Since the contents of verse 17 contrast abruptly with the contents of verse 16, a conjunction such as but, “on the other hand,” or “on the contrary” may be useful.

In a number of languages the purpose of an activity always follows that event. In such cases, it would mean that the first clause in verse 17 (in the Good News Translation) must be placed at the end of the verse.

In many languages one cannot speak of a matter spreading. Rather, can must say “in order that more people will not hear about it.”

The equivalent of a hortatory such as let us warn is in many languages an obligatory mode, for example, “we must warn” or “it is necessary that we warn.” There is, of course, nothing permissive in the use of the form let in English.

The last part of verse 17 must frequently be expressed as direct discourse, “we must warn them, You must never again speak to anyone using the name of Jesus.” (See also 4.21.)

In the name of Jesus is literally “upon (the basis of) this name.” The name referred to is that of Jesus, and the Greek preposition “upon (the basis of)” is equivalent in meaning to “in.”

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 .