SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 74

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 21:26

Paragraph 21:26

21:26a–e

This verse implies that Paul agreed to do as the elders said. In some languages this needs to be explicit. For example:

⌊Paul agreed to do what the elders/leaders requested.⌋ The next day…

21:26b

purified himself along with them: The purification here is probably when a person sprinkled himself with special water of purification several times and then washed his clothes. Each man did that for himself. See the note at 21:24a.

Other ways to translate this phrase are:

performed the ceremony of purification with them (Good News Translation)
-or-
went through the purification ceremony with them (God’s Word)
-or-
shared in the cleansing ceremony with them (New Century Version)
-or-
they ritually purified themselves

21:26c

Then he entered the temple: Paul and the men only went to the temple courtyards after they were purified.

the temple: Here the word temple refers to the building in Jerusalem where people believe that God is present in a special way. People worship there.

Luke used the word temple here to refer to the temple courtyards. The temple courtyards are areas around the main temple building. Each courtyard had a wall with gates to enclose it.

Only priests were allowed in the actual temple building. Paul went only to the temple courtyards. In some languages this must be explicit for the correct meaning. For example:

into the temple courtyard (God’s Word)

See how you translated this word in 2:46 or 19:27.

21:26d–e

to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them: The phrase give notice indicates that Paul talked to the priests at the temple. He told them when he and the four men would finish their purification rite. He also told them when the four men would offer the required sacrifices for the closing ceremony of their vows.

The end of their purification was the same day that the men would make the offering. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

gave notice of how many days it would be until the end of the period of purification, when a sacrifice would be offered for each one of them (Good News Translation)
-or-
he publicly announced the date when their vows would end and sacrifices would be offered for each of them (New Living Translation (2004))

21:26d

when their purification would be complete: The next verse implies that the ending ceremony would be seven days later.

21:26e

the offering would be made for each of them: The four men would give food and drink to the priests as offerings. They would also give a number of animals to the priests for them to sacrifice (Numbers 6:13–21). Other ways to translate this clause are:

the offering would have to be presented on behalf of each of them (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
he would give the animals and other things ⌊to the priests⌋ to offer them on behalf of each of the ⌊four⌋ men

the offering would be made: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊he⌋ would give the offerings
-or-

⌊the priests⌋ would offer the animals and other things

for each of them: The word for indicates that Paul bought the offerings. The priests would use those offerings in the ceremony that ended the vows of the four men.

each of them: This phrase refers to the four men.

© 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 22:19

22:19a

Lord: This word means “the one in authority over others” or “master.” Jesus rules over all things. See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 21:13.

I answered: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as I answered is literally “I said.” But Paul responded to what Jesus said here so some English versions translate “said” as answered or “replied.”

The Berean Standard Bible placed the phrase I answered at the beginning of the spoken words. Place it where it would be most natural in your language.

they know very well: This clause in Greek is literally “they they-know.” The separate pronoun emphasizes the fact that the Jews knew what Paul had done. If possible, emphasize this clause. Some ways to do that in English are:

They themselves know (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
They know very well (Good News Translation)
-or-
They are the ones who know

they: The Greek word here is literally “themselves.” It refers to the same group as “the people” in 22:18. For example:

they themselves (English Standard Version)

22:19b–c

in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat: This clause indicates that in the past Paul imprisoned and beat people more than once. At the time he was speaking these words in chapter 22, he no longer imprisoned or beat people. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat (New International Version)
-or-
in the various synagogues I imprisoned and beat

22:19b

in one synagogue after another I: Paul did not already know who the Christians were. It is implied that he searched or asked the local Jewish authorities which Jews believed in Jesus.

Some languages must add the implied information for the correct meaning. For example:

I went from one synagogue to another ⌊and searched for⌋
-or-
I ⌊asked about⌋ who believed in you in many synagogues and imprisoned and beat those ⌊whom I found⌋.

in one synagogue after another: Most Jewish villages had a synagogue. The synagogue leader was the most likely person who would know which Jews believed in Jesus. So Paul went there in each village he visited. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

used to go from synagogue to synagogue (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
in one synagogue after another I used to (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
went to synagogues

Some English versions translated this phrase as “in every synagogue.” But Paul probably did not visit every synagogue in Judea, let alone throughout the world.

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-
building where Jews worshiped and taught
-or-
house for Jews to gather together

See how you translated this word in 6:9 or 18:4.

22:19c

imprisoned: Paul forced believers to be locked in prison. Another way to translate this word is:

put them in prison

See how you translated this in 22:4 (“throwing them into prison”).

beat: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as beat can refer to beating someone with the hand or fist, with a rod, or whipping with a whip. Here it was probably with a rod or a whip. Translate in a way that indicates or implies a rod or whip. See how you translated this word in 5:40 (“flogged”).

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 23:21

23:21a

The Greek conjunction often translated as “therefore” introduces this verse. It introduces the conclusion. 23:21a tells what Paul’s nephew wants the commander to do now that he knows about the plot. For example:

So (New American Standard Bible)

Some English versions translate the contrast here. For example:

but (Revised Standard Version)

Do not let them persuade you: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as let…persuade means “to be persuaded/convinced.” Paul’s nephew did not want the commander to allow the leaders to persuade him to agree to sending Paul to them. Other ways to translate this clause are:

do not be persuaded by them (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Don’t give in to them (New International Version)
-or-
Do not believe them (New Jerusalem Bible)

23:21b

are waiting to ambush him: This phrase indicates that the forty men were at that time waiting somewhere on the way so that they could surprise Paul and the soldiers guarding him and kill him. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

hiding along the way ready to ambush him (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
are hiding and waiting to kill Paul (New Century Version)

The Greek verb is in the present tense. But the proposed meeting was not until the next day (23:20b). It is possible for a Greek present tense to describe a future action in some cases. For example:

will be hiding and waiting for him (Good News Translation)

But if the future tense would indicate the wrong meaning, use the present tense.

23:21c

have bound themselves with an oath: Here this phrase is “speak a curse,” as in 23:12 (“bound…with an oath”). Some ways to translate this phrase are:

have bound themselves under a curse
-or-
have asked God to curse them (God’s Word)
-or-
promised with a curse of bad consequences ⌊should they not fulfill it⌋

See how you translated this phrase in 23:12.

have killed him: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as killed means “ended the life of” or “destroyed.” It implies that the conspirators wanted to kill Paul. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

do away with him (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
destroy him

In some languages the above examples would not clearly mean “kill.” If that is true in your language, translate as the Berean Standard Bible does. See how you translated this word in 23:15.

23:21d

awaiting your consent: The word consent indicates that the Jews were waiting for the commander to agree to their request to meet with Paul. Other ways to translate this clause are:

waiting for you to permit ⌊the meeting⌋
-or-
waiting for you to allow ⌊them to meet with Paul⌋

Your translation should not indicate or imply that the Jewish leaders were asking for permission to kill Paul.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 24:18

24:18a–b

At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean: These clauses indicate that when Paul was in the temple courts giving the offerings to God (24:17), he was ceremonially clean. Other ways to translate these clauses are:

As I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified (NET Bible)
-or-
I was ritually purified and engaged in this service when they found me in the temple (Revised English Bible)

24:18a

they found me: The pronoun they refers to the Jews from Asia (21:27, 24:18) here. The pronoun implies the Jewish leaders as well, because they supported the Jews from Asia and brought the accusations to Felix. Translate the pronoun literally.

24:18b

I was ceremonially clean: The Greek is literally “having been purified.” This clause indicates that Paul had done all the right Jewish rituals and so was ceremonially clean and could enter the temple area. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I had been purified (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
after I had completed the ceremony of purification (Good News Translation)
-or-
I had finished the cleansing ceremony (New Century Version)
-or-
I was ritually purified (Revised English Bible)

Briefly, the Jewish ritual is: after starting the rite, the unclean person sprinkles himself on the third and seventh day. The water used for sprinkling contains the ashes of a special offering for purification. On the seventh day the unclean person washes his clothes and bathes. Then he is clean. Here clean means “fit to stand before God.” A ritually clean person could worship God at the temple. See how you translated this Greek word in 21:24 (literally “purify”).

24:18c

and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar: The word uproar refers to a crowd becoming excited or angry. Paul had not disturbed the people in the temple courts. Other ways to translate this word are:

without any crowd or uproar (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
There was no crowd with me and no disorder. (Good News Translation)
-or-
I…had not made any trouble; no people were gathering around me. (New Century Version)

24:18d

But there are some Jews from the province of Asia: This phrase in Greek is literally “But/Indeed/Namely some Jews from Asia.” The phrase “they found me in the temple” (24:18a) is probably implied here. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

But some Jews from the province of Asia were there (Good News Translation)
-or-
Indeed, it was some Jews from Asia ⌊who found/saw me there⌋
-or-
until these Jews from Asia came (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

But: The Greek conjunction introduces the phrase “some Jews from Asia.” Here this phrase defines who the “they” in 24:18a really were. It was not the Jewish leaders who saw Paul in the temple courts; instead, it was some Jews from Asia. Those Jews had caused the riot, but they had not come before Felix. See the note above for ways to translate the Greek conjunction.

the province of Asia: The Berean Standard Bible and some English versions add the phrase province of. At that time the name Asia referred to a region in what is now the western part of the country of Turkey. But in English the name now refers to the region of the world that includes the country of China. So the Berean Standard Bible and some other English versions add the phrase province of to indicate the correct meaning. See how you translated this phrase in 2:9 or 21:27.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 25:23

Section 25:23–26:32

Paul defended himself before King Agrippa

In this section, Festus told Agrippa that he wanted advice about what to write to Caesar regarding Paul. Paul told his story about becoming a Christian to Agrippa. He also defended his actions and explained why the Jews were upset with him. Then he urged Agrippa and the other people there to believe in Jesus as the Christ.

Other examples of headings for this section are:

Paul explained his ⌊faith and⌋ actions to King Agrippa
-or-
Paul ⌊came and⌋ stood before Agrippa and told his story
-or-
Paul Brought before Agrippa (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Paul Before Agrippa (New International Version)

Paragraph 25:23–27

25:23a

The Greek conjunction often translated as “therefore” introduces this verse. It introduces the result of Festus promising King Agrippa to have Paul speak before him.

Agrippa and Bernice came: They came from where they stayed in the palace to the audience room in the palace.

Bernice: See how you spelled this name in 25:13.

with great pomp: This phrase refers to people doing things as the king arrived to show the importance of the king and to honor him. The king also wore expensive clothing, jewelry and such things to show that he was important. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

with a lot of fanfare (God’s Word)
-or-
with much splendor and ceremony
-or-
with a great celebration of the king’s coming
-or-
made a big celebration/ceremony of his position as king

25:23b

the auditorium: This phrase refers to a large room where many people could gather and listen to someone or have a meeting. It was probably not the same room as the courtroom, or if it was, it was not used as a courtroom at this time. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the audience room (New International Version)
-or-
the meeting room (Contemporary English Version)

25:23c

along with the commanders and leading men of the city: The words along with here indicate that the commanders and leading men of the city were less important to the story than King Agrippa and Bernice. So Luke used along with rather than “and.” Indicate this in your translation. For example:

accompanied by high-ranking officers and prominent citizens (Revised English Bible)

the commanders: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commanders refers to the five officers in Caesarea who each commanded a large group of soldiers. Each group numbered between five hundred to one thousand soldiers. These officers were two ranks below general and one rank above centurion. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the military tribunes (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
the high ranking officers (New International Version)
-or-
senior military officers (NET Bible)

leading men of the city: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as leading is literally “prominent.” This refers to the important men of Caesarea. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

the city leaders
-or-
the important men of Caesarea (New Century Version)

leading men: Here the word men probably refers to only men. In this society, usually only the men were leaders.

25:23d

Paul be brought in: This clause is passive. Festus may have commanded one of his servants, an official of the court, the head jailer, or a soldier to bring Paul. Who exactly Festus ordered is not important to the story. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊someone⌋ ⌊went and⌋ brought Paul
-or-

⌊a soldier⌋ brought Paul into the room
-or-

⌊a servant⌋ fetched Paul

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 26:28

Paragraph 26:28–29

26:28b

(Revised Standard Version🙂 In a short time you think to make me a Christian: There are two ways to interpret this sentence:

(1) It is a statement. King Agrippa saw what Paul was trying to do and objected.

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition, King James Version, Revised English Bible)

(2) It is a question. King Agrippa saw what Paul was trying to do and asked Paul if he thought he could persuade him so quickly. For example:

In this short time do you think you will make me a Christian? (Good News Translation)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because the Greek NT 4 supports it.

(Revised Standard Version🙂 In a short time: This phrase in Greek is literally “in little.” There are three ways to interpret the Greek phrase:

(1) It means a short time. For example:

In a short time (Revised Standard Version)

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New American Bible, Revised Edition, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, New Century Version, English Standard Version)

(2) It means little effort. For example:

With a little more of your persuasion (Revised English Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

(3) It means almost. For example:

almost (King James Version)

(King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because many English versions support it.

you think to make me a Christian: There are two ways to interpret what King Agrippa thought about the possibility of he becoming a Christian:

(1) He thought that it was unlikely that he would become a Christian. As king over Jews, he would not follow a religion that the Jews despised.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004), God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

(2) He thought that it was likely that he would become a Christian. He thought that Paul was very persuasive. For example:

A little more, and your arguments would make a Christian of me. (New Jerusalem Bible)

(New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, Revised English Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), because it is unlikely that the king would publicly reject the religion of his people, the Jews.

(Revised Standard Version🙂 you think to: The Greek word that the Revised Standard Version translates as think is literally “are persuading.” Paul was trying to persuade King Agrippa to become a Christian. With this sentence, King Agrippa indicates that he will not become a Christian. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

you try to convince me to become a Christian
-or-
you are trying to make me a Christian!
-or-
you try/attempt to make me change my mind and become a Christian

(Revised Standard Version🙂 make me a Christian: This phrase refers to convincing someone to begin believing that Jesus is the Christ/Savior. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

become a Christian (New Century Version)
-or-
believe in Jesus as the Christ

But also see the note below.

Christian: At that time people who believed in Jesus usually called themselves “followers of the Way,” as Paul did in 24:14. Unbelievers called believers in Jesus “Christians.” Agrippa probably used this word here to imply that he was not interested in becoming a follower of the Way. He did not use it as an insult or to belittle Paul. In some languages unbelievers use a different term for believers that is not an insult. If so, you may want to use that word here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:28

27:28a

They took soundings: This clause refers to using a weight with a rope tied to it. The weight is lowered until it hits the sea bottom, while counting the length of rope as it is going down. Or they may have counted the length of rope as they brought it back up. Other ways to translate this clause are:

they dropped a line with a weight tied to it (Good News Translation)
-or-
They measured (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
they lowered a rope with a weight on the end of it into the water (New Century Version)
-or-
they lowered a weight tied to a rope and measured the depth ⌊of the sea⌋

27:28b

twenty fathoms: At that time, sailors counted how many times they stretched the rope between their hands with their hands spread wide. Or they could have a rope with knots tied in it at arms-spread distance and counted the knots. The arms-spread distance is 1.7–1.8 meters (5.5–6 feet). Here they counted twenty of these distances. Ways to translate this phrase are:

twenty fathoms
-or-
twenty arm spans
-or-
a hundred and twenty feet (New International Version)
-or-
thirty-five meters

27:28c

Going a little farther: The Greek words are literally “departing a little.” This could refer to distance or time. It implies both here. Here it probably indicates half to one kilometer (0.3–0.6 miles) or ten to twenty minutes. Use a general saying that allows that distance or time. For example:

a little farther (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
a little later (Good News Translation)

27:28d

fifteen fathoms: This phrase in Greek refers to fifteen arm spans here. It is equal to about twenty-six meters. Ways to translate this phrase are:

fifteen fathoms
-or-
ninety feet (New International Version)
-or-
about twenty-six meters

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:16

28:16a

When we arrived in Rome:
This clause in Greek is literally “when we entered into Rome.” The Greek clause here indicates that Paul, Luke, and the others entered the city at this time.

Paul was permitted: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. Either a civil official (a Roman “prefect”) or military official (the chief administrative officer over all the soldiers in Rome) permitted Paul to live by himself. For example:

⌊a Roman official⌋ allowed Paul
-or-

⌊the proper officer/authority⌋ allowed Paul

to stay by himself: This phrase indicates that Paul could live in a house or apartment. He was not put in prison to live with other prisoners. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

to have his own private lodging (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
to live in a house (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
to stay by himself ⌊rather than in prison⌋

28:16b indicates that Paul did not live alone, because a soldier always guarded him. Translate in a way that does not contradict 28:16b.

28:16b

with a soldier to guard him: The Roman official also required some soldiers to guard Paul. The soldiers guarded him one at a time, probably for four hours at a time. In some languages indicating who required the soldier to guard Paul will make the meaning more clear. For example:

⌊but⌋ ⌊the official⌋ ordered a soldier to guard him

Search

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

Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021