27:23

For: Here the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces an explanation of why Paul was certain about what would happen. Most English versions translate this Greek conjunction as “For” here.

an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me: People at that time believed in many gods. Paul indicated that an angel from one particular god appeared to him. Paul said that he belonged to and served that god. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there appeared beside me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
an angel of God stood beside me. This is the God to whom I belong and whom I serve
-or-
I belong to a certain God and serve him. An angel of that God appeared beside me.

angel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as angel means “messenger.” It refers here to a spirit being who serves God. See how you translated this word in 5:19 or 23:8.

whose I am and whom I serve: These two clauses further describe God. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Paul believed in other gods and he only belonged to this one and served only him. If that is true in your language, translate these clauses so that they tell more about God. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

I am his and I serve him.

whose I am: This clause indicates that God was lord, leader, or owner over Paul. Paul belonged to God and had a relationship with him. Other ways to translate this clause are:

to whom I belong (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
who is my owner
-or-
who is my Lord
-or-
who rules over me

serve: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as serve refers to doing religious duties. This includes praying, worshiping, and doing what God told someone to do. Paul served God by praying, worshiping him, working as an apostle, helping others, and in other ways. Other ways to translate this word are:

do the work of
-or-
obey/follow

See how you translated this Greek word (Berean Standard Bible: “worship”) in 24:14.

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