The word translated light is actually plural (“lights”), but the Good News Translation takes it in a collective sense, meaning simply “light” and not “lamps.” In a number of languages, however, it would be very appropriate to have a translation such as “called for someone to bring a lamp.”

The expression fell trembling must not be rendered so literally that it implies the jailer stumbled at the feet of Paul and Silas. Rather, “he threw himself down…” or “he bowed down at the feet of Paul and Silas.” It may also be necessary to explain the significance of trembling, that is, “trembling with fear.”

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 .