In Greek, verses, 10-13 are one sentence, and this requires a good deal of restructuring in order to make sense for the English reader. The order in Greek is: and Paul said, which is followed by a participial phrase indicating that the Governor had motioned him to speak; and then the content of Paul’s speech is given. In English it is more natural to follow the chronological order, indicating that the governor motioned to Paul and then Paul spoke. Paul begins his speech with the words for many years, which is also a complimentary way of beginning an address (see v. 2).

Have been a judge over this nation may be rendered as “you have judged the people of this nation.”

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 .