For the particle that TEV has translated suddenly see 1.10.

On the expression angel of the Lord see 5.19.

The verb translated stood there is often used by writers to refer to persons who suddenly come on the scene, and it is used especially of the sudden appearance of divine or demonic beings.

The word translated cell (some translations “prison”) is a very general expression, and literally means “a dwelling”; but it is obvious that Peter was in a cell.

For the sake of carrying out the intended force of the Greek (literally “get up quickly”) the Good News Translation has translated Hurry! Get up! Although the Greek has “he hit him on the side” the meaning is more naturally conveyed in English by shook Peter by the shoulder. Though in English shook … by the shoulder is a natural expression, in other languages something closer to the Greek text may be far more appropriate, for example, “slapped him on the side.”

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 .