Translation commentary on Acts 28:31

In Greek, this verse is a continuation of the sentence begun in the preceding verse and forms a dependent clause referring back to the verb welcomed. Preached and taught are actually participles defending the manner in which he welcomed all who came to see him.

By closing his book with the words all boldness and freedom, Luke indicates that though Paul’s message was rejected by the Jews, he was not hindered in his preaching by the Roman government. The first of these words, boldness, refers to Paul’s own inner attitude, while the second, freedom, refers to the attitude of the Roman government toward Paul’s activities. Boldness may be rendered as “he spoke to everyone,” “he did not hesitate to speak to everyone,” “he had no fear whatsoever,” or “he was not at all intimidated.” In contrast with this, freedom may be translated as “he was not stopped in any way from preaching,” “he was allowed to speak to everyone,” or “there was no one to whom he could not speak.”

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 28:31

28:31a–b

In Greek 28:31a–b continues the sentence from 28:30 and tells the reader more about what Paul did during those two years. Some ways to indicate that are:

Follow the Greek grammar. For example:

preaching…and teaching… (Revised Standard Version)

Start a new sentence and include a time phrase:

During that time he preached…and taught…

Continue the sentence from 28:30 and use the conjunction “and.” For example:

and preached…and taught…

28:31a

Boldly: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Boldly refers to speaking in a clear and frank way, as well as being bold. This kind of person does not fear opposition and desires that the people understand him. He does not hide any part of the message from them. Other ways to translate this are:

with all openness (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
openly and unafraid
-or-
sincerely and boldly

freely: This indicates that no one tried to stop Paul from preaching and teaching. Other ways to translate this phrase are:

unhindered (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
with all…freedom (Good News Translation)
-or-
And no one tried to stop him. (New Living Translation (2004))

he proclaimed the kingdom of God: This refers to telling people about the kingdom of God. For example:

proclaiming the kingdom of God (New Jerusalem Bible)

proclaimed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as proclaimed refers to publicly announcing something. Here it may refer to speaking to people in his house (28:30). See how you translated this in 8:4 or 26:20.

the kingdom of God: This phrase usually refers to God’s activity of ruling his people and caring for them as their king. See how you translated this phrase in 1:3 or 28:23.

28:31b

taught about the Lord Jesus Christ: This refers to teaching that Jesus was the person whom God promised would save people. It would also include what he did and said while on earth.

the Lord Jesus Christ: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord means “master, one who has authority over others.” See how you translated this word in 1:6 or 26:15.

Christ: The word Christ is a title for Jesus. It means “the anointed one.” The Jews used it to refer to the special person God promised to send. See how you translated this word in 2:31 or 24:24.

General Comment on 28:31a–b

The phrase “Boldly and freely” occurs last in the Greek. Being the last phrase of this book, it emphasizes that Paul preached and taught about Jesus boldly and without hindrance. In some languages the natural place for emphasizing that phrase is the end of the sentence. For example:

proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance (New Revised Standard Version)

General Comment on 1:1–28:31b

This is the end of the book of Acts. In some languages an added sentence is used to indicate the end the book. For example:

This is the end.

Sung version of Acts 28

Living Water is produced for the Bible translation movement in association with Lutheran Bible Translators. Lyrics derived from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®).

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