10:18a

On My account: This phrase indicates that the enemies of Jesus will bring the disciples before governors and kings to be judged because the disciples follow Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

for my sake (English Standard Version)
-or-
because you are my followers (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
Because of me (God’s Word)

you will be brought: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be brought is literally “will be led.” In this context, this verb implies that the disciples were arrested and were forced to appear before a judge. The situation is similar to 10:17b where it says that people “will hand you over.”

This verb is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

you will be led
-or-
you will ⌊also⌋ be arrested and taken

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊they⌋ will bring you

governors: This word refers to government leaders of provinces or regions within a country. They were not as powerful as kings. Use a term that refers to a ruler who is lower than a king.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

⌊provincial⌋ rulers
-or-
chiefs

kings: Here, kings are rulers of whole countries. As an example, King Herod ruled all of Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth.

Here are some other ways to translate this word:

supreme rulers
-or-
rulers of whole nations/countries
-or-
highest/biggest rulers

This word also occurs in 2:1b.

10:18b

as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles: This phrase expresses the purpose for God allowing the disciples to be arrested and taken before governors and kings. His purpose was so that these leaders and the Gentiles would hear the gospel.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as witnesses refers to telling the good news about Jesus.

Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

In this way, you will give testimony before them and the Gentiles
-or-
This will be a way/occasion for you to tell the good news to them and the Gentiles.

-or-

But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. (New Living Translation (2004))

them: The pronoun them refers to the governors and kings. For example:

the rulers (New Living Translation (2004))

the Gentiles: The word Gentiles was used by the Jews to refer to all the people groups beside themselves. See how you translated this term in 10:5b.

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