According to the account of Josephus, the Jewish historian, the chosen day was a celebration in honor of the Emperor. Luke does not state what the occasion was, or who chose the day, though the context suggests that this was a special day appointed by Herod to hear the grievances of the people from Tyre and Sidon. The chosen day can be “on a special day” or “on a day that Herod had especially selected.”

Put on his royal robes may be equivalent to “put on special clothes fit for a king” or “put on clothes which he wore for special days.”

Sat on his throne, and made a speech to the people does not indicate the nature of the gathering. Some scholars, however, contend that this was a court scene (Barclay “took his seat on the bench in his court,” New American Bible “sat on the rostrum”). The throne may be “his special seat” or “his special chair.” On the other hand, it may refer to “the chair on which he sat when he pronounced judgment” or “the chair on which he sat when he ruled.”

To the people may be limited to the delegations from Tyre and Sidon, or else it may be enlarged to include the people of Caesarea as well; no definite decision can be made.

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 .