SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021 – Page 84

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 26:6

26:6

now: The word now probably refers to events that happened a few days before this time (25:6–12 and 25:13). But in many languages the word now does not include several days ago. If that is true in your language, use a time word or phrase of the correct meaning. For example:

recently
-or-
a short while ago

I stand on trial: This clause in Greek is literally “I have stood being judged.” Paul was not on trial before King Agrippa, but Festus had put him on trial earlier (25:7–12, 17). Now Festus wanted Agrippa to listen to Paul and help him write something before sending Paul to Caesar (25:18–20, 24–27). Paul’s accusers were not there before Agrippa. Other ways to translate this clause are:

I have been on trial
-or-
I stood before the judge
-or-
some Jews accused me in court

because of my hope: This clause in Greek is literally “on (the) hope.” The Berean Standard Bible probably translates here because of in part based on the word “now” above.

Based on God’s promises, Jews (but not the Sadducees) hoped that God would resurrect them. Other ways to translate this Greek phrase are:

for hope (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
on account of the hope

The word because introduces the reason for “I am on trial,” not anything Paul said in previous verses.

hope: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as hope refers to a confident expectation that something will happen. The English word hope can also mean “wish,” but that is not the meaning here. Other ways to translate this word are:

expectation
-or-
believe (Contemporary English Version)

See how you translated this word in 24:15.

in the promise that God made: In the Old Testament, God promised the Jews that he would resurrect righteous people. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

in the promise made by God (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
the promise that God made (New Century Version)

the promise that God made: Paul partly explained what was promised in 26:7–8. In some languages it is more natural to explain the promise here. For example:

what God has promised ⌊about resurrection⌋

fathers: God promised the Jews hundreds of years before Jesus was born, so the word fathers refers to many generations before Paul. Other ways to translate this word are:

ancestors (Good News Translation)
-or-
forefathers (Revised English Bible)

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:6

Paragraph 27:6–8

27:6a

an Alexandrian ship: The ship’s home port was Alexandria, a city in Egypt. Alexandria was a well-known city at that time. For example:

a ship of Alexandria (Revised Standard Version)

ship: This ship was a large ship at that time. It carried two hundred and seventy-six people on it as well as many tons of grain and probably other cargo. See the drawing at 27:1a.

sailing for Italy: The ship’s captain planned to sail the ship to Italy. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

that was going to sail for Italy (Good News Translation)
-or-
leaving for Italy (New Jerusalem Bible)

27:6b

put us on board: Julius arranged for Paul, the other prisoners, Luke, the soldiers, and himself to travel by this ship. Then they all went onto the ship. Other ways to translate this clause are:

he took us aboard it
-or-
he ordered us to board that ship (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
he moved us to it

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 27:38

27:38a

After the men had eaten their fill: This clause in Greek is literally “having eaten enough.” After fourteen days of eating nothing, the people could only eat a little before feeling full. Other ways to translate this clause are:

After everyone had eaten enough (Good News Translation)
-or-
After they had satisfied their hunger (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
When they had eaten enough to be satisfied (NET Bible)

the men: Luke wrote this book. While he probably ate at this time, the focus is on the people of the ship, so he does not mention himself here.

27:38b

they lightened the ship: A lighter ship floats higher, so it could reach closer to shore before hitting the sea bottom. If people in your area will not know why the people on the ship would want to lighten it, you may want to:

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

A lighter ship floats higher, so it could get closer to shore before hitting the sea bottom.

• Explain it in your translation. For example:

they lightened the ship ⌊so it would float higher⌋
-or-
they lightened the ship ⌊so they could beach it closer to shore⌋

throwing the grain: The grain may have been in sacks of approximately fifty kilograms each, or it may have been loose in the hold of the ship. If it was loose, they would probably remove it with buckets or baskets. Use a verb that allows one or both possible actions.

the grain: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as grain also refers to wheat. A ship from Alexandria to Italy would mostly likely have wheat as the kind of grain. Some languages must name the particular kind of grain. For example:

the wheat

The purpose of this ship was to carry grain. So it probably had a lot of grain in its hold. It perhaps had thousands of sacks of grain or a similar amount of loose grain. Translate in a way that allows a large amount of grain.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:26

28:26a–27f

The quote is from Isaiah 6:9–10. It is also quoted in Matthew 13:14–15. If you have translated those verses in Matthew, translate in the same way here.

28:26a

this people: This refers to a group of people. The Holy Spirit told Isaiah to go to the Jews and speak the following words. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

this people-group
-or-
this nation

28:26b

(alt:) in hearing you will hear: There are two ways to understand this clause:

(1) It is an idiom that emphasizes the fact of hearing. For example:

You shall indeed hear (English Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition, God’s Word, English Standard Version)

(2) It is an idiom that indicates repeatedly hearing something. For example:

Listen and listen, (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, Contemporary English Version, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, New Century Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Other ways to translate interpretation (1) are:

although you will hear
-or-
You will hear clearly (God’s Word)

28:26c

(alt:) in seeing you will see: Translate this clause in a similar way to “in hearing you will hear” above. For example:

you shall indeed see (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
You will see clearly (God’s Word)

but never perceiving: The verb perceiving refers to understanding what is seen. Other ways to translate this are:

but never comprehend (God’s Word)
-or-
but never understand ⌊the truth⌋
-or-
but never understand ⌊what is true⌋

General Comment on 28:26b–c

In some languages what was heard or seen must be told. If so, refer to God’s words and deeds. For example:

You will indeed hear ⌊my words⌋ but never understand, and you will indeed see ⌊my deeds⌋ but never perceive
-or-
You will indeed hear ⌊what I say⌋ but never understand, and you will indeed see ⌊what I do⌋ but never perceive

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.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021