SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:18

Paragraph 1:18–19

1:18a–19c

It is difficult to determine if Peter spoke 1:18a–19c or if Luke wrote 1:18a–19c as extra information about Judas in the middle of Peter’s speech. The Greek does not use quote marks. There are two interpretations:

(1) It is not a part of Peter’s speech. Luke wrote 1:18a–19c as extra information. There should be a quote mark at the end of 1:17 to indicate that Luke interrupts Peter’s speech. For example:

17…he had been chosen to have a part in our work.”

(18With the money… (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible, New Century Version, English Standard Version)

(2) It is a part of Peter’s speech. Peter continued speaking. There should not be a quote mark at the end of 1:17. For example:

17…and sharing our ministry. 18As you know, he bought… (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because Peter would not need to explain this to his audience, because they probably knew about it already. Plus, Luke wrote “their” in 1:19b, but Peter would use “our.”

Since 1:18a–19c is extra information about Judas, many English versions put parentheses around these verses.

Some English versions also put these verses in a separate paragraph to help indicate that this information is not a part of Peter’s speech. Consider how to indicate 1:18a–19c as extra information about Judas.

1:18a

Now: Luke used the word Now to indicate a change from Peter’s speech to the extra information about Judas.

Another way some versions choose to show a change in the story in English is to avoid using a conjunction. Consider how to indicate a change in the story in your language.

with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field: The Greek is literally “This one acquired/bought a field out of a reward of unrighteousness.” The phrase “This one” probably implies a lack of respect for Judas.

Judas betrayed Jesus, and the priests gave money to Judas for doing that. That money was his reward. Later Judas threw the money into the temple area. The priests bought the field using Judas’s money. The priests probably used Judas’s name as the owner of the field since the money was his. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
This person/guy received a field from the money given to him for his unrighteous deed
-or-
this man Judas acquired a field with the reward of his unjust deed (NET Bible)

Judas bought a field: Luke probably wrote Judas bought a field here to keep the focus on Judas rather than referring to the whole story about the money. You may want to explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

The priests bought the field using Judas’s money (Matthew 27:5–7). So the field would belong to Judas. Luke probably wrote “Judas bought a field” because he was telling the story about Judas and wanted to keep it short and not tell that whole story.

1:18b

there he fell headlong: The word headlong indicates that Judas fell head first and probably face downward. The fact that his body burst open probably indicates that he fell from a height, rather than something like tripping as he walked. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Falling headfirst there (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
where he fell headfirst to his death (God’s Word)

there: The Berean Standard Bible adds this word. The Greek probably implies that Judas died at that field.

all his intestines spilled out: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as intestines refers to all the organs in the area of the belly. For example:

all his internal organs came out (God’s Word)
-or-
all his insides came out (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
all his guts poured out

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2:24

2:24a

But God raised Him from the dead: The Greek does not have the words from the dead. This clause implies that God raised Jesus from the tomb. It implies that Jesus was no longer dead. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

God raised him up (English Standard Version)
-or-
But God raised him from the tomb/grave

2:24b

releasing Him from the agony of death:
The Greek is literally “loosing/destroying/freeing the birth pains of death.” There are two ways to interpret the Greek words:

(1) “Jesus” should be supplied as to whom God freed. For example:

setting him free from its power (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

(2) God ended the necessity of dying in agony without hope for what happens after death. God resurrected Jesus, and believers expect God to resurrect them as well. For example:

putting an end to the agony of death (New American Standard Bible)

(New American Standard Bible, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

2:24c

it was impossible for Him to be held in its clutches: This is a figure of speech. It indicates that it was not possible for Jesus to continue being dead. The figure of speech describes “death” as if it were an evil person trying to keep Jesus from escaping.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate the meaning of the figure of speech. For example:

it was not possible for him to remain dead
-or-
it was not possible for him to remain in the place of the dead
-or-
he could not be ruled/governed by death

• Refer more generally as to who is trying to hold Jesus. For example:

no one can possibly keep him in the place of the dead
-or-
it is impossible for ⌊anyone to cause⌋ him to remain dead

• Translate literally and explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

These words indicate that it was not possible for Jesus to continue being dead. The figure of speech describes death like being an evil person trying to keep Jesus from escaping.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 3:10

3:10a

they recognized him: The Greek grammar probably implies that more and more people recognized who the man was as time went on. For example:

more and more of them recognized him

But many English versions only use the past tense like the Berean Standard Bible does.

3:10b

the Beautiful Gate of the temple: See how you translated the similar phrase in 3:2b.

3:10c

they were filled with wonder and amazement: Here the word filled indicates that the crowd was completely wondering and amazed. In some languages the word filled cannot be used to describe wonder and amazement. For example:

they were in complete wonder and amazement

wonder: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as wonder usually describes amazement and awe. It is used to describe someone who sees or experiences something very unusual. This unusual thing is often caused by divine power. The people saw the lame man walking and praising God. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

surprised (Good News Translation)
-or-
astonished

amazement: This word describes an intense feeling of surprise and shock mixed with fear or awe. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

shock
-or-
perplexed (New Jerusalem Bible)

General Comment on 3:10c

The words “wonder” and “amazement” are similar in meaning. Together they emphasize the people’s complete wonder and amazement.

In some languages one word includes the meaning of both Greek words that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “wonder and amazement.” If that is true in your language, use the one word. If possible, emphasize it. For example:

they were completely surprised

You also may have an idiom for that meaning. For example:

they were surprised/shocked from head to toe

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 4:16

4:16a

“What shall we do with these men?” they asked: The Greek words are literally “saying, ‘What should we do with these men?’” The word “saying” introduces some of the things they conferred/discussed (4:15b). For example, the Contemporary English Version omits this word to indicate the connection to 4:15b:

“What can we do with these men? (Contemporary English Version)

Some languages must use a “say” verb to introduce what was said. But the Berean Standard Bible placed the phrase they asked in the middle of the spoken words. Place it where it would be most natural in your language. For example:

They said, “What shall we do with these men? (New Century Version)

In this quote (4:16–17), the first sentence in the quote is a question, but the rest of the quote are statements. In some languages it is better to use “say” here rather than “ask.”

What shall we do with these men?: This is a rhetorical question. It expresses uncertainty and frustration. The members of the Sanhedrin were uncertain about what to do with Peter and John. They were also frustrated. They wanted to punish Peter and John but were afraid to, because punishing them would make the people of Jerusalem angry with them.

There are several ways to translate this meaning:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

What are we going to do with these men? (New International Version)
-or-
What shall we decide to do with these ⌊two⌋ men?

• As a statement. For example:

We have to decide what we are going to do with these men!

• Make the implied meaning explicit. For example:

⌊being frustrated,⌋ said, What shall we do with these men?
-or-
said ⌊in frustration⌋, “We have to decide what we are going to do with these men!

Some languages have ways of indicating frustration. If your language has such a way that can easily be expressed in writing, this would be a place where you could use it.

4:16b

In Greek, 4:16b starts with the conjunction that is usually translated as “for.” It introduces an explanation for why the leaders do not know what to do (4:16a). For example:

For (Revised Standard Version)

It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them: In Greek this clause is literally “for that a remarkable sign has happened through them is clear to all those who live in Jerusalem.” It indicates that everyone in Jerusalem knew about this sign. The words through them imply that God did the sign/miracle because Peter and John asked him to do so. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

for it is clear to all of the people living in Jerusalem that a remarkable sign has happened through those two
-or-
a remarkable sign has occurred through them and everyone living in Jerusalem knows about it

remarkable: The Greek word here refers to something worthy of paying attention to. For example:

outstanding (New International Version)
-or-
notable (Revised Standard Version)

miracle: In Greek this phrase is literally “sign.” Here it refers to a miracle that has a symbolic meaning. The healing of the lame man suggests that what Peter and John said about Jesus was true. Some languages can use “sign” with that meaning. Some languages must make explicit that it is a miracle. For example:

miraculous sign (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
a sign which is an amazing thing
-or-
a miracle that is a sign

See how you translated the word “sign” in 2:19a.

them: The pronoun them refers here to Peter and John.

4:16c

we cannot deny it: This clause indicates that the leaders could not honestly tell anyone that the miracle had not happened. They also could not deny that Peter and John had done the miracle, because too many people knew what happened. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

we cannot say that it didn’t happen
-or-
we cannot say that it is only a lie

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 5:11

5:11a

And great fear came over the whole church: This indicates that all the believers in Jesus became very fearful. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

great fear came upon the whole church (English Standard Version)
-or-
The whole church was terrified

See how you translated great fear came over in 5:5.

the whole church: The word church refers to believers in Jesus as a group. The word whole indicates that the phrase refers to all believers. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the community/group of believers
-or-
all the believers
-or-
all the people who believe ⌊in Jesus⌋

In the Bible the word church never refers to a building.

5:11b

these events: These words refer to the story about the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in 5:1–10. In some languages the word “those” would be more natural here. For example:

those events

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 6:2

6:2a

So: The Greek word here is often translated “and” or “but.” For example:

And (Revised Standard Version)

The following verses imply that the apostles called a meeting as a result of the problem in 6:1. The Berean Standard Bible and some English versions translate the Greek word as So.

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to imply the connection.

the Twelve: This refers to the twelve apostles. The twelve disciples of the Gospels are called “apostles” in Acts (for example: 1:2 and 5:40).

Some languages must have a noun to go with the number. If that is true in your language, add the word “apostles” here. That is what they are called in chapters 1–5. For example:

the twelve apostles (Good News Translation)

summoned: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as summoned indicates that the apostles sent a message for the believers to gather. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

called…together (Good News Translation)
-or-
called a meeting (New Living Translation (2004))

all the disciples: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as all refers generally to the believers as a group. The apostles probably invited all to come, and probably many or most did. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek word:

the group of disciples
-or-
the disciples/believers

disciples: This word refers in general to believers. See how you translated it in 6:1.

6:2b

It is unacceptable: The Greek is more literally “it is not pleasing/acceptable.” The verse probably implies pleasing or acceptable to God, because God told them to tell his message about Jesus (5:20). Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

It is not acceptable
-or-

⌊God⌋ would not be pleased if we neglect

for us: The word for introduces what is not pleasing/acceptable. It does not mean “because” here.

neglect: The Greek word means “set aside a task in order to not do it.” Here are some other ways to translate this word:

turn away from
-or-
ignore/avoid

the word of God: Some English versions add the words “the ministry of” to make it clear that this verse implies telling others the word of God, implying the gospel of Jesus (5:42). Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the ministry of the word of God (New International Version)
-or-
preaching the word of God (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
teaching the word of God (New Living Translation (2004))

The phrase the word of God refers to the message that God told the apostles to tell others. It implies the gospel of Jesus. It does not refer to a single word. For example:

God’s message (Contemporary English Version)

6:2c

wait on tables: There are two ways to interpret the Greek words here:

(1) It refers to bringing food to people at a table who have come for a meal. It is similar to a waiter in a restaurant but these people were too poor to buy the food. For example:

give out food (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, English Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word)

(2) It refers to taking and giving money. For example:

handle finances (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek lexicons do not mention that these Greek words refer to handling money.

General Comment on 6:2b–c

Some languages must have the judgment of a thing after mentioning that thing. For example:

2bFor us to neglect preaching the word of God 2cin order to wait on tables 2bis not acceptable.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 15:19

Paragraph 15:19–21

15:19a

James stopped quoting scripture in 15:18, so the pronoun “my” refers to himself and not God. In some languages this change would be made clearer by introducing this verse to indicate James spoke for himself here. For example:

⌊James continued,⌋ “It is my…
-or-

⌊James, speaking for himself, said⌋ “It is my…
-or-

⌊James then said,⌋ “It is my…

It is my judgment: There are two issues:

Issue 1: Meaning

The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judgment has several possible meanings here:

(1) to have an opinion;

(2) to decide something;

(3) to formally decide as a judge.

The right meaning depends on how much authority James had over this meeting. But the Greek words and the context are not clear about that. 15:22–23 probably indicate that the apostles and elders were the ones who decided what the Gentile believers should do or not do. They decided to follow what James suggested here. So probably meaning (1) or (2) is correct.

The phrase It is my judgment is vague in English as to whether it follows (1), (2), or (3). Other ways to translate this phrase according to interpretation (1) or (2) are:

It is my opinion (Good News Translation)
-or-
I recommend

Issue 2: Emphasis

In the Greek, the pronoun “I” is emphasized. The Berean Standard Bible uses the phrase It is my to indicate that emphasis. Other ways to translate this are:

It is my own opinion
-or-
I myself recommend

15:19b

we should not cause trouble: The Greek is literally “not to trouble.” It indicates a general rule for any believer not to cause difficulties for the Gentile believers. It implies that James rejects the proposed requirement for the Gentile believers to follow the laws of Moses. Other ways to translate this are:

we should not trouble (Good News Translation)
-or-
we should impose no irksome restrictions (Revised English Bible)
-or-
we should not bother (New Century Version)
-or-
I don’t think we should place burdens (Contemporary English Version)

who are turning to God: This refers to changing allegiance/loyalty from idols to God. Non-Jews believed in Jesus, repented, stopped worshiping idols, and began to worship God.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to a physical turning. If so, translate the correct meaning. For example:

who stopped worshiping idols and are now worshiping God
-or-
who left their old ways and are now following God
-or-
who now believe in God
-or-
who are now submitting ⌊themselves⌋ to God

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 16:10

16:10a–b

As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave: They may have waited until morning to get ready. But they may have packed their things and left immediately to find a ship, because ships often left very early in the morning. For example:

As soon as Paul had this vision, we got ready (Good News Translation)

16:10b

we: This pronoun probably indicates that Luke now joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

If this change from “they” (16:8) to we is confusing to readers in your language, explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

At this time Luke joined Paul, Silas, and Timothy. So Luke, as the author of Acts, started writing “we.”

16:10c

concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them: This clause indicates the reason for leaving at once. For example:

because we decided that God had called us to preach the Good News to the people there (Good News Translation)

God had called us to preach the gospel: The verb called indicates that God told them to preach the gospel in Macedonia. Other ways to translate this clause are:

God had summoned us to preach the gospel
-or-
God had instructed us to preach the gospel
-or-
God wanted us to preach the gospel

gospel: This refers to the message about Jesus Christ. See how you translated this word in 8:40 or 15:7.

General Comment on 16:10b–c

16:10c indicates the reason for Paul and his companions to leave at once (16:10b). In some languages it is necessary or more natural to have the reason first. For example:

10cwe concluded that God had called us to preach the gospel to them, so 10bwe got ready at once to leave for Macedonia

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021