SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 49

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 6:6

6:6a

They: As in 6:5b, this word refers to the gathered believers, except the seven men and the apostles.

presented these seven: The Greek is more literally “stood these men.” It means that the believers brought the seven men to the apostles and made them stand in front of the apostles. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

put these men before (New Century Version)
-or-
had these men stand before (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
brought those men to

these seven: This refers to the seven men (6:5). In many languages “those” would be the correct word here.

apostles: See how you translated this word in 1:2 or 5:40.

6:6b

who prayed and laid their hands on them: This further describes the apostles. It does not separate these apostles from other apostles. For the correct meaning in some languages, translators must avoid the word who. For example:

They prayed and laid their hands on them

prayed and laid their hands on them: The praying probably happened before the laying of hands. For example:

after praying, they laid their hands on them (New American Standard Bible)

laid their hands on them: The laying on of hands is symbolic of giving a blessing or authority to do something. The apostles probably also said a few words as to the purpose of the laying of hands. Here, when the apostles laid hands on the seven men, they gave them the authority to look after the poor Grecian believing widows. Some languages must explain the purpose of the laying on of hands. For example:

laid their hands on them ⌊and commissioned them to that task⌋
-or-
laid their hands on them ⌊and gave to them the authority to look after those widows⌋

The apostles probably placed their hands on the heads of each of the seven men.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 15:23

15:23a

and sent them with this letter: The Greek is literally “having written by their hand.” The pronoun “their” probably refers to the apostles and elders. The phrase “by their hand” emphasizes that the apostles and elders wrote the letter that begins in 15:23b. Other ways to translate this are:

They wrote a letter that said: (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
They wrote this letter for them to deliver: (God’s Word)
-or-
The apostles and elders wrote this:

15:23b–c

The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings: This was the usual way to begin a letter in Greek. First the people writing introduced themselves. Then they said to whom they were writing. Then they had a short greeting. Many languages use a different style. The Good News Translation adds the pronoun “we” and translates Greetings as a verb for more natural English:

We, the apostles and the elders, your brothers, send greetings to all our brothers of Gentile birth who live in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. (Good News Translation)

15:23b

The apostles and the elders, your brothers:
The Greek is literally “the apostles and the elders, brothers.” The word brothers probably describes both the apostles and the elders. The Berean Standard Bible makes this clear with the comma and adding the pronoun your. For example:

The brothers, both the apostles and the elders (New Revised Standard Version)

the elders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as elders means “old men.” Here this word refers to men who were respected leaders. See how you translated this word in 15:2.

your brothers: The apostles and elders in Jerusalem described themselves as brothers of the Gentile believers. In this way they showed that they and the Gentile believers were all God’s children. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to describe them as brothers in a separate clause. If this is true in your language, an example is:

⌊and we are⌋ your brothers

brothers: Here the word brothers refers to believers in Jesus, both men and women. The word indicates a close relationship because all believers become children of God. See how you translated this word in 15:1.

15:23c

To the brothers among the Gentiles: This new sentence begins without a subject or verb. In some languages it is necessary or more natural to add a subject and verb. If this is true in your language, do so. For example:

⌊We write⌋ to the Gentile believers

the brothers among the Gentiles: The Greek is literally “brothers, those of the Gentiles.” This emphasizes the word brothers. The apostles and elders clearly indicated that they considered the Gentile believers to be their brothers and sisters through faith in Jesus. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the brothers who are Gentiles
-or-
our brothers of Gentile birth (Good News Translation)
-or-
In our(incl) faith, we are ⌊like⌋ brothers to you Gentiles
-or-
We are ⌊like⌋ brothers to you Gentiles because we also believe in Jesus

in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in is literally “throughout.” It indicates that the letter was for Gentile believers living in all parts of the provinces of Syria and Cilicia.

Antioch: The city of Antioch was in the province of Syria (the Romans had conquered Syria earlier and ruled it at that time).

Syria, and Cilicia: Both of these names refer to land that were at that time Roman provinces.

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:

We greet you!
-or-
We rejoice to write to you

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 16:14

16:14a–b

a dealer in purple cloth: This phrase probably indicates that Lydia had a business buying and selling purple cloth. She probably bought the cloth from those who made it and sold it to those who made clothes from it. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a seller of purple fabrics (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
whose job was selling purple cloth (New Century Version)

purple cloth: At that time purple cloth was very expensive. It implies that Lydia was wealthy or at least her work paid well. The Contemporary English Version indicates that the cloth was expensive, which helps to imply that information about Lydia:

expensive purple cloth (Contemporary English Version)

purple: Purple is a mix of blue and red:

Use the proper color word or use the name of something purple in your area. For example:

lavender color
-or-
the color of eggplant

from the city of Thyatira: This phrase indicates that Lydia was born in the city of Thyatira. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a Thyatira woman
-or-
her hometown was Thyatira

16:14c

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

She was a worshiper of God.

a worshiper of God: This phrase indicates that Lydia was not a Jew but worshiped the true God. However, she had not converted to following all of the Jewish religion. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

a ⌊non-Jew⌋ who worshiped God
-or-
a ⌊Gentile⌋ who believed in God

See how you translated the Greek word translated “worshiper” here at 13:50 (“religious”).

16:14d

The Lord: This refers to God. In some languages it is clearer or more natural to explain that here. For example:

The Lord ⌊God⌋

Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” God rules over all things. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 15:11.

opened her heart: This phrase is a figure of speech that indicates that the Lord enabled Lydia to believe what Paul was saying. It implies her whole being, not just her thinking. In some languages a different figure of speech is used for this meaning. For example:

prepared her heart/insides
-or-
worked in her heart/liver

In some languages the meaning of this figure of speech must be translated plainly. For example:

helped this woman to understand completely

heart: Here this word refers to the part of people that is used in English for where understanding and believing exist or function in a person. Some languages use a different place. For example:

liver
-or-
insides
-or-
mind

See how you translated this word in 7:23 (where the Berean Standard Bible translates the whole Greek phrase as “decided”) or 15:9.

to respond to Paul’s message: The word respond indicates that Lydia believed Paul’s message about Jesus. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

to accept what Paul was saying (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
to believe Paul’s message ⌊about Jesus⌋

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 17:6

17:6a

dragged: The word dragged refers figuratively to the mob forcing Jason to go to the officials. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate actually dragging him. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

forced/pulled

17:6b

brothers: This refers to believers. See how you translated this word in 15:1 or 16:40.

the city officials: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the city officials is literally “city-rulers.” It refers to the top leaders in a city. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the leaders of the city (New Century Version)
-or-
the rulers of the city (King James Version)

shouting: The context implies that the mob arrived in front of the city officials and then shouted. Probably the leaders of the mob shouted to the city officials over the noise of the mob. For example:

and shouted (Good News Translation)

The speakers from the mob said exaggerated and misleading things. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply that all they said was true. If that is true in your language, you may want to indicate in your translation that the words of 17:6c–7c are misleading. For example:

shouted ⌊lies⌋
-or-

⌊deceitfully⌋ shouted

17:6c

These men who have turned the world upside down: This phrase refers to Paul and Silas. It does not refer to Jason and the other believers (17:7a). Translate in a way that clearly refers to Paul and Silas. For example:

Those men who have made trouble (God’s Word)
-or-
Paul and Silas have caused trouble all over the world (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-

The people who have been turning the whole world upside down (New Jerusalem Bible)

The phrase probably indicates that the Jews leading the crowd thought that Paul and Silas were bad people.

who have turned the world upside down: The speakers from the mob misled the officials. Paul and Silas were not trying to cause trouble, but some people in some cities opposed them and caused trouble. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Paul and Silas actually caused trouble. If that is so in your language, see the note above on “shouting.”

the world upside down: The speakers from the mob exaggerated. The word world probably refers to the Roman empire. Paul and Silas had been to some of the cities in one part of the Roman empire. In some languages a literal translation would wrongly imply that this phrase is true. If that is so in your language, you may want to indicate that this phrase is deceptive. See the note above on “shouting.”

You may also want to explain this phrase in a footnote. An example footnote is:

The word “world” refers to the Roman empire here. Paul and Silas had been to some of the cities in one part of the Roman empire. But the people exaggerated by shouting that Paul and Silas had been everywhere.

have now come here: This phrase in Greek is literally “are present here.” It indicates that Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica. For example:

and now they are here disturbing our city, too (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
are here ⌊in our city⌋

But since Paul and Silas were not present before the city rulers, your translation should not indicate or imply that they were present before the city rulers.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 18:4

18:4a

Sabbath: The Sabbath was the day in the week when the Jews worshiped God. See how you translated this word in 17:2.

he reasoned: The word reasoned indicates that Paul discussed the meaning of the Scriptures with the Jews. Paul tried to convince them that his beliefs about their meaning were correct. Other ways to translate this clause are:

he held discussions (Good News Translation)
-or-
he debated with them

See how you translated this phrase in 17:2.

Paul and the Jews used the Scriptures as a basis to reason from. This basis was the same as in Thessalonica (17:2). In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate or imply another basis. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the implied information in a footnote. An example footnote is:

As in Thessalonica (17:2), Paul and the Jews used the Scriptures as a basis to reason from.

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

he reasoned ⌊from the Scriptures⌋

synagogue: A synagogue was a building where Jews gathered to pray, read scripture, teach, and worship. The Jews also gathered there for cultural activities. Other ways to translate this word are:

prayer-house of the Jews
-or-
meeting-place of the Jews
-or-
Jewish worship building
-or-
house for Jews to gather together

See how you translated this word in 6:9 or 17:17.

18:4b

trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike: This phrase in Greek is literally “was persuading Jews and Greeks.” The Greek tense indicates effort for some time to persuade. For example:

and was speaking persuasively to Jews and Greeks
-or-
working at persuading Jews and Greeks

persuade Jews and Greeks alike: The word persuade refers to talking to someone so that he would decide that what you say is true. For example:

convince both Jews and Greeks (Good News Translation)

It is implied that Paul tried to persuade them to believe in Jesus as the Christ (18:5c). In some languages a literal translation would have another meaning. If that is true in your language, you may want to include the implied information in your translation. For example:

persuade Jews and Greeks ⌊about Jesus⌋

Since the clause “Jesus is the Christ” occurs in 18:5c, you should only refer generally to Jesus as in the example above.

Greeks: Since Corinth is in Greece, most of the non-Jewish people were Greeks. But some were probably from other countries. For example:

Gentiles (Contemporary English Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 19:8

Paragraph 19:8–10

19:8a

Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months: During this time Paul regularly went to the synagogue. He probably went at least once a week. For example:

He began going to the synagogue, where he spoke out fearlessly for three months, (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Then Paul went to the synagogue and preached boldly for the next three months (New Living Translation (2004))

19:8b

arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God: This clause describes “spoke boldly” in 19:8a. For example:

using both argument and persuasion as he talked of the kingdom of God (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
with persuasive argument spoke boldly about the kingdom of God (Revised English Bible)
-or-
arguing persuasively how about God rules his people

Some people probably believed and some people rejected Paul’s message. Your translation should not indicate or imply that he successfully convinced everyone to believe in Jesus.

arguing persuasively: The Greek words are literally “debating and persuading.” The word “debating” refers to two people or groups discussing something. The word “persuading” refers to someone trying to convince others that he is correct. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

holding discussions with them and trying to convince them (Good News Translation)
-or-
reasoning and persuading them (English Standard Version)

the kingdom of God: This phrase usually refers to God’s activity of ruling his people and caring for them as their king. For example:

God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
the way God rules his people
-or-
the way God cares for his people as king

Here Paul spoke to people who did not believe in Jesus. So most of the discussion was probably about Jesus fulfilling the Scriptures about the Christ. Paul probably did not talk much about how to live as a Christian. You may want to:

• Translate this phrase as you usually do (see 1:3, 8:12, or 14:22), but explain what it implies here in a footnote. An example footnote is:

Paul spoke here to people who did not believe in Jesus, so most of the discussion was probably about Jesus fulfilling the Scriptures about the Christ. Paul probably did not talk much about how to live as a Christian.

• Explain the implied meaning here in your translation. For example:

⌊how Jesus is the Christ in⌋ the kingdom of God
-or-

⌊how Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures about the Christ regarding⌋ the way God rules his people

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 19:40

19:40a

For: This phrase in Greek introduces a reason and indicates emphasis. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

For indeed (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
For…really (English Standard Version)

19:40b

we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting: Demetrius and the craftsmen caused an uproar in the city. The resulting crowd had spent about two hours shouting. So it was possible that the Roman authorities could accuse the people of Ephesus of rioting.

This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

we are in danger of ⌊the authorities⌋ charging us with rioting
-or-
some people might see this trouble today and say that we are rioting (New Century Version)

we are in jeopardy of: This clause refers to being at risk of the authorities accusing them of wrongdoing because of what they did. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

we run the risk of (God’s Word)
-or-
We could easily (New Jerusalem Bible)

charged with rioting: The word charged refers to someone accuses someone else of wrongdoing. It usually implies in court. Here the city leaders or judges could take these people to court and say they had broken the law about rioting. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

accused of a riot (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
taken to court for rioting

rioting: This word refers to a violent crowd damaging property and hurting or killing people. The Greek word in this sense here usually implies demanding political change. Rome, as rulers over Ephesus, would not want either and might punish the people responsible or even the city. Other ways to translate this word are:

having a violent uproar
-or-
gathering together to hurt others
-or-
being a crowd seeking to destroy things

19:40c

and: This Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as and implies a connection between the possibility of the authorities charging the people of the city with rioting and what is stated in this clause. Use a connector that indicates that 19:40c connects to 19:40a–b. For example:

In that case (New International Version)

we have no justification to account for this commotion: The phrase account for refers to explaining something. Here it indicates that the people would not be able to explain the uproar in a way that would convince the authorities not to punish them. Other ways to translate this clause are:

there being no cause that we can give to justify this commotion (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
We won’t be able to explain this unruly mob

we have no justification: The verse implies no justification that the authorities would say was good. There was a justification for the uproar, but this reason would convince the authorities to punish them. In some languages the implied information must be supplied. For example:

there is no ⌊good⌋ reason for it

commotion: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commotion refers to a gathering that is disorderly or planning to cause trouble. Other ways to translate this word are:

disorderly gathering
-or-
mob (God’s Word)
-or-
trouble-causing crowd

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 20:31

20:31a

Therefore: In Greek this verse begins with a conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates literally as Therefore. This indicates that what follows is what Paul wants his listeners to do as a result of the situation he has described in the previous verses.

be alert: This phrase means “be alert and watchful.” Like a watchman is alert for thieves, the church leaders are to be alert for those who teach lies and cause disunity among the believers. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

be alert (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Watch out! (New Living Translation (2004))

20:31b

remember: Here, remember means “think again about” or “do not forget.” They were to think again about Paul’s example of being alert and diligent.

that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears: Here Paul exaggerated in order to show that the warning was important. He repeated the warning many times, but he did not exclude all other activity.

In some languages a literal translation would wrongly indicate that Paul did nothing else but warn them. If that is true in your language, you may want to translate the importance of the warning without the exaggeration. For example:

I continued constantly to warn each of you night and day with tears
-or-
I repeatedly warned each of you night and day with tears
-or-
day and night…I kept warning you with tears in my eyes (Contemporary English Version)

warning: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as warning can also mean “teach” or “gently rebuke.” There are three ways to interpret this word:

(1) It means warn here. For example:

to warn (New Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version, King James Version)

(2) It means gently rebuke here. For example:

admonish (English Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, English Standard Version)

(3) It means teach here. For example:

instruct (God’s Word)

(Good News Translation, God’s Word)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it best fits the context of 20:28–31.

night and day: This phrase indicates that Paul warned the believers often. The opportunities to warn them occurred both night and day.

with tears: To warn with tears implies that Paul was concerned for the believers in Ephesus as he warned their church leaders. He also was sad because he knew that false teachers would harm the faith of the believers. His tears showed that he felt strongly about warning them. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

I often cried over you (New Century Version)
-or-
at times with tears in my eyes (God’s Word)
-or-
I have shed-tears from my large love and pity for you
-or-
with tears ⌊over/regarding the trouble that they would experience⌋

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021