SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 45

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 21:33

21:33a

The commander came up: Here the phrase came up is an English idiom that means “came near.” It implies that the commander came through the crowd to stand near Paul. Other ways to translate this clause are:

The commander went over (Good News Translation)
-or-
The top/main officer approached

arrested: This word refers to taking hold of someone for the purpose of putting him under the authority of police or others. Other ways to translate this word are:

took hold (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
took…into custody (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
grabbed (God’s Word)

21:33b

ordering that he be bound with two chains: This phrase indicates that the commander ordered his soldiers to fasten a chain around each wrist. The clause he be bound is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

ordered ⌊his soldiers⌋ to bind him with two chains

The verse implies that the soldiers obeyed what the commander told them to do. In some languages this must be explicit. For example:

ordered ⌊soldiers⌋ to bind him with two chains, ⌊and they did⌋

21:33c

Then he asked who he was and what he had done: The commander asked the crowd who Paul was, and what he had done.

In some languages, it will be more natural to use direct speech. For example:

Then he asked, “Who is this man, and what has he done?” (Good News Translation)

asked: The Greek verb probably indicates that he asked these questions more than once. As 21:34 explains, the crowd did not answer him clearly, so he had to ask more than once. For example:

began asking (New American Standard Bible)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 22:26

Paragraph 22:26–28

22:26a–b

reported it…he said: The Greek words are literally “reported, saying.” It indicates that what he said in 22:26b was the main point of the report. For example:

reported to him, saying (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

In some languages it is not necessary to translate both verbs. For example:

said to him (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
asked him (Good News Translation)

See the note on “What are you going to do?” below as to whether you translate this rhetorical question as a question or a statement.

22:26a

On hearing this, the centurion went and reported it to the commander: These words imply that the soldiers did not do anything further to Paul. They waited until the centurion came back with orders from the commander.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply that they flogged him anyway. If that is true in your language, include the implied information in your translation. For example:

When the centurion heard this, ⌊he told the soldiers to not flog him. Then⌋ he went and reported it to the commander

22:26b

The centurion probably spoke with respect to the commander. Consider how to indicate that in your language.

What are you going to do?: This is a rhetorical question. It is a warning. The commander’s order to flog Paul was wrong now that they knew that Paul was a Roman citizen. (Roman law said it was illegal to flog a Roman citizen before a judge called him guilty.) It is probably not a rebuke. Translate this clause with that meaning. Some ways are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Do you realise what you are doing? (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
What is this that we(dual) almost did?

• As a statement. For example:

You were about to do something ⌊bad/wrong⌋!
-or-
We almost ⌊broke the law⌋!

• As a command. For example:

Consider what you are about to do.
-or-
Do not do what you were intending to do!

you: The commander was responsible for flogging Paul, because the soldiers were following his orders. Roman authorities would punish the commander for disobeying the law.

he said: The Berean Standard Bible placed the phrase he said in the middle of the spoken words. Place it where it would be most natural in your language. Also see the note on “reported it…he said” above.

This man is a Roman citizen: The Greek conjunction often translated as “for” introduces this clause. It introduces the explanation or reason for the warning: “What are you going to do?” For example:

For this man is a Roman citizen. (Revised Standard Version)

But some English versions do not find the conjunction necessary or natural here, and so omit it.

General Comment on 22:26b

Paul, the commander, and the centurion knew that it was illegal to flog a Roman citizen before a judge said that he was guilty. In some languages a literal translation would not indicate or imply that information. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain it in your translation. For example:

This man is a Roman citizen ⌊and we would be punished if we flogged him without a judge telling us to⌋.

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

Paul, the commander, and the centurion knew that it was illegal to flog a Roman citizen before a judge said that he was guilty.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 23:28

23:28a

their charges against him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as charges means “cause,” “reason,” “charge,” or “accusation.” Other ways to translate this clause are:

the reason they were accusing him
-or-
the basis of the accusations against him (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
what they were saying he had done wrong

23:28b

brought him down: The Sanhedrin meeting hall was downhill from the Roman barracks. In some languages including down would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, translate as the New International Version does.

brought him

their Sanhedrin: The word Sanhedrin is a Greek word that means “council.” Here this phrase refers to the Jewish high council. See how you translated the word Sanhedrin in 4:15 or 23:20.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 24:25

24:25a

As Paul expounded: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as expounded refers to discussing topics and explaining one’s views on them. Other ways to translate this Greek word are:

as he was discussing (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
as he reasoned (English Standard Version)
-or-
Paul talked/explained for some time

The Greek tense on the verb probably indicates that Paul talked with Felix (and possibly Drusilla) for some time.

righteousness: This word refers to doing what is right and good in God’s sight. A righteous person has good morals and integrity. He does what God requires him to do. Other ways to translate this word are:

uprightness (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
straight ways
-or-
what God wants people to do

See how you translated this Greek word in 10:35 (“what is right”).

self-control: This word refers to a person choosing to not do something that he believed is not right to do, even though he is tempted to do it. Other ways to translate this word are:

controlling one’s desires
-or-
self-discipline

24:25b

the coming judgment: This phrase refers to a time in the future when God will judge all people for what they have done while living on the earth. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

future judgment (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the coming Day of Judgment (Good News Translation)
-or-
when God will judge all people

24:25c

Felix became frightened: Felix became afraid based on the things Paul was saying about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. For example:

Felix was afraid (New International Version)

24:25d

You may go for now: This phrase in Greek is literally “having the now, go.” “Having the now” is an idiom that means “at the present time.” It compares the present time to another time when something happened.

Felix wanted to end the discussion at this time, and he wanted Paul to leave, implying that he would talk with Paul again later. Other ways to translate these words are:

Go/Leave, for now
-or-
Today, go ⌊back⌋ ⌊to your room⌋
-or-
That’s enough for us right now. Go.

You may go for now: The Greek clause is a polite command to go. As governor, Felix had the authority to tell people to leave. See the above examples.

This command probably implies rejection of Paul’s message at this time.

24:25e

When I find the time: This clause in Greek is literally “having found time.” It indicates that later when Felix found some spare time, he would talk to Paul again. Other ways to translate this clause are:

When I find it convenient (New International Version)
-or-
when I have an opportunity (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
when I get the chance (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 26:3

26:3a

especially since you are acquainted: This clause in Greek is literally “especially you being an expert” with the word “expert” following the word “especially.” There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) The word especially connects to the whole clause (26:3a–b). For example:

particularly since you know so well (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version, Revised English Bible, King James Version)

(2) The word especially connects to expert. For example:

because you are especially familiar (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, God’s Word, NET Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the more so because you are an expert (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
particularly as you are expert (Revised English Bible)

This clause implies the words “I consider myself fortunate” from 26:2a, but does not repeat it here. In some languages it is more natural to repeat these words here. For example:

and ⌊I consider myself⌋ even more ⌊fortunate⌋ that you are an expert

26:3b

the Jewish customs: Here the word customs refers to habits and things that people usually do. Here, it refers mostly to religious duties and practices. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the Jewish ⌊religious⌋ practices
-or-
the usual ways that the Jews do things

controversies: This word refers to topics that people disagree about. This is the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “contentions” in 25:19. See how you translated the Greek word there.

26:3c

I beg you…to listen: Here the word beg refers to earnestly asking. You should not use a word that implies begging for money or things. For example:

I ask you, then, to listen (Good News Translation)
-or-
Now please listen (New Living Translation (2004))

patiently: This word refers to being calm while waiting for something to happen. Paul wanted King Agrippa to calmly listen while Paul told his story. Paul also spoke in a polite way to help make the king ready to listen.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:3

27:3a

we landed at Sidon: This clause indicates that the captain of the ship brought the ship to a dock at Sidon, and the sailors tied the ship to the dock. People could then come and go and workers could load or unload cargo. Other ways to translate this clause are:

we arrived at Sidon (Good News Translation)
-or-
we docked at Sidon (New Living Translation (2004))

Sidon: See how you translated this word in 12:20.

27:3b

Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as with consideration refers to acting with compassion or in a civilized manner. It explains why he allowed Paul to go into town. Other ways to translate this clause are:

Julius very considerately allowed Paul (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Julius wanted to help Paul, so he permitted him

27:3c

to…receive their care: Friends of Paul probably provided food and other things that he would need for a long sea voyage. Other ways to translate this clause are:

to be cared for (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
so they could give him whatever he needed (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and receive any care he needed (God’s Word)
-or-
and accept their hospitality (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:35

27:35a–b

After he had said this: The word this refers to Paul’s words in 27:33–34. In some languages the word “that” or the phrase “those words” would be more natural.

bread: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bread sometimes refers to food in general. But in 27:36 a different Greek word is used that refers to food in general. So here it is probably literal bread. Bread was the daily food of the people. In some languages bread is a special food that is not eaten every day. If so, you may want to:

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

Bread was the daily food of the people there.

• Use the word for the daily food of the people in your area. You may then want to explain the literal word in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Literally: bread. Bread was the daily food of the people there.

27:35c

he broke it: This refers to tearing the bread into two pieces. In some languages a different verb is more natural. For example:

he tore off a piece
-or-
he broke the bread in two

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:23

Paragraph 28:23–29

28:23a

So they set a day to meet with Paul: The Greek phrase here is literally “So, having set for him a day.” It indicates that the Jewish leaders living in Rome chose the day. Other ways to translate this Greek phrase are:

When they had set a day for Paul (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
When they had appointed a day for him (Revised Standard Version)

28:23b

many people came: In 28:17 Luke refers to “the leaders of the Jews” and here he describes them with the Greek word that can mean “many” or “more.” There are three ways to interpret the Greek word:

(1) It indicates more than previously. For example:

a larger number of influential Jews (God’s Word)

(New International Version, English Standard Version, God’s Word, NET Bible, New Century Version)

(2) It indicates a large number and implies more than previously. For example:

a large number of people came (New Living Translation (2004))

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New Living Translation (2004), Revised English Bible, King James Version)

(3) It indicates most of the previous group. For example:

a large number of them (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), but interpretation (2) is also possible. Interpretation (3) is possible but seems unlikely here, because it implies that the Jewish leaders in Rome were not very interested in what Paul has to say, but 28:22 indicates that they were interested.

the place he was staying: This refers to a place that someone other than the owner or his family lived. 28:30 further describes it as a rented place, either a whole house or an apartment in an apartment building. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the place/house/apartment where he lived
-or-
his house (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
his lodging (New American Standard Bible)

28:23c

He expounded: The Greek tense on expounded indicates that Paul took some time to expound. Other ways to translate this are:

he was explaining to them (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
he thoroughly explained ⌊his actions⌋

evening: Here this probably refers to at sunset or near that time rather than a long time after dark.

testifying: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testifying means here “testify” or “proclaim the truth earnestly.” Paul had an important message for both Jews and Greeks. Other ways to translate this word are:

faithfully reported
-or-
spoke truthfully about

the kingdom of God: This phrase usually refers to God’s activity of ruling his people and caring for them as their king. See how you translated this phrase in 1:3 or 19:8.

28:23d

persuading them about Jesus: This indicates that Paul told the Jews his reasons for believing that Jesus was the savior that God promised. He used the Old Testament (28:23e) as a basis for his reasons. The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as persuading them does not imply that Paul was successful in convincing them. For example:

tried to convince them about Jesus (New International Version)

about Jesus: This implies here that Paul explained that Jesus was the Messiah/Christ that God promised. In some languages a literal translation would not clearly imply that. If so, you may want to:

• Include the implied information in your translation. For example:

that Jesus ⌊was the promised Christ/savior⌋
-or-
that Jesus ⌊was the Messiah whom God had promised to send⌋
-or-
that Jesus ⌊was the person whom God had promised would save people⌋

• Translate literally and explain the implied information in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Paul tried to convince them that Jesus was the savior whom God had promised to send. He used verses from the Old Testament (the Law of Moses and the Prophets) to show that Jesus was that savior.

28:23e

from the Law of Moses and the Prophets: The phrase the Law of Moses refers to the first five books of the Old Testament. Moses wrote those books. The phrase the Prophets refers to Old Testament books that prophets wrote or were about prophets, for example: 1 & 2 Samuel and Isaiah. The two phrases together refer to the whole Old Testament here. Paul showed that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament about the Christ/Messiah. Other ways to translate these phrases are:

by quoting from the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets (Good News Translation)
-or-
He used the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
by appealing to the law of Moses and the prophets (Revised English Bible)
-or-
from ⌊what the prophets had said in⌋ the Scriptures

the Prophets: A prophet was a person who received messages from God. The message from God may be in words or visions. It may reveal something about a past, present, or future event, or it may reveal someone’s thoughts, motives, or attitudes. It is not like a sermon, prepared by the preacher’s study of the Bible, but God may inspire a preacher with a prophecy during a sermon. The person speaks the prophecy to the people or writes it down for their use. The Berean Standard Bible capitalizes “prophets” because here the word refers only to the Old Testament prophets. Here are some ways to translate Prophets:

the spokesmen for God
-or-
the men who speaks God’s words
-or-
God’s message-speakers

See how you translated this word in 2:16 or 26:27.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021