21:14a
So: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as So is often translated as “Therefore” (as in the NET Bible). Here it introduces a command or encouragement that is based on what Jesus said in 21:13. The context implies that since their trials will be an opportunity to testify about him, they should not worry about how to defend themselves.
Versions such as the Good News Translation and New Jerusalem Bible do not translate this conjunction. In some languages, it may not be natural to use a conjunction here. Begin 21:14 in a natural way in your language.
make up your mind: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as make up your mind is literally “put/have in your hearts.” This is an idiom that means “decide” or “resolve” (as in the Revised English Bible). In some languages there is an idiom to express this, as in the Berean Standard Bible. Some other ways to translate this are:
Settle it…in your minds (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Be firmly resolved
not to worry beforehand: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as not to worry beforehand means “not to prepare/plan in advance.” It is sometimes used of practicing a speech. In this context Jesus did not want his disciples to plan what they would say to defend themselves. The parallel passage in Mark 13:11 uses a word that means “worry, be anxious.” Jesus also did not want the disciples to worry about what they would say. Other ways to translate this phrase are:
not to meditate beforehand (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
not to rehearse ahead of time (NET Bible)
-or-
don’t worry in advance (New Living Translation (2004))
21:14b
how to defend yourselves: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as how to defend yourselves refers to what the disciples would say that would show that they were not guilty. It does not refer to using force to defend themselves. Other ways to translate this are:
about what you will say (New Century Version)
-or-
about how to answer the charges against you (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
about what you will say to convince those who accuse you that you have not done anything wrong
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