Acts

Acts front

Introduction to Acts

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of Acts

1. The beginning of the church and its mission (1:1–2:41)
2. The early church in Jerusalem (2:42–6:7)
3. Increasing opposition and the martyrdom of Steven (6:8–7:60)
4. The persecution of the church and Philip’s ministry (8:1–40)
5. Paul becomes an apostle (9:1–31)
6. The ministry of Peter and the first Gentile converts (9:32–12:24)
7. Paul, the apostle to Gentiles, the Jewish law, and council of church leaders at Jerusalem (12:25–16:5)
8. The expansion of the church into the middle Mediterranean area and Asia Minor (16:6–19:20)
9. Paul travels to Jerusalem and becomes a prisoner in Rome (19:21–28:31)

What is the Book of Acts about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Who wrote the Book of Acts?

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

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the Church?

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

These are the most significant textual issues in Acts:

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

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

In the following verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. Translators will need to choose which reading to translate. The ULT has the first readings but include the second readings in footnotes. * “They returned from Jerusalem” (Acts 12:25). Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem (or to there).” * “he put up with them” (Acts 13:18). Some versions read, “he cared for them.” * “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” (Acts 15:17-18). Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: INVALID translate/translate-textvariants)

Acts 1

Acts 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Baptize

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

“He spoke about the kingdom of God”

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

The twelve disciples

The following are the lists of the twelve disciples:

In Matthew:

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

In Mark:

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

In Luke:

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

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

Akeldama

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

Acts 1:1

τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην

The former book is the Gospel of Luke.

ὦ Θεόφιλε

Luke wrote this book to a man named Theophilus. Some translations follow their own culture’s way of addressing a letter and write “Dear Theophilus” at the beginning of the sentence. Theophilus means “friend of God” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 1:2

ἄχρι ἧς ἡμέρας…ἀνελήμφθη

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

ἐντειλάμενος…διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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

Acts 1:3

μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν

This refers to Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.

οἷς…παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα

Jesus appeared to his apostles and to many other disciples.

Acts 1:4

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

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

καὶ συναλιζόμενος

“When Jesus was meeting together with his apostles”

τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πατρὸς

This is a reference to the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father promised to send” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἣν

If you translated the previous phrase to include the words “Holy Spirit,” you can change the word “which” to “whom.” Alternate translation: “about whom Jesus said”

Acts 1:5

Ἰωάννης μὲν ἐβάπτισεν ὕδατι;…ἐν Πνεύματι βαπτισθήσεσθε Ἁγίῳ

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

Ἰωάννης μὲν ἐβάπτισεν ὕδατι

“John indeed baptized people with water”

ὑμεῖς…βαπτισθήσεσθε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will baptize you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 1:6

Here the word “they” refers to the apostles.

εἰ ἐν τῷ χρόνῳ τούτῳ, ἀποκαθιστάνεις τὴν βασιλείαν τῷ Ἰσραήλ

“will you now make Israel a great kingdom again”

Acts 1:7

χρόνους ἢ καιροὺς

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

Acts 1:8

λήμψεσθε δύναμιν,…καὶ ἔσεσθέ μου μάρτυρες,

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

ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς

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

Acts 1:9

βλεπόντων αὐτῶν

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

ἐπήρθη

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

νεφέλη ὑπέλαβεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν

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

Acts 1:10

ἀτενίζοντες…εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

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

Acts 1:11

ἄνδρες, Γαλιλαῖοι

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

ἐλεύσεται ὃν τρόπον

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

Acts 1:12

τότε ὑπέστρεψαν

“The apostles returned”

Σαββάτου ἔχον ὁδόν

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

Acts 1:13

καὶ ὅτε εἰσῆλθον

“When they reached their destination.” Verse 12 says they were returning to Jerusalem.

τὸ ὑπερῷον

“the room on the upper level of the house”

Acts 1:14

οὗτοι πάντες ἦσαν…ὁμοθυμαδὸ

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

προσκαρτεροῦντες…τῇ προσευχῇ

This means that the disciples prayed together regularly and frequently.

Acts 1:15

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

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις

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

ἑκατὸν εἴκοσι

“one hundred and twenty people” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

ἐν μέσῳ τῶν ἀδελφῶν

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

Acts 1:16

ἔδει πληρωθῆναι τὴν Γραφὴν

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

διὰ στόματος Δαυεὶδ

The word “mouth” refers to the words that David wrote. Alternate translation: “through the words of David” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 1:17

In verses 18-19 the author tells the reader background information about how Judas died and what people called the field where he died. This is not part of Peter’s speech. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

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

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

Acts 1:18

οὗτος…οὖν

The words “this man” refers to Judas Iscariot.

μισθοῦ τῆς ἀδικίας

“the money that he earned from the evil thing that he did.” The words “his wickedness” refer to Judas Iscariot’s betraying Jesus to the people who killed him. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

πρηνὴς γενόμενος, ἐλάκησεν μέσος, καὶ ἐξεχύθη πάντα τὰ σπλάγχνα αὐτοῦ

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

Acts 1:19

Χωρίον Αἵματος

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

Acts 1:20

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

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

γέγραπται γὰρ ἐν βίβλῳ Ψαλμῶν

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

γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος, καὶ μὴ ἔστω ὁ κατοικῶν ἐν αὐτῇ

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

γενηθήτω ἡ ἔπαυλις αὐτοῦ ἔρημος

Possible meanings are 1) that the word “field” refers to the field where Judas died or 2) that the word “field” refers to Judas’s dwelling place and is a metaphor for his family line. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

γενηθήτω…ἔρημος

“become empty”

Acts 1:21

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

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

δεῖ οὖν

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

εἰσῆλθεν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς

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

Acts 1:22

ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος Ἰωάννου ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ἧς ἀνελήμφθη ἀφ’ ἡμῶν, μάρτυρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ σὺν ἡμῖν, γενέσθαι ἕνα τούτων

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

ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ τοῦ βαπτίσματος Ἰωάννου

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

ἕως τῆς ἡμέρας ἧς ἀνελήμφθη ἀφ’ ἡμῶν

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

μάρτυρα τῆς ἀναστάσεως αὐτοῦ σὺν ἡμῖν, γενέσθαι

“must begin to testify with us about his resurrection”

Acts 1:23

ἔστησαν δύο

Here the word “They” refers to all of the believers who were present. Alternate translation: “They proposed two men who fulfilled the requirements that Peter listed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Ἰωσὴφ τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν, ὃς ἐπεκλήθη Ἰοῦστος

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

Acts 1:24

προσευξάμενοι, εἶπαν

Here the word “They” refers to all of the believers, but it was probably one of the apostles who spoke these words. Alternate translation: “The believers prayed together and one of the apostles said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

σὺ Κύριε, καρδιογνῶστα πάντων

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

Acts 1:25

λαβεῖν τὸν τόπον τῆς διακονίας ταύτης καὶ ἀποστολῆς

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

ἀφ’ ἧς παρέβη Ἰούδας

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

πορευθῆναι εἰς τὸν τόπον τὸν ἴδιον

This phrase refers to Judas’ death and likely to his judgment after death. Alternate translation: “to go where he belongs” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Acts 1:26

ἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς

The apostles cast lots to decide between Joseph and Matthias.

ἔπεσεν ὁ κλῆρος ἐπὶ Μαθθίαν

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

συνκατεψηφίσθη μετὰ τῶν ἕνδεκα ἀποστόλων

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

Acts 2

Acts 02 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

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

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Tongues

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

Last days

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

Baptize

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

The prophecy of Joel

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

Wonders and signs

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

Acts 2:1

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

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

Acts 2:2

ἄφνω

This word refers to an event that happens unexpectedly.

ἐγένετο…ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἦχος

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

ἦχος, ὥσπερ φερομένης πνοῆς βιαίας

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

ὅλον τὸν οἶκον

This may have been a house or a larger building.

Acts 2:3

ὤφθησαν αὐτοῖς…γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός

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

διαμεριζόμεναι…καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐφ’ ἕνα ἕκαστον αὐτῶν

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

Acts 2:4

ἐπλήσθησαν πάντες Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, καὶ

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

λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γλώσσαις

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

Acts 2:5

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

ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς

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

παντὸς ἔθνους τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανόν

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

Acts 2:6

γενομένης δὲ τῆς φωνῆς ταύτης

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

τὸ πλῆθος

“the large crowd of people”

Acts 2:7

ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες καὶ ἐθαύμαζον

These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize the intensity of amazement. Alternate translation: “They were greatly amazed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

οὐχ ἰδοὺ, ἅπαντες οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ λαλοῦντες Γαλιλαῖοι

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

Acts 2:8

καὶ πῶς ἡμεῖς ἀκούομεν ἕκαστος τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν

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

τῇ ἰδίᾳ διαλέκτῳ ἡμῶν, ἐν ᾗ ἐγεννήθημεν

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

Acts 2:9

Πάρθοι,…Μῆδοι,…Ἐλαμεῖται

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τὴν Μεσοποταμίαν, Ἰουδαίαν;…Καππαδοκίαν, Πόντον,…Ἀσίαν;

These are names of large areas of land. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 2:10

Φρυγίαν,…Παμφυλίαν, Αἴγυπτον,…Λιβύης…Κυρήνην

These are names of large areas of land. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 2:11

Κρῆτες…Ἄραβες

These are names of people groups. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

προσήλυτοι

converts to the Jewish religion

Acts 2:12

ἐξίσταντο…καὶ διηποροῦντο

These two words share similar meanings. Together they emphasize that the people could not understand what was happening. Alternate translation: “surprised and confused” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Acts 2:13

γλεύκους μεμεστωμένοι εἰσίν

Some people accuse the believers of having drunk too much wine. Alternate translation: “They are drunk” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

γλεύκους

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

Acts 2:14

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

σταθεὶς…σὺν τοῖς ἕνδεκα

All the apostles stood up in support of Peter’s statement.

ἐπῆρεν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom for “spoke loudly.” (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω

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

ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου

Peter was referring to what he was saying. Alternate translation: “listen carefully to what I am saying” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 2:15

γὰρ…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας

“It is only nine o’clock in the morning.” Peter expected his audience to know that people do not get drunk that early in the day. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 2:16

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

τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ εἰρημένον διὰ τοῦ προφήτου Ἰωήλ

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

Acts 2:17

ἔσται

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

ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου ἐπὶ πᾶσαν σάρκα

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

Acts 2:18

Peter continues to quote the prophet Joel.

τοὺς δούλους μου, καὶ ἐπὶ τὰς δούλας

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

ἐκχεῶ ἀπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματός μου

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

Acts 2:19

ἀτμίδα καπνοῦ

“thick smoke” or “clouds of smoke”

Acts 2:20

Peter finishes quoting the prophet Joel.

ὁ ἥλιος μεταστραφήσεται εἰς σκότος

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

ἡ σελήνη εἰς αἷμα

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

ἡμέραν…τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἐπιφανῆ

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

ἐπιφανῆ

great and beautiful

Acts 2:21

πᾶς ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου σωθήσεται

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

Acts 2:22

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

ἀκούσατε τοὺς λόγους τούτους

“listen to what I am about to say”

ἀποδεδειγμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς ὑμᾶς δυνάμεσι, καὶ τέρασι, καὶ σημείοις

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

Acts 2:23

τῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

τοῦτον…ἔκδοτον

Possible meanings: 1) “you handed Jesus over into the hands of his enemies” or 2) “Judas betrayed Jesus to you.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

διὰ χειρὸς ἀνόμων, προσπήξαντες ἀνείλατε

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

διὰ χειρὸς ἀνόμων

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

ἀνόμων

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

Acts 2:24

ὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἀνέστησεν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “But God caused him to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

λύσας τὰς ὠδῖνας τοῦ θανάτου

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

κρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for death to hold him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

κρατεῖσθαι αὐτὸν ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

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

Acts 2:25

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

ἐνώπιόν μου

“in front of me.” Alternate translation: “in my presence” or “with me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐκ δεξιῶν μού

To be at someone’s “right hand” often means to be in a position to help and sustain. Alternate translation: “right beside me” or “with me to help me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

μὴ σαλευθῶ

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

Acts 2:26

ηὐφράνθη ἡ καρδία μου, καὶ ἠγαλλιάσατο ἡ γλῶσσά μου

People consider the “heart” the center of emotions and the “tongue” voices those emotions. Alternate translation: “I was glad and rejoiced” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἡ σάρξ μου κατασκηνώσει ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι

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

Acts 2:27

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

Peter finishes quoting David.

οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν

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

ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν

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

Acts 2:28

ὁδοὺς ζωῆς

“the ways that lead to life”

πληρώσεις με εὐφροσύνης μετὰ τοῦ προσώπου σου

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

εὐφροσύνης

joy, happiness

Acts 2:29

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

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

ἀδελφοί, ἐξὸν

“My fellow Jews, I”

καὶ ἐτελεύτησεν καὶ ἐτάφη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he died and people buried him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 2:30

ἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ, καθίσαι ἐπὶ τὸν θρόνον αὐτοῦ

“God would set one of David’s descendants upon David’s throne.” Alternate translation: “God would appoint one of David’s descendants to be king in David’s place” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐκ καρποῦ τῆς ὀσφύος αὐτοῦ

Here the word “fruit” refers to what “his body” produces. Alternate translation: “one of his descendants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 2:31

οὔτε ἐνκατελείφθη εἰς ᾍδην

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

οὔτε ἡ σὰρξ αὐτοῦ εἶδεν διαφθοράν

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

Acts 2:32

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

ἀνέστησεν ὁ Θεός

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God caused him to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 2:33

τῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ ὑψωθεὶς

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

τῇ δεξιᾷ…τοῦ Θεοῦ ὑψωθεὶς

“Right hand of God” here is an idiom that means that Christ will rule as God, with God’s authority. Alternate translation: “Christ is in the position of God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐξέχεεν…ὃ

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

ἐξέχεεν

Here the words “pour out” mean to give generously and abundantly. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 2:17. Alternate translation: “given abundantly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 2:34

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

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

κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου

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

Acts 2:35

ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου

This means that God will completely defeat the Messiah’s enemies and make them subject to him. Alternate translation: “until I make you victorious over all of your enemies” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 2:36

πᾶς οἶκος Ἰσραὴλ

This refers to the entire nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “every Israelite” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 2:37

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

The Jews respond to Peter’s speech and Peter answers them.

ἀκούσαντες

“when the people heard what Peter had said”

κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Peter’s words pierced their hearts” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

κατενύγησαν τὴν καρδίαν

This means that the people felt guilty and became very sad. Alternate translation: “deeply troubled” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 2:38

βαπτισθήτω

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “allow us to baptize you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

“In the name of” here is a metonym for “by the authority of” Alternate translation: “by the authority of Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 2:39

πᾶσι τοῖς εἰς μακρὰν

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

Acts 2:40

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

διεμαρτύρατο, καὶ παρεκάλει αὐτοὺς

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

σώθητε ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς τῆς σκολιᾶς ταύτης

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

Acts 2:41

οἱ…ν ἀποδεξάμενοι τὸν λόγον αὐτοῦ

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

ἐβαπτίσθησαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “people baptized them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

προσετέθησαν ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ, ψυχαὶ ὡσεὶ τρισχίλιαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “about three thousand souls joined the believers on that day” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ψυχαὶ ὡσεὶ τρισχίλιαι

Here the word “souls” refers to people. Alternate translation: “about 3,000 people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 2:42

κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου

Bread was part of their meals. Possible meanings are 1) this refers to any meals they might eat together. Alternate translation: “eating meals together” or 2) this refers to the meals they would eat together in order to remember Christ’s death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “eating the Lord’s Supper together” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 2:43

ἐγίνετο δὲ πάσῃ ψυχῇ φόβος

Here the word “Fear” refers to deep respect and awe for God. The word “soul” refers to the entire person. Alternate translation: “Each person felt a deep respect and awe for God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

πολλά τε τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων ἐγίνετο

Possible meanings are 1) “the apostles performed many wonders and signs” or 2) “God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα

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

Acts 2:44

πάντες δὲ οἱ πιστεύοντες ἦσαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ

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

εἶχον ἅπαντα κοινά

“shared their belongings with one another”

Acts 2:45

κτήματα καὶ τὰς ὑπάρξεις

“land and things they owned”

διεμέριζον αὐτὰ πᾶσιν

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

καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν

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

Acts 2:46

προσκαρτεροῦντες ὁμοθυμαδὸν

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

κλῶντές…κατ’ οἶκον ἄρτον

Bread was part of their meals. Alternate translation: “they eat meals together in their homes” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελότητι καρδίας

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “joyfully and humbly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 2:47

αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν

“praising God. All the people approved of them”

τοὺς σῳζομένους

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those whom the Lord saved” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 3

Acts 03 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The covenant God made with Abraham

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“You delivered up”

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

Acts 3:1

Verse 2 gives background information about the lame man. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

One day Peter and John go to the temple.

εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

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

Acts 3:2

τις ἀνὴρ, χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ ὑπάρχων, ἐβαστάζετο, ὃν ἐτίθουν καθ’ ἡμέραν πρὸς τὴν θύραν τοῦ ἱεροῦ, τὴν λεγομένην Ὡραίαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Every day, people carried a certain man, lame from birth, and laid him near the Beautiful gate” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

χωλὸς

unable to walk

Acts 3:4

ἀτενίσας…Πέτρος εἰς αὐτὸν σὺν τῷ Ἰωάννῃ εἶπεν

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

ἀτενίσας…εἰς αὐτὸν

Possible meanings are 1) “looking directly at him” or 2) “looking intently at him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 3:5

ὁ…ἐπεῖχεν αὐτοῖς

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

Acts 3:6

ἀργύριον καὶ χρυσίον

These words refer to money. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὃ…ἔχω

It is understood that Peter has the ability to heal the man. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here the word “name” refers to power and authority. Alternate translation: “With the authority of Jesus Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 3:7

ἤγειρεν αὐτόν

“Peter caused him to stand”

Acts 3:8

εἰσῆλθεν…εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

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

Acts 3:10

ἐπεγίνωσκον…ὅτι αὐτὸς ἦν ὁ

“realized that it was the man” or “recognized him as the man”

τῇ Ὡραίᾳ Πύλῃ

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

ἐπλήσθησαν θάμβους καὶ ἐκστάσεως

Here the words “wonder” and “amazement” share similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of the people’s amazement. Alternate translation: “they were extremely amazed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Acts 3:11

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

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

τῇ στοᾷ τῇ καλουμένῃ Σολομῶντος

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

ἔκθαμβοι

“extremely surprised”

Acts 3:12

ἰδὼν δὲ, ὁ Πέτρος

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

ἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται

“Fellow Israelites.” Peter was addressing the crowd.

τί θαυμάζετε

Peter asks this question to emphasize that they should not be surprised by what had happened. Alternate translation: “you should not be surprised” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἡμῖν τί ἀτενίζετε, ὡς ἰδίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ εὐσεβείᾳ πεποιηκόσιν τοῦ περιπατεῖν αὐτόν

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

ἡμῖν…ἀτενίζετε

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

Acts 3:13

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

ἠρνήσασθε κατὰ πρόσωπον Πειλάτου

Here the phrase “before the face of” means “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “rejected in Pilate’s presence” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

κρίναντος ἐκείνου ἀπολύειν

“when Pilate had decided to release Jesus”

Acts 3:14

ᾐτήσασθε ἄνδρα, φονέα χαρισθῆναι ὑμῖν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for Pilate to release a murderer” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 3:15

Here the word “we” includes just Peter and John. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Ἀρχηγὸν τῆς ζωῆς

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

Acts 3:16

καὶ

This word, “Now,” shifts the audiences’ attention to the lame man.

ἐστερέωσεν

“made him well”

Acts 3:17

καὶ νῦν

Here Peter shifts the audience’s attention from the lame man and continues to talk to them directly.

κατὰ ἄγνοιαν ἐπράξατε

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

Acts 3:18

ὁ…Θεὸς…προκατήγγειλεν διὰ στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν

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

ὁ…Θεὸς…προκατήγγειλεν

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

στόματος πάντων τῶν προφητῶν

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

Acts 3:19

καὶ ἐπιστρέψατε

“and turn to the Lord.” Here “turn” is a metaphor for starting to obey the Lord. Alternate translation: “and start obeying the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

πρὸς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι ὑμῶν τὰς ἁμαρτίας

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

Acts 3:20

ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου

Here the words “presence of the Lord” is a metonym for the Lord himself. Alternate translation: “from the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

καιροὶ ἀναψύξεως ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ Κυρίου

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

ἀποστείλῃ τὸν προκεχειρισμένον ὑμῖν Χριστὸν

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

τὸν προκεχειρισμένον ὑμῖν

This may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom he has appointed for you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 3:21

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

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

ὃν δεῖ οὐρανὸν μὲν δέξασθαι

“He is the One heaven must welcome.” Peter speaks of heaven as if it were a person who welcomes Jesus into his home. (See: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

δεῖ οὐρανὸν μὲν δέξασθαι, ἄχρι

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

ἄχρι χρόνων ἀποκαταστάσεως πάντων

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

ὧν ἐλάλησεν ὁ Θεὸς διὰ στόματος τῶν ἁγίων ἀπ’ αἰῶνος αὐτοῦ προφητῶν

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

στόματος τῶν ἁγίων…αὐτοῦ προφητῶν

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

Acts 3:22

προφήτην…ἀναστήσει…ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐμέ

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

τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν

“your nation”

Acts 3:23

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

Acts 3:24

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

καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ προφῆται

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

ἀπὸ Σαμουὴλ καὶ τῶν καθεξῆς

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

τὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας

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

Acts 3:25

ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ υἱοὶ τῶν προφητῶν, καὶ τῆς διαθήκης

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

ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου

“Because of your offspring”

ἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς

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

Acts 3:26

ἀναστήσας ὁ Θεὸς τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ

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

τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ

This refers to the Messiah, Jesus.

τῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν

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

Acts 4

Acts 04 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Unity

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

“Signs and wonders”

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

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Cornerstone

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Name

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

Acts 4:1

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

ἐπέστησαν αὐτοῖς

“approached them” or “came to them”

Acts 4:2

διαπονούμενοι

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

καταγγέλλειν ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ τὴν ἀνάστασιν, τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν

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

τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν

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.

Acts 4:3

ἐπέβαλον αὐτοῖς

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

ἦν γὰρ ἑσπέρα

It was common practice not to question people at night.

Acts 4:4

ἀριθμὸς τῶν ἀνδρῶν

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

ἐγενήθη…ὡς χιλιάδες πέντε

“grew to about five thousand”

Acts 4:5

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

The rulers question Peter and John who answer without fear.

ἐγένετο

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.

τοὺς ἄρχοντας, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς

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

Acts 4:6

Ἰωάννης, καὶ Ἀλέξανδρος

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

Acts 4:7

ἐν ποίᾳ δυνάμει

“Who gave you power”

ἐν ποίῳ ὀνόματι

Here the word “name” refers to authority. Alternate translation: “by whose authority” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 4:8

τότε Πέτρος πλησθεὶς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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

Acts 4:9

εἰ ἡμεῖς σήμερον ἀνακρινόμεθα…ἐν τίνι οὗτος σέσωσται

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

ἡμεῖς σήμερον ἀνακρινόμεθα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are questioning us this day” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν τίνι οὗτος σέσωσται

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

Acts 4:10

γνωστὸν ἔστω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν καὶ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραὴλ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May all of you and all of the people of Israel know this” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πᾶσιν ὑμῖν καὶ παντὶ τῷ λαῷ Ἰσραὴλ

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

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου

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

ὃν ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν ἐκ νεκρῶν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “whom God caused to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 4:11

Here the word “we” refers to Peter as well as those to whom he is speaking. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

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

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ λίθος…ὁ γενόμενος εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας

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

κεφαλὴν

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

ὑμῶν, τῶν οἰκοδόμων

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

Acts 4:12

καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν ἄλλῳ οὐδενὶ

The noun “salvation” can be translated as a verb. This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “He is the only person who is able to save” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

οὐδὲ γὰρ ὄνομά ἐστιν ἕτερον ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν τὸ δεδομένον ἐν ἀνθρώποις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “no other name under heaven that God has given among men” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

οὐδὲ…ὄνομά…ἕτερον…δεδομένον ἐν ἀνθρώποις

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

ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν

This is a way of referring to everywhere in the world. Alternate translation: “in the world” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐν ᾧ δεῖ σωθῆναι ἡμᾶς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which can save us” or “who can save us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 4:13

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

τὴν τοῦ Πέτρου παρρησίαν καὶ Ἰωάννου

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

παρρησίαν

having no fear

καταλαβόμενοι ὅτι ἄνθρωποι ἀγράμματοί εἰσιν καὶ ἰδιῶται

The Jewish leaders “realized” this because of the way Peter and John spoke. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

καὶ καταλαβόμενοι

“and understood”

ἄνθρωποι ἀγράμματοί…ἰδιῶτα

The words “ordinary” and “uneducated” share similar meanings. They emphasize that Peter and John had received no formal training in Jewish law. (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

Acts 4:14

τόν…ἄνθρωπον…τὸν τεθεραπευμένον

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

οὐδὲν εἶχον ἀντειπεῖν

“nothing to say against Peter and John’s healing of the man.” Here the word “this” refers to what Peter and John had done.

Acts 4:15

αὐτοὺς

This refers to Peter and John.

Acts 4:16

τί ποιήσωμεν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις τούτοις

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

γὰρ γνωστὸν σημεῖον γέγονεν δι’ αὐτῶν, πᾶσιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλὴμ φανερόν

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

πᾶσιν τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν Ἰερουσαλὴμ

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

Acts 4:17

ἵνα μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον διανεμηθῇ

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

μηκέτι λαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ μηδενὶ ἀνθρώπων

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

Acts 4:19

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

εἰ δίκαιόν ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here the phrase “in the sight of God” refers to God’s opinion. Alternate translation: “Whether God thinks it is right” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 4:21

Verse 22 gives background information about the age of the lame man who was healed. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

οἱ δὲ προσαπειλησάμενοι

The Jewish leaders again threatened to punish Peter and John.

μηδὲν εὑρίσκοντες τὸ πῶς κολάσωνται αὐτούς

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

ἐπὶ τῷ γεγονότι

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

Acts 4:22

ὁ ἄνθρωπος, ἐφ’ ὃν γεγόνει τὸ σημεῖον τοῦτο τῆς ἰάσεως

“The man whom Peter and John had miraculously healed”

Acts 4:23

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

ἦλθον πρὸς τοὺς ἰδίους

The phrase “their own people” refers to the rest of the believers. Alternate translation: “went to the other believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 4:24

ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἦραν φωνὴν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

To raise the voice is an idiom for speaking. “they began speaking together to God” (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

Acts 4:25

ὁ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν, διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου εἰπών

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

τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν…στόματος Δαυεὶδ παιδός σου

Here the word “mouth” refers to the words that David spoke or wrote down. Alternate translation: “by the words of your servant, our father David” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν…Δαυεὶδ

Here “father” refers to “ancestor/”

ἵνα τί ἐφρύαξαν ἔθνη, καὶ λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά

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

λαοὶ ἐμελέτησαν κενά

These “useless things” consist of plans to oppose God. Alternate translation: “the peoples imagine useless things against God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

λαοὶ

people groups

Acts 4:26

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

παρέστησαν οἱ βασιλεῖς τῆς γῆς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες συνήχθησαν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατὰ τοῦ Κυρίου

These two lines mean basically the same thing. The two lines emphasize the combined effort of the earth’s rulers to oppose God. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

παρέστησαν…συνήχθησαν

These two phrases mean that they joined their armies together to fight a battle. Alternate translation: “set their armies together…gathered their troops together” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κατὰ τοῦ Κυρίου, καὶ κατὰ τοῦ Χριστοῦ αὐτοῦ

Here the word “Lord” refers to God. In the Psalms, the word “Christ” refers to the Messiah or God’s anointed one.

Acts 4:27

The believers continue praying.

ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ

“this city” refers to Jerusalem.

τὸν ἅγιον παῖδά σου Ἰησοῦν

“Jesus who serves you faithfully”

Acts 4:28

ποιῆσαι ὅσα ἡ χείρ σου, καὶ ἡ βουλὴ σου προώρισεν

Here the word “hand” is used to mean God’s power. Additionally, the phrase “your hand and your desire decided” shows God’s power and plan. Alternate translation: “to do all that you had decided because you are powerful and did all that you planned” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 4:29

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

ἔπιδε ἐπὶ τὰς ἀπειλὰς αὐτῶν

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

μετὰ παρρησίας πάσης λαλεῖν τὸν λόγον σου

The word “word” here is a metonym for God’s message. The abstract noun “boldness” can be translated as an adverb. Alternate translation: “speak your message boldly” or “be bold when we speak your message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 4:30

τὴν χεῖρά σου, ἐκτείνειν σε εἰς ἴασιν

Here the word “hand” refers to God’s power. This is a request for God to show how powerful he is. Alternate translation: “while you show your power by healing people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ ἁγίου παιδός σου, Ἰησοῦ

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

τοῦ ἁγίου παιδός σου, Ἰησοῦ

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

Acts 4:31

ἐσαλεύθη ὁ τόπος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the place…shook” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπλήσθησαν ἅπαντες τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος

This can be stated in active form. See how you translated this in Acts 2:4. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit filled them all” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 4:32

ἦν καρδία καὶ ψυχὴ μία

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

ἦν αὐτοῖς πάντα κοινά

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

Acts 4:33

χάρις τε μεγάλη ἦν ἐπὶ πάντας αὐτούς

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

Acts 4:34

ὅσοι…κτήτορες χωρίων ἢ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον

The word “all” here is a generalization. Alternate translation: “Many people who owned title to lands or houses” or “People who owned title to lands or houses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

κτήτορες χωρίων ἢ οἰκιῶν ὑπῆρχον

“owned land or houses”

τὰς τιμὰς τῶν πιπρασκομένων

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

Acts 4:35

ἐτίθουν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων

This means that they presented the money to the apostles. Alternate translation: “presented it to the apostles” or “gave it to the apostles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

διεδίδετο…ἑκάστῳ, καθότι ἄν τις χρείαν εἶχεν

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

Acts 4:36

Luke introduces Barnabas into the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

υἱὸς παρακλήσεως

The apostles used this name to show that Joseph was a person who encouraged others. “Son of” is an idiom used to describe a person’s behavior or character. Alternate translation: “Encourager” or “one who encourages” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 4:37

ἔθηκεν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων

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

Acts 5

Acts 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

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

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

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

Acts 5:1

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

δέ

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

Acts 5:2

συνειδυίης καὶ τῆς γυναικός

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

παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων ἔθηκεν

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

Acts 5:3

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

διὰ τί ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου, ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς τοῦ χωρίου

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: “you should not have let Satan fill your heart to lie…land.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἐπλήρωσεν ὁ Σατανᾶς τὴν καρδίαν σου

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

ψεύσασθαί σε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, καὶ νοσφίσασθαι ἀπὸ τῆς τιμῆς

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

Acts 5:4

οὐχὶ μένον σοὶ ἔμενεν, καὶ πραθὲν ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: “While it remained unsold, it was your own…control.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ἔμενεν

“While you had not sold it”

πραθὲν ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ὑπῆρχεν

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

πραθὲν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “after you sold it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τί ὅτι ἔθου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο

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

Acts 5:5

πεσὼν ἐξέψυξεν

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

Acts 5:7

ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ…εἰσῆλθεν

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

τὸ γεγονὸς

“that her husband had died”

Acts 5:8

τοσούτου

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

Acts 5:9

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to both Ananias and Sapphira. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

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

τί ὅτι συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν πειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου

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

συνεφωνήθη ὑμῖν

“the two of you have agreed together”

πειράσαι τὸ Πνεῦμα Κυρίου

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

οἱ πόδες τῶν θαψάντων τὸν ἄνδρα σου

Here the phrase “the feet” refers to the men. Alternate translation: “the men who have buried your husband” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 5:10

ἔπεσεν…πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ

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

ἐξέψυξεν

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

Acts 5:12

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

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

διὰ δὲ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων, ἐγίνετο σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα πολλὰ

or “Many signs and wonders took place among the people through the hands of the apostles.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα

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

διὰ…τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων

Here the word “hands” refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “through the apostles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Στοᾷ Σολομῶντος

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

Acts 5:13

ἐμεγάλυνεν αὐτοὺς ὁ λαός

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people held the believers in high esteem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:14

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

μᾶλλον…προσετίθεντο πιστεύοντες τῷ Κυρίῳ

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

Acts 5:15

ἡ σκιὰ ἐπισκιάσῃ τινὶ αὐτῶν

It is implied that God would heal them if Peter’s shadow touched them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 5:16

ὀχλουμένους ὑπὸ πνευμάτων ἀκαθάρτων

“those whom unclean spirits had afflicted”

ἐθεραπεύοντο ἅπαντες

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God healed them all” or “the apostles healed them all” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:17

The religious leaders began to persecute the believers.

δὲ

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

ἀναστὰς…ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς

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

ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου

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

Acts 5:18

ἐπέβαλον τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀποστόλους

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

Acts 5:19

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

Acts 5:20

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

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

πάντα τὰ ῥήματα τῆς ζωῆς ταύτης

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

Acts 5:21

εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

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

ὑπὸ τὸν ὄρθρον

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

ἀπέστειλαν εἰς τὸ δεσμωτήριον ἀχθῆναι αὐτούς

This implies someone went to the jail. Alternate translation: “sent someone to the jail to bring the apostles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 5:23

ἔσω οὐδένα εὕρομεν

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

Acts 5:24

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

διηπόρουν

“they were very puzzled” or “they were very confused”

περὶ αὐτῶν

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

τί ἂν γένοιτο τοῦτο

“and what would happen as a result”

Acts 5:25

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ, ἑστῶτες

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

Acts 5:26

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

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

ἐφοβοῦντο

“they were afraid”

Acts 5:27

ἐπηρώτησεν αὐτοὺς ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς

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

Acts 5:28

ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τούτῳ

Here the word “name” refers to the person of Jesus. See how you translated this in Acts 4:17. Alternate translation: “not to speak anymore about this person, Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πεπληρώκατε τὴν Ἰερουσαλὴμ τῆς διδαχῆς ὑμῶν

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

βούλεσθε ἐπαγαγεῖν ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς τὸ αἷμα τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τούτου

Here the word “blood” is a metonym for death, and to bring someone’s blood on people is a metaphor for saying that they are guilty of that person’s death. Alternate translation: “desire to make us responsible for this man’s death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 5:29

Here the word “We” refers to the apostles, and not to the audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἀποκριθεὶς…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι

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

Acts 5:30

ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν ἤγειρεν Ἰησοῦν

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

κρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου

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

Acts 5:31

τοῦτον ὁ Θεὸς…ὕψωσεν, τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ

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

τοῦ δοῦναι μετάνοιαν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν

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

τῷ Ἰσραὴλ

The word “Israel” refers to the Jewish people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:32

τοῖς πειθαρχοῦσιν αὐτῷ

“those who submit to God’s authority”

Acts 5:33

Gamaliel addresses the council members.

Acts 5:34

Γαμαλιήλ, νομοδιδάσκαλος τίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ

Luke introduces Gamaliel and provides background information about him. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants and INVALID translate/writing-background)

τίμιος παντὶ τῷ λαῷ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom all the people honored” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐκέλευσεν ἔξω…τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ποιῆσαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “commanded the guards to take the apostles outside” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:35

προσέχετε

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

Acts 5:36

ἀνέστη Θευδᾶς

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

λέγων εἶναί τινα

“claiming to be somebody important”

ὃς ἀνῃρέθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People killed him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πάντες ὅσοι ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ διελύθησαν

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

ἐγένοντο εἰς οὐδέν

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

Acts 5:37

μετὰ τοῦτον

“After Theudas”

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς ἀπογραφῆς

“during the time of the census”

ἀπέστησε λαὸν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ

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

Acts 5:38

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

ἀπόστητε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων τούτων καὶ ἄφετε αὐτούς

Gamaliel is telling the Jewish leaders no to punish the apostles any more or to put them back in jail. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐὰν ᾖ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων, ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη ἢ τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο

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

καταλυθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone will overthrow it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:39

εἰ…ἐκ Θεοῦ ἐστιν

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

ἐπείσθησαν δὲ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “So Gamaliel persuaded them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:40

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

προσκαλεσάμενοι τοὺς ἀποστόλους, δείραντες

The council members would have ordered the temple guards to do these things. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

λαλεῖν ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

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

Acts 5:41

κατηξιώθησαν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος ἀτιμασθῆναι

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

ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος

Here “the Name” refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “for Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:42

πᾶσάν τε ἡμέραν

“After that day, every day.” This phrase marks what the apostles did every day through the following days.

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καὶ κατ’ οἶκον

They did not go into the temple building where only the priests went. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard and in different people’s houses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 6

Acts 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

The distribution to the widows

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

“His face was like the face of an angel”

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

Acts 6:1

This is the beginning of a new part of the story. Luke gives important background information to understand the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

ἐν δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις

Consider how new parts of a story are introduced in your language. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

πληθυνόντων

“was greatly increasing”

Ἑλληνιστῶν

These were Jews who had lived most of their lives somewhere in the Roman Empire outside of Israel, and had grown up speaking Greek. Their language and culture were somewhat different from those who had grown up in Israel.

τοὺς Ἑβραίους

These were Jews who had grown up in Israel speaking Hebrew or Aramaic. The church consisted of only Jews and converts to Judaism so far.

αἱ χῆραι

women whose husband has died

παρεθεωροῦντο…αἱ χῆραι αὐτῶν

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

παρεθεωροῦντο

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

διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ

The money that was being given to the apostles was used in part to buy food for the early church widows.

Acts 6:2

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

οἱ δώδεκα

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

τὸ πλῆθος τῶν μαθητῶν

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

καταλείψαντας τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

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

διακονεῖν τραπέζαις

This is a phrase meaning to serve food to the people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 6:3

ἄνδρας…πλήρεις Πνεύματος καὶ σοφίας

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

ἄνδρας…μαρτυρουμένους

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

ἐπὶ τῆς χρείας ταύτης

“to be responsible to do this task”

Acts 6:4

τῇ διακονίᾳ τοῦ λόγου

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

Acts 6:5

ἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιον παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους

“All the disciples liked their suggestion”

Στέφανον,…καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου, καὶ Φίλιππον, καὶ Πρόχορον, καὶ Νικάνορα

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

προσήλυτον

a Gentile who converted to the Jewish religion

Acts 6:6

ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας

This represented giving a blessing and imparting responsibility and authority for the work to the seven. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 6:7

This verse gives an update on the church’s growth.

λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν

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

ὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει

“followed the teaching of the new belief”

τῇ πίστει

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

Acts 6:8

These verses give background information about Stephen and other people that is important to understanding the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

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

Στέφανος δὲ

This introduces Stephen as the main character in this part of the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

Στέφανος…πλήρης χάριτος καὶ δυνάμεως, ἐποίει

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

Acts 6:9

συναγωγῆς, τῆς λεγομένης Λιβερτίνων

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

συνζητοῦντες τῷ Στεφάνῳ

“arguing with Stephen”

Acts 6:10

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

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

οὐκ ἴσχυον ἀντιστῆναι

This phrase means they could not prove false what he said. Alternate translation: “could not argue against” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Πνεύματι

this refers to the Holy Spirit

Acts 6:11

ἄνδρας λέγοντας

They were given money to give false testimony. Alternate translation: “some men to lie and say” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ῥήματα βλάσφημα εἰς

“bad things about”

Acts 6:12

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

συνεκίνησάν…τὸν λαὸν, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς

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

συνήρπασαν αὐτὸν

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

Acts 6:13

οὐ παύεται λαλῶν

“continually speaks”

Acts 6:14

παρέδωκεν ἡμῖν

The phrase “handed down” means “passed on.” Alternate translation: “taught our ancestors” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 6:15

ἀτενίσαντες εἰς αὐτὸν

This is an idiom that means they looked intently at him. Here “eyes” is a metonym for sight. Alternate translation: “looked intently at him” or “stared at him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου

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

Acts 7

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 Joseph’s brothers “sold him into Egypt” (Acts 7:9), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaoh’s household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh’s household. (See: INVALID 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.

Acts 7:1

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: INVALID translate/figs-you)

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 Israel’s history. Most of this history comes from Moses’ writings.

Acts 7:2

ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε

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

Acts 7:4

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.

Here the word “you” refers to the Jewish council and audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Acts 7:5

οὐκ ἔδωκεν…ἐν αὐτῇ

“He did not give any of it”

οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός

Possible meanings for this phrase are 1) enough ground to stand on or 2) enough ground to take a step. Alternate translation: “a very tiny piece of ground” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

εἰς κατάσχεσιν αὐτὴν, καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτόν

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

Acts 7:6

ἐλάλησεν…οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς

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

ἔτη τετρακόσια

“400 years” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 7:7

τὸ ἔθνος…κρινῶ ἐγώ

“nation” refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: “I will judge the people of the nation” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν

“the nation that they will serve”

Acts 7:8

ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ διαθήκην περιτομῆς

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

οὕτως ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαὰκ

The story transitions to Abraham’s descendants.

Ἰακὼβ τοὺς

“Jacob became the father.” Stephen shortened this. (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 7:9

οἱ πατριάρχαι

“Jacob’s older sons” or “Joseph’s older brothers”

ἀπέδοντο εἰς Αἴγυπτον

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

ἦν…μετ’ αὐτοῦ

This is an idiom for helping someone. Alternate translation: “helped him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 7:10

ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον

This refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “over all the people of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὅλον τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ

This refers to all his possessions. Alternate translation: “everything he owned” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:11

ἦλθεν…λιμὸς

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

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

This refers Jacob and his sons, who were the ancestors of the Jewish people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 7:12

σιτία

Grain was the most common food at that time.

τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν

Here this phrase refers to Jabob’s sons, Joseph’s older brothers.

Acts 7:13

ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ

“On their next trip” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal)

ἀνεγνωρίσθη

Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother.

φανερὸν ἐγένετο τῷ Φαραὼ τὸ γένος Ἰωσήφ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh learned that they were Joseph’s family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 7:14

ἀποστείλας

“sent his brothers back to Canaan” or “sent his brothers back home”

Acts 7:15

ἐτελεύτησεν

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

αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

“Jacob and his sons who became our ancestors”

Acts 7:16

καὶ μετετέθησαν…καὶ ἐτέθησαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants carried Jacob’s body and his son’s bodies over…and buried them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τιμῆς ἀργυρίου

“with money”

Acts 7:17

The word “our” includes Stephen and his audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

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

ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας

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

Acts 7:18

ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος

“another king began to rule”

ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον

“Egypt” refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ

“Joseph” refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: “who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:20

ἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς

This introduces Moses into the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ

This phrase is an idiom that means Moses was very beautiful. (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἀνετράφη

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

Acts 7:21

ἐκτεθέντος δὲ αὐτοῦ

Moses was “placed outside” because of Pharaoh’s command. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When his parents placed him outside” or “When they abandoned him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἡ θυγάτηρ Φαραὼ, καὶ ἀνεθρέψατο αὐτὸν ἑαυτῇ εἰς υἱόν

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

εἰς υἱόν

“as if he were her own son”

Acts 7:22

ἐπαιδεύθη Μωϋσῆς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Egyptians educated Moses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πάσῃ σοφίᾳ Αἰγυπτίων

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that he was trained in the best schools in Egypt. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

δυνατὸς ἐν λόγοις καὶ ἔργοις αὐτοῦ

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

Acts 7:23

ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐπισκέψασθαι τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ

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

Acts 7:24

καὶ ἰδών τινα ἀδικούμενον, ἠμύνατο καὶ ἐποίησεν ἐκδίκησιν τῷ καταπονουμένῳ, πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον

Moses hit the Egyptian so hard that he died.

Acts 7:25

ἐνόμιζεν

“he imagined”

διὰ χειρὸς αὐτοῦ δίδωσιν σωτηρίαν αὐτοῖς

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:26

Here the word “us” refers to the Israelites but does not include Moses. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

αὐτοῖς

The audience would have known from the account in Exodus that these were two men, but Stephen does not specify that. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

συνήλλασσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς εἰρήνην

“make them stop fighting”

ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί ἐστε

Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting.

ἱνα τί ἀδικεῖτε ἀλλήλου

Moses asked this question to encourage them to stop fighting. Alternate translation: “you should not hurt each other!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 7:27

τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ’ ἡμῶν?

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

Acts 7:28

μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον

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

Acts 7:29

Stephen’s audience already knew that Moses had married a Midianite woman when he fled Egypt. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ

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

Acts 7:30

καὶ πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα

“After 40 years passed.” This was the amount of time Moses had been in Midian. Alternate translation: “Forty years after Moses fled from Egypt” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ὤφθη…ἄγγελος

Stephen’s audience knew that God spoke through the angel. The UST makes this explicit. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 7:31

ἐθαύμασεν τὸ ὅραμα

Moses was surprised that the bush was not burning up in the fire. This was previously known by Stephen’s audience. Alternate translation: “because the bush was not burning up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

προσερχομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ κατανοῆσαι

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

Acts 7:32

ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου

“I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped”

ἔντρομος δὲ γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς οὐκ ἐτόλμα κατανοῆσαι

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

ἔντρομος…γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς

Moses shook from fear. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “Moses trembled with fear” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 7:33

λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα

God told Moses this so he would honor God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν

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

Acts 7:34

ἰδὼν, εἶδον

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

τοῦ λαοῦ μου

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

κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς

“will personally cause their release”

νῦν δεῦρο

“get ready.” God uses an order here.

Acts 7:35

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.

τοῦτον τὸν Μωϋσῆν, ὃν ἠρνήσαντο

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

λυτρωτὴν

“rescuer”

σὺν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου τοῦ ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ βάτῳ

The 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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:36

ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα

Stephen’s audience knew about the forty years the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “during the 40 years that the Israelite people lived in the wilderness” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 7:37

προφήτην…ἀναστήσει

“cause a man to be a prophet”

ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν

“from among your own people”

Acts 7:38

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

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

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

οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος

The phrase “This is the man” throughout this passage refers to Moses.

ὃς ἐδέξατο λόγια ζῶντα δοῦναι ὑμῖν

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

λόγια ζῶντα

Possible meanings are 1) “a message that endures” or 2) “words that give life.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:39

ἀπώσαντο

This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: “they rejected him as their leader” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐστράφησαν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν

Here “hearts” is a metonym for people’s thoughts. To do something in the heart means to desire do to something. Alternate translation: “they desired to turn back” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:41

Stephen’s quotation here is from the prophet Amos.

ἐμοσχοποίησαν

Stephen’s audience knew the calf they made was a statue. Alternate translation: “they made a statue that looked like a calf” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐμοσχοποίησαν…εἰδώλῳ…τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν

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

Acts 7:42

ἔστρεψεν…ὁ Θεὸς

“God 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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς

“abandoned them”

τῇ στρατιᾷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

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

βίβλῳ τῶν προφητῶν

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 Amo.

σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ

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…Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οἶκος Ἰσραήλ

This refers to the whole nation of Israel. Alternate translation: “all you Israelites” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:43

The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here.

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

ἀνελάβετε

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ

the tent that housed the false god Molech

ὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ…Ῥαιφάν

the star that is identified with the false god Rephan

τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε

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

μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος

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

Acts 7:44

ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου

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

Acts 7:45

ἣν…εἰσήγαγον, διαδεξάμενοι οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ

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

τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν

This sentence tells why the ancestors were able to take possession of the land. Alternate translation: “God forced the nations to leave the land before the face of our fathers”

τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν…ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν

Here “the face of our fathers” refers to the presence of their ancestors. Possible meanings are 1) “As our ancestors watched, God took the land from the nations and drove them out” or 2) “When our ancestors came, God took the land from the nations and drove them out” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τῶν ἐθνῶν

This refers to the people who lived in the land before Israel. Alternate translation: “the people who previously lived here” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὧν ἐξῶσεν

“forced them to leave the land”

Acts 7:46

σκήνωμα τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰακώβ

“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.

Acts 7:47

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

Acts 7:48

χειροποιήτοις

The hand is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “made by people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 7:49

ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου

The prophet is comparing the greatness of God’s 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.

ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι

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

τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου

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

Acts 7:50

οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα

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

Acts 7:51

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

σκληροτράχηλοι

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

σκληροτράχηλοι

This does not mean their necks were stiff but rather that they were “stubborn.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν

The Jews regarded uncircumcised people as disobedient to God. Stephen uses “hearts 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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 7:52

τίνα τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἐδίωξαν οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Δικαίου

This refers to the Christ, the Messiah.

ὑμεῖς προδόται καὶ φονεῖς ἐγένεσθε

“you have also betrayed and murdered him”

φονεῖς

“murderers of the Righteous One” or “murderers of the Christ”

Acts 7:53

τὸν νόμον εἰς διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων

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

Acts 7:54

The council reacts to Stephen’s words.

ἀκούοντες δὲ ταῦτα

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

διεπρίοντο

To “cut to the heart” is an idiom for making a person extremely angry. Alternate translation: “were extremely angry” or “became very angry” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπ’ αὐτόν

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 “moved their teeth back and forth as they looked at Stephen”(See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 7:55

ἀτενίσας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

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

εἶδεν δόξαν Θεοῦ

People normally experienced the glory of God as a bright light. Alternate translation: “saw a bright light from God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

καὶ Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ

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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 7:56

Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου

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

Acts 7:57

συνέσχον τὰ ὦτα αὐτῶν

“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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 7:58

ἐκβαλόντες ἔξω τῆς πόλεως

“They seized Stephen and forcefully took him out of the city”

τὰ ἱμάτια

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

παρὰ τοὺς πόδας

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

νεανίου

Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time.

Acts 7:59

This ends the story of Stephen.

δέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου

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

Acts 7:60

θεὶς δὲ τὰ γόνατα

This is an act of submission to God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν

This can be stated in a positive way. Alternate translation: “forgive them for this sin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

ἐκοιμήθη

Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Acts 8

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.

Acts 8:1

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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses.

ἐγένετο…ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, διωγμὸς μέγας ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, τὴν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις. πάντες δὲ διεσπάρησαν κατὰ τὰς χώρας τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας, πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων

This part of verse 1 is background information about the persecution that began after Stephen’s death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

This refers to the day that Stephen died (Acts 7:59-60).

πάντες…διεσπάρησαν

The word “all” is a generalization to express that a large number of the believers left Jerusalem because of the persecution. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων

This statement implies that the apostles remained in Jerusalem even though they also experienced this great persecution. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 8:2

ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς

“God-fearing men” or “Men who feared God”

ἐποίησαν κοπετὸν μέγαν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ

“greatly mourned his death”

Acts 8:3

σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας

Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their home and put them into prison.

κατὰ τοὺς οἴκους

“houses one by one”

σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας

“took away men and women by force”

ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας

This refers to men and women who believed in Jesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 8:4

This begins the story of Philip, whom the people had chosen as a deacon (Acts 6:5).

διασπαρέντες

The cause for the scattering, the persecution, was stated previously. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “who had fled the great persecution and had gone” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸν λόγον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 8:5

κατελθὼν εἰς τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας

The phrase “went down” is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας

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”

ἐκήρυσσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Χριστόν

The title “Christ” refers to Jesus, the Messiah. Alternate translation: “told them that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:6

δὲ οἱ ὄχλοι

“When many people in the city of Samaria.” The location was specified in Acts 8:5.

προσεῖχον

The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did.

Acts 8:7

ἐχόντων πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα

“who had them” or “who were controlled by unclean spirits”

Acts 8:8

ἐγένετο δὲ πολλὴ χαρὰ ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ

The phrase “that city” refers to the people who were rejoicing. Alternate translation: “So the people of the city were rejoicing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:9

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

ἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων

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: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

τῇ πόλει

“the city in Samaria” (Acts 8:5)

Acts 8:10

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

πάντες

The word “all” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “Many of the Samaritans” or “The Samaritans in the city” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου

These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: “no matter how important they were” (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

οὗτός ἐστιν ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη

People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as “The Great Power.”

ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη

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” .

Acts 8:11

Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse ends the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Acts 8:12

These verses give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus.

ἐβαπτίζοντο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized them” or “Philip baptized the new believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 8:13

ὁ…Σίμων…αὐτὸς ἐπίστευσεν

The word “himself” is here used to emphasize that Simon believed. Alternate translation: “Simon was also one of those who believed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

βαπτισθεὶς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized Simon” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

θεωρῶν τε σημεῖα

This could begin a new sentence. Alternate translation: “When he saw”

Acts 8:14

Luke continues the news of what was happening in Samaria.

ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἀπόστολοι

This marks the beginning of a new part of the story of the Samaritan’s becoming believers. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

ἡ Σαμάρεια

This refers to the many people, who had become believers, throughout the district of Samaria. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

δέδεκται

“had believed” or “had accepted”

Acts 8:15

οἵτινες καταβάντες

“when Peter and John had come down”

καταβάντες

This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

προσηύξαντο περὶ αὐτῶν

“Peter and John prayed for the Samaritan believers”

ὅπως λάβωσιν Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον

“that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit”

Acts 8:16

μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:17

ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς

The word “them” refers to the Samaritan people who believed Stephen’s message of the gospel.

ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς

This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 8:18

διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων δίδοται τὸ Πνεῦμα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles gave the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 8:19

ἵνα ᾧ ἐὰν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας, λαμβάνῃ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον

“that I can give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom I place my hands”

Acts 8:20

Here the words him, your, you, and yours all refer to Simon.

τὸ ἀργύριόν σου, σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν

“May you and your money be destroyed”

τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here this refers to the ability to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone.

Acts 8:21

οὐκ ἔστιν σοι μερὶς οὐδὲ κλῆρος ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ

The words “part” and “share” mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You may not participate in this work” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

ἡ γὰρ καρδία σου οὐκ ἔστιν εὐθεῖα

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: “you are not right in your heart” or “the motives of your mind are not right” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:22

ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου

Here “heart” is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “for what you intended to do” or “for what you were thinking of doing” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τῆς κακίας…ταύτης

“these evil thoughts”

εἰ ἄρα ἀφεθήσεταί

“he may be willing to forgive”

Acts 8:23

εἰς…χολὴν πικρίας

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

σύνδεσμον ἀδικίας

The phrase “bonds of sin” is spoken of as if sin 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 sin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 8:24

Here the word “you” refers to Peter and John.

ὅπως μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ

This can be stated another way. Alternate translation: “the things you have said…may not happen to me”

ὅπως μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ

This refers to Peter’s rebuke about Simon’s silver perishing along with him.

Acts 8:25

This is concludes the part of the story about Simon and the Samaritans.

διαμαρτυράμενοι

Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans.

λαλήσαντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

“Word” here is a metonym for “message.” Peter and John explained the message about Jesus to the Samaritans. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πολλάς…κώμας τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν

Here “villages” refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: “to the people in many Samaritan villages” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 8:26

Verse 27 gives background information about the man from Ethiopia. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia.

δὲ

This marks a transition in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

ἀνάστηθι καὶ πορεύου

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”

τὴν καταβαίνουσαν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Γάζαν

The phrase “goes down” is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Gaza.

αὕτη ἐστὶν ἔρημος

Most scholars believe Luke added this comment to describe the area through which Philip would travel. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Acts 8:27

ἰδοὺ

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

εὐνοῦχος

The emphasis of “eunuch” here is about the Ethiopian’s being a high government official, not so much his physical state of being castrated.

Κανδάκης

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

This implies that he was a Gentile who believed in God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. Alternate translation: “He had come to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 8:28

τοῦ ἅρματος

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.

ἀνεγίνωσκεν τὸν προφήτην Ἠσαΐαν

This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: “reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:29

κολλήθητι τῷ ἅρματι τούτῳ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:30

ἀναγινώσκοντος Ἠσαΐαν τὸν προφήτην

This is the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: “reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἆρά…γινώσκεις ἃ ἀναγινώσκεις

The Ethiopian was intelligent and could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Alternate translation: “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?”

Acts 8:31

πῶς…δυναίμην ἐὰν μή τις ὁδηγήσει με

This question was asked to state emphatically that he could not understand without help. Alternate translation: “I cannot understand unless someone guides me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

παρεκάλεσέν…τὸν Φίλιππον, ἀναβάντα καθίσαι σὺν αὐτῷ

It is implied here that Philip agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the scriptures. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 8:32

This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words “he” and “his” refer to the Messiah.

ὡς ἀμνὸς ἐναντίον τοῦ κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος

A shearer is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used.

Acts 8:33

ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει, ἡ κρίσις αὐτοῦ ἤρθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He was humiliated and they did not judge him fairly” or “he allowed himself to be humbled before his accusers and he suffered injustice” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

αἴρεται ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἡ ζωὴ αὐτοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 8:34

δέομαί σου

“Please tell me”

Acts 8:35

τῆς Γραφῆς ταύτης

This refers to Isaiah’s writings in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “in the writings of Isaiah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 8:36

ἐπορεύοντο κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν

“they continued to travel along the road”

τί κωλύει με βαπτισθῆναι

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 8:38

ἐκέλευσεν στῆναι τὸ ἅρμα

“told the driver of the chariot to stop”

Acts 8:39

This is the end of the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia. The story of Philip ends at Caesarea.

οὐκ εἶδεν αὐτὸν οὐκέτι ὁ εὐνοῦχος

“the eunuch did not see Philip again”

Acts 8:40

Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον

There was no indication of Philip’s 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.

διερχόμενος

This refers to the area around the town of Azotus.

τὰς πόλεις πάσας

“to all the cities in that region”

Acts 9

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.

Acts 9:1

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation.

ἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς

The noun “murder” can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 9:2

πρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς

This refers to the people in the synagogues. Alternate translation: “for the people in the synagogues” or “for the leaders in the synagogues” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ

“when he found anyone” or “if he found anyone”

τῆς ὁδοῦ, ὄντας

“who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ”

τῆς ὁδοῦ

This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time.

δεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

“he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.” Paul’s purpose can be made clear by adding “so that the Jewish leaders could judge and punish them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 9:3

After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left for Damascus.

ἐν…τῷ πορεύεσθαι

Saul left Jerusalem and now travels to Damascus.

ἐγένετο

This is an expression that marks a change in the story to show something different is about to happen. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

τε αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

“a light from heaven shone all around him”

ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

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.

Acts 9:4

πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν

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.

τί με διώκεις

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 9:5

Every occurrence of the word “you” here is singular.

τίς εἶ, κύριε

Saul was not acknowledging that Jesus is the Lord. He uses that title because he understood that he spoke to someone of supernatural power.

Acts 9:6

ἀλλὰ ἀνάστηθι καὶ εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν πόλιν

“get up and go into the city Damascus”

λαληθήσεταί σοι

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “someone will tell you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 9:7

ἀκούοντες μὲν τῆς φωνῆς, μηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες

“they heard the voice, but they did not see anyone”

μηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες

“but saw no one.” Apparently only Saul experienced the light.

Acts 9:8

ἀνεῳγμένων…τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ

This implies that he had closed his eyes because the light was too bright. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

οὐδὲν ἔβλεπεν

“he could not see anything.” Saul was blind.

Acts 9:9

ἦν…μὴ βλέπων

“was blind” or “could not see anything”

οὐκ ἔφαγεν οὐδὲ ἔπιεν

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.

Acts 9:10

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἦν δέ

This introduces Ananias as a new character. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ὁ…εἶπεν

“Ananias said”

Acts 9:11

πορεύθητι ἐπὶ τὴν ῥύμην τὴν καλουμένην Εὐθεῖαν

“go to Straight Street”

οἰκίᾳ Ἰούδα

This Judas is not the disciple who betrayed Jesus. This Judas was owner of a house in Damascus where Saul was staying.

Σαῦλον ὀνόματι Ταρσέα

“a man from the city of Tarsus named Saul” or “Saul of Tarsus”

Acts 9:12

ἐπιθέντα αὐτῷ χεῖρας

This was a symbol of giving a spiritual blessing to Saul. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

ἀναβλέψῃ

“he might regain his ability to see”

Acts 9:13

ἁγίοις σου

Here “holy people” refers to Christians. Alternate translation: “the people in Jerusalem who believe in you”

Acts 9:14

ὧδε…ἐξουσίαν…δῆσαι πάντας

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομά σου

Here “your name” refers to Jesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:15

σκεῦος ἐκλογῆς ἐστίν μοι οὗτος

“chosen instrument” refers to something that is set apart for service. Alternate translation: “I have chosen him to serve me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τοῦ βαστάσαι τὸ ὄνομά μου

This is an expression for identifying or speaking out for Jesus. Alternate translation: “in order that he might speak about me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:16

ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματός μου

This is an expression meaning “for telling people about me.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:17

The word “you” here is singular and refers to Saul. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Ananias goes to the house where Saul is staying. After Saul is healed, the story shifts from Ananias back to Saul.

ἀπῆλθεν δὲ Ἁνανίας καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν

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”

ἐπιθεὶς ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας

Ananias put his hands on Saul. This was a symbol of giving a blessing to Saul. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

ὅπως ἀναβλέψῃς καὶ πλησθῇς Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 9:18

ἀπέπεσαν…ὡς λεπίδες

“something that appeared like fish scales fell”

ἀνέβλεψέν

“he was able to see again”

ἀναστὰς ἐβαπτίσθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he got up and Ananias baptized him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 9:20

Here only the second “he” refers to Jesus, the Son of God. The first “he” and the other ones refer to Saul.

Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is an important title for Jesus. (See: INVALID translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)

Acts 9:21

πάντες οἱ ἀκούοντες

The word “All” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “Those who heard him” or “Many who heard him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ πορθήσας ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο

Here “name” refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: “the name of Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:22

συνέχυννεν τοὺς Ἰουδαίους

They were distressed in the sense that they could not find a way to refute Saul’s arguments that Jesus was the Christ.

Acts 9:23

The word “him” in this section refers to Saul.

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

This refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 9:24

ἐγνώσθη δὲ τῷ Σαύλῳ ἡ ἐπιβουλὴ αὐτῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But someone told their plan to Saul” or “But Saul learned about their plan” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

παρετηροῦντο…καὶ τὰς πύλας

This city had a wall surrounding it. People could normally only enter and exit the city through the gates.

Acts 9:25

οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ

people who believed Saul’s message about Jesus and were following his teaching

διὰ τοῦ τείχους, καθῆκαν αὐτὸν, χαλάσαντες ἐν σπυρίδι

“used ropes to lower him in a large basket through an opening in the wall”

Acts 9:26

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Saul all but one time. “And ‘he’ told them how” in verse 27 refers to Barnabas.

καὶ πάντες ἐφοβοῦντο αὐτόν

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Acts 9:27

ἐπαρρησιάσατο ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:28

ἦν μετ’ αὐτῶν

Here the word “He” refers to Paul. The word “them” probably refers to the apostles and other disciples in Jerusalem.

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 9:29

συνεζήτει πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς

Saul tried to reason with the Jews who spoke Greek.

Acts 9:30

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

The words “the brothers” refers to the believers in Jerusalem.

κατήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Καισάρειαν

The phrase “brought him down” is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

ἐξαπέστειλαν αὐτὸν εἰς Ταρσόν

Caesarea was a seaport. They brothers probably sent Saul to Tarsus by ship. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 9:31

Verse 31 is a statement that gives an update on the church’s growth.

In verse 32, the story shifts from Saul to a new part of the story about Peter.

ἡ…ἐκκλησία καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας, καὶ Γαλιλαίας, καὶ Σαμαρείας

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.

εἶχεν εἰρήνην

“lived peacefully.” This means the persecution that started with the murder of Stephen was finished.

οἰκοδομουμένη

The agent was either God or the Holy Spirit. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God helped them grow” or “the Holy Spirit built them up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πορευομένη τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ Κυρίου

“Walking” here is a metaphor for “living.” Alternate translation: “living in obedience to the Lord” or “continuing to honor the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος

“with the Holy Spirit strengthening and encouraging them”

Acts 9:32

ἐγένετο δὲ

This phrase is used to mark a new part of the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

διὰ πάντων

This is an generalization for Peter’s visiting the believers in many places in the region of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

κατελθεῖν

The phrase “came down” is used here because Lydda is lower in elevation than the other places where he was traveling.

Λύδδα

Lydda is a city located about 18 kilometers southeast of Joppa. This city was called Lod in the Old Testament and in modern Israel.

Acts 9:33

εὗρεν…ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπόν τινα

Peter was not intentionally searching for a paralyzed person, but happened upon him. Alternate translation: “There Peter met a man”

ἄνθρωπόν τινα ὀνόματι Αἰνέαν

This introduces Aeneas as a new character in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

κατακείμενον ἐπὶ κραβάττου, ὃς ἦν παραλελυμένος

This is background information about Aeneas. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

παραλελυμένος

unable to walk, probably unable to move below the waist

Acts 9:34

στρῶσον σεαυτῷ

“roll up your mat”

Acts 9:35

πάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Λύδδα καὶ τὸν Σαρῶνα

The city of Lydda was located in the Plain of Sharon.

εἶδαν αὐτὸν

It may be helpful to state that they saw that he was healed. Alternate translation: “saw the man whom Peter had healed”

οἵτινες ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 9:36

These verses give background information about the woman named Tabitha. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Luke continues the story with a new event about Peter.

δέ…ἦν

This introduces a new part in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

Ταβειθά, ἣ διερμηνευομένη λέγεται, Δορκάς

Tabitha is her name in the Aramaic language, and Dorcas is her name in the Greek language. Both names mean “gazelle.” Alternate translation: “Her name in the Greek language was Dorcas” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

πλήρης ἔργων ἀγαθῶν

“doing many good things”

Acts 9:37

ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις

This refers to the time when Peter was in Joppa. This can be stated. Alternate translation: “It came about while Peter was nearby” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

λούσαντες…αὐτὴν

This was washing to prepare for her burial.

ἔθηκαν ἐν ὑπερῴῳ

This was a temporary display of the body during the funeral process.

Acts 9:38

ἀπέστειλαν δύο ἄνδρας πρὸς αὐτὸν

“the disciples sent two men to Peter”

Acts 9:39

εἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον

“to the upstairs room where Dorcas’ body was lying”

πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι

It is possible that all the widows of the town were there since it was not a large town.

χῆραι

women whose husbands had died and therefore needed help

μετ’ αὐτῶν οὖσα

“while she was still alive with the disciples”

Acts 9:40

The story of Tabitha ends in verse 42. Verse 43 tells us what happens to Peter after the story ends. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

ἐκβαλὼν…ἔξω πάντας

“told them all to leave the room.” Peter had everyone leave so he could be alone to pray for Tabitha.

Acts 9:41

δοὺς…αὐτῇ χεῖρα, ἀνέστησεν αὐτήν

Peter took hold of her hand and helped her stand up.

τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ τὰς χήρα

The widows were possibly also believers but are mentioned specifically because Tabitha was so important to them.

Acts 9:42

γνωστὸν δὲ ἐγένετο καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰόππη

This refers to the miracle of Peter’s raising Tabitha from the dead. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People throughout all Joppa heard about this matter” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπίστευσαν…ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον

“believed in the gospel of the Lord Jesus”

Acts 9:43

ἐγένετο

“It came about that.” This introduces the beginning of the next event in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

Σίμωνι, βυρσεῖ

“a man named Simon who made leather from animal skins”

Acts 10

Acts 10 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Unclean

The Jews believed that they could become unclean in God’s 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 God’s people could not visit or eat with Gentiles. (See: INVALID bible/kt/clean and INVALID 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.

Acts 10:1

These verses give background information about Cornelius. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius.

ἀνὴρ δέ τις

This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ὀνόματι Κορνήλιος, ἑκατοντάρχης ἐκ Σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς

“his name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 100 soldiers from the Italian section of the Roman army.

Acts 10:2

εὐσεβὴς καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν

“He believed in God and sought to honor and worship God in his life”

φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν

The word for “worshiped” here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

δεόμενος τοῦ Θεοῦ διὰ παντός

The word “constantly” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “he prayed to God a lot” or “he prayed to God regularly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Acts 10:3

ὥραν ἐνάτην

“three o’clock in the afternoon.” This is the normal afternoon prayer time for Jews.

εἶδεν…φανερῶς

“Cornelius clearly saw”

Acts 10:4

αἱ προσευχαί σου, καὶ αἱ ἐλεημοσύναι σου, ἀνέβησαν εἰς μνημόσυνον ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Θεοῦ

It is implied that his gifts and prayers had been accepted by God. Alternate translation: “God is pleased by your prayers and your gifts…a memorial offering to him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 10:6

βυρσεῖ

a person who makes leather from animal skins

Acts 10:7

ὡς δὲ ἀπῆλθεν ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ λαλῶν αὐτῷ

“When Cornelius’ vision of the angel had ended.”

στρατιώτην εὐσεβῆ τῶν προσκαρτερούντων αὐτῷ

“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.

εὐσεβῆ

An adjective to describe a person who worshiped God and served him.

Acts 10:8

ἐξηγησάμενος ἅπαντα αὐτοῖς

Cornelius explained his vision to his two servants and to one of his soldiers.

ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν Ἰόππην

“sent two of his two servants and the one soldier to Joppa.”

Acts 10:9

Here the word “they” refers to Cornelius’ two servants and the soldier under Cornelius’ command (Acts 10:7).

The story shifts away from Cornelius to tell us what God is doing with to Peter.

περὶ ὥραν ἕκτην

“around noon”

ἀνέβη…ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα

The roofs of the houses were flat, and people often did many different activities on them.

Acts 10:10

παρασκευαζόντων…αὐτῶν

“before the people finished cooking the food”

ἐγένετο ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἔκστασις

“God gave him a vision” or “he saw a vision” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 10:11

θεωρεῖ τὸν οὐρανὸν ἀνεῳγμένον

This was the beginning of Peter’s vision. It can be a new sentence.

ὡς ὀθόνην μεγάλην, τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς

The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth.

τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς καθιέμενον

“with its four corners suspended” or “with its four corners higher than the rest of it”

Acts 10:12

πάντα τὰ τετράποδα, καὶ ἑρπετὰ τῆς γῆς, καὶ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

From Peter’s 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: “animals and birds that the Mosaic laws forbade Jews to eat” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 10:13

ἐγένετο φωνὴ πρὸς αὐτόν

The person speaking is not specified. The “voice” was probably God, although it could possibly have been an angel from God. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 10:14

μηδαμῶς

“I will not do that”

οὐδέποτε ἔφαγον πᾶν κοινὸν καὶ ἀκάθαρτον

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 10:15

ἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἐκαθάρισεν

If God is the speaker, he is referring to himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “What I, God, have cleansed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

Acts 10:16

τοῦτο…ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τρίς

It is not likely that everything Peter saw happened three times. This probably means 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” instead of trying to explain in detail.

Acts 10:17

διηπόρει ὁ Πέτρος

This means that Peter was having difficulty understanding what the vision meant.

ἰδοὺ

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.

ἐπέστησαν ἐπὶ τὸν πυλῶνα

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

διερωτήσαντες τὴν οἰκίαν

This happened before they arrived at the house. This could be stated earlier in the verse, as the UST does.

Acts 10:18

φωνήσαντες

Cornelius’ men remained outside the gate while asking about Peter.

Acts 10:19

διενθυμουμένου περὶ τοῦ ὁράματος

“wondering about the meaning of the vision”

τὸ Πνεῦμα

“the Holy Spirit”

ἰδοὺ

“Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: three”

ἄνδρες τρεῖς ζητοῦσιν σε

Some ancient texts have a different number of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-textvariants)

Acts 10:20

κατάβηθι

“go down from the roof of the house”

πορεύου σὺν αὐτοῖς, μηδὲν διακρινόμενος

It would be natural for Peter not to want to go with them, because they were strangers and they were Gentiles.

Acts 10:21

ἐγώ εἰμι ὃν ζητεῖτε

“I am the man you are looking for”

Acts 10:22

The words “They” and “them” here refer to the two servants and the soldier from Cornelius (Acts 10:7).

Κορνήλιος, 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 σοῦ

This can be divided into several sentences and stated in active form as the UST does. (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν

The word for “worship” here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

ὅλου τοῦ ἔθνους τῶν Ἰουδαίων

This number of people is exaggerated with the word “all” to emphasize how widely this was known among the Jews. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Acts 10:23

εἰσκαλεσάμενος οὖν αὐτοὺς ἐξένισεν

The journey to Caesarea was too long for them to begin that afternoon.

ἐξένισεν

“be his guests”

τινες τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἀπὸ Ἰόππης

This refers to believers who lived in Joppa.

Acts 10:24

τῇ…ἐπαύριον

This was the next day after they left Joppa. The journey to Caesarea took longer than one day.

ὁ δὲ Κορνήλιος ἦν προσδοκῶν αὐτοὺς

“Cornelius expected them”

Acts 10:25

ὡς…τοῦ εἰσελθεῖν τὸν Πέτρον

“when Peter entered the house”

πεσὼν ἐπὶ τοὺς πόδας, προσεκύνησεν

“he knelt down and put his face close to Peter’s feet.” He did this to honor Peter. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

πεσὼν

He purposely lies down facing the ground to show that he is worshiping.

Acts 10:26

ἀνάστηθι, καὶ ἐγὼ…ἄνθρωπός εἰμι

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”

Acts 10:27

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: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Peter addresses the people who are gathered in Cornelius’ house.

συνεληλυθότας πολλούς

“many Gentile people gathered together.” It is implied that these people Cornelius had invited were Gentiles. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 10:28

ὑμεῖς ἐπίστασθε

Peter is addressing Cornelius and his invited guests.

ἀθέμιτόν ἐστιν ἀνδρὶ Ἰουδαίῳ

“it is forbidden for a Jewish man.” This refers to the Jewish religious law.

ἀλλοφύλῳ

This refers to people who were not Jews and not specifically to where they lived.

Acts 10:30

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: INVALID translate/figs-you and INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Cornelius responds to Peter’s question.

ἀπὸ τετάρτης ἡμέρας

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.”

προσευχόμενος

Some ancient authorities say “fasting and praying” instead of simply “praying.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-textvariants)

τὴν ἐνάτην

The normal afternoon time that the Jews pray to God.

Acts 10:31

εἰσηκούσθη σου ἡ προσευχὴ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has heard your prayer” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐμνήσθησαν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

“brought you to God’s attention.” This does not imply that God had forgotten.

Acts 10:32

μετακάλεσαι Σίμωνα, ὃς ἐπικαλεῖται Πέτρος

“tell Simon who is also called Peter to come to you”

Acts 10:33

ἐξαυτῆς

“right away”

σύ τε καλῶς ἐποίησας παραγενόμενος

This expression is a polite way of thanking Peter for coming. Alternate translation: “I certainly thank you for coming”

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This refers to the presence of God.

τὰ προστεταγμένα σοι ὑπὸ τοῦ Κυρίου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the Lord has told you to say” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 10:34

Peter begins speaking to everyone in the house of Cornelius.

ἀνοίξας δὲ Πέτρος τὸ στόμα εἶπεν

“Peter began to speak to them”

ἐπ’ ἀληθείας

This means that what he is about to say is especially important to know.

οὐκ ἔστιν προσωπολήμπτης ὁ Θεός

“God does not favor certain people”

Acts 10:35

ὁ φοβούμενος αὐτὸν καὶ ἐργαζόμενος δικαιοσύνην, δεκτὸς αὐτῷ ἐστιν

“he accepts anyone who worships him and does righteous deeds”

φοβούμενος

The word “worships” here has the sense of deep respect and awe.

Acts 10:36

The word “him” here refers to Jesus.

Peter continues to talk to Cornelius and his guests.

οὗτός ἐστιν πάντων Κύριος

Here “all” means “all people.”

Acts 10:37

καθ’ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας

The word “all” is a generalization. Alternate translation: “throughout Judea” or “in many places in Judea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

μετὰ τὸ βάπτισμα ὃ ἐκήρυξεν Ἰωάννης

“after John preached to the people to repent and then baptized them”

Acts 10:38

Ἰησοῦν τὸν ἀπὸ Ναζαρέθ, ὡς ἔχρισεν αὐτὸν ὁ Θεὸς Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ δυνάμει

This long sentence, which begins in verse 36, can be shortened into several sentences as in the UST. “You know…of all. You yourselves know…announced. You know the events…with power”

ἔχρισεν αὐτὸν ὁ Θεὸς Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ καὶ δυνάμει

The Holy Spirit and God’s power are spoken of as if they are something that can be poured out onto a person. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

πάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ὁ Θεὸς ἦν μετ’ αὐτοῦ

The idiom “was with him” means “was helping him.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 10:39

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἔν…τῇ χώρᾳ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

This refers mainly to Judea at that time.

κρεμάσαντες ἐπὶ ξύλου

This is another expression that refers to crucifixion. Alternate translation: “nailing him to a wooden cross”

Acts 10:40

τοῦτον ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused him to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ

“the third day after he died”

ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν ἐμφανῆ γενέσθαι

“permitted many people to see him after he was raised from the dead”

Acts 10:41

ἐκ νεκρῶν

From among all those who have died. This expression describes all dead people together in the underworld.

Acts 10:42

Here the word “us” includes Peter and believers. It excludes his audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Peter finishes his speech to everyone in the house of Cornelius, which he began in Acts 10:34.

ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ὡρισμένος ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that God chose this Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ζώντων καὶ νεκρῶν

This refers to people who are still living and people who have died. Alternate translation: “the people who are alive and the people who are dead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

Acts 10:43

τούτῳ πάντες οἱ προφῆται μαρτυροῦσιν

“All the prophets bear witness to Jesus”

ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν λαβεῖν…πάντα τὸν πιστεύοντα εἰς αὐτὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 10:44

ἐπέπεσε τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον

Here the word “fell” means “happened suddenly.” Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit suddenly came”

πάντας τοὺς ἀκούοντας

Here “all” refers to all the Gentiles at the house who were listening to Peter.

Acts 10:45

ἡ δωρεὰ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος

This refers to the Holy Spirit himself who was given to them.

τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος ἐκκέχυται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God poured out the Holy Spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐκκέχυται

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: “generously given” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἡ δωρεὰ

“the free gift”

καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ἔθνη

Here “also” refers to the fact that the Holy Spirit had already been given to the Jewish believers.

Acts 10:46

The words “he” and “him” refer to Peter.

This is the end of the part of the story about Cornelius.

αὐτῶν λαλούντων γλώσσαις, καὶ μεγαλυνόντων τὸν Θεόν

These were known spoken languages that caused the Jews to acknowledge that the Gentiles were indeed praising God.

Acts 10:47

μήτι τὸ ὕδωρ δύναται κωλῦσαί τις τοῦ μὴ βαπτισθῆναι τούτους, οἵτινες τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἔλαβον, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς

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…we!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 10:48

προσέταξεν…αὐτοὺς…βαπτισθῆναι

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ βαπτισθῆναι

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11

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.

Acts 11:1

This is the beginning of a new event in the story.

Peter arrives in Jerusalem and begins talking to the Jews there.

δὲ

This marks a new part of the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

οἱ…ἀδελφοὶ

The phrase “brothers” here refers to the believers in Judea.

οἱ ὄντες κατὰ τὴν Ἰουδαίαν

“who were in the province of Judea”

ἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This expression refers to the fact that the Gentiles believed the gospel message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “believed the message of God about Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:2

ἀνέβη…εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

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.

οἱ ἐκ περιτομῆς

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 circumcized” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:3

ἄνδρας, ἀκροβυστίαν ἔχοντας

The phrase “uncircumcised men” refers to Gentiles. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

συνέφαγεν αὐτοῖς

It was against Jewish tradition for Jews to eat with Gentiles.

Acts 11:4

Peter responds to the Jews by telling them about his vision and about what had happened at Cornelius’ house.

ἀρξάμενος…Πέτρος ἐξετίθετο

Peter did not criticize the Jewish believers but reacted in a friendly explanatory manner.

καθεξῆς

“exactly what happened”

Acts 11:5

ὡς ὀθόνην μεγάλην

The container holding the animals had the appearance of a large square piece of cloth. See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.

τέσσαρσιν ἀρχαῖς

“with its four corners suspended” or “with its four corners higher than the rest of it.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:11.

Acts 11:6

τετράποδα τῆς γῆς

From Peter’s 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: “animals and birds that the Mosaic laws forbade Jews to eat” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

θηρία

This probably refer to the animals people do not or can not tame or control.

ἑρπετὰ

These are reptiles.

Acts 11:7

ἤκουσα…φωνῆς

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 11:8

μηδαμῶς

“I will not do that.” See how you translated this in Acts 10:14.

κοινὸν ἢ ἀκάθαρτον οὐδέποτε εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸ στόμα μου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

ἀκάθαρτον

In the Old Testament Jewish law, a person became ritually “unclean” in various ways, such as eating certain forbidden animals.

Acts 11:9

ἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἐκαθάρισεν, σὺ μὴ κοίνου

This refers to the animals in the sheet. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:10

τοῦτο…ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τρίς

It is not likely that everything was repeated three times. This probably means that “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” instead of trying to explain in detail. See how you translated “This happened three times” in Acts 10:16.

Acts 11:11

Here “we” refers to Peter and the believers in Joppa. It does not include his current audience in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἰδοὺ

This word alerts us to the new people in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this.

ἐξαυτῆς

“immediately” or “at that exact moment”

ἀπεσταλμένοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had sent them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 11:12

μηδὲν διακρίναντα

“that I should not be concerned that they were Gentiles”

ἦλθον…σὺν ἐμοὶ…οἱ ἓξ ἀδελφοὶ οὗτοι

“These six brothers went with me to Caesarea”

οἱ ἓξ ἀδελφοὶ οὗτοι

“These six Jewish believers”

εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀνδρός

This refers to the house of Cornelius.

Acts 11:13

Σίμωνα, τὸν ἐπικαλούμενον Πέτρον

“Simon who is also called Peter.” See how you translated the same phrase in Acts 10:32.

Acts 11:14

πᾶς ὁ οἶκός σου

This refers to all the people in the household. Alternate translation: “everyone who lives in your house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:15

Here the word “us” refers to Peter, the apostles, and any of the Jewish believers who had received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἐν…τῷ ἄρξασθαί με λαλεῖν, ἐπέπεσεν τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς

This implies that Peter had not finished speaking but had intended to say more.

ἐπέπεσεν τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς, ὥσπερ καὶ ἐφ’ ἡμᾶς ἐν ἀρχῇ

Peter leaves out some things to keep the story short. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit came on the Gentile believers, just as he came on the Jewish believers at Pentecost” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

ἐν ἀρχῇ

Peter is referring to the day of Pentecost.

Acts 11:16

ὑμεῖς…βαπτισθήσεσθε ἐν Πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will baptize you in the Holy Spirit” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 11:17

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

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.

εἰ οὖν τὴν ἴσην δωρεὰν ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς, ὡς καὶ ἡμῖν πιστεύσασιν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἐγὼ τίς ἤμην δυνατὸς κωλῦσαι τὸν Θεόν

Peter uses this question to emphasize that he was only obeying God. Alternate translation: “Since God gave to them…I decided that I could not oppose God!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὴν ἴσην δωρεὰν

Peter refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 11:18

ἡσύχασαν

“they did not argue with Peter”

καὶ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ὁ Θεὸς τὴν μετάνοιαν εἰς ζωὴν ἔδωκεν

“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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 11:19

Luke tells about what happened to the believers who fled after the stoning of Stephen.

οὖν

This introduces the new part of the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

οἱ…διασπαρέντες ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ, διῆλθον

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.

οἱ…διῆλθον

“those went in many different directions”

διασπαρέντες ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “whom the Jews had been persecuting and so had left Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ

the persecution that happened because of what Stephen had said and done

εἰ μὴ μόνον Ἰουδαίοις

The believers thought God’s message was for the Jewish people, and not for the Gentiles.

Acts 11:20

ἐλάλουν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς

These Greek-speaking people were Gentiles, not Jews. Alternate translation: “also spoke to Gentiles who spoke Greek” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 11:21

ἦν χεὶρ Κυρίου μετ’ αὐτῶν

God’s hand signifies his powerful help. Alternate translation: “God was powerfully enabling those believers to preach effectively” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐπέστρεψεν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 11:22

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).

ὦτα τῆς ἐκκλησίας

Here “ears” refers to the believers’ hearing about the event. Alternate translation: “the believers in the church” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:23

ἰδὼν τὴν χάριν τὴν τοῦ Θεοῦ

“saw how God acted kindly toward the believers”

παρεκάλει πάντας

“he kept on encouraging them”

προσμένειν τῷ Κυρίῳ

“to remain faithful to the Lord” or “to continue to trust in the Lord”

τῇ προθέσει τῆς καρδίας

Here the “heart” refers to a person’s will and desire. Alternate translation: “with all their will” or “with complete commitment” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:24

πλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

The Holy Spirit controlled Barnabas as he obeyed the Holy Spirit.

προσετέθη ὄχλος ἱκανὸς τῷ Κυρίῳ

Here “added” means they came to believe the same thing as the others. Alternate translation: “many more people also believed in the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 11:25

Here the word “he” refers to Barnabas and “him” refers to Saul.

ἐξῆλθεν…εἰς Ταρσὸν

“out to the city of Tarsus”

Acts 11:26

καὶ εὑρὼν

It progably took some time and effort for Barnabas to locate Saul.

ἐγένετο

This begins a new event in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

αὐτοῖς…συναχθῆναι ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

“Barnabas and Saul gathered together with the church”

χρηματίσαι…ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τοὺς μαθητὰς, Χριστιανούς

This implies that other people called the believers by this name. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people of Antioch called the disciples Christians” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πρώτως ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ

“for the first time in Antioch”

Acts 11:27

Here Luke tells background information about a prophecy in Antioch. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story-line.

κατῆλθον ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων…εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν

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.

Acts 11:28

ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος

“whose name was Agabus”

ἐσήμανεν διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος

“the Holy Spirit enabled him to prophesy”

λιμὸν μεγάλην μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι

“a great shortage of food would happen”

ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἐπὶ Κλαυδίου

Luke’s audience would know that Claudius was the emperor of Rome at that time. Alternate translation: “when Claudius was the Roman emperor” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 11:29

The words “They” and “they” refer to the believers in the church in Antioch (Acts 11:27).

δὲ

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.

καθὼς εὐπορεῖτό τις

The richer people sent more; the poorer people sent less.

ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ἀδελφοῖς

“the believers in Judea”

Acts 11:30

διὰ χειρὸς Βαρναβᾶ καὶ Σαύλου

The hand is a synecdoche for the action of the whole person. Alternate translation: “by having Barnabas and Saul take to them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 12

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: INVALID bible/kt/wordofgod and INVALID translate/figs-personification)

Acts 12:1

This is background information about Herod’s killing James. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This begins the new persecution, first of James’ death and then of Peter’s imprisonment and then release.

δὲ

This begins a new part of the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

κατ’ ἐκεῖνον…τὸν καιρὸν

This refers to the time of the famine.

ἐπέβαλεν…τὰς χεῖρας…τινας

This means Herod had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in Acts 5:18. Alternate translation: “sent soldiers to arrest” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

τινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας

Only James and Peter are specified, which implies that these were leaders of the church in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

κακῶσαί

“in order to cause the believers to suffer”

Acts 12:2

ἀνεῖλεν δὲ Ἰάκωβον, τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου, μαχαίρῃ

This tells the manner in which James was killed.

ἀνεῖλεν…Ἰάκωβον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 12:3

Here the word “he” refers to Herod (Acts 12:1).

ἰδὼν δὲ ὅτι ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

“When Herod realized that putting James to death pleased the Jewish leaders”

ρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

“made the Jewish leaders happy”

ὅτι…ἐστιν

“Herod did this” or “This happened”

ἡμέραι τῶν Ἀζύμων

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”

Acts 12:4

τέσσαρσιν τετραδίοις στρατιωτῶν

“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.

βουλόμενος…ἀναγαγεῖν αὐτὸν τῷ λαῷ

“Herod planned to judge Peter in the presence of the people” or “Herod planned to judge Peter before the Jewish people”

Acts 12:5

ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

προσευχὴ…ἦν ἐκτενῶς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν περὶ αὐτοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the group of believers in Jerusalem earnestly prayed to God for him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐκτενῶς

continuously and with dedication

Acts 12:6

ἤμελλεν προαγαγεῖν αὐτὸν ὁ Ἡρῴδης τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ

That Herod planned to execute him can be clarified. Alternate translation: “The happened on the day before Herod was going to bring Peter out from prison to put him on trial and then to execute him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

δεδεμένος ἁλύσεσιν δυσίν

“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.

ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν

“were guarding the prison doors”

Acts 12:7

The words “him” and “his” refer to Peter.

ἰδοὺ

This word alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

ἐπέστη

“next to him” or “beside him”

ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι

“in the prison room”

πατάξας…τοῦ Πέτρου

“The angel tapped Peter” or “The angel poked Peter.” Peter was evidently sleeping deeply enough that this was required to wake him.

ἐξέπεσαν αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν

The angel caused the chains to fall from Peter without touching them.

Acts 12:8

ἐποίησεν…οὕτως

“Peter did what the angel told him to do” or “Peter obeyed”

Acts 12:9

Here the word “He” refers to Peter. The words “they” and “They” refer to Peter and the angel.

οὐκ ᾔδει

“He did not understand”

ἀληθές ἐστιν τὸ γινόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου

This could be changed to active form. Alternate translation: “the actions of the angel were real” or “what the angel did truly happened” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 12:10

διελθόντες δὲ πρώτην φυλακὴν καὶ δευτέραν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

διελθόντες

“had walked by”

καὶ δευτέραν

The word “guard” is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and the second guard” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

ἦλθαν ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν

“Peter and the angel arrived at the iron gate”

τὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν

“that opened to the city” or “that went from the prison to the city”

ἥτις αὐτομάτη ἠνοίγη αὐτοῖς

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: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν

“walked along a street”

εὐθέως ἀπέστη…ἀπ’ αὐτοῦ

“left Peter suddenly” or “suddenly disappeared”

Acts 12:11

καὶ ὁ Πέτρος ἐν ἑαυτῷ γενόμενος

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “When Peter became fully awake and alert” or “When Peter became aware that what had happened was real” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐξείλατό με ἐκ χειρὸς Ἡρῴδου

Here “the hand of Herod” refers to “Herod’s hold” or “Herod’s plans.” Alternate translation: “brought me from the harm Herod had planned for me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐξείλατό με

“rescued me”

πάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Here “the people of the Jews” probably referred mainly to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “all that the Jewish leaders thought would happen to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 12:12

συνιδών

He became aware that God had rescued him.

Ἰωάννου, τοῦ ἐπικαλουμένου Μάρκου

John was also called Mark. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “John, whom people also called Mark” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 12:13

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).

κρούσαντος…αὐτοῦ

“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.

τὴν θύραν τοῦ πυλῶνος

“at the outer door” or “at the door of the entrance from the street to the courtyard”

προσῆλθε…ὑπακοῦσαι

“came to the gate to ask who was knocking”

Acts 12:14

ἀπὸ τῆς χαρᾶς

“because she was so joyful” or “being overly excited”

οὐκ ἤνοιξεν τὸν πυλῶνα

“did not open the door” or “forgot to open the door”

εἰσδραμοῦσα

You may prefer to say “went running into the room in the house”

ἀπήγγειλεν

“she told them” or “she said”

ἑστάναι…πρὸ τοῦ πυλῶνος

“standing outside the door.” Peter was still standing outside.

Acts 12:15

μαίνῃ

The people not only did not believe her, but rebuked her by saying she was crazy. Alternate translation: “You are crazy”

ἡ…διϊσχυρίζετο οὕτως ἔχειν

“she insisted that what she said was true”

οἱ…ἔλεγον

“They answered”

ὁ ἄγγελός ἐστιν αὐτοῦ

“What you have seen is Peter’s angel.” Some Jews believed in guardian angels and may have thought that Peter’s angel had come to them.

Acts 12:16

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the people in the house. The words “He” and “he” refer to Peter.

ὁ δὲ Πέτρος ἐπέμενεν κρούων

The word “continued” means that Peter kept knocking the entire time those inside were talking.

Acts 12:17

ἀπαγγείλατε…ταῦτα

“Tell these things”

τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

“the other believers”

Acts 12:18

The word “him” here refers to Peter. The word “he” refers to Herod.

δὲ

This word is used to mark a break in the story-line. Time has passed; it is now the next day.

γενομένης…ἡμέρας

“in the morning”

ἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς στρατιώταις, τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο

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: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

ἦν τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς στρατιώταις, τί ἄρα ὁ Πέτρος ἐγένετο

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 12:19

Ἡρῴδης δὲ ἐπιζητήσας αὐτὸν καὶ μὴ εὑρὼν

“After Herod searched for Peter and could not find him”

Ἡρῴδης δὲ ἐπιζητήσας αὐτὸν

Possible meanings are that 1) “when Herod heard Peter was missing, he went himself to search the prison” or 2) “when Herod heard Peter was missing, he sent other soldiers to search the prison.”

ἀνακρίνας τοὺς φύλακας, ἐκέλευσεν ἀπαχθῆναι

It was the normal punishment for the Roman government to kill the guards if their prisoner escaped.

καὶ κατελθὼν

The phrase “went down” is used here because Caesarea is lower in elevation than Judea.

Acts 12:20

Luke continues with another event in Herod’s life.

δὲ

This word is used here to mark the next event in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-newevent)

ὁμοθυμαδὸν…παρῆσαν πρὸς αὐτόν

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

πείσαντες Βλάστον

“These men persuaded Blastus”

Βλάστον

Blastus was an assistant to or an officer of King Herod. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ᾐτοῦντο εἰρήνην

“these men requested peace”

τὸ τρέφεσθαι αὐτῶν τὴν χώραν ἀπὸ τῆς βασιλικῆς

They probably purchased this food. Alternate translation: “the people of Tyre and Sidon bought all their food from the people that Herod ruled” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τὸ τρέφεσθαι αὐτῶν

It is implied that Herod restricted this supply of food because he was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 12:21

τακτῇ…ἡμέρᾳ

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”

ἐσθῆτα βασιλικὴν

expensive clothing that would demonstrate he was the king

καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματο

This was where Herod formally addressed people who came to see him.

Acts 12:22

This is the end of the part of the story about Herod.

Acts 12:23

παραχρῆμα…ἄγγελος

“Right away an angel” or “While the people were praising Herod, an angel”

ἐπάταξεν αὐτὸν

“afflicted Herod” or “caused Herod to become very ill”

οὐκ ἔδωκεν τὴν δόξαν τῷ Θεῷ

Herod let those people worship him instead of telling them to worship God.

γενόμενος σκωληκόβρωτος, ἐξέψυξεν

Here “worms” refers to worms inside the body, probably intestinal worms. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “worms ate Herod’s insides and he died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 12:24

Verse 24 continues the history from verse 23. Verse 25 continues the history from 11:30. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

ὁ…λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν καὶ ἐπληθύνετο

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὁ…λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

“the message God sent about Jesus”

Acts 12:25

πληρώσαντες τὴν διακονίαν

This refers back to when they brought money from the believers at Antioch in Acts 11:29-30. Alternate translation: “delivered the money to the church leaders in Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ

They went back to Antioch from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 13

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID bible/kt/righteous)

Acts 13:1

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Luke begins to tell about the mission trips on which the church at Antioch send Barnabas and Saul.

δὲ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ κατὰ τὴν οὖσαν ἐκκλησίαν

“At that time in the church at Antioch”

Συμεὼν…Νίγερ…Λούκιος…Μαναήν

These are men’s names. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ἡρῴδου τοῦ τετράρχου σύντροφος

Manaen was probably Herod’s playmate or close friend growing up.

Acts 13:2

ἀφορίσατε…μο

“Appoint to serve me”

προσκέκλημαι αὐτούς

The verb here means that God chose them to do this work.

Acts 13:3

ἐπιθέντες τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῖς

“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: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

ἀπέλυσαν

“sent those men off” or “sent those men off to do the work the Holy Spirit told them to do”

Acts 13:4

Here the words “they,” “They,” and “their” refer to Barnabas and Silas.

οὖν

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.

κατῆλθον

The phrase “went down” is used here because Seleucia is lower in elevation than Antioch.

Σελεύκιαν

a city by the sea

Acts 13:5

Σαλαμῖνι

The city of Salamis was on Cyprus Island.

κατήγγελλον τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

“Word of God” here is a synecdoche for “message of God.” Alternate translation: “proclaimed the message of God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

συναγωγαῖς τῶν Ἰουδαίων

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.”

εἶχον δὲ καὶ Ἰωάννην, ὑπηρέτην

“John Mark went with them and was helping them”

ὑπηρέτην

“helper”

Acts 13:6

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.

ὅλην τὴν νῆσον

They crossed from one side of the island to the other and shared the gospel message in each town they passed through.

Πάφου

a major city on Cyprus island where the proconsul lived

εὗρον

Here “found” means they came upon him without looking for him. Alternate translation: “they met” or “they came upon”

ἄνδρα, τινὰ μάγον

“a particular person who practices witchcraft” or “a person who practices supernatural magic arts”

ᾧ ὄνομα Βαριησοῦς

“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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 13:7

σὺν

“was often with” or “was often in the company of”

ἀνθυπάτῳ

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

ἀνδρὶ συνετῷ

This is background information about Sergius Paulus. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Acts 13:8

Ἐλύμας ὁ μάγος

This was Bar-Jesus, who was also called “the magician.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

οὕτως…μεθερμηνεύεται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

“that was what he was called in Greek”

ἀνθίστατο…αὐτοῖς…ζητῶν διαστρέψαι

“resisted them by trying to turn” or “attempted to stop them by trying to turn”

ζητῶν διαστρέψαι τὸν ἀνθύπατον ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως

Here “to turn…away from” is a metaphor for convincing someone to not do something. Alternate translation: “attempted to persuade the governor not to believe the gospel message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 13:9

The word “him” refers to the magician Elymas, who is also called Bar Jesus (Acts 13:6-8).

While on the island of Paphos, Paul begins to talk to Elymas.

Σαῦλος…ὁ καὶ Παῦλος

“Saul” as 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἀτενίσας εἰς αὐτὸν

“looked at him intensely”

Acts 13:10

υἱὲ διαβόλου

Paul is saying the man is acting like the devil. Alternate translation: “You are like the devil” or “You act like the devil” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὦ πλήρης παντὸς δόλου καὶ πάσης ῥᾳδιουργίας

“you are always intent in causing others to believe what is not true using falsehood and always doing what is wrong”

ῥᾳδιουργίας

In this context it means to be lazy and not diligent in following God’s law.

ἐχθρὲ πάσης δικαιοσύνης

Paul is grouping Elymas with the devil. Just as the devil is an enemy of God and is against righteousness, so also was Elymas.

οὐ παύσῃ διαστρέφων τὰς ὁδοὺς τοῦ Κυρίου τὰς εὐθείας

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

τὰς ὁδοὺς τοῦ Κυρίου τὰς εὐθείας

Here “straight paths” refer to the ways that are true. Alternate translation: “the true ways of the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 13:11

The words “you” and “him” refer to Elymas the magician. The word “he” refers to the Sergius Paulus, proconsul (governor of Paphos).

Paul finishes speaking to Elymas.

χεὶρ Κυρίου ἐπὶ σέ

Here “hand’ represents the power of God and “upon you” implies punishment. Alternate translation: “The Lord will punish you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἔσῃ τυφλὸς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will make you blind” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μὴ βλέπων τὸν ἥλιον

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”

ἄχρι καιροῦ

“for a period of time” or “until the time appointed by God”

ἔπεσεν ἐπ’ αὐτὸν ἀχλὺς καὶ σκότος

“the eyes of Elymas became blurry and then dark” or “Elymas started seeing unclearly and then he could not see anything”

περιάγων

“Elymas wandered around” or “Elymas started feeling around and”

Acts 13:12

ἀνθύπατος

This was a governor in charge of a Roman province. Alternate translation: “governor”

ἐπίστευσεν

“he believed in Jesus”

ἐκπλησσόμενος ἐπὶ τῇ διδαχῇ τοῦ Κυρίου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the teaching about the Lord amazed him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 13:13

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. Paul’s 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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This is a new part of the story about Paul in Antioch in Pisidia.

δὲ

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

ἀναχθέντες…ἀπὸ τῆς Πάφου

“traveled by sailboat from Paphos”

ἦλθον εἰς Πέργην τῆς Παμφυλίας

“arrived in Perga which is in Pamphylia”

Ἰωάννης δὲ ἀποχωρήσας ἀπ’ αὐτῶν

“But John Mark left Paul and Barnabas”

Acts 13:14

Ἀντιόχειαν τὴν Πισιδίαν

“the city of Antioch in the district of Pisidia”

Acts 13:15

μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάγνωσιν τοῦ νόμου καὶ τῶν προφητῶν

The “law and the prophets” refer to parts of the Jewish scriptures which were read. Alternate translation: “After someone read from the books of the law and the writings of the prophets” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἀπέστειλαν…πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντες

“told someone to say” or “asked someone to say”

ἀδελφοί

The term “brothers” is here used by the people in the synagogue to refer to Paul and Barnabas as fellow Jews.

εἴ τίς ἐστιν ἐν ὑμῖν λόγος παρακλήσεως

“if you want to say anything to encourage us”

λέγετε

“please speak it” or “please tell it to us”

Acts 13:16

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Paul begins his speech to those in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. He begins by talking about things that happened in Israel’s history.

κατασείσας τῇ χειρὶ

This could refer to moving his hands as a signal that he was ready to speak. Alternate translation: “moved his hands to show that he was about to speak” (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

οἱ φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεόν

This refers to Gentiles who had converted to Judaism. “you who are not Israelites but who worship God”

τὸν Θεόν, ἀκούσατε

“God, listen to me” or “God, listen to what I am about to say”

Acts 13:17

ὁ Θεὸς τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου Ἰσραὴλ

“The God the people of Israel worship”

τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν

“our ancestors”

τὸν λαὸν ὕψωσεν

“caused them to become very numerous”

μετὰ βραχίονος ὑψηλοῦ

This refers to God’s mighty power. Alternate translation: “with great power” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐξ αὐτῆς

“out from the land of Egypt”

Acts 13:18

ἐτροποφόρησεν αὐτοὺς

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”

Acts 13:19

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἔθνη

Here the word “nations” refers to different people groups and not to geographical boundaries.

Acts 13:20

ὡς ἔτεσι τετρακοσίοις καὶ πεντήκοντα

“took more than 450 years to accomplish”

ἕως Σαμουὴλ προφήτου

“until the time of the prophet Samuel”

Acts 13:21

The quotation here is from the history of Samuel and from a Psalm of Ethan in the Old Testament.

ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα

“to be their king for forty years”

Acts 13:22

μεταστήσας αὐτὸν

This expression means God caused Saul to stop being king. Alternate translation: “rejected Saul from being king”

ἤγειρεν τὸν Δαυεὶδ αὐτοῖς εἰς βασιλέα

“God chose David to be their king”

βασιλέα

“the king of Israel” or “the king over the Israelites”

ᾧ…εἶπεν

“God said this about David”

εὗρον

“I have observed that”

ἄνδρα κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν μου

This expression means he “is a man who wants what I want.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 13:23

The quotation here is from the Gospels.

τούτου…ἀπὸ τοῦ σπέρματος

“From David’s descendants.” This is placed at the beginning of the sentence to emphasize that the savior had to be one of David’s descendants (Acts 13:22).

ἤγαγεν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ

This refers to the people of Israel. Alternate translation: “gave to the people of Israel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κατ’ ἐπαγγελίαν

“just as God promised he would do”

Acts 13:24

βάπτισμα μετανοίας

You can translate the word “repentance” as the verb “repent.” Alternate translation: “the baptism to repent” or “the baptism that people requested when they wanted to repent for their sin” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 13:25

τί ἐμὲ ὑπονοεῖτε εἶναι?

John asked this question to compel the people to think about who he was. Alternate translation: “Think about who I am” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγώ

John was referring to the Messiah, whom they were expecting to come. Alternate translation: “I am not the Messiah” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἀλλ’ ἰδοὺ

This emphasizes the importance of what he will say next.

ἔρχεται μετ’ ἐμὲ

This also refers to the Messiah. Alternate translation: “The Messiah will soon come” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

οὗ οὐκ εἰμὶ ἄξιος τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν λῦσαι

“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.

Acts 13:26

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἀδελφοί, υἱοὶ γένους Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ οἱ ἐν ὑμῖν φοβούμενοι τὸν Θεό

Paul addresses his audience of Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism to remind them of their special status as worshiping the true God.

ὁ λόγος τῆς σωτηρίας ταύτης ἐξαπεστάλη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God has sent the message about this salvation” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῆς σωτηρίας ταύτης

The word “salvation” can be translated with the verb “save.” Alternate translation: “that God will save people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 13:27

τοῦτον ἀγνοήσαντες

“did not realize that this man Jesus was the one whom God had sent to save them”

τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν

Here the word “sayings” represents the message of the prophets. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets” or “the message of the prophets” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὰς…ἀναγινωσκομένας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which someone reads” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν…ἐπλήρωσαν

“they actually did just what the prophets said they would do in the books of the prophets”

Acts 13:28

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word him” here refers to Jesus.

μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου εὑρόντες

“they did not find any reason why anyone should kill Jesus”

ᾐτήσαντο Πειλᾶτον

The word “asked” here is a strong word meaning to demand, beg or plead for.

Acts 13:29

ὡς δὲ ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ γεγραμμένα

“When thy did to Jesus all the things that the prophets said would happen to him”

καθελόντες ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἀπὸ τοῦ ξύλου

“from the cross.” This was another way people at that time referred to the cross. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 13:30

ὁ δὲ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν

“But” indicates a strong contrast between what the people did and what God did.

ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν

“raised him from among those who were dead.” To be with “the dead” means that Jesus was dead.

ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν

Here, to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “caused him to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ἐκ νεκρῶν

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.

Acts 13:31

ὃς ὤφθη ἐπὶ ἡμέρας πλείους τοῖς συναναβᾶσιν αὐτῷ ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἡμέρας πλείους

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.

νῦν εἰσιν μάρτυρες αὐτοῦ πρὸς τὸν λαόν

“are now testifying to the people about Jesus” or “are now telling the people about Jesus”

Acts 13:32

The second quotation here is from the prophet Isaiah.

καὶ

This word marks an event that happened because of previous event. In this case, the previous event is God’s raising Jesus from the dead.

τοὺς πατέρας

“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.

Acts 13:33

ἐκπεπλήρωκεν τοῖς τέκνοις ἡμῶν, ἀναστήσας

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: INVALID translate/translate-versebridge)

τοῖς τέκνοις ἡμῶν

“for us, who are the children of 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.

ἀναστήσας Ἰησοῦν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “by making Jesus alive again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

ὡς…ἐν τῷ ψαλμῷ γέγραπται τῷ δευτέρῳ

“This is what was written in the second Psalm”

τῷ ψαλμῷ…τῷ δευτέρῳ

“Psalm 2”

Υἱός…γεγέννηκά σε

These are important titles that describe the relationship between Jesus and God. (See: INVALID translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples)

Acts 13:34

ὅτι δὲ ἀνέστησεν αὐτὸν ἐκ νεκρῶν, μηκέτι μέλλοντα ὑποστρέφειν εἰς διαφθοράν, οὕτως εἴρηκεν

“God spoke these words about his making Jesus alive again so that he would never die again”

ἐκ νεκρῶν

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.

τὰ ὅσια…τὰ πιστά

“certain blessings”

Acts 13:35

διότι καὶ ἐν ἑτέρῳ λέγει

Paul’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

καὶ…λέγει

“David also says.” David is the author of Psalm 16 from which this quotation is taken.

οὐ δώσεις τὸν Ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν

The phrase “see decay” is a metonym for “decay.” Alternate translation: “You will not allow the body of your Holy One to rot” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

οὐ δώσεις

David is speaking to God here.

Acts 13:36

ἰδίᾳ γενεᾷ

“during his lifetime”

ὑπηρετήσας τῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ βουλῇ

“did what God wanted him to do” or “did what pleased God”

ἐκοιμήθη

This was a polite way to refer to death. Alternate translation: “he died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

προσετέθη πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας αὐτοῦ

“was buried with his ancestors who had died”

εἶδεν διαφθοράν

The phrase “experienced decay” is a metonym for “his body decayed.” Alternate translation: “his body rotted” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 13:37

ὃν δὲ

“but Jesus whom”

ὁ Θεὸς ἤγειρεν

Here to raise up is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “God caused to live again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

οὐκ εἶδεν διαφθοράν

The phrase “experienced no decay” is a way to say “his body did not decay.” Alternate translation: “did not rot” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 13:38

Here the word “him” refers to Jesus.

γνωστὸν…ἔστω ὑμῖν

“know this” or “this is important for you to know”

ἀδελφοί

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”

ὅτι διὰ τούτου, ὑμῖν ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν καταγγέλλεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that we proclaim to you that your sins can be forgiven through Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν

The abstract noun “forgiveness” can be translated with the verb “to forgive.” Alternate translation: “that God can forgive your sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 13:39

ἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων

“By him every person who believes” or “Every one who believes in him”

ἐν τούτῳ πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων δικαιοῦται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Jesus justifies everyone who believes” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 13:40

In his message to the people in the synagogue, Paul quotes the prophet Habakkuk. Here the word “I” refers to God.

Paul finishes his speech in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch, which he began in Acts 13:16.

βλέπετε

It is implied that the thing they should be careful about is Paul’s message. Alternate translation: “give close attention to the things I have said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις

“so that what the prophets spoke about”

Acts 13:41

ἴδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί

“you who feel contempt” or “you who ridicule”

θαυμάσατε

“be amazed” or “be shocked”

καὶ ἀφανίσθητε

“then die”

ἔργον ἐργάζομαι

“am doing something” or “am doing a deed”

ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν

“during your lifetime”

ἔργον ὃ

“I am doing something which”

ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται ὑμῖν

“even if someone tells you about it”

Acts 13:42

ἐξιόντων δὲ

“When Paul and Barnabas were leaving”

παρεκάλουν

“begged them to”

τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα

Here “words” refers to the message that Paul had spoken. Alternate translation: “this same message” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 13:43

λυθείσης δὲ τῆς συναγωγῆς

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.

προσηλύτων

These were non-Jewish people who converted to Judaism.

οἵτινες προσλαλοῦντες αὐτοῖς, ἔπειθον αὐτοὺς

“and Paul and Barnabas spoke to those people and urged them”

προσμένειν τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ

It is implied that they believed Paul’s message that Jesus was the Messiah. Alternate translation: “to continue to trust that God kindly forgives people’s sins because of what Jesus did” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 13:44

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

σχεδὸν πᾶσα ἡ πόλις

The “city” represents the people in the city. This phrase is used to show the great response to the Lord’s word. Alternate translation: “almost all the people of the city” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 13:45

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

Here “Jews” represents Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἐπλήσθησαν ζήλου

Here jealousy is spoken of as if it were something that could fill up a person. Alternate translation: “became very jealous” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἀντέλεγον

“contradicted” or “opposed”

τοῖς ὑπὸ Παύλου λαλουμένοις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that Paul said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 13:46

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. Paul’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἦν ἀναγκαῖον

This implies that God had commanded this be done. Alternate translation: “God commanded” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ὑμῖν…ἀναγκαῖον πρῶτον λαληθῆναι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This can be stated in active form. “Word of God” here is a synecdoche for “message from God.” Alternate translation: “that we speak the message from God to you first” or “that we speak the word of God to you first” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἐπειδὴ ἀπωθεῖσθε αὐτὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οὐκ ἀξίους κρίνετε ἑαυτοὺς τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς

“have shown that you are not worthy of eternal life” or “act as though you are not worthy of eternal life”

στρεφόμεθα εἰς τὰ ἔθνη

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 13:47

εἰς φῶς

Here the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were a light that allowed people to see. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς

The abstract word “salvation” can be translated with the verb “to save.” The phrase “uttermost parts” refers to everywhere. Alternate translation: “tell people everywhere in the world that I want to save them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 13:48

ἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “word” refers to the message about Jesus that they had believed. Alternate translation: “praised God for the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ὅσοι ἦσαν τεταγμένοι εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “As many as God appointed to eternal life believed” or “All the people whom God had chosen to receive eternal life” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 13:49

διεφέρετο…ὁ λόγος τοῦ Κυρίου δι’ ὅλης τῆς χώρας

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 13:50

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

This ends Paul and Barnabas’ time in Antioch of Pisidia and they go to Iconium.

οἱ…Ἰουδαῖοι

This probably refers to the leaders of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

παρώτρυναν

“convinced” or “stirred up”

τοὺς πρώτους

“the most important men”

ἐπήγειραν διωγμὸν ἐπὶ τὸν Παῦλον καὶ Βαρναβᾶν

“They convinced the important men and women to persecute Paul and Barnabas”

ἐξέβαλον αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν ὁρίων αὐτῶν

“removed Paul and Barnabas from their city”

Acts 13:51

ἐκτιναξάμενοι τὸν κονιορτὸν τῶν ποδῶν ἐπ’ αὐτοὺς

This was a symbolic act to indicate to the unbelieving people that God had rejected them and would punish them. (See: INVALID translate/writing-symlanguage)

Acts 13:52

οἵ…μαθηταὶ

This probably refers to the new believers in the Antioch of Pisidia that Paul and Silas just left.

Acts 14

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: INVALID bible/kt/grace and INVALID 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: INVALID 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.

Acts 14:1

The story of Paul and Barnabas in Iconium continues.

ἐγένετο δὲ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ

Possible meanings here are 1) “It happened in Iconium that” or 2) “In Iconium as usual”

λαλῆσαι οὕτως

“spoke so powerfully.” It may be helpful to state that they spoke the message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “spoke the message about Jesus so powerfully” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 14:2

οἱ…ἀπειθήσαντες Ἰουδαῖοι

This refers to a portion of the Jews who did not believe the message about Jesus.

ἐπήγειραν…τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν ἐθνῶν

Causing the Gentiles to become angry is spoken of as if calm waters were disturbed. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τὰς ψυχὰς

Here the word “minds” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

τῶν ἀδελφῶν

Here “brothers” refers to Paul and Barnabas and the new believers.

Acts 14:3

Here the word “He” refers to the Lord.

μὲν οὖν…διέτριψαν

“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.

τῷ μαρτυροῦντι τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ

“demonstrated that the message about his grace was true”

τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ

“about the message of the Lord’s grace”

διδόντι σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα γίνεσθαι διὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “by enabling Paul and Barnabas to perform signs and wonders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

διὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 14:4

ἐσχίσθη…τὸ πλῆθος τῆς πόλεως

Here “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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἦσαν σὺν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

“supported the Jews” or “agreed with the Jews.” The first group mentioned did not agree with the message about grace.

σὺν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις

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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

τοῖς ἀποστόλοις

Luke refers to Paul and Barnabas. Here “apostle” might be used in the general sense of “ones sent out.”

Acts 14:5

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

ἐγένετο ὁρμὴ…τοῖς ἄρχουσιν αὐτῶν

“tried to convince the leaders of Iconium.” Here “attempted” implies they were not able to fully persuade them before the apostles left the city.

ὑβρίσαι καὶ λιθοβολῆσαι αὐτούς

“to beat Paul and Barnabas and to kill them by throwing stones at them”

Acts 14:6

τῆς Λυκαονίας

A district in Asia Minor (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Λύστραν

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and north of Derbe (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Δέρβην

A city in Asia Minor south of Iconium and Lystra (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 14:7

κἀκεῖ εὐαγγελιζόμενοι ἦσαν

“where Paul and Barnabas continued to proclaim the good news”

Acts 14:8

The first word “he” refers to the crippled man; the second word “he” refers to Paul. The word “him” refers to the crippled man.

Paul and Barnabas are now in Lystra.

τις ἀνὴρ…ἐκάθητο

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ἀδύνατος…τοῖς ποσὶν

“unable to move his legs” or “unable to walk on his feet”

χωλὸς ἐκ κοιλίας μητρὸς αὐτοῦ

“having been born as a cripple”

χωλὸς

person who cannot walk

Acts 14:9

ὃς ἀτενίσας αὐτῷ

“Paul looked straight at him”

ἔχει πίστιν τοῦ σωθῆναι

The abstract noun “faith” can be translated with the verb “believe.” Alternate translation: “believed that Jesus could heal him” or “believed that Jesus could make him well” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 14:10

ἥλατο

“leaped in the air.” This implies that his legs were completely healed.

Acts 14:11

ὃ ἐποίησεν Παῦλος

This refers to Paul’s healing the crippled man.

ἐπῆραν τὴν φωνὴν αὐτῶν

To raise the voice is to speak loudly. Alternate translation: “they spoke loudly” (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-idiom/01.md)

οἱ θεοὶ…κατέβησαν πρὸς ἡμᾶς

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Λυκαονιστὶ

“in their own Lycaonian language.” The people of Lystra spoke Lycaonian and also Greek.

ὁμοιωθέντες ἀνθρώποις

These people believed that the gods needed to change their appearance in order to look like men.

Acts 14:12

Δία

Zeus was the king over all the other pagan gods. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ἑρμῆν

Hermes was the pagan god who brought messages to people from Zeus and the other gods. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 14:13

ὅ τε ἱερεὺς τοῦ Διὸς, τοῦ ὄντος πρὸ τῆς πόλεως…ἐνέγκας

It may be helpful to include additional information about the priest. Alternate translation: “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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ταύρους καὶ στέμματα

The oxen were to be sacrificed. The wreaths were either to crown Paul and Barnabas, or put on the oxen for sacrifice.

ἐπὶ τοὺς πυλῶνας

The gates of the cities were often used as a meeting place for the people of the city.

ἤθελεν θύειν

“wanted to offer sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas as the gods Zeus and Hermes”

Acts 14:14

οἱ ἀπόστολοι Βαρναβᾶς καὶ Παῦλος

Luke is here probably using “apostle” in the general sense of “one sent out.”

διαρρήξαντες τὰ ἱμάτια ἑαυτῶν

This was a symbolic action to show that they were deeply distressed and upset that the crowd wanted to sacrifice to them.

Acts 14:15

ἄνδρες, τί ταῦτα ποιεῖτε

Barnabas and Paul are rebuking the people for trying to sacrifice to them. Alternate translation: “Men, you must not do these things!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ταῦτα ποιεῖτε

“worshiping us”

καὶ ἡμεῖς ὁμοιοπαθεῖς ἐσμεν ὑμῖν ἄνθρωποι

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!”

ὁμοιοπαθεῖς…ὑμῖν

“like you in every way”

ἀπὸ τούτων τῶν ματαίων ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ Θεὸν ζῶντα

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Θεὸν ζῶντα

“a God who truly exists” or “a God who lives”

Acts 14:16

ἐν ταῖς παρῳχημέναις γενεαῖς

“In previous times” or “Until now”

πορεύεσθαι ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν

Walking in a way, or walking on a path, is a metaphor for living one’s life. Alternate translation: “to live their lives the way they wanted to” or “to do whatever they wanted to do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 14:17

Paul and Barnabas continue speaking to the crowd outside the city of Lystra (Acts 14:8).

οὐκ ἀμάρτυρον αὑτὸν ἀφῆκεν

This could also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “God has certainly left a witness” or “God has indeed testified” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

ἀγαθουργῶν

“as shown by the fact that”

ἐμπιπλῶν τροφῆς καὶ εὐφροσύνης τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν

Here “you hearts” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “giving you enough to eat and things about which to be happy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 14:18

μόλις κατέπαυσαν τοὺς ὄχλους τοῦ μὴ θύειν αὐτοῖς

Paul and Barnabas stopped the multitude from sacrificing to them, but it was difficult to do so.

μόλις κατέπαυσαν

“had difficulty preventing”

Acts 14:19

Here the words “he” and “him” refer to Paul.

πείσαντες τοὺς ὄχλους

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τοὺς ὄχλους

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.

νομίζοντες αὐτὸν τεθνηκέναι

“because they thought that he was already dead”

Acts 14:20

τῶν μαθητῶν

These were new believers in the city of Lystra.

εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν

“Paul re-entered Lystra with the believers”

ἐξῆλθεν σὺν τῷ Βαρναβᾷ εἰς Δέρβην

“Paul and Barnabas went to the city of Derbe”

Acts 14:21

Here the words “they” and “They” refer to Paul. Here the word “We” includes Paul, Barnabas, and the believers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην

“Derbe” (Acts 14:20)

Acts 14:22

ἐπιστηρίζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν μαθητῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

παρακαλοῦντες ἐμμένειν τῇ πίστει

“encouraging the believers to keep trusting in Jesus”

καὶ ὅτι διὰ πολλῶν θλίψεων, δεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Some version translate this as an indirect quote, “saying that we must enter into the kingdom of God through many sufferings.” The word “we” here includes Luke and the readers. (See: INVALID translate/writing-quotations and INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

δεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν

Paul includes his hearers, so the word “we” is inclusive. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Acts 14:23

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.

χειροτονήσαντες δὲ αὐτοῖς κατ’ ἐκκλησίαν πρεσβυτέρους

“When Paul and Barnabas had appointed leaders in each new group of believers”

παρέθεντο αὐτοὺς

Possible meanings are 1) “Paul and Barnabas entrusted the elders they had appointed” or 2) “Paul and Barnabas entrusted the leaders and other believers”

εἰς ὃν πεπιστεύκεισαν

Who “they” refers to depends on your choice for the meaning of “them” in the previous note (either elders or leaders and other believers).

Acts 14:25

καὶ λαλήσαντες ἐν Πέργῃ τὸν λόγον

“Word” here is a metonym for “message of God.” Alternate translation: “(See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κατέβησαν εἰς Ἀττάλιαν

The phrase “went down” is used here because Attalia is lower in elevation than Perga.

Acts 14:26

ὅθεν ἦσαν παραδεδομένοι τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Θεοῦ

This can be stated in the active form. Alternate translation: “where believers and leaders in Antioch had committed 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”

Acts 14:27

Here the words “they,” “them,” and “They” refer to Paul and Barnabas. The word “he” refers to God.

συναγαγόντες τὴν ἐκκλησίαν

“called the local believers to meet together”

ἤνοιξεν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν θύραν πίστεως

God’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 15

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.

Acts 15:1

Paul and Barnabas are still in Antioch when there is a dispute about the Gentiles and circumcision.

τινες

“Some men.” You can make explicit that these men were Jews who believed in Christ. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

κατελθόντες ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰουδαίας

The phrase “came down” is used here because Judea is higher in elevation than Antioch.

ἐδίδασκον τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐὰν μὴ περιτμηθῆτε τῷ ἔθει τῷ Μωϋσέως, οὐ δύνασθε σωθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Unless someone circumcises you according to 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 15:2

στάσεως καὶ ζητήσεως οὐκ ὀλίγης…πρὸς αὐτοὺς

The abstract nouns “sharp dispute” and “debate” can be stated as verbs and where the men came from can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “had confronted and debated with the men from Judea” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἀναβαίνειν…εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ

Jerusalem was higher than almost any other place in Israel, so it was normal for Israelites to speak of going up to Jerusalem.

τοῦ ζητήματος τούτου

“this issue”

Acts 15:3

Here the words “They,” “they,” and “them” refer to Paul, Barnabas, and certain others (Acts 15:2).

οἱ μὲν οὖν προπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Therefore the community of believers sent them from Antioch to Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

προπεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας

Here “church” stands for the people that were a part of the church. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

διήρχοντο τήν τε Φοινίκην καὶ Σαμάρειαν, ἐκδιηγούμενο

The words “passed through” and “announced” indicate they spent some time in different places sharing in detail what God was doing.

ἐκδιηγούμενοι τὴν ἐπιστροφὴν τῶν ἐθνῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

ἐποίουν χαρὰν μεγάλην πᾶσι τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς

Here “brothers” refers to fellow believers.

Acts 15:4

παρεδέχθησαν ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας, καὶ τῶν ἀποστόλων, καὶ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles, the elders, and the rest of the community of believers welcomed them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μετ’ αὐτῶν

“through them”

Acts 15:5

Here the word “them” refers to non-Jewish believers who were not circumcised and did not keep the Old Testament laws of God.

Paul and Barnabas are now in Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and elders there.

δέ τινες

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.

τηρεῖν τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως

“to obey the law of Moses”

Acts 15:6

ἰδεῖν περὶ τοῦ λόγου τούτου

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.

Acts 15:7

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: INVALID translate/figs-you and INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

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).

ἀδελφοί

Peter is addressing all of the believers who were present.

διὰ τοῦ στόματός μου

Here “mouth” refers to Peter. Alternate translation: “from me” or “by me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἀκοῦσαι τὰ ἔθνη

“the Gentiles would hear”

τὸν λόγον τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Here “word” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:8

ὁ καρδιογνώστης

Here “heart” refers to the “minds” or “inner beings.” Alternate translation: “who knows the people’s minds” or “who knows what people think” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐμαρτύρησεν αὐτοῖς

“witnesses to the Gentiles”

δοὺς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον

“causing the Holy Spirit to come upon them”

Acts 15:9

οὐδὲν διέκρινεν

God did not treat Jewish believers different from Gentile believers.

τῇ πίστει καθαρίσας τὰς καρδίας αὐτῶν

God’s forgiving the Gentile believers’ sins is spoken as though he literally cleaned their hearts. Here “heart” stands for the person’s inner being. Alternate translation: “forgiving their sins because they believed in Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:10

Peter includes his audience by his use of “our” and “we.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Peter finishes speaking to the apostles and elders.

νῦν

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

τί πειράζετε τὸν Θεόν, ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγὸν ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τῶν μαθητῶν, ὃν οὔτε οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν οὔτε ἡμεῖς ἰσχύσαμεν βαστάσαι

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν

This refers to their Jewish ancestors.

Acts 15:11

ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, πιστεύομεν σωθῆναι καθ’ ὃν τρόπον κἀκεῖνοι

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 15:12

Here the word “them” refers to Paul and Barnabas.

πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος

“Everyone” or “The whole group” (Acts 15:6)

ἐποίησεν ὁ Θεὸς

“God had done” or “God had caused”

Acts 15:13

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:12).

James begins to speak to the apostles and elders (Acts 15:6).

ἀδελφοί, ἀκούσατέ

“Fellow believers, listen.” James was probably speaking only to men.

Acts 15:14

λαβεῖν ἐξ ἐθνῶν λαὸν

“so that he might choose from among them a people”

τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ

“for God’s name.” Here “name” refers to God. Alternate translation: “for himself” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:15

Here “I” refers to God who spoke through the words of his prophet.

James quotes the prophet Amos from the Old Testament.

συμφωνοῦσιν οἱ λόγοι τῶν προφητῶν

Here “words” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “What the prophets said agrees” or “The prophets agree” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τούτῳ συμφωνοῦσιν

“confirm this truth”

καθὼς γέγραπται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as they wrote” or “as the prophet Amos wrote long ago” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 15:16

ἀνοικοδομήσω τὴν σκηνὴν Δαυεὶδ τὴν πεπτωκυῖαν, καὶ τὰ κατεστραμμένα αὐτῆς, ἀνοικοδομήσω καὶ ἀνορθώσω αὐτήν

This speaks of God’s again choosing one of David’s descendants to rule over his people as though he were setting up a tent again after it fell down. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

σκηνὴν

Here “tent” stands for David’s family. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:17

ἐκζητήσωσιν οἱ κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὸν Κύριον

This speaks about people wanting to obey God and learn more about him as if they were literally looking for him. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

κατάλοιποι τῶν ἀνθρώπων

Here “men” includes males and females. Alternate translation: “remnant of people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

ἐκζητήσωσιν…τὸν Κύριον

God is speaking about himself in the third person. Alternate translation: “may seek me, the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

καὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ἐφ’ οὓς ἐπικέκληται τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐπ’ αὐτούς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “including all the Gentiles who belong to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸ ὄνομά μου

Here “my name” stands for God. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:18

γνωστὰ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that people have known” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 15:19

Here “we” includes James, the apostles, and the elders. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

James finishes speaking to the apostles and elders. (See: Acts 15:2 and Acts 15:13)

μὴ παρενοχλεῖν τοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐθνῶν

You can make explicit in what way James does not want to trouble the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “we should not require the Gentiles to become circumcised and obey the laws of Moses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐπιστρέφουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν

A person who starts obeying God is spoken of as if the person is physically turning towards God. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 15:20

ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων, καὶ τῆς πορνείας, καὶ τοῦ πνικτοῦ, καὶ τοῦ αἵματος

Sexual immorality, strangling animals, and consuming blood were often part of ceremonies to worship idols and false gods.

ἀλισγημάτων τῶν εἰδώλων

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

τοῦ πνικτοῦ, καὶ τοῦ αἵματος

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 15:21

Μωϋσῆς γὰρ ἐκ γενεῶν ἀρχαίων κατὰ πόλιν τοὺς κηρύσσοντας αὐτὸν, ἔχει ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς κατὰ πᾶν Σάββατον ἀναγινωσκόμενος.

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Μωϋσῆς…τοὺς κηρύσσοντας

Here “Moses” represents the law of Moses. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The law of Moses has been proclaimed” or “Jews have taught the law of Moses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

κατὰ πόλιν

The word “every” here is a generalization. Alternate translation: “in many cities” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἀναγινωσκόμενος

Here “he” refers to Moses, whose name here represents his law. Alternate translation: “and the law is read” or “and they read the law” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:22

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.

ὅλῃ τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Ἰούδαν τὸν καλούμενον Βαρσαββᾶν

This is the name of a man. “Barsabbas” is a second name that people called him. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 15:23

οἱ ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι, ἀδελφοὶ, τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν, καὶ Συρίαν, καὶ Κιλικίαν, ἀδελφοῖς τοῖς ἐξ ἐθνῶν, χαίρειν

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”

ἀδελφοὶ, τοῖς κατὰ τὴν Ἀντιόχειαν

Here the word “brothers” refers to fellow believers. By using these words, the apostles and elders assure the Gentile believers that they accept them as fellow believers.

Κιλικίαν

This is the name of a province on the coast in Asia Minor north of the Island of Cyprus. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 15:24

Here all instances of “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to the believers in the church in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive and Acts 15:22)

ὅτι τινὲς

“that some men”

οἷς οὐ διεστειλάμεθα

“even though we gave no orders for them to go”

ἐτάραξαν ὑμᾶς λόγοις ἀνασκευάζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς ὑμῶν

Here “souls” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “have taught things that have troubled you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 15:25

ἐκλεξαμένοις ἄνδρας

The men they sent were Judas called Barsabbas and Silas (Acts 15:22).

Acts 15:26

τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:27

Here the words “We” and “us” refer to the leaders and believers in the church in Jerusalem. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive and Acts 15:22)

This concludes the letter from the Jerusalem church to the Gentile believers in Antioch.

αὐτοὺς διὰ λόγου ἀπαγγέλλοντας τὰ αὐτά

This phrase emphasizes that Judas and Silas will say the same things that the apostles and elders had written. Alternate translation: “who themselves will tell you the same things about which we have written” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 15:28

μηδὲν πλέον ἐπιτίθεσθαι ὑμῖν βάρος, πλὴν τούτων τῶν ἐπάναγκες

This speaks about laws that people need to obey as if they were objects that people carry on their shoulders. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 15:29

εἰδωλοθύτων

This means they are not allowed to eat the meat of an animal that someone sacrifices to an idol.

αἵματος

This refers to drinking blood or eating meat from which the blood has not been drained. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

πνικτῶν

A strangled animal was killed but its blood was not drained.

ἔρρωσθε

This announces the end of the letter. Alternate translation: “Goodbye”

Acts 15:30

Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas leave for Antioch.

οἱ μὲν οὖν ἀπολυθέντες, κατῆλθον εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν

The word “they” refers to Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. Alternate translation: “So when the four men were dismissed, they came down to Antioch”

ἀπολυθέντες

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

κατῆλθον εἰς Ἀντιόχειαν

The phrase “came down” is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

Acts 15:31

ἀναγνόντες…ἐχάρησαν

“the believers in Antioch rejoiced”

ἐπὶ τῇ παρακλήσει

The abstract noun “encouragement” can be expressed with the verb “encourage.” Alternate translation: “because what the apostles and elders wrote encouraged them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 15:32

καὶ…προφῆται

Prophets were teachers authorized by God to speak for him. Alternate translation: “because they were prophets” or “who were also prophets”

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς

“the fellow believers”

ἐπεστήριξαν

Helping someone to depend even more on Jesus is spoken of as if they were making them physically stronger. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 15:33

Judas and Silas return to Jerusalem while Paul and Barnabas remain in Antioch.

ποιήσαντες δὲ χρόνον

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: “After they stayed there for a while” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἀπελύθησαν μετ’ εἰρήνης ἀπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the brothers sent Judas and Silas back in peace” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῶν ἀδελφῶν

This refers to the believers in Antioch.

πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστείλαντας αὐτούς

“to the believers in Jerusalem who sent Judas and Silas” (Acts 15:22)

Acts 15:35

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “word” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 15:36

Paul and Barnabas go on separate journeys.

ἐπιστρέψαντες δὴ

“I suggest we now return”

ἐπισκεψώμεθα τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς

“care for the brothers” or “offer to help the believers”

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “word” stands for the message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πῶς ἔχουσιν

“learn how they are doing.” They want to learn about the current condition of the brothers and how they are holding on to God’s truth.

Acts 15:37

συνπαραλαβεῖν καὶ τὸν Ἰωάννην, τὸν καλούμενον Μᾶρκον

“to take John, who was also called Mark”

Acts 15:38

Παῦλος…ἠξίου…μὴ…συνπαραλαμβάνειν τοῦτον

The words “not good” are used to say the opposite of good. Alternate translation: “Paul thought that taking Mark would be bad” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

Παμφυλίας

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

μὴ συνελθόντα αὐτοῖς εἰς τὸ ἔργον

“did not continue to work with them then” or “did not continue to serve with them”

Acts 15:39

Here the word “they” refers to Barnabas and Paul.

ἐγένετο δὲ παροξυσμὸς

The abstract noun “disagreement” can be stated as the verb “disagree.” Alternate translation: “They strongly disagreed with each other” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 15:40

παραδοθεὶς τῇ χάριτι τοῦ Κυρίου ὑπὸ τῶν ἀδελφῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 15:41

διήρχετο

The previous sentence implies that Silas was with Paul. Alternate translation: “they went” or “Paul and Silas went” or “Paul took Silas and went” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

διήρχετο…τὴν Συρίαν καὶ τὴν Κιλικίαν

These are provinces or areas in Asia Minor, near the island of Cyprus.

ἐπιστηρίζων τὰς ἐκκλησίας

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16

Acts 16 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Timothy’s 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.

Acts 16:1

The first, third, and fourth instances of the word “him” refer to Timothy. The second “him” refers to Paul.

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

κατήντησεν…καὶ

Here “came” can be translated as “went.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Δέρβην

This is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in Acts 14:6.

ἰδοὺ

The word “behold” alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this.

πιστῆς

The words “in Christ” are understood. Alternate translation: “who believed in Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 16:2

ὃς ἐμαρτυρεῖτο ὑπὸ τῶν…ἀδελφῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὑπὸ τῶν…ἀδελφῶν

Here “brothers” refers to believers. Alternate translation: “by the believers”

Acts 16:3

περιέτεμεν αὐτὸν

It is possible that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, but it is more likely that he had someone else circumcise Timothy.

διὰ τοὺς Ἰουδαίους τοὺς ὄντας ἐν τοῖς τόποις ἐκείνοις

“because of the Jews living in the areas where Paul and Timothy would be traveling”

ᾔδεισαν γὰρ ἅπαντες, ὅτι Ἕλλην ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ ὑπῆρχεν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:4

The word “they” here refers to Paul, Silas (Acts 15:40), and Timothy (Acts 16:3).

αὐτοῖς φυλάσσειν

“for the church members to obey” or “for the believers to obey”

τὰ κεκριμένα ὑπὸ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ πρεσβυτέρων τῶν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had written” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:5

αἱ…ἐκκλησίαι ἐστερεοῦντο τῇ πίστει, καὶ ἐπερίσσευον τῷ ἀριθμῷ καθ’ ἡμέραν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

αἱ…ἐκκλησίαι ἐστερεοῦντο τῇ πίστει

This speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 16:6

τὴν Φρυγίαν

This is a region in Asia. See how you translated this name in Acts 2:10.

κωλυθέντες ὑπὸ τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit had forbidden them” or “the Holy Spirit did not permit them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸν λόγον

Here “word” stands for “message.” Alternate translation: “the message about Christ” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:7

ἐλθόντες δὲ

Here “came” can be translated as “went” or “arrived.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Μυσίαν…Βιθυνίαν

These are two more regions in Asia. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τὸ Πνεῦμα Ἰησοῦ

“the Holy Spirit”

Acts 16:8

κατέβησαν εἰς Τρῳάδα

The phrase “came down” is used here because Troas is lower in elevation than Mysia.

κατέβησαν

Here “came” can be translated as “went.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Acts 16:9

ὅραμα…τῷ Παύλῳ ὤφθη

“Paul saw a vision from God” or “Paul had a vision from God”

παρακαλῶν αὐτὸν

“begging him” or “inviting him”

διαβὰς εἰς Μακεδονίαν

The phrase “Come over” is used because Macedonia is across the sea from Troas.

Acts 16:10

ἐζητήσαμεν ἐξελθεῖν εἰς Μακεδονίαν, συμβιβάζοντες ὅτι προσκέκληται ἡμᾶς ὁ Θεὸς εὐαγγελίσασθαι αὐτούς

Here the words “we” and “us” refer to Paul and his companions including Luke, the author of Acts.

Acts 16:11

Paul and his companions are now in Philippi on their missionary trip. Verse 13 begins the story of Lydia. This short story happens during Paul’s travels.

Σαμοθρᾴκην…Νέαν Πόλιν

These are coastal cities near Phillipi in Macedonia. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

εἰς Νέαν Πόλιν

Here “came to” can be translated as “went to” or “arrived at.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Acts 16:12

κολωνία

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. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:14

This ends the story of Lydia.

τις γυνὴ ὀνόματι Λυδία

Here “A certain woman” introduces a new person in the story. Alternate translation: “There was a woman named Lydia” (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

πορφυρόπωλις

Here “cloth” is understood. Alternate translation: “a merchant who sold purple cloth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Θυατείρων

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

σεβομένη τὸν Θεόν

A worshiper of God is a Gentile who gives praise to God and follows him, but does not obey all of the Jewish laws.

ἧς ὁ Κύριος διήνοιξεν τὴν καρδίαν, προσέχειν

For the Lord to cause someone to pay attention and believe a message is spoken of as if he were opening a person’s heart. Alternate translation: “The Lord caused her to listen well and to believe” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἧς…διήνοιξεν τὴν καρδίαν

Here “heart” stands for a person’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῖς λαλουμένοις ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what Paul said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:15

ὡς δὲ ἐβαπτίσθη καὶ ὁ οἶκος αὐτῆς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When they baptized Lydia and members of her household” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὁ οἶκος αὐτῆς

Here “house” represents the people who live in her house. Alternate translation: “the members of her household” or “her family and household servants” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:16

Background information is given here to explain that this young fortune teller brought much financial gain to her masters by guessing people’s futures. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This begins the first event in another short story during Paul’s travels; it is about a young fortune teller.

ἐγένετο δὲ

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.

παιδίσκην τινὰ

The phrase “a certain” introduces a new person to the story. Alternate translation: “there was a young woman” (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

πνεῦμα Πύθωνα

An evil spirit spoke to her often about the immediate future of people.

Acts 16:17

ὁδὸν σωτηρίας

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 16:18

διαπονηθεὶς δὲ Παῦλος, καὶ ἐπιστρέψας

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “But she greatly annoyed Paul so he turned around” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Here “name” stands for speaking with the authority or as the representative of Jesus Christ. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐξῆλθεν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

“the spirit came out immediately”

Acts 16:19

οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς

“the owners of the slave girl”

ἰδόντες…οἱ κύριοι αὐτῆς, ὅτι ἐξῆλθεν ἡ ἐλπὶς τῆς ἐργασίας αὐτῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

εἰς τὴν ἀγορὰν

“into the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services takes place.

ἐπὶ τοὺς ἄρχοντας

“into the presence of the authorities” or “so that the authorities could judge them”

Acts 16:20

καὶ προσαγαγόντες αὐτοὺς τοῖς στρατηγοῖς

“When they had brought them to the judges”

στρατηγοῖς

rulers, judges

οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐκταράσσουσιν ἡμῶν τὴν πόλιν

Here the word “our” refers to the people of the city and includes the magistrates who ruled it. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Acts 16:21

παραδέχεσθαι οὐδὲ ποιεῖν

“to believe or to obey” or “to accept or to do”

Acts 16:22

Here the words “their” and “them” refer to Paul and Silas. The word “they” here refers to soldiers.

ἐκέλευον ῥαβδίζειν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “commanded the soldiers to beat them with rods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:23

πολλάς…ἐπιθέντες αὐτοῖς πληγὰς

“had hit them many times with rods”

παραγγείλαντες τῷ δεσμοφύλακι ἀσφαλῶς τηρεῖν αὐτούς

“told the jailer to make sure they did not get out”

δεσμοφύλακι

a person responsible for all the people held in the jail or prison

Acts 16:24

ὃς παραγγελίαν τοιαύτην λαβὼν

“he heard this command”

τοὺς πόδας ἠσφαλίσατο αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ ξύλον

“securely locked their feet in the stocks”

ξύλον

a piece of wood with holes for preventing a person’s feet from moving

Acts 16:25

The word “them” refers to Paul and Silas.

This continues Paul and Silas’ time in Philippi in prison and tells what happens to their jailer.

Acts 16:26

σεισμὸς…ὥστε σαλευθῆναι τὰ θεμέλια τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὰ θεμέλια τοῦ δεσμωτηρίου

When the foundations shook, this caused the entire prison to shake. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἠνεῴχθησαν…αἱ θύραι πᾶσαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “all the doors opened” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πάντων τὰ δεσμὰ ἀνέθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone’s chains came loose” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:27

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, Silas, and all of the other prisoners but excludes the jailer. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἔξυπνος…γενόμενος ὁ δεσμοφύλαξ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The jailer woke up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἤμελλεν ἑαυτὸν ἀναιρεῖν

“was ready to kill himself.” The jailer preferred to commit suicide rather than suffer the consequences of letting the prisoners escape.

Acts 16:29

αἰτήσας…φῶτα

The reason why the jailer needed light can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “called for someone to bring light so he could see who was still in the prison” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

φῶτα

The word “lights” stands for something that makes light. Alternate translation: “for torches” or “for lamps” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

εἰσεπήδησεν

“quickly entered the jail”

προσέπεσεν τῷ Παύλῳ καὶ Σιλᾷ

The jailer humbled himself by bowing down at the feet of Paul and Silas. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 16:30

προαγαγὼν αὐτοὺς ἔξω

“led them outside the jail”

τί με δεῖ ποιεῖν, ἵνα σωθῶ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “what must I do for God to save me from my sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:31

σωθήσῃ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “God will save you” or “God will save you from your sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὁ οἶκός σου

Here “house” stands for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: “all the members of your household” or “your family” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:32

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.

ἐλάλησαν αὐτῷ τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “word” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “They told him the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:33

ἐβαπτίσθη, αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ αὐτοῦ πάντες παραχρῆμα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Paul and Silas baptized the jailer and all the members of his household” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:35

This is the last event in the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:12).

δὲ

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.

ἀπέστειλαν…τοὺς ῥαβδούχους

Here “word” stands for “message” or “command.” Alternate translation: “sent a message to the guards” or “sent a command to the guards” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἀπέστειλαν

Here “sent” means the magistrates told someone to go tell the guards their message.

ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἐκείνους

“Release those men” or “Allow those men to leave”

Acts 16:36

ἐξελθόντες

“come outside of the jail”

Acts 16:37

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἔφη πρὸς αὐτούς

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

δείραντες ἡμᾶς δημοσίᾳ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἀκατακρίτους ἀνθρώπους Ῥωμαίους ὑπάρχοντας, ἔβαλαν εἰς φυλακήν

“men who are Roman citizens, and they had their soldiers put us in jail though they had not proven in court that we were guilty”

λάθρᾳ ἡμᾶς ἐκβάλλουσιν? οὔ

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

λάθρᾳ ἡμᾶς ἐκβάλλουσιν? οὔ

Here “themselves” is used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

Acts 16:38

ἐφοβήθησαν…ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Ῥωμαῖοί εἰσιν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:40

Here the word “they” refers to Paul and Silas. The word “them” refers to the believers in Philippi.

This is the end of Paul and Silas’ time in Philippi. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

εἰσῆλθον πρὸς τὴν Λυδίαν

Here “came” can be translated as “went.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

τὴν Λυδίαν

“the home of Lydia”

ἰδόντες

Here “brothers” refers to believers whether male or female. Alternate translation: “saw the believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 17

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: INVALID 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: INVALID 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.

Acts 17:1

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.

This continues the story of Paul, Silas, and Timothy’s missionary trip. They arrive in Thessalonica, apparently without Luke, since he says “they” and not “we.”

δὲ

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.

διοδεύσαντες

“traveled through”

τὴν Ἀμφίπολιν καὶ τὴν Ἀπολλωνίαν

These are coastal cities in Macedonia. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἦλθον εἰς Θεσσαλονίκην

Here “came” can be translated as “went” or “arrived.” Alternate translation: “they came to the city” or “they arrived at the city” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Acts 17:2

κατὰ…τὸ εἰωθὸς

“as his habit was” or “as his common practice was.” Paul usually went to the synagogue on the Sabbath when Jews would be present.

ἐπὶ Σάββατα τρία

“on each Sabbath day for three weeks”

διελέξατο αὐτοῖς ἀπὸ τῶν Γραφῶν

Paul explained what the scriptures means in order to prove to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

διελέξατο αὐτοῖς

“gave them reasons” or “debated with them” or “discussed with them”

Acts 17:3

Here the word “He” refers to Paul (Acts 17:2).

διανοίγων

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἔδει

“it was part of God’s plan”

ἀναστῆναι

“to come back to life”

ἐκ νεκρῶν

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.

Acts 17:4

αὐτῶν ἐπείσθησαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Jews believed” or “the Jews understood” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

προσεκληρώθησαν τῷ Παύλῳ

“became associated with Paul”

σεβομένων Ἑλλήνων

This refers to Greeks who worship God but have not converted to Judaism through circumcision.

γυναικῶν…τῶν πρώτων οὐκ ὀλίγαι

This is an understatement to emphasize that many leading women joined them. Alternate translation: “many leading women” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

Acts 17:5

Here the word “they” refers to the unbelieving Jews and wicked men from the marketplace.

ζηλώσαντες

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ζηλώσαντες

It can be stated explicitly that these Jews were jealous because some of the Jews and Greeks believed Paul’s message. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

προσλαβόμενοι…ἄνδρας τινὰς πονηροὺς

Here “took” does not mean the Jews took these people by force. It means the Jews persuaded these wicked men to help them.

ἄνδρας τινὰς πονηροὺς

“some evil men.” The word “men” here refers specifically to males.

τῶν ἀγοραίων

“from the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.

ἐθορύβουν τὴν πόλιν

Here “the city” stands for the people in the city. Alternate translation: “caused the people of the city to be in an uproar” or “caused the people of the city to riot” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐπιστάντες τῇ οἰκίᾳ

“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.

Ἰάσονος

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

προαγαγεῖν εἰς τὸν δῆμον

Possible meanings or “people” are 1) a governmental or legal group of citizens gathered to make a decision or 2) a mob.

Acts 17:6

τινας ἀδελφοὺς

Here “brothers” refers to believers. Alternate translation: “some other believers”

ἐπὶ τοὺς πολιτάρχας

“in the presence of the officials”

οἱ…ἀναστατώσαντες, οὗτοι

The Jewish leaders were speaking and the phrase, “These men,” refers to Paul and Silas.

τὴν οἰκουμένην ἀναστατώσαντες

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: “caused trouble everywhere in the world” or “caused trouble everywhere they have gone” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole and INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 17:7

ὑποδέδεκται Ἰάσων

This phrase signals that Jason was in agreement with the apostles’ troubling message.

Acts 17:8

ἐτάραξαν

“were worried”

Acts 17:9

λαβόντες τὸ ἱκανὸν παρὰ τοῦ Ἰάσονος καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν

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.

τῶν λοιπῶν

The words “the rest” refers to other believers that the Jews brought before the officials.

ἀπέλυσαν αὐτούς

“the officials let Jason and the other believers go”

Acts 17:10

Paul and Silas travel on to the town of Berea.

οἱ…ἀδελφοὶ

The word “brothers” here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “the believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 17:11

δὲ

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

οὗτοι…ἦσαν εὐγενέστεροι

These “well-born” people were willing to think more objectively about new ideas than other people. Alternate translation: “more open minded” or “more willing to listen”

ἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον

Here “word” refers to a teaching. Alternate translation: “listened to the teaching” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας

These Bereans were prepared to examine earnestly Paul’s teachings about the scripture.

καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς Γραφὰς

“carefully reading and evaluating the scriptures every day”

ἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως

“the things Paul said were true”

Acts 17:13

Athens is down the coast from Barea which is in Macedonia. Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἦλθον κἀκεῖ, σαλεύοντες

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: “went there and agitated” or “went there and disturbed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ταράσσοντες τοὺς ὄχλους

“and worried the crowds” or “caused dread and fear among the people”

Acts 17:14

ἀδελφοὶ

The word “brothers” here refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

πορεύεσθαι ἕως ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν

“to go to the coast.” From here Paul would probably sail to another city.

Acts 17:15

καθιστάνοντες τὸν Παῦλον

“who were accompanying Paul” or “who were going along with Paul”

λαβόντες ἐντολὴν πρὸς τὸν Σιλᾶν καὶ τὸν Τιμόθεον

“he told them to instruct Silas and Timothy.” This can also be stated as a direct quotation as in the UST. (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Acts 17:16

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.

δὲ

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.

παρωξύνετο τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ, θεωροῦντος κατείδωλον οὖσαν τὴν πόλιν

Here “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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 17:17

διελέγετο

“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.

τοῖς σεβομένοις

This refers to Gentiles (non-Jews) who give praise to God and follow him but do not obey all of the Jewish laws.

ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ

“in the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place.

Acts 17:18

Here the words “him,” “He, “and “he” refer to Paul.

Ἐπικουρίων καὶ Στοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Στοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων

These people believed freedom comes from resigning oneself to fate. They rejected a personal loving God and the resurrection. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

συνέβαλλον αὐτῷ

“happened upon him”

τινες ἔλεγον

“Some of the philosophers said”

τί ἂν θέλοι ὁ σπερμολόγος οὗτος

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” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οἱ

“Other philosophers said”

δοκεῖ καταγγελεὺς

“He seems to be a proclaimer” or “He seems to be on a mission to add people to his philosophy”

ξένων δαιμονίων

This is not in the sense of “odd,” but in the sense of “foreign,” that is, gods that Greeks and Romans do not worship or know about.

Acts 17:19

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἐπιλαβόμενοί τε αὐτοῦ, ἐπὶ τὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον ἤγαγο

This does not mean they arrested Paul. The philosophers invited Paul to speak formally to their leaders.

ἐπὶ τὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον

The “Areopagus” was the place where the leaders met. Alternate translation: “to the leaders that met on the Areopagus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὸν Ἄρειον Πάγον…λέγοντες

Here the leaders on the Areopagus are speaking. This can stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “the Areopagus. The leaders said to Paul”

Ἄρειον Πάγον

This is a prominent rock outcropping or hill in Athens upon which the supreme court of Athens may have met. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 17:20

ξενίζοντα γάρ τινα εἰσφέρεις εἰς τὰς ἀκοὰς ἡμῶν

Paul’s 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 teachings some things that we have never heard before” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 17:21

Ἀθηναῖοι δὲ πάντες καὶ οἱ ἐπιδημοῦντες ξένοι

The word “all” is a generalization referring to many. Alternate translation: “Now many of the Athenians and the strangers living there” or “Now many of the Athenians and the strangers living there” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

Ἀθηναῖοι…πάντες

“Athenians” are people from Athens, a city near the coast below Macedonia (present day Greece). (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

οἱ…ξένοι

“the foreigners”

εἰς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ηὐκαίρουν, ἢ λέγειν τι ἢ ἀκούειν

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” or “were always doing nothing but telling or listening” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

εἰς οὐδὲν ἕτερον ηὐκαίρουν, ἢ λέγειν τι ἢ ἀκούειν

The phrase “spent their time in nothing” is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “did not do much but tell or listen” or “spent much of their time telling or listening” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

λέγειν τι ἢ ἀκούειν τι καινότερον

“discussing new philosophical ideas” or “talking about what was new to them”

Acts 17:22

Paul begins his speech to the philosophers on the Areopagus.

κατὰ πάντα…δεισιδαιμονεστέρους

Paul is referring to the Athenians’ public display of honoring the gods through prayers, building altars, and offering sacrifices.

Acts 17:23

διερχόμενος γὰρ

“Because as I walked past” or “I walked along”

ἀγνώστῳ Θεῷ

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.

Acts 17:24

τὸν κόσμον

In the most general sense, the “world” refers to the heavens and the earth and everything in them.

οὗτος…ὑπάρχων Κύριος

“because he is the Lord.” Here “he” is referring to the unknown god mentioned in Acts 17:23 that Paul is explaining is the Lord God.

οὐρανοῦ καὶ γῆς

The words “heaven” and “earth” are used together to mean all beings and things in heaven and earth. (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

χειροποιήτοις

Here “hands” stands for people. Alternate translation: “built by the hands of people” or “that people built” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 17:25

οὐδὲ ὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων θεραπεύεται

Here “served” has the sense of a doctor treating a patient to make the patient well again. Alternate translation: “Neither do men’s hands take care of him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὑπὸ χειρῶν ἀνθρωπίνων

Here “hands” stands for the whole person. Alternate translation: “by humans” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

αὐτὸς διδοὺς

“because he himself.” The word “himself” is added for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

Acts 17:26

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἑνὸς

This means Adam, the first person God created. This can be stated to include Eve. It was through Adam and Eve that God made all other people. Alternate translation: “one couple”

ὁρίσας προστεταγμένους καιροὺς καὶ τὰς ὁροθεσίας τῆς κατοικίας αὐτῶν

This can be stated as a new sentence. Alternate translation: “And he determined when and where they would live”

Acts 17:27

ζητεῖν τὸν Θεὸν, εἰ ἄρα γε ψηλαφήσειαν αὐτὸν καὶ εὕροιεν

Here “search for God” represents desiring to know him, and “feel their way toward 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

καί γε οὐ μακρὰν ἀπὸ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου ἡμῶν ὑπάρχοντα

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “Yet he is very near to everyone of us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

Acts 17:28

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: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

ἐν αὐτῷ γὰρ

“Because of him”

Acts 17:29

γένος…ὑπάρχοντες τοῦ Θεοῦ

Because God created everyone, all people are spoken of as if they were God’s literal children. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τὸ θεῖον

Here “deity” refers to God’s nature or attributes. Alternate translation: “that God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

χαράγματι τέχνης καὶ ἐνθυμήσεως ἀνθρώπου

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 17:30

Here the word “he” refers to God.

Paul finishes his speech to the philosophers in the Areopagus, which he began in Acts 17:22.

οὖν

“Because what I have just said is true”

χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας ὑπεριδὼν ὁ Θεὸς

“God decided not to punish people during the time of ignorance”

χρόνους τῆς ἀγνοίας

This refers to the time before God fully revealed himself through Jesus Christ and before people truly knew how to obey God.

τοῖς ἀνθρώποις πάντας

This means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: “all people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 17:31

ἐν ᾗ μέλλει κρίνειν τὴν οἰκουμένην ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἐν ἀνδρὶ ᾧ ὥρισεν

“when the man he has chosen will judge the world in righteousness”

μέλλει κρίνειν τὴν οἰκουμένην

Here “world” refers to the people. Alternate translation: “he will judge all people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ

“justly” or “fairly”

πίστιν παρασχὼν

“God has demonstrated his choice of this man”

ἐκ νεκρῶν

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.

Acts 17:32

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

This is the end of the part of the story about Paul in Athens. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

δὲ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke shifts from Paul’s teachings to the reaction of the people of Athens.

ἀκούσαντες

These are the people who were present at the Areopagus listening to Paul.

οἱ μὲν ἐχλεύαζον

“some ridiculed Paul” or “some laughed at Paul.” These did not believe it was possible for someone to die and then return to life.

Acts 17:34

Διονύσιος ὁ Ἀρεοπαγίτης

Dionysius is a man’s name. Areopagite implies that Dionysius was one of the judges at the council of Areopagus. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Δάμαρις

This is the name of a woman. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 18

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: INVALID bible/kt/faithful and INVALID bible/kt/christ and INVALID bible/kt/repent)

Acts 18:1

Aquila and Priscilla are introduced to the story and verses 2 and 3 give background information about them. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

This is another part of the story of Paul’s travels as he goes to Corinth.

μετὰ ταῦτα

“After these events took place in Athens”

ἐκ τῶν Ἀθηνῶν

Athens was one of the most important cities in Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 17:15.

Acts 18:2

καὶ εὑρών

Possible meanings are that 1) Paul happened to find by chance or 2) Paul intentionally found.

τινα Ἰουδαῖον ὀνόματι Ἀκύλαν

Here the phrase “a certain” indicates this is introducing new person in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

Ποντικὸν τῷ γένει

Pontus was a province on the southern coast of the Black Sea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

προσφάτως ἐληλυθότα

This is probably sometime in the past year.

τῆς Ἰταλίας

This is the name of land. Rome is the capital city of Italy. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τὸ διατεταχέναι Κλαύδιον

Claudius was the current Roman emperor. See how you translated this in Acts 11:28.

Acts 18:3

τὸ ὁμότεχνον εἶναι

“he did the same kind of work that they did”

Acts 18:4

Silas and Timothy rejoin Paul.

διελέγετο δὲ

“So Paul debated” or “So Paul discussed.” He gave reasons. This means that rather than just preaching, Paul talked and interacted with the people.

ἔπειθέν τε Ἰουδαίους καὶ Ἕλληνας

Possible meanings are 1) “He caused both Jews and Greeks to believe” or 2) “He kept trying to persuade the Jews and the Greeks.”

Acts 18:5

συνείχετο τῷ λόγῳ ὁ Παῦλος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Spirit compelled Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 18:6

ἐκτιναξάμενος τὰ ἱμάτια

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 God’s judgment. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

τὸ αἷμα ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν ὑμῶν

Here “blood” stands for the guilt of their actions. Here “heads” 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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 18:7

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. The first word “his” refers to Titius Justus. The second word “his” refers to Crispus.

Τιτίου Ἰούστου

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

σεβομένου τὸν Θεόν

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.

Acts 18:8

Κρίσπος

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἀρχισυνάγωγος

a layperson who sponsored and administered the synagogue, not necessarily the teacher

ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτοῦ

Here “house” refers to the people who lived together. Alternate translation: “the people who lived with him in his house” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐβαπτίζοντο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “received baptism” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 18:9

μὴ φοβοῦ, ἀλλὰ λάλει καὶ μὴ σιωπήσῃς

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: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

λάλει καὶ μὴ σιωπήσῃς

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: INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

μὴ σιωπήσῃς

It can be stated explicitly what the Lord wants Paul to speak. Alternate translation: “do not stop speaking about the gospel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 18:10

λαός ἐστί μοι πολὺς ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ

“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”

Acts 18:11

ἐκάθισεν δὲ ἐνιαυτὸν καὶ μῆνας ἓξ, διδάσκων ἐν αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ

This is a concluding statement for this part of the story. “Word of God” here is a synecdoche for the entire scriptures. Alternate translation: “Paul lived there…teaching the scriptures among them” (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 18:12

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

The unbelieving Jews bring Paul to the judgment seat before Gallio.

Γαλλίωνος

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

This stands for the Jewish leaders that did not believe in Jesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

κατεπέστησαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν

“came together” or “joined together”

ἤγαγον αὐτὸν ἐπὶ τὸ βῆμα

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 18:14

εἶπεν ὁ Γαλλίων

Gallio was the Roman governor of the Province.

Acts 18:15

νόμου τοῦ καθ’ ὑμᾶς

Here “law” refers to the law of Moses and as well as the Jewish customs of Paul’s time.

κριτὴς ἐγὼ τούτων οὐ βούλομαι εἶναι

“I refuse to make a judgment about these matters”

Acts 18:16

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).

ἀπήλασεν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ βήματος

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 18:17

ἐπιλαβόμενοι…πάντες

This may be an exaggeration to emphasize the strong feelings the people had. Alternate translation: “many people seized” or “many of them grabbed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἐπιλαβόμενοι δὲ πάντες Σωσθένην τὸν ἀρχισυνάγωγον, ἔτυπτον ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος

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.

Σωσθένην τὸν ἀρχισυνάγωγον

“Sosthenes” was the Jewish ruler of the synagogue at Corinth. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἔτυπτον

“repeatedly hit him” or “repeatedly punched him.”

Acts 18:18

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. Cenchreae was a seaport that was part of the greater Corinth city area. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This continues Paul’s 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.

τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἀποταξάμενος

The word “brothers” refers to men and women believers. Alternate translation: “left the fellow believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

ἐξέπλει εἰς τὴν Συρίαν, καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ Πρίσκιλλα καὶ Ἀκύλας

Paul got on a ship that sailed for Syria. Priscilla and Aquila went with him.

κειράμενος…τὴν κεφαλήν, εἶχεν γὰρ εὐχήν

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” (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 18:19

διελέξατο τοῖς

“discussed with” or “debated with”

Acts 18:20

Here the words “they” and “them” refer to the Jews in Ephesus.

Acts 18:21

ἀποταξάμενος

“saying good-bye to them”

Acts 18:22

Phrygia is a province in Asia which is now modern day Turkey. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

Paul continues his missionary journey.

κατελθὼν εἰς Καισάρειαν

“arrived at Caesarea.” The word “landed” is used to show that he arrived by ship.

ἀναβὰς

He traveled to the city of Jerusalem. The phrase “went up” is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

ἀσπασάμενος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν

Here “church” refers to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “greeted the members of the church of Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κατέβη

The phrase “went down” is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem.

Acts 18:23

ἐξῆλθεν

“Paul went away” or “Paul left”

καὶ ποιήσας χρόνον τινὰ

This speaks about “time” as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate translation: After staying there for a while” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 18:24

Apollos is introduced to the story. Verses 24 and 25 give background information about him. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Luke tells what happens in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila.

δέ

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line.

Ἰουδαῖος…τις Ἀπολλῶς ὀνόματι

The phrase “a certain” indicates that Luke is introducing a new person in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

Ἀλεξανδρεὺς τῷ γένει

“a man who was born in the city of Alexandria.” This was a city in Egypt on the north coast of Africa. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

λόγιος

“a good speaker”

δυνατὸς ὢν ἐν ταῖς Γραφαῖς

“he knew the scriptures thoroughly.” He understood the Old Testament writings well.

Acts 18:25

οὗτος ἦν κατηχημένος τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Κυρίου

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Other believers had taught Apollos how the Lord Jesus wanted people to live” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

καὶ ζέων τῷ πνεύματι

Here “spirit” refers to the entire person of Apollos. Alternate translation: “Being very enthusiastic” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

τὸ βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου

“The baptism that John performed.” This is comparing John’s baptism which was with water to Jesus’ baptism which is with the Holy Spirit.

Acts 18:26

τὴν ὁδὸν τοῦ Θεοῦ

How God wants people to live is spoken of as if it were a road that a person travels. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἀκριβέστερον

“correctly” or “more fully”

Acts 18:27

Here the he words “he” and “him” refer to Apollos (Acts 18:24).

διελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Ἀχαΐαν

“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.

τὴν Ἀχαΐαν

Achaia was a Roman Province in the southern section of Greece. See how you translated this in Acts 18:12.

ἀδελφοὶ

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: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἔγραψαν τοῖς μαθηταῖς

“wrote a letter to the Christians in Achaia”

τοῖς πεπιστευκόσιν διὰ τῆς χάριτος

“those who had believed in salvation by grace” or “those who by God’s grace believed in Jesus”

Acts 18:28

εὐτόνως…τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις διακατηλέγχετο δημοσίᾳ

“In public debate Apollos powerfully showed that the Jews were wrong”

ἐπιδεικνὺς διὰ τῶν Γραφῶν εἶναι τὸν Χριστὸν, Ἰησοῦν

“as he showed them by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ”

Acts 19

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.

Acts 19:1

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.

Paul travels to Ephesus.

ἐγένετο δὲ

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.

διελθόντα

“traveled through”

Acts 19:2

Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἐλάβετε

This means to have the Holy Spirit come upon them.

οὐδ’ εἰ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον ἔστιν ἠκούσαμεν

“we have not even heard about the Holy Spirit”

Acts 19:3

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.

εἰς τί οὖν ἐβαπτίσθητε

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What kind of baptism did you receive?” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὸ Ἰωάννου βάπτισμα

You can translate this as a complete sentence. Alternate translation: “We received the kind of baptism about which John taught” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 19:4

βάπτισμα μετανοίας

You can translate the abstract noun “repentance” as the verb “repent.” Alternate translation: “the baptism that people requested when they wanted to repent” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

τὸν ἐρχόμενον

Here “the one” refers to Jesus.

τὸν ἐρχόμενον μετ’ αὐτὸν

This means to come after John the Baptist in time and not following after him physically.

Acts 19:5

Paul continues staying in Ephesus.

ἀκούσαντες δὲ

Here “people” refers to the disciples in Ephesus who were talking with Paul (Acts 19:1),

ἐβαπτίσθησαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they received baptism” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

Here “name” refers to Jesus’ power and authority. Alternate translation: “as believers in the Lord Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:6

ἐπιθέντος αὐτοῖς τοῦ Παύλου χεῖρας

“placed his hands on them.” He probably placed his hands on their shoulders or heads. Alternate translation: “placed his hands on their heads as he prayed”

ἐλάλουν τε γλώσσαις καὶ ἐπροφήτευον

Unlike in Acts 2:3-4, there are no details of who understood their messages.

Acts 19:7

ἦσαν δὲ οἱ πάντες ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ δώδεκα

This tells how many men were baptized. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

ἄνδρες…δώδεκα

“12 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 19:8

εἰσελθὼν…εἰς τὴν συναγωγὴν, ἐπαρρησιάζετο ἐπὶ μῆνας τρεῖς

“Paul regularly attended the synagogue meetings for three months and spoke there boldly”

διαλεγόμενος καὶ πείθων

“convincing people with convincing arguments and with clear teaching”

περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here “kingdom” stands for God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “about God’s rule as king” or “about how God would show himself as king” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:9

τινες ἐσκληρύνοντο καὶ ἠπείθουν

To stubbornly refuse to believe is spoken of as though the people were becoming hard 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

κακολογοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πλήθους

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: “to speak evil about Christianity to the crowd” or “to speak to the crowd evil things about those who follow Christ and who obey his teaching about God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and Acts 9:2)

κακολογοῦντες

“to speak bad things about”

ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου

“in the large room where Tyrannus had taught people”

Τυράννου

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 19:10

πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “all” is a generalization that means very many people throughout Asia heard the gospel. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου

Here “word” stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:11

Here the words “them” and “they” refer to those who were sick.

δυνάμεις τε οὐ τὰς τυχούσας, ὁ Θεὸς ἐποίει διὰ τῶν χειρῶν Παύλου

Here “hands” stands for Paul’s whole person. Alternate translation: “God was causing Paul to do miracles” or “God was doing miracles through Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 19:12

καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας ἀποφέρεσθαι ἀπὸ τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ σουδάρια ἢ σιμικίνθια, καὶ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when they took to sick people even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul”

καὶ…ἀπὸ τοῦ χρωτὸς αὐτοῦ σουδάρια ἢ σιμικίνθια

Possible meanings are 1) these were cloth items that Paul had touched or 2) these were cloth items that Paul had worn or used.

σουδάρια

cloths worn around the head

σιμικίνθια

clothing worn on the front of the body to protect the clothes of people

τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας

This refers to sick people. Alternate translation: “sick people” or “those who were sick” (See: INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

ἀπαλλάσσεσθαι ἀπ’ αὐτῶν τὰς νόσους

“those who were sick became healthy”

Acts 19:13

This is the beginning of another event that happened while Paul was in Ephesus. It is about Jewish exorcists.

ἐξορκιστῶν

people who send evil spirits away from people or places

τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

Here “name” refers to Jesus’ power and authority. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ὃν Παῦλος κηρύσσει

“Jesus” was a common name at the time, so these exorcists wanted people to know of whom they spoke.

τὸν Ἰησοῦν

This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. Alternate translation: “by the authority of Jesus” or “by the power of Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:14

Σκευᾶ

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 19:15

τὸν Ἰησοῦν γινώσκω, καὶ τὸν Παῦλον ἐπίσταμαι

“I know Jesus and Paul” or “I know Jesus, and I know Paul”

ὑμεῖς δὲ τίνες ἐστέ

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 19:16

φαλόμενος ὁ ἄνθρωπος…ἐν ᾧ ἦν τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πονηρὸν

This means that the evil spirit caused the man whom it was controlling to leap on the exorcists.

αὐτοὺς

This refers to people who send evil spirits from people or places. See how you translated this in Acts 19:13.

γυμνοὺς…ἐκφυγεῖν

The exorcists fled with their clothes ripped off them.

Acts 19:17

ἐμεγαλύνετο τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they honored the name of the Lord Jesus” or “they considered the name of the Lord Jesus to be great” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸ ὄνομα

This stands for the power and authority of Jesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:18

This ends the story about the Jewish exorcists. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

Acts 19:19

συνενέγκαντες τὰς βίβλους

“collected their books.” The word “books” refers to scrolls on which magical incantations and formulas were written.

ἐνώπιον πάντων

“in front of everyone”

τὰς τιμὰς αὐτῶν

“the value of the books” or “the value of the scrolls”

μυριάδας πέντε

“50,000” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

ἀργυρίου

A “piece of silver” was the approximate daily wage for a common laborer. (See: INVALID translate/translate-bmoney)

Acts 19:20

οὕτως κατὰ κράτος τοῦ Κυρίου ὁ λόγος ηὔξανεν καὶ ἴσχυεν

“So because of these powerful deeds, more and more people heard the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 19:21

Paul talks about going Jerusalem but does not leave Ephesus yet.

δὲ

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.

ἐπληρώθη ταῦτα…ὁ Παῦλος

“Paul completed the work that God had for him to do in Ephesus”

ἔθετο…ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι

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.

Ἀχαΐαν

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.

δεῖ με καὶ Ῥώμην ἰδεῖν

“I must also travel to Rome”

Acts 19:22

Ἔραστον

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

αὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν χρόνον εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν

It is made explicit in the next few verses that Paul remains in Ephesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

αὐτὸς

This is repeated for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

Acts 19:23

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: INVALID translate/writing-background and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Luke tells about a riot that broke out while Paul was in Ephesus.

ἐγένετο…τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ

This is a summary opening statement.

ἐγένετο…τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος

“the people became very upset” See how you translated this in Acts 12:18

τῆς ὁδοῦ

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated this title in Acts 9:1.

Acts 19:24

Δημήτριος…τις ὀνόματι ἀργυροκόπος

The use of the words “a certain” introduces a new person in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ἀργυροκόπος

a craftsman who works with silver metal to make statues and jewelry

Δημήτριος…ὀνόματι

This is the name of a man. Demetrius was a silversmith in Ephesus who was against Paul and the local church. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

παρείχετο…οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν

“made a lot of money for those who made the idols”

Acts 19:25

τοὺς περὶ τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργάτας

An occupation is a profession or job. Alternate translation: “others who did that kind of work”

Acts 19:26

Demetrius continues to speak to the craftsmen.

θεωρεῖτε καὶ ἀκούετε ὅτι

“You have come to know and understand that”

μετέστησεν ἱκανὸν ὄχλον

Paul’s stopping people from worshiping idols is spoken of as though Paul were literally turning the people in a different direction. Alternate translation: “caused many people to stop worshiping the local gods” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

λέγων ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν θεοὶ, οἱ διὰ χειρῶν γινόμενοι

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: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis and INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 19:27

τοῦτο κινδυνεύει ἡμῖν, τὸ μέρος εἰς ἀπελεγμὸν ἐλθεῖν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that the people will no longer want to buy idols from us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὸ τῆς μεγάλης θεᾶς Ἀρτέμιδος ἱερὸν, εἰς οὐθὲν λογισθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the people will think there is no benefit in going to the temple to worship the great goddess Artemis” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μέλλειν τε καὶ καθαιρεῖσθαι τῆς μεγαλειότητος αὐτῆς

Artemis’s greatness only comes from what people think of her.

ἣν ὅλη ἡ Ἀσία καὶ ἡ οἰκουμένη σέβεται

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 19:28

Here “they” refers to the craftsmen who made the idols (Acts 19:24-25).

γενόμενοι πλήρεις θυμοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἔκραζον

“shouted aloud” or “shouted loudly”

Acts 19:29

ἐπλήσθη ἡ πόλις τῆς συγχύσεως

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: “Then people all over the city became upset and started shouting” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ὥρμησάν τε ὁμοθυμαδὸν

This was a mob or near riot situation.

εἰς τὸ θέατρον

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.

συνεκδήμους Παύλου

The men who had been with Paul.

Γάϊον καὶ Ἀρίσταρχον

These are names of men. Gaius and Aristarchus came from Macedonia but were working with Paul in Ephesus at this time. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 19:30

Ephesus was part of the Roman empire and in the province of Asia.

Acts 19:31

δοῦναι…εἰς τὸ θέατρον

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.

Acts 19:33

Ἀλέξανδρον

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

κατασείσας τὴν χεῖρα

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἀπολογεῖσθαι

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.”

Acts 19:34

φωνὴ…μία

The shouting together of the people at the same time is spoken of as though they were speaking with one voice. Alternate translation: “in unison” or “together” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 19:35

The words “You” and “you” refer to all the men present who were from Ephesus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

The clerk of Ephesus speaks to quiet the crowd.

ὁ γραμματεὺς

This refers to the town “writer” or “secretary.”

τίς…ἐστιν ἀνθρώπων, ὃς οὐ γινώσκει τὴν Ἐφεσίων πόλιν νεωκόρον οὖσαν τῆς μεγάλης Ἀρτέμιδος καὶ τοῦ διοπετοῦ

The clerk asked this question to assure the crowd they were right and to comfort them. Alternate translation: “every man knows that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper…heaven.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

ὃς οὐ γινώσκει

The town clerk uses “not” to emphasize that all of the people knew this. (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

νεωκόρον

The Ephesian people maintained and guarded the temple of Artemis.

τοῦ διοπετοῦς

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).

Acts 19:36

ἀναντιρρήτων οὖν ὄντων τούτων

“Since you know these things”

μηδὲν προπετὲς πράσσειν

“do not do anything before you have had time to think about it”

προπετὲς

without careful thought

Acts 19:37

τοὺς ἄνδρας τούτους

The words “these men” refer to Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions (Acts 19:29).

Acts 19:38

The town clerk finishes speaking to the crowd.

οὖν

“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.

ἔχουσιν πρός τινα λόγον

The word “accusation” can be stated as the verb “accuse.” Alternate translation: “want to accuse someone” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

ἀνθύπατοί

the Roman governor’s representatives who made legal decisions in court (See: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

ἐγκαλείτωσαν ἀλλήλοις

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”

Acts 19:39

εἰ δέ τι περὶ ἑτέρων ἐπιζητεῖτε

“But if you have other matters to discuss”

ἐν τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐπιλυθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let us settle it in the regular assembly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῇ ἐννόμῳ ἐκκλησίᾳ

This refers to a public gathering of citizens over which the county clerk presided.

Acts 19:40

κινδυνεύομεν ἐνκαλεῖσθαι στάσεως περὶ τῆς σήμερον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “in danger of the Roman authorities accusing us of starting this riot today” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 20

Acts 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In this chapter Luke describes Paul’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID 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.

Acts 20:1

Paul leaves Ephesus and continues his travels.

μετὰ δὲ τὸ παύσασθαι

“After the riot” or “Following the riot”

ἀσπασάμενος

“he said goodbye”

Acts 20:2

παρακαλέσας αὐτοὺς λόγῳ πολλῷ

“had greatly encouraged the believers” or “had said many things to encourage the believers”

Acts 20:3

ποιήσας τε μῆνας τρεῖς

“After he had stayed there three months.” This speaks about time as if it were something a person could spend. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

γενομένης ἐπιβουλῆς αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

This means only some of the Jews. Alternate translation: “by some of the Jews” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

μέλλοντι ἀνάγεσθαι εἰς τὴν Συρίαν

“as he was ready to sail for Syria”

Acts 20:4

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

συνείπετο δὲ αὐτῷ

“Traveling with him”

Σώπατρος…Πύρρου…Σεκοῦνδος,…Τυχικὸς…Τρόφιμος

These are names of men. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Βεροιαῖος…Δερβαῖος

These are names of places. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ἀρίσταρχος…Γάϊος

These are names of men. See how you translated these names in Acts 19:29.

Acts 20:5

Τρῳάδι

This is the name of a place. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

οὗτοι…προσελθόντες

“these men had traveled ahead of us”

Acts 20:6

τὰς ἡμέρας τῶν Ἀζύμων

This refers to a time of Jewish religious feast time during the Passover season. See how you translated this in Acts 12:3.

Acts 20:7

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive and Acts 20:4-6)

Luke tells about Paul’s preaching in Troas and about what happened to Eutychus.

κλάσαι ἄρτον

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 Christ’s death and resurrection. Alternate translation: “to eat the Lord’s Supper” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

παρέτεινέν τε τὸν λόγον

“he continued to speak”

Acts 20:8

ὑπερῴῳ

This may have been the third floor house.

Acts 20:9

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.

ἐπὶ τῆς θυρίδος

This was an opening in the wall with a ledge that was wide enough on which a person could sit.

Εὔτυχος

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

καταφερόμενος ὕπνῳ βαθεῖ

This speaks about sleep as if it were a deep hole into which a person could fall. Alternate translation: “who slept soundly” or “who became more and more tired until finally he was sleeping soundly” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τριστέγου…καὶ ἤρθη νεκρός

When they went down to check his condition, they saw he was dead. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “third story; and when they went to pick him up, they found that he was dead” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τριστέγου

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.”

Acts 20:11

Here the word “he” refers to Paul.

This is the end of the part of the story about Paul’s preaching at Troas and about Eutychus.

κλάσας τὸν ἄρτον

Bread was a common food during meals. Here “break bread” probably means they shared a meal with more kinds of food than just bread. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

οὕτως ἐξῆλθεν

“he went away”

Acts 20:12

τὸν παῖδα

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.

Acts 20:13

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip.

ἡμεῖς…προελθόντες

The word “ourselves” adds emphasis and separates Luke and his traveling companions from Paul, who did not travel by boat. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

ἀνήχθημεν ἐπὶ τὴν Ἆσσον

Assos is a town located directly below present day Behram in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

διατεταγμένος

Himself is used to emphasize that this is what Paul wanted. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

πεζεύειν

“to travel on land”

Acts 20:14

ἤλθομεν εἰς Μιτυλήνην

Mitylene is a town located in present day Mitilini in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 20:15

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, the writer, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἄντικρυς Χίου

“near the island” or “across from the island”

Χίου

Chios is an island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the Aegean Sea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

παρεβάλομεν εἰς Σάμον

“we arrived at the island of Samos”

Σάμον

Samos is an island south of Chios in the Aegean Sea off the coast of modern day Turkey. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Μίλητον

Miletus was a port city in western Asia Minor near the mouth of the Meander River. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 20:16

κεκρίκει γὰρ ὁ Παῦλος παραπλεῦσαι τὴν Ἔφεσον

Paul sailed south past the port city of Ephesus, further south in order to land at Miletus. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ὅπως μὴ γένηται αὐτῷ χρονοτριβῆσαι

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 20:17

Here the word “he” refers to Paul. The word “our” refers to Paul and the elders to whom he is speaking. (See: INVALID translate/figs-inclusive)

Paul calls the elders of the church of Ephesus and begins to speak to them.

τῆς Μιλήτου

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 20:18

ὑμεῖς

Here “yourselves” is used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

ἐπέβην εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν

Here “foot” stands for the entire person. Alternate translation: “I entered Asia” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

πῶς μεθ’ ὑμῶν τὸν πάντα χρόνον ἐγενόμην

This speaks about time as if it were something that a person could spend. Alternate translation: “how I always conducted myself when I was with you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 20:19

ταπεινοφροσύνης

This speaks about something humble as if it were low to the ground. The word “mind” stands for a person’s inner attitude. Alternate translation: “humility” or “humbleness” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

δακρύων

Here “tears” stands for feeling sad and crying. Alternate translation: “I crying as I served the Lord” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πειρασμῶν, τῶν συμβάντων μοι

“Sufferings” is an abstract noun. The meaning can be expressed as a verb. Alternate Translation: “while I suffered” (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-abstractnouns/01.md)

τῶν Ἰουδαίων

This does not mean every Jew. This lets us know who plotted. Alternate translation: “of some of the Jews” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 20:20

ὡς οὐδὲν ὑπεστειλάμην…τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι ὑμῖν

“You know how I was never silent, but I always declared to you”

κατ’ οἴκους

Paul taught people in various private homes. The words “I taught” are understood. Alternate translation: “I also taught when I was in your homes” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 20:21

τὴν εἰς Θεὸν μετάνοιαν καὶ πίστιν εἰς τὸν Κύριον ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦν

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 20:22

Here the word “I” refers to Paul.

δεδεμένος…τῷ Πνεύματι

They can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because the Spirit compels me to go there” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὰ ἐν αὐτῇ συναντήσοντά μοι, μὴ εἰδώς

“and I do not know what will happen to me there”

Acts 20:23

δεσμὰ καὶ θλίψεις με μένουσιν

Here “chains” refers to Paul’s being arrested and put in prison. Alternate translation: “people will put me in prison and cause me to suffer” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 20:24

ὡς τελειῶσαι τὸν δρόμον μου, καὶ τὴν διακονίαν ἣν ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

This speaks about Paul’s “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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-doublet)

τελειῶσαι τὸν δρόμον

Paul speaks about completing the work that Jesus has commanded him to do as if he were running a race. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

διαμαρτύρασθαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς χάριτος τοῦ Θεοῦ

“to tell people the good news about God’s grace.” This is the ministry that Paul received from Jesus.

Acts 20:25

Paul continues to talk to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17).

καὶ νῦν ἰδοὺ, ἐγὼ οἶδα

“Now, pay careful attention, because I know”

ἐγὼ οἶδα ὅτι…ὑμεῖς πάντες

“I know that all of you”

ἐν οἷς διῆλθον κηρύσσων τὴν βασιλείαν

Here “kingdom” stands for God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “to whom I preached the message about God’s reign as king” or “to whom I preached about how God will show himself as king” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

οὐκέτι ὄψεσθε τὸ πρόσωπόν μου

The word “face” here represents Paul’s physical body. Alternate translation: “will not see me anymore on this earth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 20:26

καθαρός εἰμι ἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος πάντων

Here “blood” stands for a person’s death, which, in this case, is not physical death but spiritual death when God declares a person guilty of sin. Paul had told them God’s truth. Alternate translation: “I am not responsible for anyone whom God judges guilty of sin because they did not trust in Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πάντων

Here this means any person whether male or female. Alternate translation: “any person” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 20:27

οὐ γὰρ ὑπεστειλάμην τοῦ μὴ ἀναγγεῖλαι…ὑμῖν

“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: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

Acts 20:28

τῷ ποιμνίῳ, ἐν ᾧ ὑμᾶς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἔθετο ἐπισκόπους, ποιμαίνειν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἣν περιεποιήσατο διὰ τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῦ αἵματος τοῦ ἰδίου

Here “blood” stands for Christ’s death. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 20:29

εἰσελεύσονται…λύκοι βαρεῖς εἰς ὑμᾶς, μὴ φειδόμενοι τοῦ ποιμνίου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 20:30

τοῦ ἀποσπᾶν τοὺς μαθητὰς ὀπίσω ἑαυτῶ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 20:31

γρηγορεῖτε, μνημονεύοντες

“be on guard and remember” or “be on guard as you remember”

γρηγορεῖτε

“be awake and alert” 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

μνημονεύοντες ὅτι

“Continue to remember that” or “Do not forget that”

τριετίαν νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν, οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην…νουθετῶν

Paul did not teach them continuously for three years, but over the space of three years. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

οὐκ ἐπαυσάμην…νουθετῶν

“I did not stop warning”

μετὰ δακρύων

Here “tears” refers to Paul’s crying because of the strong emotion of concern he felt while he was warning the people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 20:32

παρατίθεμαι ὑμᾶς τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ τῷ λόγῳ τῆς χάριτος αὐτοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

παρατίθεμαι

to give someone else the responsibility of taking care of someone or something

τῷ…δυναμένῳ οἰκοδομῆσαι

A person’s 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 become stronger and stronger in your faith” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

δοῦναι τὴν κληρονομίαν

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: INVALID translate/figs-personification)

τὴν κληρονομίαν

The blessings that God gives believers is spoken of as if they were money or property that a child inherits from his father. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 20:33

Paul finishes speaking to the elders of the church of Ephesus; he began to speak them in Acts 20:18.

ἀργυρίου…οὐδενὸς ἐπεθύμησα

“I did not desire someone’s silver” or “I did not want for myself anyone’s silver”

ἀργυρίου, ἢ χρυσίου, ἢ ἱματισμοῦ, οὐδενὸς

Clothing was considered a treasure; the more you had, the richer you were.

Acts 20:34

αὐτοὶ

The word “yourselves” is used here to add emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

ταῖς χρείαις μου…ὑπηρέτησαν αἱ χεῖρες αὗται

The word “hands” here represents the entire person. Alternate translation: “I worked to earn money and pay for my own expenses” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 20:35

κοπιῶντας δεῖ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθαι τῶν ἀσθενούντων

“you should work so as to have money to help people who cannot earn it for themselves”

τῶν ἀσθενούντων

You can state this nominal adjective as an adjective. Alternate translation: “weak persons” or “those who are weak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

ἀσθενούντων

“sick”

τῶν λόγων τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

Here “words” refers to what Jesus has said. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

μακάριόν ἐστιν μᾶλλον, διδόναι ἢ λαμβάνειν

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.

Acts 20:36

Paul ends his time with the elders of the church of Ephesus by praying with them.

θεὶς τὰ γόνατα αὐτοῦ…προσηύξατο

It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. It was a sign of humility before God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 20:37

ἐπιπεσόντες ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τοῦ Παύλου

“hugged him closely” or “put their arms around him”

κατεφίλουν αὐτόν

Kissing someone on the cheek is an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East.

Acts 20:38

οὐκέτι μέλλουσιν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ θεωρεῖν

The word “face” here represents Paul’s physical body. Alternate translation: “will not see me anymore on this earth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 21

Acts 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Acts 21:1-19 describes Paul’s 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: INVALID 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.

Acts 21:1

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels.

εὐθυδρομήσαντες ἤλθομεν εἰς τὴν Κῶ

“we went straight to the city of Cos” or “we went directly to the city of Cos”

Κῶ

Cos is a Greek island off the coast of modern day Turkey in the South Aegean Sea region. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ῥόδον

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Πάταρα

Patara is a city on the southwest coast of modern day Turkey south of the Aegean Sea in the Mediterranean Sea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 21:2

καὶ εὑρόντες πλοῖον διαπερῶν εἰς Φοινίκην

Here “a ship crossing over” stands for the crew that would sail the ship. Alternate translation: “When we found a ship with a crew sailing over to Phoenicia” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πλοῖον διαπερῶν

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”

Acts 21:3

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

καταλιπόντες αὐτὴν εὐώνυμον

“passed the island on the left” the left is the “port” side of a boat.

ἐκεῖσε…τὸ πλοῖον ἦν ἀποφορτιζόμενον τὸν γόμον

Here “ship” stands for the crew that was sailing the ship. Alternate translation: “the crew would unload the cargo from the ship” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 21:4

οἵτινες τῷ Παύλῳ ἔλεγον διὰ τοῦ Πνεύματος

“These believers told Paul what the Holy Spirit had revealed to them.” They “urged him over and over.”

Acts 21:5

Here the word “They” refers to the believers from Tyre.

ὅτε…ἐγένετο ἡμᾶς ἐξαρτίσαι τὰς ἡμέρας

This speaks about days as if they were something that a person could spend. Alternate translation: “When the seven days were over” or “When it was time to leave” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

θέντες τὰ γόνατα ἐπὶ τὸν αἰγιαλὸν προσευξάμενοι

It was a common custom to kneel down while praying. This was a sign of humility before God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 21:6

ἀπησπασάμεθα ἀλλήλους

“said goodbye to one another”

Acts 21:7

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

This begins Paul’s time in Caesarea.

κατηντήσαμεν εἰς Πτολεμαΐδα

Ptolemaic was a city south of Tyre, Lebanon. Ptolemaic is modern day Acre, Israel. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς

“fellow believers”

Acts 21:8

ἐκ τῶν ἑπτὰ

The “seven” refers to the men chosen to distribute food and aid to the widows in Acts 6:5.

εὐαγγελιστοῦ

a person who tells people good news

Acts 21:9

τούτῳ

“Philip” from verse 8.

δὲ

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: INVALID translate/writing-background)

θυγατέρες τέσσαρες παρθένοι, προφητεύουσαι

“four virgin daughters who regularly received and passed along messages from God”

Acts 21:10

Here the words “we” and “us” refers to Luke, Paul, and those with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

This tells about a prophecy made about Paul in Caesarea by the prophet Agabus.

τις…προφήτης ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος

This introduces a new person in the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-participants)

ὀνόματι Ἅγαβος

Agabus was a man from Judea. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 21:11

ἄρας τὴν ζώνην τοῦ Παύλου

“removed Paul’s belt from Paul’s waist”

τάδε λέγει τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸν ἄνδρα οὗ ἐστιν ἡ ζώνη αὕτη, οὕτως δήσουσιν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, καὶ παραδώσουσιν εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν.

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 tie up…of the Gentiles.’ (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotesinquotes and INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

παραδώσουσιν

“deliver him”

εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν

The word “hands” here represents control. Alternate translation: “into the legal custody of the Gentiles” or “to the Gentiles” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐθνῶν

This stands for the authorities among the Gentiles. Alternate translation: “the Gentile authorities” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 21:12

Here the word “we” refers to Luke and the other believers but does not include the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Acts 21:13

τί ποιεῖτε, κλαίοντες καὶ συνθρύπτοντές μου τὴν καρδίαν

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

συνθρύπτοντές μου τὴν καρδίαν

To make someone sad or to discourage someone is spoken of as if it were a heart being broken. Here “heart” stands for a person’s emotions. Alternate translation: “discouraging me” or “making me very sad” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

οὐ μόνον δεθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “not only for them to tie me up” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 21:14

μὴ πειθομένου…αὐτοῦ

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πειθομένου

You may need to make explicit what they could not persuade Paul not to do. Alternate translation: “persuaded not to go up to Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

τοῦ Κυρίου τὸ θέλημα γινέσθω

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “May everything happen as the Lord has planned it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 21:15

Here the word “we” refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, and not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

The word “They” refers to some of the disciples from Caesarea.

This ends Paul’s time in Caesarea.

Acts 21:16

ἄγοντες παρ’…τινι

“Among them was a man”

Μνάσωνί, τινι Κυπρίῳ

Mnason is a man from the island of Cyprus. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἀρχαίῳ μαθητῇ

This means Mnason was one of the first to believe in Jesus.

Acts 21:17

Here the words “he” and “his” refers to Paul. The word “them” refers to the elders.

Paul and his companions arrive in Jerusalem.

ἀπεδέξαντο ἡμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοί

Here “brothers” refers to the believers in Jerusalem whether male or female. Alternate translation: “the fellow believers welcomed us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 21:19

ἐξηγεῖτο καθ’ ἓν ἕκαστον

“he gave a detailed account of all”

Acts 21:20

The elders in Jerusalem begin their response to Paul.

οἱ…ἀκούσαντες…ἐδόξαζον…εἶπόν τε αὐτῷ

Here the word “they” refers to James and the elders. The word “him” refers to Paul.

ἀδελφέ

Here “brother” means “fellow believer.”

ὑπάρχουσιν

The word “they” refers to Jewish believers who wanted all believing Jews to keep the Jewish laws and customs.

Acts 21:21

κατηχήθησαν δὲ περὶ σοῦ, ὅτι ἀποστασίαν διδάσκεις ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως τοὺς κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη πάντας Ἰουδαίους, λέγων μὴ περιτέμνειν αὐτοὺς τὰ τέκνα, μηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν

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 God’s true message. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

κατηχήθησαν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “People have told the Jewish believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἀποστασίαν…ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως

Here “Moses” stands for the law of Moses. Alternate translation: “to stop obeying the laws that Moses gave us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

μηδὲ τοῖς ἔθεσιν περιπατεῖν

To obey the old customs is spoken of as if the customs were leading them and the people follow behind. Alternate translation: “not to obey the old customs” or “not to practice the old customs” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῖς ἔθεσιν

“the customs that Jews normally do”

Acts 21:22

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Acts 21:23

ἄνδρες τέσσαρες, εὐχὴν ἔχοντες

“four men who 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.

Acts 21:24

τούτους παραλαβὼν, ἁγνίσθητι σὺν αὐτοῖς

They had to make themselves ritually pure so they could worship in the temple. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

δαπάνησον ἐπ’ αὐτοῖς

“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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ξυρήσονται τὴν κεφαλήν

This was a sign that the person had completed what they promised God they would do. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

ὧν κατήχηνται περὶ σοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that people are saying about you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

φυλάσσων τὸν νόμον

This speaks of obeying the law as if the law were a leader and the people follow behind it. Alternate translation: “obey the law” or “live a life that conforms to the law of Moses and other Jewish customs” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 21:25

Here the word “we” refers to James and the elders. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

James and the elders in Jerusalem finish their request to Paul (Acts 21:18).

φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς, τό τε εἰδωλόθυτον, καὶ αἷμα, καὶ πνικτὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτοὺς, τό τε εἰδωλόθυτον

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they stay away from the meat of an animal that someone sacrificed to an idol” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πνικτὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 21:26

παραλαβὼν τοὺς ἄνδρας

These are the 4 men who made a vow.

σὺν αὐτοῖς ἁγνισθεὶς

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.

εἰσῄει εἰς τὸ ἱερόν

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

τῶν ἡμερῶν τοῦ ἁγνισμοῦ

This is a separate purification process from the purification process which they were required to fulfill in order to enter the temple area.

ἕως οὗ προσηνέχθη…ἡ προσφορά

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “until they presented the animals for an offering” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 21:27

Verse 29 gives background information about the Jews from Asia.

This begins the story of Paul’s arrest.

αἱ ἑπτὰ ἡμέραι

These are the seven days for purification.

ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

Paul was not in the temple itself. He was in the temple courtyard. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

συνέχεον πάντα τὸν ὄχλον

Inciting people to become very angry at Paul is spoken of as if they stirred up the crowd’s emotions. Alternate translation: “caused a large number of people to be very angry at Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐπέβαλον ἐπ’ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας

Here “laid hands on” means to “seize” or to “grab.” See how you translated “laid hands on” in Acts 5:18. Alternate translation: “grabbed Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 21:28

τοῦ λαοῦ, καὶ τοῦ νόμου, καὶ τοῦ τόπου τούτου

“the people of Israel, the law of Moses, and the temple”

ἔτι τε καὶ Ἕλληνας εἰσήγαγεν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

Only Jewish males were allowed in certain areas of the courtyard of the Jerusalem temple. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 21:29

ἦσαν γὰρ προεωρακότες Τρόφιμον τὸν Ἐφέσιον ἐν τῇ πόλει σὺν αὐτῷ, ὃν ἐνόμιζον ὅτι εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν εἰσήγαγεν ὁ Παῦλος

This is background information. Luke is explaining why the Jews from Asia thought Paul brought a Greek into the temple. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Τρόφιμον

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.

Acts 21:30

ἐκινήθη τε ἡ πόλις ὅλη

The word “All” here is an exaggeration for emphasis. The word “city” represents the people in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “Many people in the city became angry at Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐπιλαβόμενοι τοῦ Παύλου

“seized Paul” or “grabbed Paul”

εὐθέως ἐκλείσθησαν αἱ θύραι

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 21:31

ἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ τῆς σπείρης

Here “news” refers to the messenger who went to speak the news. Alternate translation: “someone gave news to the chief captain of the guard” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἀνέβη φάσις τῷ χιλιάρχῳ

The phrase “came up to” is used because the chief captain was in a fortress connected to the temple that was higher in elevation than the temple courtyard.

τῷ χιλιάρχῳ

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

ὅλη συνχύννεται Ἰερουσαλήμ

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 21:32

The first word “he” and the word “He” refer to the chief captain of the guard mentioned in Acts 21:31.

κατέδραμεν

From the fortress, there are stairs going down into the court.

τὸν χιλίαρχον

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

Acts 21:33

ἐπελάβετο αὐτοῦ

“took hold of Paul” or “arrested Paul”

ἐκέλευσε δεθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “commanded his soldiers to bind him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἁλύσεσι δυσί

This means they bound Paul to two Roman soldiers, one on each side of him.

ἐπυνθάνετο τίς εἴη καὶ τί ἐστιν πεποιηκώς

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “He asked, ‘Who is this man? What has he done?’” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

ἐπυνθάνετο τίς εἴη

The chief captain is speaking to the crowd, not to Paul.

Acts 21:34

ἄλλο

The words “were shouting” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “and others were shouting another” or “and others in the crowd were shouting something else” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

αὐτοῦ

This was a military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers.

ἐκέλευσεν ἄγεσθαι αὐτὸν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he ordered his soldiers to bring Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court.

Acts 21:35

ὅτε δὲ ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀναβαθμούς, συνέβη βαστάζεσθαι αὐτὸν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When Paul came to the steps of the fortress, the soldiers carried him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 21:36

αἶρε αὐτόν

The crowd is using somewhat milder and less exact language to ask for Paul’s death. Alternate translation: “Put him to death” or “Kill him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-euphemism)

Acts 21:37

μέλλων τε εἰσάγεσθαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “As the soldiers were ready to bring Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὴν παρεμβολὴν

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

τῷ χιλιάρχῳ

a Roman military officer of about 600 soldiers

Ἑλληνιστὶ γινώσκεις

The chief captain uses this questions to express surprise that Paul is not who he thought he was. Alternate translation: “So you speak Greek.” or “I didn’t know you spoke Greek.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 21:38

οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος, ὁ πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν, ἀναστατώσας καὶ ἐξαγαγὼν εἰς τὴν ἔρημον τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας τῶν σικαρίων

The chief captain 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 chief captain believes that even though Paul speaks Greek, Paul is the Egyptian. “Even though you speak Greek, I still think you are the Egyptian…wilderness.” 2) Because Paul speaks Greek, the chief captain thinks that perhaps Paul is not the Egyptian. “So you speak Greek. Perhaps I was wrong to think you were that Egyptian…wilderness.” It is best to retain the questions if the reader can infer one of the two meanings from them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος

Shortly before Paul’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἀναστατώσας

This word “rebellion” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “caused people to rebel against the Roman government” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας

“the 4,000 terrorists” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

σικαρίων

This refers to a group of Jewish rebels who killed Romans and anyone who supported Romans.

Acts 21:39

Paul begins to defend what he did.

δέομαι…σου

“I beg you” or “I plead with you”

ἐπίτρεψόν μοι

“please allow me” or please permit me”

Acts 21:40

ἐπιτρέψαντος…αὐτοῦ

The word “permission” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “the captain permitted Paul to speak” or “the captain allowed Paul to speak” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν

The word “steps” here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress.

κατέσεισε τῇ χειρὶ τῷ λαῷ

It can be stated explicitly why Paul motioned with the hand. Alternate translation: “motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

πολλῆς δὲ σιγῆς γενομένης

“When the people were completely silent”

Acts 22

Acts 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the second account of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Paul’s 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.

Acts 22:1

Verse 2 gives background information. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Paul speaks to the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem.

ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες

This is a polite way of addressing men who are Paul’s age as well as the older men in the audience.

μου τῆς πρὸς ὑμᾶς νυνὶ

“I will now explain to you” or “I will now present to you”

Acts 22:2

τῇ Ἑβραΐδι διαλέκτῳ

The Hebrew language was the language of the Jews.

Acts 22:3

ἀνατεθραμμένος δὲ ἐν τῇ πόλει ταύτῃ, παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιήλ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “but I was a student of rabbi Gamaliel here in Jerusalem” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιήλ

Here “feet” stands for the place where a student would sit while learning from a teacher. Alternate translation: “by Gamaliel” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Γαμαλιήλ

Gamaliel was one of the most prominent teachers of the Jewish law. See how you translated this name in Acts 5:34.

πεπαιδευμένος κατὰ ἀκρίβειαν τοῦ πατρῴου νόμου

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πατρῴου νόμου

“law of our ancestors.” This refers to the law that God gave to the people of Israel through Moses.

ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τοῦ Θεοῦ

“I am completely dedicated to obeying God” or “I am passionate about my service to God”

καθὼς πάντες ὑμεῖς ἐστε σήμερον

“in the same way all of you are today.” Paul compares himself with the crowd.

Acts 22:4

ὃς ταύτην τὴν Ὁδὸν ἐδίωξα

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ταύτην τὴν Ὁδὸν

This was a term used to refer to Christianity. See how you translated “the Way” in Acts 9:2.

ἄχρι θανάτου

The word “death” can be translated with the verb “kill” or “die.” Alternate translation: “and I looked for ways to kill them” or “and I even caused them to die” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

δεσμεύων καὶ παραδιδοὺς εἰς φυλακὰς, ἄνδρας τε καὶ γυναῖκας

“tying up both men and women and taking them to prison”

Acts 22:5

μαρτυρεῖ

“can testify” or “can tell you”

παρ’ ὧν…ἐπιστολὰς δεξάμενος

“The high priests and elders gave me letters”

πρὸς τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς, εἰς Δαμασκὸν

Here “brothers” refers to “fellow Jews.”

ἄξων…τοὺς ἐκεῖσε ὄντας, δεδεμένους εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ

“They ordered me to bind with chains those of the Way and bring them back to Jerusalem”

ἵνα τιμωρηθῶσιν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:6

Paul describes his encounter with Jesus.

ἐγένετο δέ

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.

Acts 22:7

ἤκουσα φωνῆς λεγούσης μοι

Here “voice” stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “I heard someone say to me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 22:9

τὴν…φωνὴν οὐκ ἤκουσαν τοῦ λαλοῦντός μοι

Here “voice” stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “they did not understand what the one who spoke to me was saying” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 22:10

κἀκεῖ σοι λαληθήσεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “there someone will tell you” or “there you will find out” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:11

οὐκ ἐνέβλεπον ἀπὸ τῆς δόξης τοῦ φωτὸς ἐκείνου

“I was left blind because of that light’s brightness”

χειραγωγούμενος ὑπὸ τῶν συνόντων μοι, ἦλθον εἰς Δαμασκόν

Here “hands” stands for those leading Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “those with me guided me into Damascus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:12

The words “He” and “him” refer to Ananias.

Ἁνανίας

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον

Ananias was very serious about following God’s law.

μαρτυρούμενος ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν κατοικούντων Ἰουδαίων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the Jews who lived there spoke well of him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:13

Σαοὺλ, ἀδελφέ

Here “Brother” is a polite way to address someone. Alternate translation: “My friend Saul”

ἀνάβλεψον

The word”sight” can be translated with the verb “see.” Alternate translation: “see again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ

This was a customary way of saying something happened immediately. Alternate translation: “At that instant” or “Instantly” or “Immediately” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 22:14

The word “he” refers to Ananias (Acts 22:12).

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.

τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ

“what God is planning and will cause to happen”

ἀκοῦσαι φωνὴν ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ

Both “voice” and “mouth” refer to the one speaking. Alternate translation: “to hear him speak directly to you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 22:15

πρὸς πάντας ἀνθρώπους

Here “men” means all people whether male or female. Alternate translation: “to all people” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

Acts 22:16

νῦν

Here “now” does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

τί μέλλεις

This question was asked to exhort Paul to be baptized. Alternate translation: “Do not wait!” or “Do not delay!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

βάπτισαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let me baptize you” or “receive baptism” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἀπόλουσαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας σου

As washing one’s body removes dirt, calling on the name of Jesus for forgiveness cleanses one’s inner being from sin. Alternate translation: “ask forgiveness for your sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐπικαλεσάμενος τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ

Here “name” refers to the Lord. Alternate translation: “calling on the Lord” or “trusting in the Lord”

Acts 22:17

Paul begins to tell the crowd about his vision of Jesus.

ἐγένετο δέ

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.

γενέσθαι με ἐν ἐκστάσει

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I had a vision” or “God gave me a vision” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:18

ἰδεῖν αὐτὸν λέγοντά μοι

“I saw Jesus as he said to me”

οὐ παραδέξονταί σου μαρτυρίαν περὶ ἐμοῦ

“those who live in Jerusalem will not believe what you tell them about me”

Acts 22:19

Here the word “they” refers to the non-believing Jews in Jerusalem.

This ends what Paul was able to say to the crowd of Jewish people by the fortress.

αὐτοὶ ἐπίστανται

The word “themselves” is used for emphasis. (See: INVALID translate/figs-rpronouns)

κατὰ τὰς συναγωγὰς

Paul went to synagogues to find Jews who believed in Jesus.

Acts 22:20

ἐξεχύννετο τὸ αἷμα Στεφάνου τοῦ μάρτυρός σου

Here “blood” stands for Stephen’s life. To spill blood means to kill. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they killed Stephen who testified about you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 22:22

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.

ἶρε ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς τὸν τοιοῦτον

The phrase “from the earth” adds emphasis to “Away with such a fellow.” Alternate translation: “Kill him”

Acts 22:23

κραυγαζόντων

“While they were.” The phrase “As they were” is used to mark two events that are happening at the same time.

ῥιπτούντων τὰ ἱμάτια, καὶ κονιορτὸν βαλλόντων εἰς τὸν ἀέρα

These actions show that the Jews there are outraged because they feel Paul has spoken against God. (See: INVALID translate/translate-symaction)

Acts 22:24

χιλίαρχος

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

ἐκέλευσεν…εἰσάγεσθαι αὐτὸν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “ordered his soldiers to bring Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τὴν παρεμβολήν

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

εἴπας μάστιξιν ἀνετάζεσθαι αὐτὸν

The commander wants Paul tortured by whipping him to ensure he tells the truth. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “He ordered his soldiers to whip Paul to force him to tell the truth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 22:25

Here the word “they” refers to the soldiers.

τοῖς ἱμᾶσιν

These were strips of leather or animal hide.

εἰ ἄνθρωπον Ῥωμαῖον καὶ ἀκατάκριτον, ἔξεστιν ὑμῖν μαστίζειν

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 22:26

τί μέλλεις ποιεῖν

This question is used to urge the commander to reconsider his plan to whip Paul. Alternate translation: “You should not do this!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 22:27

Here the word “him” refers to Paul.

προσελθὼν…ὁ χιλίαρχος

Here “came” can be translated as “went.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Acts 22:28

ἐγὼ πολλοῦ κεφαλαίου τὴν πολιτείαν ταύτην ἐκτησάμην

“It was only after I paid a lot of money to the Roman authorities.” The captain makes this statement because he knows how hard it is to become a Roman citizen, and he suspects Paul is not telling truth.

ἐγὼ…τὴν πολιτείαν…ἐκτησάμην

“I got citizenship.” The word “citizenship” is an abstract noun. Alternate translation: “I became a citizen” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

ἐγὼ δὲ…γεγέννημαι

If the father is a Roman citizen, then his children become Roman citizens automatically when they are born.

Acts 22:29

οἱ μέλλοντες…ἀνετάζειν

“the men who planned to question” or “the men who were preparing to question”

Acts 22:30

Here the word “he” refers to the chief captain.

ἔλυσεν αὐτόν

Possibly the “chief officer” stands for the chief officers’ soldiers. Alternate translation: “So the chief captain ordered his soldiers to untie Paul’s bonds” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

καταγαγὼν τὸν Παῦλον

From the fortress, there is a stairway going down to the temple courts.

Acts 23

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: INVALID bible/other/raise and INVALID 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 23:1

Paul stands before the chief priests and the council members (Acts 22:30).

ἀδελφοί

Here this means “Fellow Jews.”

ἐγὼ πάσῃ συνειδήσει ἀγαθῇ πεπολίτευμαι τῷ Θεῷ ἄχρι ταύτης τῆς ἡμέρας

“I know that even to this day I have done what God has wanted me to do”

Acts 23:2

Ἁνανίας

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 23:3

τοῖχε κεκονιαμένε

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: “whitepainted wall” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

σὺ κάθῃ κρίνων με κατὰ τὸν νόμον, καὶ παρανομῶν κελεύεις με τύπτεσθαι

Paul uses a question to point out Ananias’ hypocrisy. Alternate translation: “You sit there to judge…against the law.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

κελεύεις με τύπτεσθαι

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 23:4

τὸν ἀρχιερέα τοῦ Θεοῦ λοιδορεῖς

The men use this question to scold Paul for what he has said in Acts 23:3. Alternate translation: “Do not insult God’s high priest!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 23:5

γέγραπται γὰρ

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 23:6

ἀδελφοί

Here “Brothers” means “Fellow Jews”

υἱὸς Φαρισαίων

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”

ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν

The word “resurrection” can be stated as “come back to life.” The word “dead” can be stated as “those who have died.” Alternate translation: “those who have died will come back to life, I” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

ἐγὼ κρίνομαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are judging me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 23:7

ἐσχίσθη τὸ πλῆθος

“the people in the crowd strongly disagreed with one another”

Acts 23:8

Σαδδουκαῖοι…γὰρ…Φαρισαῖοι δὲ

This is background information about the Sadducees and Pharisees. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

Acts 23:9

ἐγένετο δὲ κραυγὴ μεγάλη

“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 Paul’s stating his belief in the resurrection.

εἰ…πνεῦμα ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ, ἢ ἄγγελος

The Pharisees are rebuking the Sadducees by affirming that spirits and angels do exist and can speak to people. Alternate translation: “Maybe a spirit or an angel has spoken with him!” (See: INVALID translate/figs-hypo)

Acts 23:10

πολλῆς δὲ γινομένης στάσεως

The words “a great argument” can be re-stated as “argue violently.” Alternate translation: “When they began to argue violently” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

χιλίαρχος

a Roman military officer or leader of about 600 soldiers

διασπασθῇ ὁ Παῦλος ὑπ’ αὐτῶν

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: “they might tear Paul to pieces” or “they would cause Paul great physical harm” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἁρπάσαι αὐτὸν

“use physical force to take him away”

εἰς τὴν παρεμβολήν

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

Acts 23:11

τῇ…ἐπιούσῃ νυκτὶ

This means the night after the day Paul went before the council. Alternate translation: “That night”

εἰς Ῥώμην μαρτυρῆσαι

The words “about me” are understood. Alternate translation: “bear witness about me in Rome” or “testify about me in Rome” (See: INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 23:12

While Paul was in the prison at the fortress, the disbelieving religious Jews vow to kill him.

ποιήσαντες συστροφὴν

“organized a group with a shared purpose” here, to kill Paul.

ἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς

The noun “curse” can be translated as a verb. It can also 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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 23:13

τεσσεράκοντα οἱ

“40 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

ταύτην τὴν συνωμοσίαν ποιησάμενοι

“who made this plan” or “who planned to kill Paul”

Acts 23:14

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: INVALID translate/figs-you and INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἀναθέματι ἀνεθεματίσαμεν ἑαυτοὺς, μηδενὸς γεύσασθαι ἕως οὗ ἀποκτείνωμεν τὸν Παῦλον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 23:15

νῦν οὖν

“Because what we have just said is true” or “Because we have put ourselves under this curse”

νῦν

This does not mean “at this moment,” but is used to draw attention to the important point that follows.

καταγάγῃ αὐτὸν εἰς ὑμᾶς

“bring Paul from the fortress to meet with you”

ὡς μέλλοντας διαγινώσκειν ἀκριβέστερον τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ

“as though you want to learn more about what Paul has done”

Acts 23:16

Here the word “he” refers to Paul’s nephew. The word “him” refers to the chief captain.

υἱὸς τῆς ἀδελφῆς Παύλου

“the son of Paul’s sister” or “Paul’s nephew”

τὴν ἐνέδραν

“they were ready to ambush Paul” or “they were waiting to kill Paul”

τὴν παρεμβολὴν

This fortress was connected to the outer temple court. See how you translated this in Acts 21:34.

Acts 23:18

ὁ δέσμιος, Παῦλος, προσκαλεσάμενός με

“Paul the prisoner asked me to come talk with him”

τοῦτον τὸν νεανίαν

Since the chief captain calls him a young man, this suggests Paul’s nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.

Acts 23:19

ἐπιλαβόμενος…τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ ὁ χιλίαρχος

Since the chief captain took the young man by the hand and calls him a young man (verse 18), this suggests Paul’s nephew may have been 12 to 15 years old.

Acts 23:20

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι συνέθεντο

This does not mean all Jews, but all of the group that was there. Alternate translation: “Some of the Jews have agreed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Παῦλον καταγάγῃς

“to bring Paul down from the fortress”

μέλλων τι ἀκριβέστερον πυνθάνεσθαι περὶ αὐτοῦ.

“they want to learn more about what Paul has done”

Acts 23:21

ἄνδρες…τεσσεράκοντα

“40 men” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

ἐνεδρεύουσιν…αὐτὸν

“ready to ambush Paul” or “ready to kill Paul”

οἵτινες ἀνεθεμάτισαν ἑαυτοὺς μήτε φαγεῖν μήτε πιεῖν, ἕως οὗ ἀνέλωσιν αὐτόν

“They 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”

Acts 23:22

Here the word “he” refers the chief captain.

Felix, who resided at Caesarea, was the roman governor of the area.

Acts 23:23

προσκαλεσάμενός

“he called to himself”

δύο τῶν ἑκατονταρχῶν

“2 of the centurions” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

ἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα

“70 horsemen” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

δεξιολάβους διακοσίους

“200 soldiers that are armed with spears” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

τρίτης ὥρας τῆς νυκτός

This was about 9:00 p.m. at night.

Acts 23:25

The chief captain writes a letter to Governor Felix about the arrest of Paul.

Claudius Lysias is the name of the chief captain. Governor Felix was the Roman governor over the whole region. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 23:26

Κλαύδιος Λυσίας, τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι, χαίρειν

This is a formal introduction to the letter. The chief captain 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: INVALID translate/figs-123person and INVALID translate/figs-ellipsis)

τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι

“to Governor Felix who deserves greatest honors”

Acts 23:27

τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον συνλημφθέντα ὑπὸ τῶν Ἰουδαίων

Here “Jews” means “some of the Jews.” This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Some of the Jews arrested this man” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μέλλοντα ἀναιρεῖσθαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they were ready to kill Paul” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπιστὰς σὺν τῷ στρατεύματι

“I with my soldiers arrived at the place where Paul and these Jews were”

Acts 23:28

Here the word “I” refers to Claudius Lysias, the chief captain.

The word “they” refers to the group of Jews who accused Paul.

The word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

The chief captain ends his letter to Governor Felix.

Acts 23:29

ὃν εὗρον ἐνκαλούμενον περὶ ζητημάτων τοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that they were accusing him of questions about” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

μηδὲν δὲ ἄξιον θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν ἔχοντα ἔγκλημα

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 23:30

μηνυθείσης δέ μοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Later I learned” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 23:31

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

This ends Paul’s time under arrest in Jerusalem and begins his time of arrest in Caesarea with Governor Felix.

οἱ…οὖν στρατιῶται κατὰ τὸ διατεταγμένον αὐτοῖς

The word “so” marks an event that happened because of something else that happened previously. In this case, the previous event is the chief captain’s commanding the soldiers to escort Paul.

ἀναλαβόντες τὸν Παῦλον, ἤγαγον διὰ νυκτὸς

Here “brought” can be translated as “took.” Alternate translation: “They got Paul and took him at night”

Acts 23:34

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.

ἐπερωτήσας ἐκ ποίας ἐπαρχείας ἐστὶν, καὶ

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “he asked Paul, ‘What province are you from?’ When” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Acts 23:35

ἔφη

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: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

διακούσομαί σου

“I will listen to all you have to say”

κελεύσας…φυλάσσεσθαι αὐτόν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he commanded soldiers to keep him” or “commanded soldiers to restrain him”

Acts 24

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: INVALID translate/translate-unknown)

Acts 24:1

Here the word “you” refers to Felix, the governor. Here “we” refers to the citizens under Felix. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you and INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Paul is on trial in Caesarea. Tertullus presents Governor Felix with the charges against Paul.

μετὰ δὲ πέντε ἡμέρας

“five days after the Roman soldiers took Paul to Caesarea”

Ἁνανίας

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ῥήτορος

“a lawyer.” Tertullus was an expert in Roman law who was there to accuse Paul in court.

Τερτύλλου

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

κατέβη

“went to Caesarea where Paul was”

τῷ ἡγεμόνι

“in the presence of the governor who was judge in the court”

ἐνεφάνισαν…κατὰ τοῦ Παύλου

“began to argue the case before the governor that Paul had broken the law.”

Acts 24:2

πολλῆς εἰρήνης τυγχάνοντες

Here “we” refers to the citizens under Felix. Alternate translation: “we, the people that you govern, have great peace” (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

καὶ διορθωμάτων γινομένων τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ διὰ τῆς σῆς προνοίας

“and your planning has greatly improved our nation”

Acts 24:3

μετὰ πάσης εὐχαριστίας

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

κράτιστε Φῆλιξ

“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.

Acts 24:4

The word “we” refers to Ananias, certain elders, and Tertullus. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἵνα δὲ μὴ ἐπὶ πλεῖον σε ἐνκόπτω

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”

ἀκοῦσαί…ἡμῶν συντόμως, τῇ σῇ ἐπιεικείᾳ

“kindly listen to my short speech”

Acts 24:5

τὸν ἄνδρα τοῦτον λοιμὸν

This speaks of Paul as if he were a plague that spreads from one person to another. Alternate translation: “this man to be a trouble maker” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

πᾶσι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις τοῖς κατὰ τὴν οἰκουμένην

The word “all” here is probably an exaggeration used to strengthen their accusation against Paul. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

πρωτοστάτην…τῆς τῶν Ναζωραίων αἱρέσεως

The phrase “Nazarene sect” is another name for the Christians. Alternate translation: “He also leads the entire group whom people call the followers of the Nazarene” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

αἱρέσεως

This is a smaller group of people within a larger group. Tertullus considers the Christians to be a small group within Judaism.

Acts 24:7

Here the word “you” is singular and refers to Governor Felix. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

Tertullus finishes presenting the charges against Paul before Governor Felix.

Acts 24:8

ἐπιγνῶναι ὧν ἡμεῖς κατηγοροῦμεν αὐτοῦ

“to learn whether or not these charges that we bring against him are true” or “to learn whether or not he is guilty of the things we accuse him of”

Acts 24:9

οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

This refers to the Jewish leaders who were there at Paul’s trial. (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 24:10

Here the word “they” refers to the Jews who were accusing Paul.

Paul responds to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

νεύσαντος…τοῦ ἡγεμόνος

“the governor gestured”

κριτὴν τῷ ἔθνει τούτῳ

Here “nation” refers to the people of the Jewish nation. Alternate translation: “a judge for the people of the Jewish nation” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐμαυτοῦ ἀπολογοῦμαι

“explain my situation”

Acts 24:11

ἡμέραι δώδεκα, ἀφ’ ἧς

“12 days since” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 24:12

ἢ ἐπίστασιν ποιοῦντα ὄχλου

“Stir up” here is a metaphor for agitating people into unrest, just as stirring a liquid agitates it. Alternate translation: “I did not provoke the crowd” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 24:13

κατηγοροῦσίν

“the blames for wrongdoings” or “the charges for crimes”

Acts 24:14

ὁμολογῶ…τοῦτό σοι

“I acknowledge this to you”

ὅτι κατὰ τὴν Ὁδὸν

The phrase “the Way” was a title used for Christianity during Paul’s time.

λέγουσιν αἵρεσιν

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.

οὕτως λατρεύω τῷ πατρῴῳ Θεῷ

Paul uses the phrase “in that same way” to mean that he, as a believer in Jesus, serves God the same way as their Jewish ancestors did. He is not leading a “sect” or teaching something new that is opposed to their ancient religion.

Acts 24:15

καὶ αὐτοὶ

“as these men have.” Here “these men” refers to the Jews who are accusing Paul in court.

ἀνάστασιν μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι, δικαίων τε καὶ ἀδίκων

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

δικαίων…καὶ ἀδίκων

These nominal adjectives refer to righteous people and wicked people. AT “righteous people and wicked people” or “those who have done what is right and those who have done what is evil” (See: INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

Acts 24:16

αὐτὸς ἀσκῶ…διὰ παντός

“I always work hard” or “I do my best”

ἀπρόσκοπον συνείδησιν ἔχειν πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

Here “conscience” refers to a person’s inner morality that chooses between right and wrong. Alternate translation: “to be blameless” or “to always do what is right” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν

“in the presence of God”

Acts 24:17

δὲ

This word marks a shift in Paul’s argument. Here he explains the situation in Jerusalem when some of the Jews arrested him.

δι’ ἐτῶν…πλειόνων

“after many years away from Jerusalem”

ἐλεημοσύνας ποιήσων εἰς τὸ ἔθνος μου, παρεγενόμην καὶ προσφοράς

Here “I came” can be translated as “I went.” Alternate translation: “I went to help my people by bringing them money as a gift” (See: INVALID translate/figs-go)

Acts 24:18

ἡγνισμένον ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ

“in the temple after I had finished a ceremony to purify myself”

οὐ μετὰ ὄχλου, οὐδὲ μετὰ θορύβου

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 24:19

τινὲς

“The Jews from Asia”

εἴ τι ἔχοιεν

“if they have anything to say”

Acts 24:20

Paul finishes responding to Governor Felix about the charges brought against him.

αὐτοὶ

This refers to the members of the council who were present in Jerusalem at Paul’s trial.

εἰπάτωσαν, τί εὗρον ἀδίκημα…μου

“should say the wrong thing I did that they were able to prove”

Acts 24:21

περὶ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν

The abstract noun “resurrection” can be stated as “God brings back to life.” Alternate translation: “It is because I believe that God will bring back to life those who have died” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-nominaladj)

ἐγὼ κρίνομαι σήμερον ἐφ’ ὑμῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “you are judging me today” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 24:22

Felix is the Roman governor of the area who resides at Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τῆς Ὁδοῦ

This is a title for Christianity. See how you translated this in Acts 9:2.

ὅταν Λυσίας ὁ χιλίαρχος καταβῇ

“when Lysias the commander comes down” or “at the time Lysias the commander comes down”

Λυσίας

This is the name of the chief captain. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:26.

καταβῇ

Jerusalem was higher than Caesarea so it was normal for them to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.

διαγνώσομαι τὰ καθ’ ὑμᾶς

“I will make a decision concerning these accusations against you” or “I will judge whether you are guilty”

Acts 24:23

ἔχειν…ἄνεσιν

“grant Paul some freedom not otherwise granted to prisoners”

Acts 24:24

μετὰ δὲ ἡμέρας τινὰς

“After several days”

Δρουσίλλῃ, τῇ…γυναικὶ

Drusilla is a woman’s name. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ἰουδαίᾳ

This means a female Jew. Alternate translation: “who was a Jew” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 24:25

ἔμφοβος γενόμενος, ὁ Φῆλιξ

Felix may have felt conviction of his sins.

τὸ νῦν ἔχον

“for the present time”

Acts 24:26

χρήματα δοθήσεται αὐτῷ ὑπὸ τοῦ Παύλου

Felix was hoping Paul would offer him a bribe to set him free.

διὸ καὶ πυκνότερον αὐτὸν μεταπεμπόμενος, ὡμίλει αὐτῷ

“so Felix often sent for Paul and spoke with Paul”

Acts 24:27

ὁ…Πόρκιον Φῆστον

This was the new roman Governor who replaced Felix. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

θέλων…χάριτα καταθέσθαι τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις

Here “the Jews” refers to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “wanted the Jewish leaders to like him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ὁ Φῆλιξ…κατέλιπε τὸν Παῦλον δεδεμένον

“he left Paul in prison”

Acts 25

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: INVALID 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.

Acts 25:1

Festus becomes the governor of Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 24:27.

Paul continues to be a prisoner in Caesarea.

οὖν

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

Φῆστος…ἐπιβὰς τῇ ἐπαρχείᾳ

Possible meanings are 1) Festus arrived in the area to begin his rule or 2) Festus simply arrived in the area.

ἀνέβη εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀπὸ Καισαρείας

The phrase “went up” is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Caesarea.

Acts 25:2

ἐνεφάνισάν…οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι τῶν Ἰουδαίων κατὰ τοῦ Παύλου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν

Here the word “him” refers to Festus.

Acts 25:3

αἰτούμενοι χάριν

Here the word “him” refers to Festus.

ὅπως μεταπέμψηται αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ

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”

ἀνελεῖν αὐτὸν κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν

They were going to ambush Paul.

Acts 25:4

Here the word “us” refers to Festus and the Romans traveling with him, but not to his audience. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Φῆστος ἀπεκρίθη, τηρεῖσθαι τὸν Παῦλον εἰς Καισάρειαν, ἑαυτὸν δὲ μέλλειν ἐν τάχει ἐκπορεύεσθαι

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “But Festus said, ‘Paul is being held prisoner in Caesarea, and I myself will soon return there.’” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

Acts 25:5

οἱ οὖν…φησίν, δυνατοὶ συνκαταβάντες

The phrase “he said” can be moved to the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: “Then he said, ‘Therefore, those who are able to go to Caesarea should go there with us” (See: INVALID translate/writing-quotations)

εἴ τί ἐστιν ἐν τῷ ἀνδρὶ ἄτοπον

“If Paul has done something wrong”

κατηγορείτωσαν αὐτοῦ

“you should accuse him of violating laws” or “you should bring charges against him”

Acts 25:6

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.

καταβὰς εἰς Καισάρειαν

Jerusalem is higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of coming down from Jerusalem.

καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος

Here “judgment seat” refers to Festus’ ruling as judge over Paul’s trial. Alternate translation: “sat upon the seat where he acted as judge” or “he sat down as judge” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὸν Παῦλον ἀχθῆναι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “his soldiers bring Paul to him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:7

παραγενομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ

“When he came and stood before Festus”

πολλὰ…βαρέα αἰτιώματα καταφέροντες

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 25:8

εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 25:9

Paul asks to be taken before Caesar for judgment.

θέλων τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις χάριν καταθέσθαι

Here “the Jews” means the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “wanted to please the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ἀναβὰς

Jerusalem was higher geographically than Caesarea. It was common to speak of going up to Jerusalem.

ἐκεῖ περὶ τούτων κριθῆναι ἐπ’ ἐμοῦ

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “where I will judge you with regard to these charges” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:10

ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος Καίσαρος ἑστώς εἰμι, οὗ με δεῖ κρίνεσθαι

The “judgment seat” refers to Caesar’s authority to judge Paul. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I ask to go before Caesar, so he can judge me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:11

οὖν ἀδικῶ καὶ ἄξιον θανάτου πέπραχά τι, οὐ παραιτοῦμαι τὸ ἀποθανεῖν; εἰ δὲ οὐδέν ἐστιν ὧν οὗτοι κατηγοροῦσίν μου, οὐδείς με δύναται αὐτοῖς χαρίσασθαι

Paul is stating a hypothetical situation. If he were guilty, he would accept the punishment, but he knows that he is not guilty. (See: INVALID translate/figs-hypo)

εἰ…ἄξιον θανάτου πέπραχά τι

“if I have done some wrong that deserves the death penalty”

οὐδέν ἐστιν ὧν οὗτοι κατηγοροῦσίν

“if the charges against me are not true”

οὐδείς με δύναται αὐτοῖς χαρίσασθαι

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.

Καίσαρα ἐπικαλοῦμαι

“I ask that I go before Caesar so he can judge me”

Acts 25:12

μετὰ τοῦ συμβουλίου

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”

Acts 25:13

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 Agrippa’s sister.(See: INVALID translate/writing-participants and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Festus explains Paul’s case to King Agrippa.

δὲ

This word marks the beginning of a new event in the story.

ἀσπασάμενοι τὸν Φῆστον

“to visit Festus concerning official matters”

Acts 25:14

ἀνήρ τὶς ἐστιν καταλελειμμένος ὑπὸ Φήλικος δέσμιος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When Felix left office, he left a man in prison here” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Φήλικος

Felix was the Roman governor of the area who resided in Caesarea. See how you translated this name in Acts 23:24.

Acts 25:15

περὶ οὗ…ἐνεφάνισαν

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

αἰτούμενοι κατ’ αὐτοῦ καταδίκην

The abstract nouns “sentence” and “condemnation” can be expressed as verbs. The phrase “a sentence of condemnation” implies that they were requesting that Paul be executed. Alternate translation: “they asked me to sentence him to death” or “they asked me to condemn him to death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 25:16

χαρίζεσθαί τινα ἄνθρωπον

Here “hand over” represents sending someone to people who will punish or kill him. Alternate translation: “let someone punish anyone” or “to condemn anyone to death” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

πρὶν ἢ ὁ κατηγορούμενος, κατὰ πρόσωπον…τοὺς κατηγόρους

Here “faced his accusers” is an idiom that means to meet 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: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 25:17

οὖν

“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.

συνελθόντων…ἐνθάδε

“when the Jewish leaders came to meet with me here”

καθίσας ἐπὶ τοῦ βήματος

Here “judgment seat” refers to Festus ruling over Paul’s trial as judge. Alternate translation: “I sat upon the seat to act as judge” or “I sat down as judge” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐκέλευσα ἀχθῆναι τὸν ἄνδρα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I ordered the soldiers to bring Paul before me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:19

τῆς ἰδίας δεισιδαιμονίας

Here “religion” means the belief system people have toward life and the supernatural.

Acts 25:20

κἀκεῖ κρίνεσθαι περὶ τούτων

To “stand trial” is an idiom meaning to speak to a judge so the judge can decide if a person is right or wrong. Alternate translation: “to go to trial about these charges” or “for a judge to decide if these charges against him are true or not” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 25:21

Festus finishes explaining Paul’s case to King Agrippa.

τοῦ δὲ Παύλου ἐπικαλεσαμένου τηρηθῆναι αὐτὸν εἰς τὴν τοῦ Σεβαστοῦ διάγνωσιν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐκέλευσα τηρεῖσθαι αὐτὸν

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:22

αὔριον, φησίν, ἀκούσῃ αὐτοῦ

The phrase “Festus said” can be moved to the beginning of the sentence. Alternate translation: “Festus said, ‘I will arrange for you to listen to Paul tomorrow.’” (See: INVALID translate/writing-quotations)

Acts 25:23

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.

Festus again gives information about Paul’s case to King Agrippa.

μετὰ πολλῆς φαντασίας

“with a great ceremony to honor them”

τὸ ἀκροατήριον

This was a large room where people gathered for ceremonies, trials, and other events.

ἤχθη ὁ Παῦλος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the soldiers brought Paul to appear before them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 25:24

ἅπαν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν Ἰουδαίων

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

βοῶντες

“they spoke very strongly to me”

μὴ δεῖν αὐτὸν ζῆν μηκέτι

This statement is made in the negative to emphasize the positive equivalent. Alternate translation: “he should die immediately” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

Acts 25:25

Here the first “you” is plural; the second “you” is singular. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

δὲ τούτου ἐπικαλεσαμένου τὸν Σεβαστὸν

“because he said that he wanted the emperor to judge him”

τὸν Σεβαστὸν

The emperor was the ruler of the Roman empire. He ruled over many countries and provinces.

Acts 25:26

προήγαγον αὐτὸν ἐφ’ ὑμῶν, καὶ μάλιστα ἐπὶ σοῦ, Βασιλεῦ Ἀγρίππα

“I have brought Paul to all of you, but especially to you, King Agrippa.”

ὅπως…σχῶ τι γράψω

“so that I will have something else to write” or “so that I will know what I should write”

Acts 25:27

ἄλογον…μοι δοκεῖ πέμποντα δέσμιον, μὴ καὶ…σημᾶναι

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: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

τὰς κατ’ αὐτοῦ αἰτίας

Possible meanings are 1) the accusations that the Jewish leaders have brought against him or 2) the charges under Roman law that apply to Paul’s case.

Acts 26

Acts 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This is the third account of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts. Because this is such an important event in the early church, there are three accounts of Paul’s 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: INVALID bible/kt/righteous)

Acts 26:1

Festus has brought Paul before King Agrippa. In verse 2, Paul gives his defense to King Agrippa.

Ἀγρίππας

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.

ἐκτείνας τὴν χεῖρα

“held out his hand” or “gestured with his hand”

ἀπελογεῖτο

The abstract noun “defense” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “began to defend himself against those who were accusing him” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 26:2

ἥγημαι ἐμαυτὸν μακάριον

Paul was happy because he considered his appearance before Agrippa to be an opportunity to speak about the gospel.

ἀπολογεῖσθαι

This phrase means to describe one’s situation, so that those in court can discuss and make a decision about it. Alternate translation: “to defend myself”

περὶ πάντων ὧν ἐνκαλοῦμαι ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων

The abstract noun “accusations” can be stated as the verb “accuse.” Alternate translation: “against all the Jews who are accusing me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Ἰουδαίων

This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 26:3

ζητημάτων

You can make explicit what kinds of questions this means. Alternate translation: “questions about religious matters” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 26:4

πάντες οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι

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: INVALID translate/figs-hyperbole)

ἐν τῷ ἔθνει μου

Possible meanings are 1) among his own people, not necessarily in the geographical land of Israel or 2) in the land of Israel.

Acts 26:5

τὴν ἀκριβεστάτην αἵρεσιν τῆς ἡμετέρας θρησκείας

“a group within Judaism who live by very strict rules”

Acts 26:6

Here “you” is plural and refers to the people who were listening to Paul. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

νῦν

This word marks a shift from Paul discussing his past to talking about himself in the present.

ἕστηκα κρινόμενος

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am here, where they are putting me on trial” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι τῆς εἰς τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν ἐπαγγελίας, γενομένης ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ

This speaks about a promise as if it were something a person could look for and see. Alternate translation: “I am waiting expectantly for God to do what he promised our forefathers he would do” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 26:7

εἰς ἣν τὸ δωδεκάφυλον ἡμῶν…ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι

The phrase “our twelve tribes” stands for the people in those tribes. Alternate translation: “This is also what our fellow Jews in the twelve tribes were waiting for” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

εἰς ἣν…ἐλπίζει καταντῆσαι

This speaks about a promise as if it were an object that can be received. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν λατρεῦον

The extremes “night” and “day” mean they “worshiped God continually.” (See: INVALID translate/figs-merism)

ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων

This does not mean all the Jews. Alternate translation: “that the leaders of the Jews” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 26:8

τί ἄπιστον κρίνεται παρ’ ὑμῖν, εἰ ὁ Θεὸς νεκροὺς ἐγείρει

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

νεκροὺς ἐγείρει

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”

Acts 26:9

μὲν οὖν

Paul uses this phrase to mark another shift in his defense. He is now beginning to describe how he formerly persecuted Jesus’ people.

πρὸς τὸ ὄνομα Ἰησοῦ…ἐναντία

The word “name” here stands for the teaching about the person. Alternate translation: “to stop people from teaching about Jesus” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 26:10

ἀναιρουμένων…αὐτῶν, κατήνεγκα ψῆφον

The phrase “were killed” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I voted in agreement with the other Jewish leaders to condemn believers to die” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 26:11

πολλάκις τιμωρῶν αὐτοὺς

Possible meanings are 1) Paul punished some believers many times or 2) Paul punished many different believers.

Acts 26:12

While talking to King Agrippa, Paul tells about when the Lord spoke with him.

ἐν οἷς

Paul uses this phrase to mark another shift in his defense. He is now telling about when he saw Jesus and became his disciple.

ἐν οἷς

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.

μετ’ ἐξουσίας καὶ ἐπιτροπῆς

Paul had written letters from the Jewish leaders, granting him authority to persecute the Jewish believers.

Acts 26:14

ἤκουσα φωνὴν, λέγουσαν πρός με

Here “voice” stands for the person speaking. Alternate translation: “I heard someone speaking to me who said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Σαοὺλ, Σαούλ, τί με διώκεις

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: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-rquestion/01.md)

σκληρόν σοι πρὸς κέντρα λακτίζειν

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 26:15

Paul continues giving his defense to King Agrippa. In these verses he continues quoting his conversation with the Lord.

Acts 26:18

ἀνοῖξαι ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν

Helping people to understand the truth is spoken of as if a person were literally helping someone to open his eyes. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐπιστρέψαι ἀπὸ σκότους εἰς φῶς

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἐπιστρέψαι ἀπὸ…τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ Σατανᾶ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῦ λαβεῖν αὐτοὺς ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν

The abstract noun “forgiveness” can be stated as the verb “forgive.” Alternate translation: “God may forgive their sins” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

κλῆρον

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τοῖς ἡγιασμένοις πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ

Jesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he literally set them apart from other people. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ

“because they believe in me.” Here Paul finishes quoting the Lord.

Acts 26:19

ὅθεν

“Because what I have just said is true.” Paul had just explained what the Lord had commanded him in his vision.

οὐκ ἐγενόμην

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I obeyed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

τῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ

This refers to what the person in the vision told Paul. Alternate translation: “what the person from heaven told me in the vision” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 26:20

ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν

To start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate translation: “trust in God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας

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: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 26:21

Ἰουδαῖοι

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “some Jews” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

Acts 26:22

Paul finishes giving his defense to King Agrippa.

μικρῷ τε καὶ μεγάλῳ, οὐδὲν

Here “common people” and “great ones” are used together to mean “all people.” Alternate translation: “to all people, whether common or great, about nothing” (See: https://git.door43.org/klappy/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-merism/01.md)

οὐδὲν ἐκτὸς…ὧν

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “about the exact thing that”

ὧν τε οἱ προφῆται

Paul is referring to the collective writings of the Old Testament prophets.

Acts 26:23

εἰ παθητὸς ὁ Χριστός

You can make explicit that Christ must also die. Alternate translation: “that Christ must suffer and die” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

ἐξ ἀναστάσεως

to come back to life

νεκρῶν

The phrase “the dead” refers to the spirits of people who have died. To rise from among them speaks of becoming alive again.

φῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν

“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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 26:24

Paul and King Agrippa continue to talk together.

μαίνῃ

“you are speaking nonsense” or “you are crazy”

τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει

“you have learned so much that you are now crazy”

Acts 26:25

οὐ μαίνομαι…ἀλλὰ

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I am sane…and” or “I am able to think well…and” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

κράτιστε Φῆστε

“Festus, who deserves highest honors”

Acts 26:26

γὰρ…ὁ βασιλεύς, πρὸς ὃν…αὐτὸν

Paul is still speaking to King Agrippa, but he is referring to him in the third person. Alternate translation: “For you…to you…from you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-123person)

παρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ

Paul was not afraid to speak to the king about Christ. Alternate translation: “I speak boldly”

πείθομαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I am sure” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

λανθάνειν…αὐτὸν τι τούτων οὐ

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

οὐ…ἐστιν ἐν γωνίᾳ πεπραγμένον τοῦτο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “has not happened in a corner” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐν γωνίᾳ

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 26:27

πιστεύεις, Βασιλεῦ Ἀγρίππα, τοῖς προφήταις

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 26:28

ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις Χριστιανὸν ποιῆσαι

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: INVALID translate/figs-rquestion)

Acts 26:29

παρεκτὸς τῶν δεσμῶν τούτων

Here “prison chains” stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: “but, of course, I do no want you to be a prisoner like I am” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 26:30

Bernice was the sister of King Agrippa (Acts 25:13).

This ends Paul’s time before King Agrippa.

ἀνέστη τε ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ ὁ ἡγεμὼν

“Then King Agrippa stood up, and Governor Festus”

Acts 26:31

οὐδὲν θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν ἄξιον τι πράσσει ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος

The abstract noun “death” can be stated as the verb “die.” Here “bonds” stands for being in prison. Alternate translation: “This man does not deserve to die or to be in prison” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 26:32

ἀπολελύσθαι ἐδύνατο ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This man could have gone free” or “I could have freed this man” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27

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: INVALID 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.

Acts 27:1

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: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive and INVALID translate/translate-names)

Paul, as a prisoner, begins his journey to Rome.

ὡς…ἐκρίθη

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When the king and the governor decided” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἀποπλεῖν…εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν

Italy is the name of the province Rome was in. See how you translated “Italy” in Acts 18:2.

παρεδίδουν τόν τε Παῦλον καί τινας ἑτέρους δεσμώτας, ἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ, σπείρης Σεβαστῆς

“they put a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment, in charge of Paul and some other prisoners”

παρεδίδουν τόν τε Παῦλον καί τινας ἑτέρους δεσμώτας

Possible meanings are that 1) “they” refers to the governor and the king or 2) “they” refers to other Roman officials.

ἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι Ἰουλίῳ

Julius is a man’s name. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

σπείρης Σεβαστῆς

This was the name of the battalion or army from which the centurion came. Some versions translate this as “the Augustan Regiment.” (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:2

ἐπιβάντες…πλοίῳ…μέλλοντι πλεῖν

Here “ship…which was about to sail” stands for the crew that will sail the ship. Alternate translation: “We boarded a ship…which a crew was about to sail” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

πλοίῳ Ἀδραμυντηνῷ

Possible meanings are 1) a ship that had come from Adramyttium or 2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Adramyttium.

μέλλοντι πλεῖν

“soon going to sail” or “would depart soon”

ἀνήχθημεν

“began our journey on the sea”

Ἀριστάρχου

Aristarchus came from Macedonia but had been working with Paul in Ephesus. See how you translated his name in Acts 19:29.

Acts 27:3

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

φιλανθρώπως…ὁ Ἰούλιος τῷ Παύλῳ χρησάμενος

“Julius treated Paul with a friendly concern.” See how you translated “Julius” in Acts 27:1.

πρὸς τοὺς φίλους πορευθέντι, ἐπιμελείας τυχεῖν

The abstract noun “care” can be stated as a verb. Alternate translation: “go to his friends so they could care for him” or “go to his friends so they could help him with whatever he needed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 27:4

ἀναχθέντες, ὑπεπλεύσαμεν

“we started sailing and went”

ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κύπρον

“the lee of Cyprus” is the side of that island that blocks the strong wind, so sailing vessels are not forced off their course.

Acts 27:5

Παμφυλίαν

This was a province in Asia Minor. See how you translated this in Acts 2:10.

κατήλθαμεν εἰς Μύρρα τῆς Λυκίας

You can make explicit that they got off of the ship in Myra. Alternate translation: “came to Myra, a city of Lycia, where we got off the ship” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

κατήλθαμεν εἰς Μύρρα

Myra is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

τῆς Λυκίας

Lycia was a Roman province, located on the southwestern coast of modern-day Turkey. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:6

εὑρὼν…πλοῖον Ἀλεξανδρῖνον, πλέον εἰς τὴν Ἰταλίαν

It is implied that a crew would sail the ship to Italy. Alternate translation: “found a ship that a crew had sailed from Alexandria and was about to sail to Italy” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Ἀλεξανδρῖνον

This is the name of a city. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:7

δὲ…βραδυπλοοῦντες καὶ μόλις, γενόμενοι

You can make explicit that the reason they were sailing slowly and with difficulty was because the wind was blowing against them. (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

κατὰ τὴν Κνίδον

This is an ancient settlement located in modern-day Turkey. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

μὴ προσεῶντος ἡμᾶς τοῦ ἀνέμου

“we could no longer go that way because of the strong wind”

ὑπεπλεύσαμεν τὴν Κρήτην

“so we sailed along the side of Crete where there was less wind”

κατὰ Σαλμώνην

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:8

μόλις…παραλεγόμενοι αὐτὴν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Καλοὺς Λιμένας

This was a port near Lasea, located on the south coast of Crete. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἐγγὺς πόλις ἦν Λασαία

This is a coastal city in Crete. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:9

ἱκανοῦ…χρόνου διαγενομένου

Because of the direction the wind was blowing, the journey from Caesarea to Fair Havens had taken more time than planned.

διαγενομένου

The writer includes himself, Paul, and those who were traveling with them, but not the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

καὶ ὄντος ἤδη ἐπισφαλοῦς τοῦ πλοὸς, διὰ τὸ καὶ τὴν νηστείαν ἤδη παρεληλυθέναι

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.

Acts 27:10

θεωρῶ ὅτι μετὰ ὕβρεως καὶ πολλῆς ζημίας…μέλλειν ἔσεσθαι τὸν πλοῦν

“if we travel now, we will suffer much injury and loss”

ζημίας, οὐ μόνον τοῦ φορτίου καὶ τοῦ πλοίου, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν

Here “loss” means destruction when referring to things and death when referring to people.

οὐ μόνον τοῦ φορτίου καὶ τοῦ πλοίου

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”

Acts 27:11

ὑπὸ Παύλου λεγομένοις

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “that Paul said” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:12

ἀνευθέτου…τοῦ λιμένος ὑπάρχοντος πρὸς παραχειμασίαν

You can make explicit why it was not easy to stay in the harbor. Alternate translation: “harbor did not sufficiently protect docked ships during winter storms” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

λιμένος

a place near land that is usually safe for ships

Φοίνικα

Phoenix is a city port on the south coast of Crete. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

παραχειμάσαι

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

βλέποντα κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον

Here “faces northwest and southwest” means the opening of the harbor was toward those directions. Alternate translation: “it opened to the northwest and southwest”

λίβα καὶ…χῶρον

These directions are based on the rising and setting sun. Northeast is a little to the left of the rising sun. Southeast is a little to the right of the rising sun. Some versions say “northeast and southeast.”

Acts 27:13

ἄραντες

Here “weighed” means to pull 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.

Acts 27:14

Paul and those traveling on the boat encounter a fierce storm.

μετ’ οὐ πολὺ

“after a little while”

ἄνεμος τυφωνικὸς

“a very strong, dangerous wind”

καλούμενος Εὐρακύλων

“called ‘a strong wind from the northeast.’” The word for “the northeaster” in the original language is “Euroclydon.” You can transliterate this word for your language. (See: INVALID translate/translate-transliterate)

ἔβαλεν κατ’ αὐτῆς

“came in from the island of Crete, and it blew strongly against our ship”

Acts 27:15

συναρπασθέντος δὲ τοῦ πλοίου, καὶ μὴ δυναμένου ἀντοφθαλμεῖν τῷ ἀνέμῳ

“When the wind blew so strongly against the front of the ship that we could not sail against it”

ἐπιδόντες ἐφερόμεθα

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:16

νησίον…τι ὑποδραμόντες

“We sailed on the side of the island where the wind was not so strong”

νησίον…τι ὑποδραμόντες

This island was located on the south coast of Crete. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

σκάφης

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.

Acts 27:17

ἣν ἄραντες

“they had lifted up the lifeboat” or “they had pulled the lifeboat aboard the ship”

βοηθείαις ἐχρῶντο, ὑποζωννύντες τὸ πλοῖον

The “hull” is the body of the ship. They tied ropes around it so that the ship would not come apart during the storm.

τὴν Σύρτιν

Sandbars are very shallow areas in the sea where ships can get stuck in the sand. Syrtis is located on the coast of Libya, northern Africa. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

χαλάσαντες τὸ σκεῦος

They put the ship’s anchor in the water in order to slow down where the wind would blow them.

σκεῦος

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.

ἐφέροντο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “had to go in whatever direction the wind blew us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:18

σφοδρῶς…χειμαζομένων

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The wind blew us roughly back and forth that all of us were badly battered and bruised by the storm” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐκβολὴν ἐποιοῦντο

“they” is the sailors. This is done to lighten the weight of the ship in an effort to prevent the ship from sinking.

ἐκβολὴν

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”

Acts 27:19

αὐτόχειρες τὴν σκευὴν τοῦ πλοίου ἔριψαν

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.

Acts 27:20

μήτε δὲ ἡλίου μήτε ἄστρων ἐπιφαινόντων ἐπὶ πλείονας ἡμέρας

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.

χειμῶνός…οὐκ ὀλίγου ἐπικειμένου

“the terrible storm still blew us roughly back and forth”

περιῃρεῖτο ἐλπὶς πᾶσα, τοῦ σῴζεσθαι ἡμᾶς

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “everyone stopped hoping we would survive” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:21

Paul speaks to the sailors on the ship.

πολλῆς τε ἀσιτίας ὑπαρχούσης

Here “they” refers to the sailors. It is implied that Luke, Paul, and those with them had not eaten either. Alternate translation: “When we had gone a long time without food” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

μέσῳ αὐτῶν

“among the men”

κερδῆσαί τε τὴν ὕβριν ταύτην, καὶ τὴν ζημίαν

“and as a result suffer this harm and loss”

Acts 27:22

ἀποβολὴ…ψυχῆς οὐδεμία ἔσται ἐξ ὑμῶν

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

πλὴν τοῦ πλοίου

Here “loss” is used in the sense of destroy. Alternate translation: “but the storm will destroy only the ship”

Acts 27:24

Καίσαρί σε δεῖ παραστῆναι

The phrase “stand before Caesar” refers to Paul’s going to court and letting Caesar judge him. Alternate translation: “You must stand before Caesar so he can judge you” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

κεχάρισταί σοι…πάντας τοὺς πλέοντας μετὰ σοῦ

“has decided to allow all those who are sailing with you to live”

Acts 27:25

καθ’ ὃν τρόπον λελάληταί μοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “just as the angel told me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:26

εἰς νῆσον…τινα, δεῖ ἡμᾶς ἐκπεσεῖν

“we must steer our boat so that it wrecks on some island”

Acts 27:27

The fierce storm continues.

ὡς δὲ τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτη νὺξ ἐγένετο

The ordinal number “fourteenth” can be translated as “fourteen” or “14.” Alternate translation: “After 14 days since the storm started, that night” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

διαφερομένων ἡμῶν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “as the wind blew us back and forth” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

τῷ Ἀδρίᾳ

This is the sea between Italy and Greece. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 27:28

βολίσαντες

“They measured 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.

εὗρον ὀργυιὰς εἴκοσι

“found 20 fathoms.” A “fathom” is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: “found 40 meters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

εὗρον ὀργυιὰς δεκαπέντε

“found 15 fathoms.” A “fathom” is a unit of measurement for measuring the depth of water. One fathom is about two meters. Alternate translation: “found 30 meters” (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 27:29

ἀγκύρας

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.

ἐκ πρύμνης

“from the back of the ship”

Acts 27:30

Here the word “you” is plural and refers to the centurion and the Roman soldiers. (See: INVALID translate/figs-you)

τὴν σκάφην

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.

ἐκ πρῴρης

“from the front of the ship”

Acts 27:31

ἐὰν μὴ οὗτοι μείνωσιν ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, ὑμεῖς σωθῆναι οὐ δύνασθε

The negative words “Unless” and “cannot” 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: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:33

ἄχρι δὲ οὗ ἡμέρα ἤμελλεν γίνεσθαι

“When it was almost sunrise”

τεσσαρεσκαιδεκάτην σήμερον ἡμέραν

The ordinal number “fourteenth” can be stated as “fourteen.” Alternate translation: “For 14 days” (See: INVALID translate/translate-ordinal and INVALID translate/translate-numbers)

Acts 27:34

οὐδενὸς…ὑμῶν θρὶξ ἀπὸ τῆς κεφαλῆς ἀπολεῖται

This was a customary way of saying no harm would come upon them. Alternate translation: “every one of you will survive this disaster unharmed” (See: INVALID translate/figs-idiom)

Acts 27:35

κλάσας

“tore the bread” or “tore off a piece from the loaf of bread”

Acts 27:36

εὔθυμοι δὲ γενόμενοι πάντες

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “This encouraged all of them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 27:37

ἤμεθα δὲ αἱ πᾶσαι ψυχαὶ ἐν τῷ πλοίῳ, διακόσιαι ἑβδομήκοντα ἕξ

“We were two hundred and seventy-six people in the ship.” This is background information. (See: INVALID translate/translate-numbers and INVALID translate/writing-background)

Acts 27:39

κόλπον

a large area of water partly surrounded by land

τὴν γῆν οὐκ ἐπεγίνωσκον

“saw land but could not recognize it as any place they knew”

Acts 27:40

τὰς ἀγκύρας περιελόντες, εἴων

“cut the ropes and left the anchors behind”

πηδαλίων

large oars or pieces of wood at the back of the ship used for steering

τὸν ἀρτέμωνα

“the sail at the front of the ship.” The sail was a large piece of cloth that catches the wind to move the ship.

κατεῖχον εἰς τὸν αἰγιαλόν

“they steered the ship toward the beach”

Acts 27:41

περιπεσόντες…εἰς τόπον διθάλασσον

A current is water flowing in one continuous direction. Sometimes more than one water current can flow across another. This may cause the sand under the water to pile up making the water more shallow.

πρῷρα

“The front of the ship”

ἡ…πρύμνα

“the back of the ship”

Acts 27:42

τῶν…στρατιωτῶν, βουλὴ ἐγένετο

“The soldiers were planning”

Acts 27:43

ἐκώλυσεν αὐτοὺς τοῦ βουλήματος

“so he stopped them from doing what they planned to do”

ἀπορίψαντας

“jump off the ship into the water”

Acts 27:44

οὓς…ἐπὶ σανίσιν

“some on wooden boards”

Acts 28

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.

Acts 28:1

Here the word “we” refers to Paul, the writer, and those who traveled with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

After the shipwreck, people on the island of Malta helped Paul and everyone on the ship. They stay there for 3 months.

καὶ διασωθέντες

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When we arrived safely” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐπέγνωμεν

Paul and Luke learned the name of the island. Alternate translation: “we learned from the people” or “we found out from the residents” (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

Μελίτη ἡ νῆσος καλεῖται

Malta is an island located south of the modern-day island of Sicily. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 28:2

οἵ…βάρβαροι

“The local people”

παρεῖχαν οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν ἡμῖν

Being kind to someone is spoken of as if it were an object that someone offers. Alternate translation: “were not only very kind to us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

οὐ τὴν τυχοῦσαν φιλανθρωπίαν

This phrase is used to emphasize the opposite of what is said. Alternate translation: “a great deal of kindness” (See: INVALID translate/figs-litotes)

ἅψαντες…πυρὰν

“they put together twigs and branches and burned them”

προσελάβοντο πάντας ἡμᾶς

Possible meanings are 1) “welcomed all of the people from the ship” or 2) “welcomed Paul and all his companions.”

Acts 28:3

ἔχιδνα ἀπὸ τῆς θέρμης ἐξελθοῦσα

“a poisonous snake came out of the bundle of sticks”

καθῆψε τῆς χειρὸς αὐτοῦ

“bit Paul’s hand and did not let go”

Acts 28:4

πάντως φονεύς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος

“For sure, this man is a murderer” or “This man is truly a murderer”

ἡ δίκη…εἴασεν

The word “justice” refers to the name of a god that they worshiped. Alternate translation: “the god called Justice” (See: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Acts 28:5

ἀποτινάξας τὸ θηρίον εἰς τὸ πῦρ

“shook his hand so that the snake fell from his hand into the fire”

ἔπαθεν οὐδὲν κακόν

“Paul was not hurt at all”

Acts 28:6

πίμπρασθαι

Possible meanings are 1) his body would swell because of the snake venom or 2) he would become very hot with fever.

μηδὲν ἄτοπον εἰς αὐτὸν γινόμενον

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “everything about him was as it should be” (See: INVALID translate/figs-doublenegatives)

μεταβαλόμενοι

To think differently about a situation is spoken of as if a person is changing his mind. Alternate translation: “they thought again” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἔλεγον αὐτὸν εἶναι θεόν

This can be stated as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “said, ‘This man must be a god.’” (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotations)

ἔλεγον αὐτὸν εἶναι θεόν

Perhaps there was a belief that someone who lived after a poisonous snake bite was divine or a god.

Acts 28:7

Here the words “us” and we” refer to Paul, Luke, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

ἐν δὲ τοῖς περὶ τὸν τόπον ἐκεῖνον

“Now” is used to introduce a new person or event in the account.

πρώτῳ τῆς νήσου

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.

ὀνόματι Ποπλίῳ

This is the name of a man. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 28:8

ἐγένετο δὲ, τὸν πατέρα τοῦ Ποπλίου πυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερίῳ συνεχόμενον κατακεῖσθαι

This is background information about Publius’ father that is important to understanding the story. (See: INVALID translate/writing-background)

συνεχόμενον κατακεῖσθαι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “was ill” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

πυρετοῖς καὶ δυσεντερίῳ συνεχόμενον κατακεῖσθαι

Dysentery is an infectious intestinal disease.

ἐπιθεὶς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτῷ

“touched him with his hands”

Acts 28:9

ἐθεραπεύοντο

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he healed them too” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 28:10

πολλαῖς τιμαῖς ἐτίμησαν ἡμᾶς

Probably they honored Paul and those with him by giving them gifts.

Acts 28:11

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: INVALID translate/figs-explicit)

Paul’s journey to Rome continues.

παρακεχειμακότι ἐν τῇ νήσῳ

“that the crew left at the island for the cold season”

Ἀλεξανδρίνῳ

Possible meanings are this refers to 1) a ship that came from Alexandria, or 2) a ship that was registered or licensed in Alexandria.

Διοσκούροις

On the bow of the ship, there was a carving of the two idols called “the twin gods.” Their names were Castor and Pollux.

Acts 28:12

Συρακούσας

Syracuse is a city on the southeast coast of the modern-day island of Sicily, just southwest of Italy. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 28:13

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: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Ῥήγιον

This is the port city located at the southwestern tip of Italy. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

ἐπιγενομένου νότου

“the wind began to blow from the south”

Ποτιόλους

Puteoli is located in modern-day Naples on the west coast of Italy. (See: INVALID translate/translate-names)

Acts 28:14

οὗ εὑρόντες

“There we met”

ἀδελφοὺς

These were followers of Jesus, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “fellow believers” (See: INVALID translate/figs-gendernotations)

παρεκλήθημεν

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they invited us” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

καὶ οὕτως εἰς τὴν Ῥώμην ἤλθαμεν

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”

Acts 28:15

ἀκούσαντες, τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν

“after they heard we were coming”

εὐχαριστήσας τῷ Θεῷ, ἔλαβε θάρσος

Taking courage is spoken of as if it were an object that a person could take. Alternate translation: “this encouraged him, and he thanked God” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

Acts 28:16

Here the word “we” refers to the writer, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

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.

ὅτε δὲ εἰσήλθομεν εἰς Ῥώμην

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After we had arrived in Rome, the Roman authorities gave Paul permission to” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 28:17

ἐγένετο δὲ

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.

τῶν Ἰουδαίων πρώτους

These are the Jewish civil or religious leaders present in Rome.

ἀδελφοί

Here this means “Fellow Jews.”

ἐναντίον…τῷ λαῷ

“against our people” or “against the Jews”

δέσμιος ἐξ Ἱεροσολύμων παρεδόθην εἰς τὰς χεῖρας τῶν Ῥωμαίων

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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

εἰς τὰς χεῖρας τῶν Ῥωμαίων

Here “hands” stands for power or control. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 28:18

τὸ μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου ὑπάρχειν ἐν ἐμοί

“I had done nothing to cause them to execute me”

Acts 28:19

τῶν Ἰουδαίων

This does not mean all of the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” (See: INVALID translate/figs-synecdoche)

ἀντιλεγόντων

“complained about what the Roman authorities wanted to do”

ἠναγκάσθην ἐπικαλέσασθαι Καίσαρα

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I had to ask for Caesar to judge me” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

οὐχ ὡς τοῦ ἔθνους μου ἔχων τι κατηγορεῖν

The abstract noun “accusation” can be stated as the verb “accuse.” 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: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 28:20

τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ

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.

τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ

Here “Israel” stands for the people. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” or “the Jews” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τὴν ἅλυσιν ταύτην περίκειμαι

Here “bound with this chain” stands for being a prisoner. Alternate translation: “that I am a prisoner” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 28:21

Here the words “We,” “we,” and “us” refer to the Jewish leaders in Rome. (See: Acts 28:17 and INVALID translate/figs-exclusive)

The Jewish leaders respond to Paul.

οὔτε παραγενόμενός τις τῶν ἀδελφῶν

Here “brothers” stands for fellow Jews. Alternate translation: “nor did any of our fellow Jews”

Acts 28:22

φρονεῖς, περὶ…τῆς αἱρέσεως ταύτης

A sect is a smaller group within a larger group. Here it refers to those who believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “you think about this group to which you belong”

γὰρ…γνωστὸν ἡμῖν ἐστι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “because we know” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

ἐστιν…πανταχοῦ ἀντιλέγεται

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “many Jews all over the Roman Empire are saying bad things about it” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 28:23

Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish leaders in Rome. The words “him,” “his,” and “He” and refer to Paul (Acts 28:17).

ταξάμενοι…αὐτῷ ἡμέραν

“had chosen a time for him to speak to them”

διαμαρτυρόμενος τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here “kingdom of God” stands for God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “told them about God’s rule as king” or “told them how God would show himself as king” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τῶν προφητῶν

Here “the prophets” refers to what they wrote. Alternate translation: “from what the prophets wrote” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

Acts 28:24

καὶ οἱ μὲν ἐπείθοντο τοῖς λεγομένοι

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Paul was able to convince some of them” (See: INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

Acts 28:25

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.

As the Jewish leaders were ready to leave, Paul quotes the Old Testament scriptures that were appropriate for this time.

εἰπόντος τοῦ Παύλου ῥῆμα ἓν

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: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

καλῶς τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον ἐλάλησεν διὰ Ἠσαΐου τοῦ προφήτου πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν

This sentence contains quotations within quotations. (See: INVALID translate/figs-quotesinquotes)

Acts 28:26

λέγων, πορεύθητι πρὸς τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον…εἰπόν, ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε, καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε; καὶ βλέποντες βλέψετε, καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε

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: INVALID translate/figs-quotesinquotes)

ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετ…βλέποντες βλέψετε

The words “hear” and “see” are repeated for emphasis. “You will listen carefully…and you will look intently”

καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε;…καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε

Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand God’s plan. (See: INVALID translate/figs-parallelism)

Acts 28:27

Translate Paul’s quotation of Isaiah as a direct quotation or indirect quotation according to how you translated it in Acts 28:25-26.

Paul finishes quoting Isaiah the prophet.

ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν

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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν

Here “heart” stands for the mind. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)

ἐπιστρέψωσιν

To start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically turning toward God. (See: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor)

ἰάσομαι αὐτούς

This does not mean God will only heal them physically. He will also heal them spiritually by forgiving their sins.

Acts 28:28

Paul finishes speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome.

τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπεστάλη τοῦτο τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ

God’s 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: INVALID translate/figs-metaphor and INVALID translate/figs-activepassive)

αὐτοὶ…ἀκούσονται

“some of them will listen.” This response of the Gentiles is in contrast to the way the Jews of that time responded.

Acts 28:30

Luke ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts. (See: INVALID translate/writing-endofstory)

Acts 28:31

κηρύσσων τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ

Here “kingdom of God” refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “He was preaching about God’s rule as king” or “He was preaching about how God will show himself as king” (See: INVALID translate/figs-metonymy)