SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 34

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 17:12

17:12a

As a result: In the Greek 17:12a starts with a Greek phrase that means “accordingly” or “therefore.” The Berean Standard Bible translates it as As a result. Here is another way to translate this:

So, (New Century Version)

But the New International Version and some English versions allow the context to indicate the connection and do not translate the Greek phrase.

believed: Here this word means “accepted that the message about Jesus as the Christ is true.” It here implies that the person who believes will commit himself to following Jesus.

In some languages it may be good to use more than one verb to express this type of belief. For example:

believed ⌊in Jesus⌋ ⌊and commit to him⌋
-or-
believed ⌊and follow Jesus⌋

See how you translated this word in 4:4 or 16:34.

17:12b

quite a few prominent Greek women and men: The Greek words are literally “of prominent Greek women and of men, not a few.” The idiom “not a few” emphasizes the meaning of “many.” It applies to both women and men here. The word Greek also applies to both women and men here. For example:

many Greek women of high social standing and many Greek men (Good News Translation)

prominent: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as prominent refers to someone of high social status. Other ways to translate this word are:

of high social standing (Good News Translation)
-or-
important (New Century Version)

See how you translated this word in 13:50 (“prominence”).

Greek: Since the people of Berea spoke the Greek language, the word Greek here refers to people who spoke Greek as their first language. It may imply people from other places (but not Jews). However, you should translate it as people who spoke Greek as their first language here.

© 2001, 2021 by SIL International®
Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.
All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 18:10

18:10a

For: This word introduces the reason for Paul to not be afraid and to continue speaking to people about Jesus. For example:

because (NET Bible)

Some English versions allow the context to imply the connection and do not translate the Greek word.

I am with you: This clause indicates that Jesus supported Paul, empowered him, guided him, and helped him. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly refer only to physical presence. If that is true in your language, translate in a way that includes the correct meaning. For example:

I support you
-or-
I will help you always

no one will lay a hand on you: The Greek words here are literally “no one will attack you to harm you.” The goal of the words lay a hand on is to do harm. The Jews opposed Paul and brought him to court (18:12), but they were unable to harm him. So this attack did not result in harm to Paul. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

no one will lay a hand on you to harm you (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
no one will attack you that will result in harm to you
-or-
no attack shall harm you (Revised English Bible)

lay a hand on: Here the words lay a hand on refers to coming against someone for the purpose of harming them. Other ways to translate this word are:

fight
-or-
come/be against

18:10b

because I have many people in this city: The word because introduces the second reason for Paul to not be afraid and to continue speaking to people about Jesus. For example:

⌊Do not be afraid and continue to speak⌋ because I have many people in this city
-or-

⌊Do those things⌋ because I have many people in this city

Some English versions allow the context to imply the connection and do not translate the Greek word. They separate this reason from the promise of a lack of harm by starting a new sentence. For example:

Many people in this city belong to me. (Contemporary English Version)

I have many people in this city: This clause in Greek is literally “a (group of) people to me is big in this city.” It indicates that Jesus has already chosen many people in Corinth to become believers. It encouraged Paul to preach because many people would become believers. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there are many in this city who are my people (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Many people in this city are ready to become my people

people: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as people indicates that Jesus has chosen a group of people from the Jews and Gentiles to believe in him. They together become God’s people in Jesus. For example:

my people (Good News Translation)

See how you translated this word in 15:14.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 19:14

19:14

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this: This verse is literally “(There) were seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, doing this.” It introduces an example of Jews driving out evil spirits (19:13). For example:

Among those who did this were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest. (New Jerusalem Bible)

The word “certain” probably indicates that Luke did not expect his readers to know who Sceva was.

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest: Among the Jewish priests, all their leaders came from certain families. The phrase chief priest indicates that Sceva was from one of those families. He was not the official high priest, the leader of all the priests. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Seven sons of Sceva, a leader of the Jewish priests

For additional help translating chief priest, see Chief Priests, sense 2 in Key Biblical Terms.

were doing this: The word this refers to using the name of Jesus to force evil spirits to leave (19:13). In some languages the word “that” would be more natural. For example:

were doing that

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 20:5

20:5

These men: This phrase refers to the seven men of 20:4.

went on ahead and waited for us in Troas: Troas was a city in the province of Asia. It was a coastal city on the Aegean Sea. The men had to sail on a ship across part of the Aegean Sea in order to get to Troas. Other ways to translate this are:

went ahead of us, ⌊crossed the sea,⌋ ⌊landed at⌋ ⌊the city of⌋ Troas, and waited for us there

went on ahead: It is possible that:

(1) the seven men went with Paul to Macedonia, then left him there to go ahead to Troas,

(2) the seven men left Paul in Corinth to go ahead to Troas.

The words seem to imply interpretation (2). But Luke joined Paul in this verse. Many scholars believe he was living in Macedonia at this time. This would imply interpretation (1). If possible, translate in a way that allows either interpretation.

us: This pronoun indicates that Luke was with Paul again. It is also possible that other believers traveled with Paul and Luke at this time.

Troas: See how you spelled this name in 16:11.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 20:37

20:37

The actions in this verse (weep, embrace, and kiss) all took place after the prayer in 20:36 was finished. Some languages must make this clear. For example:

⌊Then⌋ they all wept…
-or-

⌊After they finished praying,⌋ they all wept…

They all wept openly: The Greek clause says there was much/great weeping. It is not clear whether this means that they wept a long time or that they wept loudly. If possible, translate in a way that allows either meaning. For example:

There was much weeping among them all (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
They all wept greatly
-or-
Everyone cried a lot (God’s Word)

wept openly: This word refers to water coming from the eyes and probably noises of sadness. Do not use the word “mourn,” as when someone dies.

they embraced Paul and kissed him: At that time, it was common for men to hug and kiss each other on the cheek when greeting or parting. These actions showed that they respected him and loved him like a brother.

In some languages the word embraced or the word kissed has a different meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate literally and explain it in your translation. For example:

they hugged him and kissed him ⌊with the kiss of brothers⌋
-or-
They hugged him and kissed him good-bye (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊in brotherly love⌋ they hugged and kissed him
-or-
they gave him ⌊Christian/holy⌋ hugs and kisses

• Translate the meaning of showing respect, affection, or brotherly love when leaving. For example:

bid/wished him farewell ⌊as brothers⌋ ⌊in Christ⌋

• Translate literally and explain it in a footnote. An example footnote is:

At that time, it was common for men to hug and kiss each other on the cheek when greeting or parting. These actions showed respect, affection, or brotherly love.

embraced: The Greek words are literally “having fallen on the neck of Paul.” This is an idiom that refers to hugging the body or neck of someone.

kissed: This word refers to a kiss on the cheek. The Greek verb indicates continual or repeated action. Each elder probably kissed Paul more than once. This showed that they loved him very much as their leader. For example:

they repeatedly kissed him (New American Standard Bible)

Or you may want to indicate generally that they hugged and kissed him. For example:

they wept embracing Paul and kissing him

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 21:31

Paragraph 21:31–36

21:31a

While they were trying to kill him: 21:32c indicates that the crowd was beating Paul. They probably used their fists.

21:31b

commander: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commander means “leader of one thousand.” The Latin phrase is “tribunus militum.” This kind of officer commanded six hundred to a thousand soldiers in the Roman army. This leader would have six to ten centurions under him who each would lead about 100 soldiers. Other ways to translate this word are:

tribune (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
officer (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
commanding officer (NET Bible)

the Roman regiment: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Roman regiment refers to an army unit of six hundred to a thousand soldiers. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the cohort (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the Roman troops (New International Version)
-or-
the Roman army in Jerusalem (New Century Version)

See how you translated this Greek word in 10:1 (“Regiment”).

Roman: This word means “from Rome” or “under submission to the government in Rome.” The Roman people named themselves by their capital city, Rome.

received a report: This clause indicates that someone told the commander. Other ways to translate this clause are:

word came (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
a report was sent to
-or-
someone told/reported

received: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as received is literally “went up.” Here it probably means “went to someone in authority.” The fortress was above the temple area, so someone from the temple area may have actually gone up to the commander. But more likely a lookout in the fortress tower overlooking the temple area descended to tell the commander.

21:31c

was in turmoil: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was in turmoil refers to being angry and disorderly. It is the same Greek word translated as “stirred up” at 21:27c. But here it refers to being angry and disorderly rather than causing others to be angry and disorderly. Other ways to translate this Greek word are:

acted like a mob
-or-
was/were upset and disorderly
-or-
was/were angry and ready to riot

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 22:24

22:24a

the commander ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks: The clause that Paul be brought is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

the officer ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the barracks (God’s Word)

the commander: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commander means “leader of one thousand soldiers.” This kind of officer commanded six hundred to a thousand soldiers in the Roman army. Other ways to translate this word are:

tribune (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
commanding officer (NET Bible)

See how you translated this word in 21:31 or 21:37.

barracks: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as barracks means “a place where soldiers lived.” Here it refers to the stone fortress next to the temple. See how you translated this word in 21:34.

22:24b

He directed that Paul be flogged and interrogated: The Greek words are literally “to be questioned with whips.” The Romans usually flogged the person first, then took him to the leader so he could question the person. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

to be examined by scourging (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
to be flogged and then questioned

Paul be flogged and interrogated: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊they⌋ flog him and bring him for the commander to question

flogged: Here the word flogged refers to using a whip on a person’s back. The Roman whip used for flogging was made of several leather strips attached to a wooden handle. Often the strips had pieces of metal or bone attached to them to cut deeper into skin.

Other ways to translate this word are:

whipped (God’s Word)
-or-
scourged

In some languages a literal translation would not indicate that the skin would be deeply cut. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the kind of whip in the translation. For example:

cut his skin with a whip ⌊having broken bits of bone tied on⌋

• Translate literally and explain the kind of whip in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The Roman whip was made of several strips of leather. Often pieces of sharp bone or metal were tied to these strips to cut the skin and increase the pain.

22:24c

to determine the reason for this outcry against him: The Roman commander wanted to know what crime Paul had done that caused the people to shout so angrily. Other ways to translate this clause are:

so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
in order to find out ⌊what Paul had done wrong⌋ that caused the people to shout at him like that

this outcry against him: The Jewish crowd shouted for the Roman commander to kill Paul. For example:

were shouting against him
-or-
were shouting demanding his death

him: Here this pronoun refers to Paul.

General Comment on 22:24a–c

Some languages use direct speech for commands. For example:

the commander ordered, “Take this man into the barracks. Flog him and ⌊then⌋ bring him to me so that I can question him to find out why the people are shouting at him like this.”

It is implied that the soldiers obeyed the commander and took Paul into the barracks. 22:25 occurred before they started to flog Paul. In some languages, it is more natural to indicate explicitly that the soldiers did as the commander ordered. If that is true in your language, you may want to add the implied information. For example:

…in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. ⌊So the soldiers took Paul into the barracks.⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 23:26

23:26–30

Verses 26–30 are the commander’s letter to the governor. It may be helpful to your readers to use indents or another format that will show that what follows is the letter. The Berean Standard Bible is one example.

The Good News Translation puts the whole letter in quotes. For example:

26“Claudius Lysias to His Excellency, Governor Felix…30cI have told his accusers to make their charges against him before you.”

23:26a

Claudius Lysias: Claudius Lysias is the name of the commander who wrote this letter.

Here the writer identified himself. In some languages, it is more natural to use a complete sentence here. For example:

⌊I am⌋ Claudius Lysias.
-or-

⌊I,⌋ Claudius Lysias, ⌊write⌋

23:26b

His Excellency: This phrase was an address of honor to people of high social status, like a governor. Felix was more important in status than the commander. Use a word or phrase from your language with that meaning.

See how you translated this Greek word in Luke 1:3 (“most excellent”).

23:26c

Greetings: The Greek word here is literally “to rejoice.” People at that time used this word as a greeting to begin a letter. Other ways to translate this word are:

I greet you!
-or-
I give you goodness

Use the usual word or phrase of greeting in your language that would be fitting for someone of high position.

See how you translated this word in 15:23.

Search

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021