Prophets in this particular context is primarily not a reference to “foretelling the future” but to “speaking on behalf of God.” It is this latter meaning which should be introduced at this point in the selection of a term for prophets.

Most translators take who were themselves prophets as a simple qualifying statement, while a few see in it the grounds for their actions, “for they themselves were prophets” (Barclay).

The phrase a long time may refer to the particular occasion when the letter was read and the subsequent explanation or confirmation by Judas and Silas. It may, however, refer to the fact that they stayed in Antioch for some time and exhorted their fellow believers on various occasions.

In many languages one cannot speak of “giving someone courage and strength.” One may, however, often use a causative, “caused them to be courageous” and “caused them to be strong.”

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 .