SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 17

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 5:13

5:13a

Although: The Greek word here is usually translated as “but.” For example:

but (Revised Standard Version)

the people regarded them highly: The Greek is more literally “the people regarded highly them.” The people said good things about the believers and how they behaved. Here are some other ways to translate this:

the people spoke highly of them (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people said that they were good people

5:13b

no one else: The Greek is more literally “no one of the rest.” The “rest” is those other than the people named in 5:12b. The people named in 5:12b were the believers, so the “rest” would be Jews who did not believe in Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate it:

None of the rest (NET Bible)
-or-
Nobody outside the group (Good News Translation)
-or-
No other ⌊Jews⌋

dared to: This word refers to being bold enough to do something. No Jew was bold enough to join the believers, unless they actually believed in Jesus as the Christ (5:14). Here are some other ways to translate this word:

had the courage to
-or-
was brave enough to

join: The Greek word here means “be closely associated.” The word may refer to people going to the meetings of believers, doing things with the believers, or becoming believers in Jesus. For example:

associate (New American Standard Bible)

But many English versions translate the Greek word as join, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 6:4

6:4

and: The Greek can also mean “but.” Some languages may see contrast between the apostles giving the responsibility to the seven men and devoting themselves to prayer and preaching. For example:

But (English Standard Version)

will devote ourselves to: The Greek word here refers to persevering in something that requires an effort to do. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek word:

give our attention to (New International Version)
-or-
labor continuously

ourselves: This word is emphatic in the Greek. For example:

as for us, we
-or-
We ourselves, then (Good News Translation)

prayer: This word refers to what people say to God. It can include both requests and praises. See how you translated this word in 1:14 or 3:1.

the ministry of the word: Here this phrase refers to the work of God’s message. It implies preaching or teaching God’s message to others or using it in evangelism, as in 6:2. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the ministry of ⌊telling/preaching⌋ the message
-or-
the work of ⌊proclaiming God’s⌋ message

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 15:21

15:21a–b

For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath: The people who knew about the laws of Moses mentioned here is left implied. James probably implied that the Gentile Christians knew them. (It was assumed that the Jewish Christians did.) Christians did not yet have their own scriptures, so people read and taught Jewish scriptures. So they would already know about these rules. The concern was that Christians should not offend Jews in hope that some may decide to believe in Jesus.

In some languages some of the implied information may be needed to make the translation clear. For example:

For Moses has been proclaimed ⌊to non-Jews⌋ in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath

15:21a

For: This word introduces the reason that the Gentile believers could know about the laws of Moses and follow what James said in 15:20.

Moses has been proclaimed in every city: The Greek is literally “Moses has had in every city the (ones) preaching him.” This refers to Jews preaching the laws of Moses. They preached to other Jews, but some may have preached to Gentiles too. Other ways to translate this clause are:

these laws of Moses have been preached in Jewish synagogues in every city (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Jews have taught the laws/writings of Moses in every city

Moses: The name Moses refers here to the laws that God gave to Moses. For example:

the Law of Moses (Good News Translation)

proclaimed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proclaimed means “announce” or “proclaim.” Jews read aloud the laws of Moses in the synagogues and taught them.

See how you translated this word in 8:5 (“proclaimed”) or 10:42 (“preach”).

in every city: The Greek is literally “from city to city.” It indicates that Jews preached in many cities. For example:

in city after city (Contemporary English Version)

city: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as city refers to either towns or cities. They are larger and more important than villages, which is a different Greek word. Do not use a word that refers only to large, modern cities of today. For example:

town (Good News Translation)

from ancient times: The Greek is literally “from ancient generations.” Jews began living in cities outside of Judea at the time of the exile, about 600 years before this. Other ways to translate this are:

for generations past (Revised English Bible)
-or-
for a very long time (Good News Translation)

15:21b

is read: People read the laws of Moses aloud so that everyone in the synagogue could hear them. This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊people⌋ read aloud

synagogues: The synagogues are buildings where Jews gather to pray, read scripture, teach, and worship. They also gathered there for cultural activities. There was only one temple (in Jerusalem), but all except the smallest Jewish communities had a synagogue. Some ways to translate synagogues are:

prayer-houses of the Jews
-or-
meeting-places of the Jews
-or-
Jewish worship buildings
-or-
houses for Jews to gather together

If you make explicit a phrase such as “of the Jews,” be sure that it does not imply that James was not a Jew.

If the word synagogues is already known in your area, you may write it according to the sounds of your language. You may want to include a word or phrase to explain the meaning. For example:

sinagog houses/buildings

See how you translated this word in 6:9 or 14:1.

Sabbath: The word Sabbath is the name of the seventh and last day of the week for the Jews. The Sabbath was the special day in the week when the Jews rested and worshiped God.

Some ways to translate Sabbath are:

the ⌊Jewish⌋ rest day
-or-
the day to worship God

If the word Sabbath is already known in your area, you may write it according to the sounds of your language. You may also want to include a phrase to explain the meaning. For example:

Sabat, the ⌊Jews’⌋ day for resting and worship

Be careful that the term you choose is not confused with Sunday, the day when Christians worship. The Sabbath for the Jews began at sundown on Friday and went until sundown on Saturday. You may want to include a footnote to give more information. An example footnote is:

The Sabbath is a name for the seventh day of the week. It is the day when the Jews rested from work and worshiped God.

See how you translated this word in 13:14.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 16:12

16:12a

From there we went to the Roman colony of Philippi: The city of Philippi was about sixteen kilometers (ten miles) inland from the coast. It was about 190 meters (600 feet) above sea level. It was a journey of about four or five hours on foot. Other ways to translate this clause are:

From there/Neapolis, we walked to ⌊the city/town of⌋ Philippi
-or-
Then we went by land to Philippi (New Century Version)

16:12b

the Roman colony of Philippi: This phrase indicates that Philippi belonged to Rome and its citizens were citizens of Rome, even though the land was in Macedonia. The authorities governed the city according to Roman law. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a city officially a part of Rome
-or-
a city legally ruled by Roman leaders
-or-
a city following the Roman ways

the leading city of that district of Macedonia: There is a textual issue regarding the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leading:

(1) The Greek phrase reads “of first of the district of Macedonia city.” So “first” connects to the word city and means “important.” For example:

the principal city of that district of Macedonia (New Jerusalem Bible)

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

(2) The Greek phrase reads “first of district of the Macedonia city.” So “first” connects to the word district and means “first.” For example:

a city of the first district of Macedonia (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1), because the UBS Handbook Greek NT chose it.

the leading city: This phrase in Greek is literally “a first/prominent city.” Philippi was not the capital city of Macedonia or of that district in Macedonia, but it was an important city. For example:

a leading city (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
a major city (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
a praiseworthy city
-or-
a city with a big name

that district of Macedonia: There were four districts in the province of Macedonia. Philippi was an important city in that particular district.

16:12c

we stayed there several days: This refers to the time before the Sabbath day mentioned in 16:13.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 17:4

17:4a

Some of the Jews: This phrase in Greek is literally “some of them.” Since Paul and Silas were in a synagogue, the pronoun “them” refers to Jews. The Berean Standard Bible probably translates the pronoun “them” as Jews to clearly indicate that this group were Jews, and not the Greeks and Greek women of 17:4b.

were persuaded: This refers to the Jews deciding that what Paul said was true. For example:

believed what Paul had said (Contemporary English Version)

joined Paul and Silas: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as joined is literally “were assigned to.” God assigned these Jews to be in the same group as Paul and Silas. They were now in God’s family as believers in Jesus, like Paul and Silas. Other ways to translate this word are:

were assigned to be with Paul and Silas
-or-

⌊God⌋ brought them into the group of Paul and Silas
-or-
became a part of Paul and Silas’s group

17:4b–c

along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women: The words along with indicate that these groups also were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas. Other ways to translate this are:

along with many of the Greeks who worshiped God and many of the important women (New Century Version)
-or-
A large number of God-fearing Greeks and many prominent women were also persuaded and joined Paul and Silas.

17:4b

God-fearing Greeks:
The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as God-fearing means “worshiping.” Here these Greek men worshiped the God of the Jews. But they had not converted completely to Judaism by being circumcised. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

Greeks who worshiped God (Good News Translation)
-or-
Greek men who worshiped ⌊the true⌋ God

Greeks: The basic meaning of this word is “people who are from Greece.” But in the New Testament the word usually refers to anyone who is not a Jew. So it includes Romans and other non-Jewish peoples. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to people from Greece. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Use a more general word. For example:

Gentiles (Contemporary English Version)

• Explain its meaning in a footnote. An example footnote is:

This word in the New Testament usually refers to anyone who is not a Jew. Most of the people here were probably Greeks, but there may have been some Romans and people from other nations.

quite a few: The phrase quite a few is a figure of speech that emphasizes the meaning of “many.”

leading women: These women had high status in Thessalonica. They were probably Greek women rather Jewish women. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

prominent women (New International Version)
-or-
important women (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
influential ⌊Greek⌋ women

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 18:2

18:2a

There he found a Jew named Aquila: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as found is literally “found.” Here the word means “made the acquaintance of.” Paul did not know Aquila before, therefore he found…Aquila for the first time. Other ways to translate this clause are:

There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
There he came upon a Jewish man named Aquila

a Jew: Aquila’s ancestors were from Israel. He probably also followed the Jewish religion growing up. So Aquila was a Jew by ethnic group and religion. His name is a Latin name, not a Jewish name. So Luke made it clear here that Aquila was a Jew. But it is not clear if he and his wife were Christians at this time, because Luke did not call them believers here.

a native of Pontus: Pontus was a region north of the province of Galatia. It was the eastern portion of the Roman province of Bithynia and Pontus. His parents lived in Pontus and Aquila was born there. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

he was from Pontus
-or-
he was born in Pontus
-or-
a Pontus man

The Greek phrase translated a native of is translated “from” in 4:36, but the meaning is the same.

18:2b

who had recently come from Italy: This clause tells the reader more about Aquila. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Luke was thinking of other men named Aquila and only this one had recently come from Italy. If that is true in your language, translate this information in a way that tells more about Aquila. One way to do that is to start a new sentence here. For example:

He had recently come from Italy

Italy: Italy was the native country of the Romans. Their capital city was Rome. 18:2c clearly implies that Aquila and Priscilla lived in Rome but were forced to leave.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that they lived in Italy but not Rome. If that is true in your language, you may want to include the implied information. For example:

⌊Rome,⌋ Italy
-or-

⌊Rome, the capital of⌋ Italy

18:2c

Claudius: Claudius was the emperor of the Roman empire at that time. In some languages people are not familiar with who Claudius was. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain who he was in your translation. For example:

Emperor Claudius (Good News Translation)

• Explain who he was in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Claudius was the emperor/ruler of the Roman empire at that time.

18:2d

Paul went to visit them: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as went to visit is literally “approached.” It indicates that he went to ask something. He probably went to ask if he could stay in their house. Other ways to translate this clause are:

He came to them, (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Paul went to them to ask ⌊about a place to stay⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 19:6

19:6a

Paul laid his hands on them: The purpose of placing hands on them was to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. In some languages a literal translation would not imply that. If that is true in your language, you may want to include the implied information. For example:

Paul laid his hands on them ⌊and prayed⌋
-or-
Paul laid his hands on them ⌊and prayed for the Holy Spirit to live in them⌋

Paul probably laid his hands on their heads. Some languages must say where Paul put his hands. For example:

Paul laid his hands on each of their ⌊heads⌋ ⌊and prayed⌋ ⌊for each of them⌋

the Holy Spirit came upon them: This clause indicates that the Holy Spirit came in order to be with them. He would guide them and enable them to live as God wanted them to. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the Holy Spirit entered/indwelt them
-or-
the Holy Spirit joined ⌊himself⌋ to them
-or-
The Holy Spirit was given to them (Contemporary English Version)

19:6b

and they spoke in tongues and prophesied: The context implies that the Holy Spirit caused these men to speak in tongues and prophesy. The Greek grammar indicates that they spoke in tongues and prophesied more than once. For example:

they began speaking with tongues and prophesying (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
they began to talk in other languages and to speak what God had revealed (God’s Word)

tongues: This word may refer to:

(1) other human languages that they did not know but the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak (2:4–6);

(2) some other language inspired by the Holy Spirit (10:46, 1 Corinthians 12:10).

In either case, the men themselves and any people listening could not understand the words. Consider how to translate this word in a way that allows both interpretations. For example:

strange tongues (Good News Translation)
-or-
unknown languages (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
other languages (God’s Word)
-or-
words/language ⌊they couldn’t understand⌋

prophesied: This verb means “spoke a message from God.” God gave them messages to say at this time and they spoke them. Other ways to translate this word are:

spoke on God’s behalf
-or-
spoke messages from God
-or-
made known messages that God revealed to them

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 19:38

19:38a–b

if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available: The word if is used rhetorically. The city clerk knew that Demetrius was upset with Paul and had caused this uproar in the city. The city clerk explained what Demetrius should have done. He perhaps implied that Demetrius did not have a proper complaint. It is probably an implied rebuke for causing the uproar. If possible, translate this as an implied rebuke. For example:

Supposing Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls.
-or-
Do Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody? ⌊Then they should realize that⌋ the courts are open and there are proconsuls.

19:38a

So: This word introduces what the city clerk concludes should happen. Introduce the conclusion naturally in your language. For example:

So then, (New American Standard Bible)

his fellow craftsmen: This phrase in Greek is literally “the craftsmen with him.” It refers to the craftsmen in 19:24. It probably includes the workmen of related trades in 19:25. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the craftsmen he has with him (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the craftsmen who are with him (New American Standard Bible)

have a complaint against anyone: The word complaint refers to accusing someone of wrongdoing. A person with a complaint against someone can take him to court. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

have an accusation against anyone (Good News Translation)
-or-
accuse someone of breaking the law
-or-
have a charge (New Century Version)
-or-
have evidence-to-present for a person’s crime

19:38b

proconsuls: The proconsuls were governors of the province under Roman rule. They were also the highest judges in the province. The city clerk implies that such a lawsuit as Demetrius might present against Paul might go as high as the highest judge in the province.

Many languages will not have a word that refers to this kind of official. The office of judge is the important part here. For example:

⌊even⌋ the highest judges of the province
-or-
provincial judges

19:38c

Let them bring charges against one another there: This clause in Greek is literally “let (them) bring charges against one another.” It indicates that if two groups have a problem, either group can accuse the other group in court. It probably refers generally to anyone accusing someone in court. But the city clerk implies here that Demetrius and the other craftsmen should accuse Paul in court, if they want to accuse him of something. Other ways to translate this clause are:

They can press charges. (New International Version)
-or-
let the parties bring their charges and countercharges (Revised English Bible)
-or-
let them accuse each other in court

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021