18:8a
Crispus, the synagogue leader: The phrase the synagogue leader means that Crispus was the leader of the people who went to the synagogue. For example:
Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue (Good News Translation)
his whole household: This phrase refers to Crispus’s wife and children, other members of his family that lived in his house, and his servants. It would also include anyone else who lived in his house.
believed in the Lord: This refers to believing that Jesus is Lord and Savior.
the Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” Jesus rules over all things. See how you translated this word in 15:11 or 17:24.
This phrase refers to Jesus here. In some languages it is clearer or more natural to explain so in your translation. For example:
the Lord ⌊Jesus⌋
18:8b
many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized: The Greek tenses indicate that these events occurred over a period of time. These Corinthians heard, believed, and were baptized over days or even weeks. Other ways to translate these clauses are:
over the next days and weeks many of the Corinthians heard him, believed, and were baptized
-or-
for a while after that many of the Corinthians heard him, believed, and were baptized
many of the Corinthians who heard the message: This clause in Greek is literally “many Corinthians hearing.” The context implies that the Corinthians heard Paul preach about Jesus. The Berean Standard Bible adds the words the message to help readers understand the implied meaning.
In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply they heard something else. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain it in your translation. For example:
many other people in Corinth heard the message (Good News Translation)
-or-
many Corinthians heard Paul preach
believed: It is implied that they believed in Jesus. For example:
became believers (New Jerusalem Bible)
were baptized: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:
⌊the believers⌋ baptized them
-or-
⌊someone⌋ baptized them
baptized: Here this word refers to the Christian ritual that uses water. See how you translated this word in 1:5 or 16:33.
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