χρήματα 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.

2859ACT2426n45pδιὸ 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”

2860ACT2427ur2ytranslate-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]])

2861ACT2427p59cfigs-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]])

2862ACT2427gln6ὁ Φῆλιξ…κατέλιπε τὸν Παῦλον δεδεμένον2Felix left Paul imprisoned

“Felix kept Paul in prison”

2863ACT25introb6uk0

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.

2864ACT251c84u0General Information:

Festus becomes the governor of Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 24:27.

2865ACT251tj760Connecting Statement:

Paul continues to be a prisoner in Caesarea.

2866ACT251w8h3οὖν1then

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

2867ACT251i7t9Φῆστος…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.

2868ACT251zz4lἀνέβη εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀπὸ Καισαρείας1went from Caesarea up to Jerusalem

The phrase went up is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

2869ACT252qnc8figs-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]])

2870ACT252uj5pπαρεκάλουν αὐτὸν1they begged him

Here the word him refers to Festus.

2871ACT253w8umχάριν κατ’ αὐτοῦ1a favor against him

Here the word him refers to Paul.

2872ACT253qz46ὅπως 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”

2873ACT253pg8xἀνελεῖν αὐτὸν κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν1to kill him along the way

They were going to ambush Paul on the way to Jerusalem.

2874ACT254p3ttfigs-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]])

2875ACT254v5f9figs-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]])

2876ACT255a54hοἱ 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”

2877ACT255iz98εἴ τί ἐστιν ἐν τῷ ἀνδρὶ ἄτοπον1If there is something wrong with the man

“If Paul has done anything wrong”

2878ACT255nei6κατηγορείτωσαν αὐτοῦ1you should accuse him

“you should accuse him of violating laws” or “you should bring charges against him”

2879ACT256fi270General 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.

2880ACT256s69cκαταβὰς εἰς Καισάρειαν1he went down to Caesarea

Jerusalem is higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.

2881ACT256qv24figs-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]])

2882ACT256j7c5figs-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]])

2883ACT257v4v8παραγενομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ1And when he had come

“And when he came and stood before Festus”

2884ACT257e7g2figs-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]])

2885ACT258hc3wfigs-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]])

2886ACT259m49r0Connecting Statement:

Paul asks to be taken before Caesar for judgment.

2887ACT259b49xfigs-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]])

2888ACT259qe8hεἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀναβὰς1to go up to Jerusalem

Jerusalem was higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of going up to Jerusalem.

2889ACT259wi2dfigs-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]])

2890ACT2510u1effigs-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]])

2891ACT2511el9dfigs-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]])

2892ACT2511ta55ἄξιον θανάτου πέπραχά τι1have done anything worthy of death

“have done some wrong that deserves the death penalty”

2893ACT2511hxr1εἰ 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”

2894ACT2511hr23οὐδείς 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.

2895ACT2511b1bfΚαίσαρα ἐπικαλοῦμαι1I appeal to Caesar

“I ask that I go before Caesar so he himself can judge me”

2896ACT2512t96zμετὰ 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”

2897ACT2513izu8writing-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]])

2898ACT2513ge5h0Connecting Statement:

Festus explains Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2899ACT2513c3gcδὲ1Now

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

2900ACT2513ukd3ἀσπασάμενοι τὸν Φῆστον1paid their respects to Festus

“to make a formal visit to greet Festus”

2901ACT2514x8jffigs-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]])

2902ACT2514z7ywΦήλικος1Felix

Felix was the Roman governor of the area who resided in Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24.

2903ACT2515b6hxfigs-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]])

2904ACT2515hyp5figs-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]])

2905ACT2516e4tkfigs-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]])

2906ACT2516xjb4figs-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]])

2907ACT2517z6g2οὖν1Therefore

“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.

2908ACT2517rm5zσυνελθόντων…ἐνθάδε1when they had come together here

“when the Jewish leaders had come to meet with me here”

2909ACT2517efe2figs-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]])

2910ACT2517hm6gfigs-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]])

2911ACT2519d1qmτῆς ἰδίας δεισιδαιμονίας1their own religion

Here religion means the belief system people have toward life and the supernatural.

2912ACT2520y9bvfigs-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]])

2913ACT2521yli30Connecting Statement:

Festus finishes explaining Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2914ACT2521ie7xfigs-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]])

2915ACT2521ceq2figs-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]])

2916ACT2522t322writing-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]])

2917ACT2523y1yj0General 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.

2918ACT2523qlm50Connecting Statement:

Festus again gives information about Pauls case to King Agrippa.

2919ACT2523yw76μετὰ πολλῆς φαντασίας1with much ceremony

“with a great ceremony to honor them”

2920ACT2523ldb7τὸ ἀκροατήριον1the hall

This was a large room where people gathered for ceremonies, trials, and other events.

2921ACT2523at4tfigs-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]])

2922ACT2524n8qjfigs-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]])

2923ACT2524yv2qfigs-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]])

2924ACT2525fe2nfigs-you0General Information:

Here the first “you” is plural; the second “you” is singular. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2925ACT2525f6hyαὐτοῦ δὲ τούτου ἐπικαλεσαμένου τὸν Σεβαστὸν1but he himself having appealed to the emperor

“but because he said that he wanted the emperor to judge him”

2926ACT2525g856τὸν Σεβαστὸν1to the emperor

The emperor was the ruler of the Roman empire. He ruled over many countries and provinces.

2927ACT2526jcq2προήγαγον 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.”

2928ACT2526rhy2ὅπως…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”

2929ACT2527txs6figs-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]])

2930ACT2527xm65τὰς 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.

2931ACT26introe2q60

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]])

2932ACT261b34d0Connecting Statement:

Festus has brought Paul before King Agrippa. In verse 2, Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.

2933ACT261gz9fἈγρίππας1Agrippa

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.

2934ACT261wme6ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα1having stretched out his hand

“holding out his hand” or “gesturing with his hand”

2935ACT261vni8figs-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]])

2936ACT262ha47ἥγημαι 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.

2937ACT262xhz1ἀπολογεῖσθαι1to make my defense

“to defend myself” or “to explain why I am innocent of these charges”

2938ACT262mdq2figs-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]])

2939ACT262cbr3figs-synecdocheἸουδαίων1the Jews

This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2940ACT263kns2figs-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]])

2941ACT264t8bgfigs-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]])

2942ACT264x96hἐν 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.

2943ACT265y9a1τὴν ἀκριβεστάτην αἵρεσιν τῆς ἡμετέρας θρησκείας1the strictest sect of our religion

“a group within Judaism who live by very strict rules”

2944ACT266xkp9figs-you0General Information:

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people who were listening to Paul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2945ACT266s9krνῦν1Now

This word marks a shift from Paul discussing his past to talking about himself in the present.

2946ACT266i9y5figs-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]])

2947ACT266r42gfigs-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]])

2948ACT267hnf1figs-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]])

2949ACT267apf2figs-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]])

2950ACT267kzg4figs-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]])

2951ACT267c4lmfigs-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]])

2952ACT268de83figs-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]])

2953ACT268ukk6νεκροὺς 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”

2954ACT269hm33μὲν οὖν1Then

Paul uses this word to mark another shift in his defense. He is now beginning to describe how he formerly persecuted Jesus people.

2955ACT269r4dffigs-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]])

2956ACT2610nys7figs-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]])

2957ACT2611rri6πολλάκις τιμωρῶν αὐτοὺς1often punishing them

Possible meanings are (1) Paul punished some believers many times or (2) Paul punished many different believers.

2958ACT2612p55i0Connecting Statement:

While talking to King Agrippa, Paul tells about when the Lord spoke with him.

2959ACT2612us8dἐν 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.

2960ACT2612h3icἐν 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.

2961ACT2612ajp6μετ’ ἐξουσίας καὶ ἐπιτροπῆς1with authority and a commission

Paul had written letters from the Jewish leaders, granting him authority to persecute the Jewish believers.

2962ACT2614sip5figs-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]])

2963ACT2614du3tΣαοὺλ, 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)

2964ACT2614zsi2figs-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]])

2965ACT2615h2ws0Connecting Statement:

Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa. In these verses he continues quoting his conversation with the Lord.

2966ACT2618fk1kfigs-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]])

2967ACT2618gw8ffigs-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]])

2968ACT2618q3h8figs-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]])

2969ACT2618m65ifigs-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]])

2970ACT2618m9vefigs-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]])

2971ACT2618c5ijfigs-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]])

2972ACT2618bgc5πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ1by faith that is in me

“because they believe in me.” Here Paul finishes quoting the Lord.

2973ACT2619ljx2ὅθεν1Therefore

“Because what I have just said is true.” Paul had just explained what the Lord had commanded him in his vision.

2974ACT2619zv2ufigs-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]])

2975ACT2619sn4hfigs-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]])

2976ACT2620fei4figs-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]])

2977ACT2620h1v2figs-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]])

2978ACT2621tl6tfigs-synecdocheἸουδαῖοι1the Jews

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “some Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2979ACT2622n5hn0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes giving his defense to King Agrippa.

2980ACT2622t8f4μικρῷ 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)

2981ACT2622f6pyοὐδὲν ἐκτὸς…ὧν1nothing other than what

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the same thing that”

2982ACT2622i9kiὧν τε οἱ προφῆται1what both the prophets

Paul is referring to the collective writings of the Old Testament prophets.

2983ACT2623pe9hfigs-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]])

2984ACT2623p9t8ἐξ ἀναστάσεως1from the resurrection

to be brought back to life

2985ACT2623sc5fνεκρῶν1of 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.

2986ACT2623z2msfigs-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]])

2987ACT2624h5b90Connecting Statement:

Paul and King Agrippa continue to talk together.

2988ACT2624dvn2μαίνῃ1you are insane

“you are speaking nonsense” or “you are crazy”

2989ACT2624tk27τὰ 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”

2990ACT2625dur9figs-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]])

2991ACT2625a6pbκράτιστε Φῆστε1most excellent Festus

“Festus, who deserves highest honors”

2992ACT2626ed7yfigs-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]])

2993ACT2626cs7bπαρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ1I am speaking boldly

Paul was not afraid to speak to the king about Christ. Alternate translation: “I speak with confidence”

2994ACT2626svn9figs-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]])

2995ACT2626tta8figs-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]])

2996ACT2626v1uufigs-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]])

2997ACT2626i5wgfigs-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]])

2998ACT2627a4a2figs-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]])

2999ACT2628y8qqfigs-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]])

3000ACT2629k7kqfigs-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]])

3001ACT2630k7jh0General Information:

Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa (Acts 25:13).

3002ACT2630gaq50Connecting Statement:

This ends Pauls time before King Agrippa.

3003ACT2630u8vlἀνέστη τε ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ ὁ ἡγεμὼν1And then the king got up, and the governor

“And then King Agrippa stood up, and Governor Festus”

3004ACT2631blz8figs-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]])

3005ACT2632n293figs-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]])

3006ACT27intror82x0

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.

3007ACT271efe4figs-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]])

3008ACT271dyf50Connecting Statement:

Paul, as a prisoner, begins his journey to Rome.

3009ACT271b2yzfigs-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]])

3010ACT271yv84εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν1to Italy

Italy is the name of the province Rome was in. See how you translated Italy in Acts 18:2.

3011ACT271s6nyπαρεδίδουν 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”

3012ACT271k52uπαρεδίδουν 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.

3013ACT271un2stranslate-namesἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ1to a centurion named Julius

Julius is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3014ACT271d22ftranslate-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]])

3015ACT272dnr9figs-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]])

3016ACT272fqy2πλοίῳ 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.

3017ACT272f8pfμέλλοντι πλεῖν1being about to sail

“going to sail soon” or “departing soon”

3018ACT272m3psἀνήχθημεν1we set sail

“we began our journey on the sea”

3019ACT272h3uyἈριστάρχου1Aristarchus

Aristarchus came from Macedonia but had been working with Paul in Ephesus. See how you translated his name in Acts 19:29.

3020ACT273r71efigs-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]])

3021ACT273u6ltφιλανθρώπως…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.

3022ACT273rp73figs-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]])

3023ACT274d4hgἀναχθέντες, ὑπεπλεύσαμεν1having put to sea, we sailed under

“we started sailing and went under”

3024ACT274mjt8ὑπεπλεύσαμεν 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.

3025ACT275g1t7Παμφυλίαν1Pamphylia

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

3026ACT275y6m6figs-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]])

3027ACT275ni2xtranslate-namesεἰς Μύρρα1to Myra

Myra is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3028ACT275uaf4translate-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]])

3029ACT276j4cffigs-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]])

3030ACT276fdq2translate-namesἈλεξανδρῖνον1from Alexandria

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3031ACT277zzw1figs-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]])

3032ACT277pye5translate-namesκατὰ τὴν Κνίδον1near Cnidus

This is an ancient settlement located in modern-day Turkey. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3033ACT277hhf1μὴ 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”

3034ACT277b746ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κρήτην1we sailed along Crete

“we sailed along the side of Crete where there was less wind”

3035ACT277mq4ntranslate-namesκατὰ Σαλμώνην1opposite Salmone

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3036ACT278p4rifigs-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]])

3037ACT278a64ytranslate-namesΚαλοὺς Λιμένας1Fair Havens

This was a port near Lasea, located on the south coast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3038ACT278n7retranslate-namesπόλις ἦν Λασαία1the city of Lasea

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3039ACT279ea4lἱκανοῦ…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.

3040ACT279u6x5ὄντος 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.

3041ACT2710p29vθεωρῶ 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”

3042ACT2710nx9cζημίας, 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.

3043ACT2710q9xtοὐ 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”

3044ACT2711b1kzfigs-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]])

3045ACT2712l2n4figs-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]])

3046ACT2712jmi3λιμένος1harbor

a place on the coast that is protected from wind and waves so that ships can safely stay there

3047ACT2712k2titranslate-namesΦοίνικα1Phoenix

Phoenix is a city port on the south coast of Crete. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3048ACT2712z1lffigs-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]])

3049ACT2712x6vlβλέποντα 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”

3050ACT2712gyd2κατὰ 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.

3051ACT2713xx67ἄραντες1after 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.

3052ACT2714hv8h0Connecting Statement:

Paul and those traveling on the boat encounter a fierce storm.

3053ACT2714m2xeμετ’ οὐ πολὺ1not long after

“after a little while”

3054ACT2714fs4zἄνεμος τυφωνικὸς1a violent wind

“a very strong, dangerous wind”

3055ACT2714g1ektranslate-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]])

3056ACT2714tz2kἔβαλεν κατ’ αὐτῆς1rushed down from it

“came in from the island of Crete, and it blew strongly against our ship”

3057ACT2715fxp1συναρπασθέντος 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”

3058ACT2715w1hlfigs-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]])

3059ACT2716c4cgνησίον…τι ὑποδραμόντες1sailing under the lee of a certain island

“sailing where the wind was not so strong, on the side of the island”

3060ACT2716aq56translate-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]])

3061ACT2716h9z2τῆς 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.

3062ACT2717v9agἣν ἄραντες1Having hoisted it up

“When they had lifted up the lifeboat” or “After they had pulled the lifeboat aboard the ship”

3063ACT2717tx1fβοηθείαις 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.

3064ACT2717dvv4translate-namesτὴν Σύρτιν1Syrtis

Syrtis is located on the coast of Libya, northern Africa. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3065ACT2717l8klχαλάσαντες τὸ σκεῦος1having lowered the sea anchor

They put an anchor in the water in order to slow down where the wind would blow them.

3066ACT2717v6dnσκεῦος1sea 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.

3067ACT2717g7rwfigs-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]])

3068ACT2718fx4mfigs-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]])

3069ACT2718nd5hἐκβολὴν 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.

3070ACT2718ny6kἐκβολὴν1the 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”

3071ACT2719vm2kαὐτόχειρες 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.

3072ACT2720if7aμήτε 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.

3073ACT2720p2wdχειμῶνός…οὐκ ὀλίγου ἐπικειμένου1no small storm assaulting us

“as the terrible storm blew us roughly back and forth”

3074ACT2720mnj5figs-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]])

3075ACT2721mmb20Connecting Statement:

Paul speaks to the sailors on the ship.

3076ACT2721d1lefigs-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]])

3077ACT2721zns2ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν1in the midst of them

“in the middle of the people on the ship”

3078ACT2721bc1xκερδῆσαί τε τὴν ὕβριν ταύτην, καὶ τὴν ζημίαν1and to suffer this injury and loss

“and as a result to suffer this harm and loss”

3079ACT2722d95rfigs-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]])

3080ACT2722djh4πλὴν τοῦ πλοίου1but only of the ship

Here “loss” is implied. Alternate translation: “but the only thing that will be lost is the ship”

3081ACT2724z1j8figs-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]])

3082ACT2724s3wvκεχάρισταί 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”

3083ACT2725r9t8figs-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]])

3084ACT2726vmp6εἰς νῆσον…τινα, δεῖ ἡμᾶς ἐκπεσεῖν1we must run aground upon some island

“the ship is going to be wrecked on some island”

3085ACT2727im340Connecting Statement:

The fierce storm continues.

3086ACT2727rrm5translate-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]])

3087ACT2727la7ufigs-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]])

3088ACT2727afs6translate-namesτῷ Ἀδρίᾳ1the Adriatic Sea

This is the sea between Italy and Greece. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3089ACT2728ruj1βολίσαντες1taking 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.

3090ACT2728tq53translate-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]])

3091ACT2728ig3mtranslate-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]])

3092ACT2729b1qcἀγκύρας1anchors

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.

3093ACT2729q4amἐκ πρύμνης1from the stern

“from the back of the ship”

3094ACT2730br71figs-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]])

3095ACT2730b4wvτὴν 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.

3096ACT2730rr89ἐκ πρῴρης1from the bow

“from the front of the ship”

3097ACT2731ez5cfigs-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]])

3098ACT2733q3y8ἄχρι δὲ οὗ ἡμέρα ἤμελλεν γίνεσθαι1And up until it was about to become daytime

“And until almost sunrise”

3099ACT2733j5ygtranslate-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]])

3100ACT2734j3qxfigs-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]])

3101ACT2735yh7yκλάσας1having broken bread

“after he had torn the bread into pieces” or “tearing off a piece from the loaf of bread”

3102ACT2736zt9qfigs-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]])

3103ACT2737ynq3translate-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]])

3104ACT2739vdk2κόλπον1a bay

a large area of water partly surrounded by land

3105ACT2739r1bxτὴν γῆν οὐκ ἐπεγίνωσκον1they did not recognize the land

“they saw land but could not recognize it as any place they knew”

3106ACT2740k66vτὰς ἀγκύρας περιελόντες, εἴων1having cut loose the anchors, they left them

“they cut the ropes and left the anchors behind”

3107ACT2740ntr9τῶν πηδαλίων1of the rudders

large oars or pieces of wood at the back of the ship used for steering

3108ACT2740cn2wτὸν 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.

3109ACT2740pa1kκατεῖχον εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν1they headed to the beach

“they steered the ship toward the beach”

3110ACT2741y22nπεριπεσόντες…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.

3111ACT2741cpu5πρῷρα1bow of the ship

“front of the ship”

3112ACT2741v35zἡ…πρύμνα2the stern

“the back of the ship”

3113ACT2742qul7τῶν…στρατιωτῶν, βουλὴ ἐγένετο1the plan of the soldiers was

“the soldiers were planning”

3114ACT2743s2szἐκώλυσεν αὐτοὺς τοῦ βουλήματος1stopped their plan

“kept them from doing what they planned to do”

3115ACT2743br8uἀπορίψαντας1having jumped overboard

“having jumped off the ship into the water”

3116ACT2744hw7pοὓς…ἐπὶ σανίσιν1some on planks

“some on wooden boards”

3117ACT28introw8yn0

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.

3118ACT281p1bdfigs-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]])

3119ACT281twx80Connecting Statement:

After the shipwreck, people on the island of Malta helped Paul and everyone on the ship. They stay there for 3 months.

3120ACT281j1yffigs-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]])

3121ACT281tt1ifigs-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]])

3122ACT281f8y4translate-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]])

3123ACT282e7w6οἵ…βάρβαροι1the native people

“the local people”

3124ACT282v8yhfigs-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]])

3125ACT282r7jyfigs-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]])

3126ACT282z9cpἅψαντες…πυρὰν1having lit a fire

“when they put together twigs and branches and burned them”

3127ACT282itw2προσελάβοντο 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.”

3128ACT283g4adἔχιδνα 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”

3129ACT283xmx4καθῆψε τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ1fastened on to his hand

“bit Pauls hand and did not let go”

3130ACT284ye7hπάντως φονεύς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος1This man certainly is a murderer

“For sure, this man is a murderer” or “This man is truly a murderer”

3131ACT284ma1bfigs-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]])

3132ACT285q5i3ἀποτινάξας 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”

3133ACT285asr8ἔπαθεν οὐδὲν κακόν1suffered no harm

“was not hurt at all”

3134ACT286m11iπίμπρασθαι1to become inflamed

Possible meanings are (1) his body would swell because of the snake venom or (2) he would become very hot with fever.

3135ACT286i6i6figs-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]])

3136ACT286u81ufigs-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]])

3137ACT286cfe9figs-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]])

3138ACT286d1rjἔλεγον 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.

3139ACT287f4safigs-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]])

3140ACT287r95rἐν 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.

3141ACT287wx6tτῷ 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.

3142ACT287wh2dtranslate-namesὀνόματι Ποπλίῳ1named Publius

This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3143ACT288g12twriting-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]])

3144ACT288m154figs-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]])

3145ACT288fr46δυσεντερίῳ1dysentery

Dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease.

3146ACT288pwk5ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ1having placed his hands on him

“having touched him with his hands”

3147ACT289yk6ufigs-activepassiveἐθεραπεύοντο1were being healed

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

3148ACT2810ydg4πολλαῖς τιμαῖς ἐτίμησαν ἡμᾶς1honored us with many honors

Probably they honored Paul and those with him by giving them gifts.

3149ACT2811jc5tfigs-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]])

3150ACT2811be1c0Connecting Statement:

Pauls journey to Rome continues.

3151ACT2811qi6eπαρακεχειμακότι ἐν τῇ νήσῳ1that had wintered at the island

“that the crew left at the island for the cold season”

3152ACT2811cm2tἐν 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.

3153ACT2811em5pπαρασήμῳ 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.

3154ACT2812w5c6translate-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]])

3155ACT2813se8vtranslate-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]])

3156ACT2813z2u4translate-namesῬήγιον1Rhegium

This is the port city located at the southwestern tip of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3157ACT2813p633ἐπιγενομένου νότου1a south wind having sprung up

“when the wind began to blow from the south”

3158ACT2813tz4htranslate-namesΠοτιόλους1Puteoli

Puteoli is located in modern-day Naples on the west coast of Italy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

3159ACT2814m1isοὗ εὑρόντες ἀδελφοὺς1Having found brothers there

“When we met fellow believers there”

3160ACT2814n3twfigs-gendernotationsἀδελφοὺς1brothers

These were followers of Jesus, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3161ACT2814a2c5figs-activepassiveπαρεκλήθημεν1we were begged

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

3162ACT2814bc3jκαὶ 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”

3163ACT2815k754ἀκούσαντες, τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν1having heard the things about us

“after they heard why we were there”

3164ACT2815m9tzfigs-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]])

3165ACT2816fib2figs-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]])

3166ACT2816hf2t0Connecting 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.

3167ACT2816te8vfigs-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]])

3168ACT2817vf7rἐγένετο 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.

3169ACT2817d77zτῶν Ἰουδαίων πρώτους1the most important of the Jews

These were the Jewish civil or religious leaders present in Rome.

3170ACT2817e1ddἀδελφοί1brothers

Here this means “fellow Jews.”

3171ACT2817g55iἐναντίον…τῷ λαῷ1opposed to the people

“against our people” or “against the Jews”

3172ACT2817hgk4figs-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]])

3173ACT2817x3r2figs-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]])

3174ACT2818fed7τὸ 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”

3175ACT2819lr96figs-synecdocheτῶν Ἰουδαίων1the Jews

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

3176ACT2819zk8fἀντιλεγόντων1objecting

“complaining about what the Roman authorities wanted to do”

3177ACT2819n6vffigs-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]])

3178ACT2819e7grfigs-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]])

3179ACT2820b1fdτῆς 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.

3180ACT2820pgr8figs-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]])

3181ACT2820n3s7figs-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]])

3182ACT2821x5d5figs-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]])

3183ACT2821biz70Connecting Statement:

The Jewish leaders respond to Paul.

3184ACT2821y4bxοὔτε 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”

3185ACT2822kw1dτῆς 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”

3186ACT2822gy8tfigs-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]])

3187ACT2822j12vfigs-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]])

3188ACT2823u7pc0General 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).

3189ACT2823q4ivταξάμενοι…αὐτῷ ἡμέραν1when they had appointed a day for him

“when they had chosen a time for him to speak to them”

3190ACT2823dg5ffigs-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]])

3191ACT2823peu1figs-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]])

3192ACT2824pmd6figs-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]])

3193ACT2825t5dq0General 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.

3194ACT2825i5xz0Connecting Statement:

As the Jewish leaders were ready to leave, Paul quotes the Old Testament scriptures that were appropriate for this time.

3195ACT2825n7pmfigs-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]])

3196ACT2825b11nfigs-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]])

3197ACT2826qj7qfigs-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]])

3198ACT2826pax8ἀκοῇ 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”

3199ACT2826s1tifigs-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]])

3200ACT2827fz420General Information:

Translate Pauls quotation of Isaiah as a direct quotation or indirect quotation according to how you translated it in Acts 28:25-26.

3201ACT2827qu6t0Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes quoting Isaiah the prophet.

3202ACT2827ts5afigs-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]])

3203ACT2827f5m4figs-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]])

3204ACT2827lr99figs-metonymyτῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν1might understand with their heart

Here heart stands for the mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3205ACT2827q8c2figs-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]])

3206ACT2827vb9fἰάσομαι αὐτούς1I will heal them

This does not mean God will only heal them physically. He will also heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins.

3207ACT2828c5750Connecting Statement:

Paul finishes speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome.

3208ACT2828b2zafigs-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]])

3209ACT2828d18nαὐτοὶ 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.

3210ACT2830c56ewriting-endofstory0Connecting Statement:

Luke ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]])

3211ACT2831wv1lfigs-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]])