SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 72

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 26:27

26:27

Paul now spoke respectfully to King Agrippa. In some languages it is more natural to indicate that Paul changed who he spoke to. For example:

⌊Then Paul said to the king,⌋ “King Agrippa…

do you believe the prophets? I know you do: Paul asked a real question and then answered it for the king. Paul expected or perhaps heard that King Agrippa believed the prophecies in the Old Testament. But he probably wanted King Agrippa to admit that he believed in the prophets. Translate these clauses as a real question and the answer that Paul expected. For example:

do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
you believe the prophets, don’t you? I know that you do.

the prophets: This refers to the prophets who wrote in the Old Testament. In some languages it will be clearer to indicate which prophets this refers to. For example:

the ⌊Jewish⌋ prophets
-or-
the prophets ⌊in scriptures⌋

prophets: See how you translated this word in 26:22.

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:27

Section 27:27–44

The storm drove/blew the ship to an island

In this section, Luke told us that the storm blew for fourteen days. On the fourteenth night the sailors could tell by the changes in the noises that they were coming near land. They lowered a rope with a weight to measure how deep the sea was. They saw that the sea was getting shallower, so they dropped anchors to delay reaching land until daylight.

Some sailors tried to escape on the small boat, but Paul warned that no one should leave the ship. So the soldiers caused the small boat to float away.

Paul encouraged everyone to eat and reminded them that God had promised that all would survive. Then they threw the grain overboard, because a lighter ship floats higher and they wanted to get as close as possible to land before swimming.

In the morning they saw the land but no one recognized where they were. They saw a bay and beach and tried to sail for it, but the ship hit ground in the shallow water and stopped. The waves started breaking the ship to pieces. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners, because if any of the prisoners escaped the soldiers would be punished. But the leader of the soldiers stopped them from killing the prisoners. Everyone from the ship swam to shore safely.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

The Shipwreck (New International Version)
-or-
We finally came to land
-or-
The waves destroyed the ship, but the passengers arrived on land

Paragraph 27:27–29

27:27a

we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. The wind and storm pushed the ship. For example:

⌊the storm⌋ was driving/pushing our ⌊ship⌋ across the Mediterranean

we were still being driven: Here the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as driven refers to pushing something in a particular direction. The trip from Cauda to Malta is generally west and slightly north. The wind was from the northeast at first. So the ship probably traveled somewhat southwest, then west, and then northwest as the winds changed direction. The verse does not tell us those details. In some languages it is more natural to indicate a general direction. If so, refer to westward. For example:

we were still being pushed ⌊westward⌋

across the Adriatic Sea: This phrase in Greek is literally “in the Adria.” At that time the Roman name “Adria” referred to the sea east of Italy continuing south to Africa. But the sea south of Italy near Malta is now called the Mediterranean Sea. The English name Adriatic now refers only to the sea east of Italy. You may want to:

• Use the Roman name. For example:

across the sea of Adria (Revised Standard Version)

You may then want a footnote to explain the Roman name. An example footnote is:

Roman name “Adria” referred to the sea east of Italy continuing south to Africa. The sea surrounding Malta is now called the Mediterranean Sea.

• Use the modern name. For example:

in the Mediterranean (Good News Translation)

You may then want a footnote to explain the literal name. An example footnote is:

Literally “Adria.” This was the Roman name that referred to the sea east of Italy continuing south to Africa. The sea surrounding Malta is now called the Mediterranean Sea.

27:27b

the sailors sensed they were approaching land: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sensed refers to believing something might be true but not being certain. The sailors probably heard in the distance what they thought were waves breaking on a shore. But it was dark and so they could not see anything to confirm what they heard. Other ways to translate this clause are:

the sailors suspected that they were nearing land (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the sailors thought we were close to land (New Century Version)
-or-
the sailors guessed that land was near
-or-
the sailors said ⌊to one another⌋, “It seems as though we(incl) are getting close to land”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:15

28:15a

The brothers there had heard about us: The Greek words are literally “And from there the brothers having heard the things about us.” Paul earlier wrote to the believers in Rome (the New Testament book of Romans). So the phrase “the things about us” may refer to the news in the letter of Paul wanting to go to Rome, or they may have heard of his journey from Caesarea some way. So the Berean Standard Bible and some English versions translate the Greek phrase generally. For example:

When the brothers there heard about us (New Jerusalem Bible)

The brothers there: This refers to believers who lived in Rome.

had heard: Probably the believers in Puteoli sent word to the believers in Rome.

28:15b

Only some of the believers went to meet Paul and his companions. It is not known how many went. There would have been two groups: one group going to the town called “Forum of Appius” and another group going to the town called “Three Taverns.” Luke probably does not say “some of them” here to imply all the believers supported what Paul was doing.

traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns: The town called Forum of Appius was about 64 kilometers (40 miles) or about two days walk from Rome. The town called Three Taverns was about 49 kilometers (30 miles) or about one and a half days walk from Rome. Both places were south of Rome, between Puteoli and Rome.

the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns: Some English versions add the word the before both names for more natural English. Consider whether that is necessary or not in your language. For example:

the towns of Market of Appius and Three Inns (Good News Translation)

Forum of Appius: This name refers to a small town. The Latin word Forum refers to a marketplace. The town was named after the marketplace of a man named Appius. For example:

the town of/called “Market of Appius”

Three Taverns: This name refers to a small town. The Latin word “taberna” can refer to an inn, a store, or a shop. The town was named after the three inns, stores, or shops originally at this location. For example:

the town of/called “The Three Inns”

to meet us: The believers went to welcome Paul. They probably also accompanied Paul to Rome.

28:15c

When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and gave thanks to God: The fact that these men came indicated that the believers were ready to welcome Paul. So he was encouraged and gave thanks to God. Paul may have known these believers from somewhere else and so recognized them, or they may have introduced themselves first if Paul did not know them.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:1

Division 1:1–6:7

Jesus ascended to heaven, and the Holy Spirit came and enabled believers to evangelize many other Jews

The setting for this division was Jerusalem and the people were Jewish. After Jesus had instructed his followers to tell others about him, he ascended to heaven (1:2–9). As Jesus had promised the apostles (1:4–5), the Holy Spirit came (2:1–4) and enabled the believers to tell many other people about Jesus. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to do miracles, such as healing a lame man (3:1–10). These miracles showed people that what the apostles and other believers said was true, and that God was empowering them. However, Jewish leaders opposed the apostles and tried to prevent them from teaching people about Jesus (4:1–22). This division tells how well the believers lived together and worked together (2:42–47). However, it also tells about problems among the believers, such as Ananias and Sapphira lying (5:1–11) and people neglecting widows (6:1). But it shows how God enabled the believers to resolve these problems. In those ways the number of people who believed in Jesus increased greatly in Jerusalem (6:7).

Section 1:1–11

Jesus instructed his followers and then ascended to heaven

In this section Luke introduced the rest of the book (1:12–28:31). He indicated to whom he was writing. He also indicated that he had written about Jesus in a previous book. He gave a short summary of what Jesus did after he died on the cross. He introduced three important themes: The Holy Spirit empowering believers; the believers telling others about Jesus; and God planning for Jesus to return.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Introduction (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Luke Writes Another Book (New Century Version)

Since this is the first section, some English versions do not have a heading. Consider what is the best way to begin a book of the Bible in your language.

Paragraph 1:1–3

1:1a

In my first book, O Theophilus: The name of the person addressed, Theophilus, occurs in the middle of the sentence. In some languages, it is more natural to have it first in the sentence. For example:

Theophilus, in my former book

In some language, it is more natural to introduced the name in a different way. For example:

To Theophilus.

The first book I wrote (New Century Version)

In my first book: This phrase refers to the Gospel of Luke. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as first indicates that Luke wrote that book before this book. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

In my former book (New International Version)
-or-
In the book that I wrote before this one

O Theophilus: The name Theophilus means “friend of God.” In Luke 1:3 Luke addressed him as “most excellent Theophilus.” This address most likely indicates that Theophilus was a person of high social standing. In your translation, you should use a natural form for writing or speaking directly to someone of high social standing. For example:

⌊honorable⌋ Theophilus
-or-
Dear Theophilus: (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊most excellent⌋ Theophilus

However some languages do not normally express honor when greeting someone, like the way that the Berean Standard Bible translates.

1:1b–2a

I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day he was taken up to heaven: The words began and until indicate that Luke wrote in the first book about what Jesus did from the first day of his life to the day he was taken up to heaven. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

1bI wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2auntil the day when he was taken up to heaven (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-

1bI first wrote to you about all that Jesus did and taught from the very first 2auntil he was taken up to heaven. (Contemporary English Version)

1:1b

wrote: The Greek word is literally “made.” It refers to putting effort into something. Luke worked hard at writing this book. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

composed (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
gave an account (Revised English Bible)

about all: The phrase about all indicates that Luke wrote about all the important events and teachings of Jesus. It does not mean that Luke wrote down everything that Jesus did and said. In some languages a literal translation would indicate that Luke actually wrote about everything Jesus did. If that is true in your language, you may want to indicate the correct meaning in your translation. For example:

about all ⌊the important things⌋
-or-
about the things
-or-
about the many things

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2:7

2:7a

Astounded and amazed: The Greek is literally “they were amazed and marveling.” The two verbs emphasize that the Jews were very surprised. The tense of these two verbs indicates that they continued to be amazed and to marvel. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

Utterly amazed (New International Version)
-or-
In amazement and wonder (Good News Translation)

they asked: The Greek is literally “saying.” The context implies that they said this to each other rather than to the believers. In some languages it is more natural to say who they spoke to. For example:

they were asking ⌊each other⌋

The tense of the verb indicates that they continued to ask and ponder the questions of 2:7b and 2:8.

2:7b

In the Greek, the spoken words begin with the word “Look.” It emphasizes the words that follow. It is not a command to look at something. Here are some ways to translate this word:

Look! (New Century Version)
-or-
Listen, (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?: This is a rhetorical question. The Jews used this question to express surprise and to emphasize that Jesus’ followers were Galileans.

Here are some ways to translate this emphasis:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Aren’t all these people that we hear speaking from Galilee? (New Century Version)

• As a statement. For example:

These people who are talking like this are Galileans! (Good News Translation)

Translate this surprise and emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

The rhetorical question implies that Galileans could not know all those different languages, because they grew up in Galilee. This implied information is made clear in 2:8.

these men: The Greek word is just “these.” Your translation should allow for both men and women. For example:

These people (Good News Translation)

Galileans: This word indicates that the Jews thought the believers were from the region of Galilee. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

people of Galilee
-or-
from Galilee (New Century Version)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2:40

2:40a

With many other words: This phrase indicates that Peter spoke much more.

he testified: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as testified can also mean “warned.” Peter probably did both. He probably told the crowd about other evidence that Jesus was the Christ. He probably also told them forcefully that they should heed his words and believe in Jesus, if they did not want God to punish them. Of course, this does not mean that Peter spoke harshly or unkindly to them. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Peter made his appeal to them (Good News Translation)
-or-
he testified further and advised them to listen
-or-
he explained more about Jesus as the Christ, warning them to take heed

2:40b

he urged them: The tense on the Greek verb probably indicates that Peter urged them for some time. He urged them more than once during his speech.

Be saved: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as Be saved is a command to allow God to rescue the person from the consequences of sin. The Greek clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊ask God⌋ to save you
-or-

⌊allow God⌋ to save you

this corrupt generation: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as corrupt is literally “crooked” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The phrase refers to the Jewish people living at that time. They had rejected Jesus. They turned away from obeying God’s laws and went their own ways. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

this perverse generation (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
this wicked people (Good News Translation)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 3:25

3:25a

And: The Berean Standard Bible adds this word. It may be more natural in your language not to have And here.

you are sons of the prophets: The word you is emphatic here. If you have a way in your language to emphasize you, consider using it here. For example:

It is you who are sons of the prophets
-or-
you yourselves are sons of the prophets

As a Jew, Peter was also a “son of the prophets.” But by using the plural pronoun you, Peter focused on his audience. In many languages using the plural pronoun you here implies nothing about Peter. But in some languages using the plural pronoun you here implies that Peter excluded himself. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate using the plural pronoun you and explain what Peter meant in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

As a Jew, Peter was also an son of the prophets. But by using the plural pronoun “you,” Peter focused on his audience.

• Indicate in your translation that Peter did not exclude himself. For example:

you(plur) ⌊as well as I⌋ are heirs of the prophets
-or-
you(plur) ⌊along with us(excl)(dual)⌋ are heirs of the prophets
-or-
we(plur)(incl) are heirs of the prophets

sons of: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as sons indicates a close relationship to the original prophets, like being their son or heir. The Jewish prophets gave God’s words to the Jews. The Jews kept God’s words for many generations. In that way the Jews whom Peter spoke to were like sons or heirs.

In some languages a literal translation would not have the correct meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

the ones who received God’s word from
-or-
from the line/lineage of
-or-
keepers of God’s words that he gave through

3:25b

the covenant God made with: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as covenant refers to one person declaring something about future events. It might be about how that person wanted his possessions distributed after his death. It could also be a promise about what that person would do for others in the future. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the declaration that God made to
-or-
the promise God made to

your fathers: As a Jew, the forefathers of the Jews were also Peter’s forefathers. But by using the plural pronoun your, Peter focused on his audience.

In many languages using the plural pronoun your here implies nothing about Peter. But in some languages using the plural pronoun your here implies that Peter no longer considers himself a Jew. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Translate using the plural pronoun your and explain what Peter meant in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

As a Jew, the forefathers of the Jews were also Peter’s forefathers. But by using the plural pronoun you, Peter focused on his audience.

• Indicate in your translation that Peter did not exclude himself. For example:

your(plur) ⌊as well as my⌋ forefathers
-or-
your(plur) ⌊along with our(excl)(dual)⌋ forefathers
-or-
our(plur)(incl) forefathers

fathers: The word fathers here refers to their ancestors. God made his covenant with Abraham and later Jacob (Genesis 22:17–18; 28:13–15) about two thousand years before Jesus was born. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

forefathers
-or-
ancestors (New Jerusalem Bible)

3:25c–d

3:25d is a quote from Genesis 22:18. You may want to include this information in a footnote or a cross-reference in your translation.

Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

I will bless all people on the earth through your offspring

Through your offspring: The word Through indicates that God will use an offspring of Abraham to put this blessing into effect. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

by means of your offspring
-or-
because of what your offspring will do

This phrase is emphasized in the Greek and in the Berean Standard Bible. If possible, emphasize this phrase in your language.

offspring: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as offspring is literally “seed.” Here it refers figuratively to children, grandchildren, and descendants. It is singular but can also mean “seeds.” The English word offspring can also refer to one or many without adding the “-s” ending. Some languages have a word with the meaning that can refer to both one or many. If that is true in your language, use it here.

But in some languages the word with the correct meaning can only be singular or it can only be plural. If that is true in your language, use the singular word. For example:

descendant (God’s Word)

However, some English versions use the plural word. For example:

descendants (Good News Translation)

Jesus fulfilled this promise, but God made the promise without naming who would fulfill it.

all the families of the earth: The word families is plural to refer to people groups. These people are grouped by culture and language. For example:

all people groups on earth
-or-
All the nations of the earth (New Jerusalem Bible)

But in some languages it is more natural to use the word “people,” which is already plural. For example:

all the people on earth (Good News Translation)

be blessed: This phrase indicates that someone does something good or kind to someone else. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

be shown favor/kindness
-or-
had ⌊God⌋ be kind to him

The clause is passive. See the note on “Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed” above for another active example.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 4:31

Paragraph 4:31

4:31a

their meeting place was shaken: This clause is passive. Some languages must use a clause that is not passive. For example:

⌊God⌋ shook the place where they were meeting
-or-
their meeting place shook (God’s Word)

4:31b

they were all filled with the Holy Spirit: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

the Holy Spirit filled/guided them all

See how you translated this clause in 2:4 (“they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”).

The clause here refers to a special filling of the Holy Spirit, as in 4:8, 13:9, and 13:52. It does not imply that the Holy Spirit had left them some time between 2:4 and this verse, or that they needed a second filling. For example:

All of them, full of the Holy Spirit,

Holy Spirit: See how you translated this phrase in 4:25a.

4:31c

spoke the word of God boldly: In Greek, this verb indicates they spoke the word of God boldly for some time, perhaps over the next days and weeks. It does not mean that they spoke without stop. For example:

began speaking the word of God boldly
-or-
were speaking the word of God boldly ⌊for some time⌋

the word of God: This phrase means the same as “Your word” in 4:29b. Translate word in the same way as there.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021