Barnabas

The term that is transliterated as “Barnabas” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a combination of the signs for the letter B and “encourage” (referring to Acts 11:23). (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Barnabas” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Barnabas (source: Bible Lands 2012)

complete verse (Acts 12:25)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 12:25:

  • Uma: “As for Barnabas and Saulus, when their work in Yerusalem was finished, they returned to Antiokhia, and they also took Yohanes Markus with them.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Because Barnabas and Saul had finished doing their mission/purpose there in Awrusalam, they returned to Antiyok. They took Yahiya Markus along.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Barnabas and Saul returned from the town of Jerusalem after they had finished that which had been given them to do. John, the one called Mark, came with them also.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “As-for Barnabas and Saulo, their being-sent to Jerusalem was done. They returned to Antiok with Juan Marcos as their companion.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Well, when Bernabe and Saulo’s purpose in Jerusalem was completed, they returned to Antioquia. They caused Juan to accompany them whose other name was Marcos.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Translation commentary on Acts 12:25

Finished their mission is equivalent to “did what they came to Jerusalem to do” or, as may be necessary in some instances, “gave the money to the elders” (a specific reference to 11.30).

This verse presents a very severe textual problem, and the translations differ as to whether or not (they) returned from Jerusalem or “returned to Jerusalem.” Although it is possible to conclude that this verse means that Barnabas and Saul finished their mission (in Antioch) and returned to Jerusalem, it is more natural to assume that 11.30 records their arrival in Jerusalem and 12.25 their departure from Jerusalem. New American Bible and An American Translation* have “to”; while Good News Translation, Moffatt, Barclay, Dios Habla Hoy, La Sainte Bible: Nouvelle version Segond révisée, Luther, and Zürcher Bibel have “from”; Le Nouveau Testament. Version Synodale “from Jerusalem to Antioch”; Revised Standard Version, New English Bible, Jerusalem Bible have “from,” with a note indicating the possibility of “to.” The UBS Greek text has “to,” but gives this a D rating, as quite uncertain. From the standpoint of the discourse structure, it would seem much more natural for the reading to be from Jerusalem, so as to prepare the reader for the account of the happenings in Antioch, which immediately follows (13.1ff.).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .