The only serious problem in this verse is likely to be the causal expression which precedes in time the content of the first clause. In many languages the order must be changed, for example, “because Judas was chosen to work with us, he was a member of our group.” The Greek “he was numbered among us” simply means, as the Good News Translation has expressed it, Judas was a member of our group. An idiomatic way of rendering member of our group may be “he was with us,” “he associated with us,” or “he went around with us.” In some languages the most natural equivalent is “he was a friend to us,” in the sense of a close associate.

Even though had been chosen may mean “to receive something by the casting of lots,” it is doubtful if that meaning is to be found in this present context. The passive expression he had been chosen can be rendered as active, such as “Jesus had chosen him.”

Work of the Good News Translation is rendered by most translations “ministry”; the idea is that of the service or work which the apostle performs rather than the office which he holds. To have a part in our work is too general and abstract to be translated literally in some languages. Therefore, “to work together with us” or “to be one with us in working” may be more idiomatic and accurate.

Insofar as possible it is wise to employ for work a general term which can also include service to God. In some languages the connotative values of the term for “work” require that some more adequate expression be chosen. Therefore, some translators have used “in our working for God,” since this is a direct reference to Judas’ function as an apostle and not to his activity as a laborer.

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