diff --git a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv index 0b896cba09..9281a3dc6c 100644 --- a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv +++ b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -ACT front intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Acts

1. The apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (1:1–6:7)
2. The church expands into Judea and Samaria (6:8–9:31)
3. The church expands to include Gentiles (9:32–12:24)
4. Paul goes to Asia Minor as an apostle to the Gentiles (12:25–16:5)
5. The church expands into the middle Mediterranean area (16:6–19:20)
6. Paul reaches Rome, but as a prisoner and after several trials (19:21–28:31)

### What is the book of Acts about?

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church. It relates how more and more people, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the Roman Empire, became believers in Jesus. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book begin with the return of Jesus to heaven and they end about 30 years later.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Acts of the Apostles.” Or translators may choose a different title, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

### Who wrote the book of Acts?

The author of this book does not give his own name. However, the book is dedicated to Theophilus, the same person to whom Luke dedicated his story of the life of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke. Also, in parts of this book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person who traveled with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that Luke was the author of the book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. He personally witnessed many of the events that he describes in the book of Acts.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the church?

The church is the community of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. The book of Acts shows God helping the church. It shows God doing signs and wonders to confirm the church’s testimony to Jesus, leading many people to have faith in Jesus, guiding the church about where and how to share the good news, and enabling believers to resolve conflicts and endure persecution.

### The kingdom of God

The “kingdom of God” is a major concept in the book of Acts, as it is in the Gospel of Luke. This concept is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing God’s rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Possible translation difficulties in the book of Acts

“to the same”

The phrase “to the same” occurs five times in this book (1:15, 2:1, 2:44, 2:47, 4:26). It is not entirely clear what this phrase means. In the first three instances it could mean “in the same place,” but it could also mean “in one accord,” that is, “in full agreement.” In 2:47 it seems to mean “to their group.” Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:20 and 14:23, where it could mean “in the same place” or it could have the sense of full agreement and mean something like “in Christian fellowship.” That sense would fit Acts 2:47, where the phrase could be translated “to their Christian fellowship.” In 4:26 it could mean “to the same place,” but it could also mean “by agreement.” Notes will discuss the different possibilities in each case where the phrase could mean more than one thing.

“in/to/into the temple”

Luke uses this phrase many times in this book, but it does not refer to the temple building itself. Only priests were allowed to enter that building, so the phrase refers to the courtyard or area around the temple. The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomon’s” in 3:11 makes it clear that Peter and John and the crowd that gathered on the occasion that chapter describes were not inside the temple building. Notes will address this phrase to explain its meaning each time it occurs in the book.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Acts?

The following are the most significant textual issues in Acts. Notes will address them where they occur in the book.

First, there are some verses that are found in traditional versions of the Bible, but they are not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. Some modern versions put these verses in square brackets \[ \]. The ULT and UST put them in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including these verses if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you put these verses in footnotes. These verses are:

* Acts 8:37, “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.’ The Ethiopian answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
* Acts 15:34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
* Acts 24:6-8, “And we wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias, the officer, came and forcibly took him out of our hands, sending him to you.”
* Acts 28:29, “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Second, in some verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. The ULT uses the first readings listed below, but it includes the second readings in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider following the same reading that it does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the same reading that ULT does. These verses are:

* Acts 3:22, “the Lord our God.” Some versions read “the Lord your God,” and other versions read “the Lord God.”
* Acts 12:25, “They returned from Jerusalem.” Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem” (or “to there”).
* Acts 13:18, “he put up with them.” Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
* Acts 15:17-18, “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +ACT front intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Acts

1. The apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (1:1–6:7)
2. The church expands into Judea and Samaria (6:8–9:31)
3. The church expands to include Gentiles (9:32–12:24)
4. Paul goes to Asia Minor as an apostle to the Gentiles (12:25–16:5)
5. The church expands into the middle Mediterranean area (16:6–19:20)
6. Paul reaches Rome, but as a prisoner and after several trials (19:21–28:31)

### What is the book of Acts about?

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church. It relates how more and more people, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the Roman Empire, became believers in Jesus. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book begin with the return of Jesus to heaven and they end about 30 years later.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Acts of the Apostles.” Or translators may choose a different title, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

### Who wrote the book of Acts?

The author of this book does not give his own name. However, the book is dedicated to Theophilus, the same person to whom Luke dedicated his story of the life of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke. Also, in parts of this book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person who traveled with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that Luke was the author of the book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. He personally witnessed many of the events that he describes in the book of Acts.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the church?

The church is the community of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. The book of Acts shows God helping the church. It shows God doing signs and wonders to confirm the church’s testimony to Jesus, leading many people to have faith in Jesus, guiding the church about where and how to share the good news, and enabling believers to resolve conflicts and endure persecution.

### The kingdom of God

The “kingdom of God” is a major concept in the book of Acts, as it is in the Gospel of Luke. This concept is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing God’s rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Possible translation difficulties in the book of Acts

“to the same”

The phrase “to the same” occurs five times in this book (1:15, 2:1, 2:44, 2:47, 4:26). It is not entirely clear what this phrase means. In the first three instances it could mean “in the same place,” but it could also mean “in one accord,” that is, “in full agreement.” In 2:47 it seems to mean “to their group.” Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:20 and 14:23, where it could mean “in the same place” or it could have the sense of full agreement and mean something like “in Christian fellowship.” That sense would fit Acts 2:47, where the phrase could be translated “to their Christian fellowship.” In 4:26 it could mean “to the same place,” but it could also mean “by agreement.” Notes will discuss the different possibilities in each case where the phrase could mean more than one thing.

“in/to/into the temple”

Luke uses this phrase many times in this book, but it does not refer to the temple building itself. Only priests were allowed to enter that building, so the phrase refers to the courtyard or area around the temple. The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomon’s” in 3:11 makes it clear that Peter and John and the crowd that gathered on the occasion that chapter describes were not inside the temple building. Notes will address this phrase to explain its meaning each time it occurs in the book.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Acts?

The following are the most significant textual issues in Acts. Notes will address them where they occur in the book.

First, there are some verses that are found in traditional versions of the Bible, but they are not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. Some modern versions put these verses in square brackets [ ]. The ULT and UST put them in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including these verses if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you put these verses in footnotes. These verses are:

* Acts 8:37, “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.’ The Ethiopian answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
* Acts 15:34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
* Acts 24:6-8, “And we wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias, the officer, came and forcibly took him out of our hands, sending him to you.”
* Acts 28:29, “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Second, in some verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. The ULT uses the first readings listed below, but it includes the second readings in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider following the same reading that it does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the same reading that ULT does. These verses are:

* Acts 3:22, “the Lord our God.” Some versions read “the Lord your God,” and other versions read “the Lord God.”
* Acts 12:25, “They returned from Jerusalem.” Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem” (or “to there”).
* Acts 13:18, “he put up with them.” Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
* Acts 15:17-18, “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) ACT 1 intro vyg9 0 # Acts 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

The UST has set the words “Dear Theophilus” apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You may want to start this book in the way that people start letters in your culture.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the two quotations from the book of Psalms in 1:20.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The Ascension

This chapter records an event that is commonly known as the “Ascension.” That word describes how Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. In the future he will come back to earth again, and his return to earth is known as his “Second Coming.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]])

### Baptism

Luke uses the word “baptize” with two different meanings in [1:5](../01/05.md). In the first instance, it refers literally to the water baptism of John. In the second instance, it refers figuratively to people being filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke uses the term “filled” to mean this same thing in [2:4](../02/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

### “He spoke things concerning the kingdom of God”

Some scholars believe that when Jesus spoke “things concerning the kingdom of God,” as Luke describes in [1:3](../01/03.md), he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God had not come while he was on earth the first time. Other scholars believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was on earth and that Jesus explained that it had come in a form different from the one the disciples had expected. Since Christians hold different views about the kingdom of God coming, translators should be careful to avoid letting how they understand that issue affect how they translate this verse.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Long sentence

As was common in compositions of this time, for stylistic purposes Luke begins this book with a very long sentence. It goes from the beginning of [1:1](../01/01.md) to the end of [1:3](../01/03.md). ULT represents all of this as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

### The details of the death of Judas

There are some differences in detail between the way Luke describes the death of Judas in the book of Acts and the way Matthew describes it in his gospel. Luke says that Judas used the money he got for betraying Jesus to buy a field; Matthew says that Judas returned the money to the Jewish leaders and that they bought the field with it. Luke says that Judas killed himself by falling onto the field from a height; Matthew says that Judas hanged himself. Luke says that the field was named the “Field of Blood” because Judas died a bloody death there; Matthew says the field was given that name because it was purchased with “blood money,” that is, money paid to ensure someone’s death.

It is possible to reconcile many of these details. For example, the body of Judas may have fallen and split open on the field if he fell when he tried to hang himself. Luke may say that Judas bought the field because the Jewish leaders would not take back the money that they had paid him, and so in a sense it was still his money when the field was purchased with it.

But it would probably be best to avoid trying to reconcile these details within your translation. For example, when Luke says in [1:18](../01/18.md) that Judas fell onto the field, instead of saying that he fell when he was trying to hang himself, you can let Luke and Matthew each tell the story the way they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible.

### The 12 disciples

There is one small difference between the list of the 12 disciples that Matthew and Mark provide in their gospels and the list that Luke provides in his gospel and in the book of Acts.

All three writers list Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; James and John, the two sons of Zebedee; Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. But Matthew and Mark say that the twelfth disciple was Thaddeus, while Luke says he was Judas the son of James. However, it is quite likely that Thaddeus was another name by which this other Judas was known.

Once again it is not necessary to try to reconcile these details within your translation. Specifically, in [1:13](../01/13.md) instead of saying, “Judas the son of James, who was also known as Thaddeus,” you can let each of the biblical writers tell the story in the way that they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible. ACT 1 1 q9ep figs-explicit τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην 1 I made the first account Luke assumes that Theophilus will know that by **the first account** he means the book that has become known as the Gospel of Luke. Since that book was not known by that title at this time, it would not be accurate to put the title in your translation as a name that Luke would have used to describe the book to Theophilus. However, you could explain this in a footnote and use another expression here. Alternate translation: “I wrote in my first volume” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 1 1 a000 ὦ Θεόφιλε 1 O Theophilus Here Luke is identifying and addressing the man for whom he complied this account of the early church. Since this is like the salutation of a letter, in your translation you may wish to follow your culture’s way of identifying and greeting the addressee of a letter. UST models this by saying “Dear Theophilus” and putting the phrase at the beginning of the sentence. @@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ ACT 1 3 a004 οἷς καὶ παρέστησεν ἑαυτὸν ζῶντα, ACT 1 3 dup3 figs-explicit μετὰ τὸ παθεῖν αὐτὸν 1 after he had suffered This refers to how Jesus suffered and died on the cross. Alternate translation: “after he had suffered and died on the cross” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 1 3 a005 figs-explicit ἐν πολλοῖς τεκμηρίοις 1 with many proofs The word translated **proofs** describes items of evidence that are decisive and convincing. Alternate translation: “with many definitive proofs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 1 3 yc16 figs-explicit δι’ ἡμερῶν τεσσεράκοντα, ὀπτανόμενος αὐτοῖς, καὶ λέγων 1 appearing to them for 40 days and speaking While the antecedent of **whom** is “the apostles whom he had chosen” in the previous verse, Jesus actually appeared to many other disciples besides his apostles. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “For 40 days he appeared to his apostles and many of his other disciples, and he spoke” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 1 3 a006 figs-abstractnouns τὰ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 things concerning the kingdom of God See the discussion of the concept of the **kingdom of God** in Part 2 of the General Introduction to Acts. kingdom**, you could express this with a verb such as “rule,” as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 1 3 a006 figs-abstractnouns τὰ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 things concerning the kingdom of God See the discussion of the concept of the **kingdom of God** in Part 2 of the General Introduction to Acts. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **kingdom**, you could express this with a verb such as “rule,” as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ACT 1 4 a007 figs-doublenegatives ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων, μὴ χωρίζεσθαι, ἀλλὰ 1 not to depart from Jerusalem, but If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **depart**. Alternate translation: “to remain in Jerusalem and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ACT 1 4 vb7g figs-quotemarks ἀπὸ Ἱεροσολύμων, μὴ χωρίζεσθαι 1 not to depart from Jerusalem The content of Jesus’ instructions to the apostles on this occasion begins here. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate and punctuate the material from here to the end of the verse as a direct quotation, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) ACT 1 4 a008 translate-names Ἱεροσολύμων 1 Jerusalem **Jerusalem** is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -1735,7 +1735,7 @@ ACT 13 46 lly5 figs-metaphor ἐπειδὴ ἀπωθεῖσθε αὐτὸν 1 ACT 13 46 ms36 οὐκ ἀξίους κρίνετε ἑαυτοὺς τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς 1 judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life Alternate translation: “seem to think you are not worthy of eternal life” or “act as though you are not worthy of eternal life” ACT 13 46 rf9k figs-explicit στρεφόμεθα εἰς τὰ ἔθνη 1 we will turn to the Gentiles Paul and Barnabas were implying that they would preach to **the Gentiles**. Alternate translation: “we will leave you and start preaching to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 13 47 tx94 figs-exclusive ἡμῖν 1 Here the word **us** refers to Paul and Barnabas but not the crowd that was present. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -ACT 13 47 xbiw figs-you τέθεικά σε εἰς φῶς ἐθνῶν, τοῦ εἶναί σε εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς 1 Paul’s quotation is from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. In the original passage, the word **I** refers to God and the word **you** is singular and refers to the Messiah. Here, Paul and Barnabas seem to be saying that the quotation also refers to their ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +ACT 13 47 xbiw figs-you τέθεικά σε εἰς φῶς ἐθνῶν, τοῦ εἶναί σε εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς 1 Paul’s quotation is from the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament. In the original passage, the word **I** refers to God and the word **you** is singular and refers to the Messiah. Here, Paul and Barnabas seem to be saying that the quotation also refers to their ministry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ACT 13 47 v8au figs-metaphor εἰς φῶς 1 as a light Here the truth about Jesus that Paul was preaching is spoken of as if it were **a light** that allowed people to see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 13 47 t5sp figs-abstractnouns εἶναί…εἰς σωτηρίαν ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς 1 should be for salvation as far as the end of the earth If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **salvation**, you could express the same idea with the verb “to save.” The phrase **end** refers to everywhere. Alternate translation: “should tell people everywhere in the world that I want to save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ACT 13 48 e9ag figs-metonymy ἐδόξαζον τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 glorified the word of the Lord Here, **word** refers to the message about Jesus that they had believed. Alternate translation: “praised God for the message about the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -1952,7 +1952,7 @@ ACT 15 41 t81z τὴν Συρίαν καὶ τὴν Κιλικίαν 1 Syria an ACT 15 41 tbv3 figs-metaphor ἐπιστηρίζων τὰς ἐκκλησίας 1 strengthening the churches Encouraging the believers in the churches is spoken of as though Paul and Silas were making the believers physically stronger. Alternate translation: “encouraging the believers in the churches” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 15 41 s7yf figs-metonymy ἐπιστηρίζων τὰς ἐκκλησίας 1 The word **churches** refers to the groups of believers in Syria and Cilicia. Alternate translation: “helping the community of believers to depend even more in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 16 intro e7z2 0 # Acts 16 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Timothy’s circumcision

Paul circumcised Timothy because they were telling the message of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. Paul wanted the Jews to know that he respected the law of Moses even though the church leaders in Jerusalem had decided that Christians did not need to be circumcised.

### The woman who had a spirit of divination

Most people want very much to know the future, but the law of Moses said that speaking with the spirits of dead people to learn about the future is a sin. This woman seems to have been able to tell the future very well. She was a slave, and her masters made much money from her work. Paul wanted her to stop sinning, so he told the spirit to leave her. Luke does not say that she began to follow Jesus or tell us anything more about her. -ACT 16 1 km5q figs-go κατήντησεν…καὶ 1 Paul also came down This continues the missionary journeys of Paul with Silas. Here, **came** can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) +ACT 16 1 km5q figs-go κατήντησεν…καὶ 1 Paul also came down This continues the missionary journeys of Paul with Silas. Here, **came** can be translated as “went.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) ACT 16 1 f49m writing-background μαθητής τις ἦν ἐκεῖ ὀνόματι Τιμόθεος, υἱὸς γυναικὸς Ἰουδαίας πιστῆς, πατρὸς δὲ Ἕλληνος 1 **Timothy** is introduced into the story and joins Paul and Silas. Verses 1 and 2 give background information about Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ACT 16 1 d4ka Δέρβην 1 Derbe **Derbe** is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in [Acts 14:6](../14/06.md). ACT 16 1 u3vr ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this. @@ -2276,7 +2276,7 @@ ACT 19 9 mq1g figs-metaphor τινες ἐσκληρύνοντο καὶ ἠπε ACT 19 9 n6ir figs-metaphor κακολογοῦντες τὴν ὁδὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πλήθους 1 speaking evil of the Way before the crowd What Christ wants people to believe is spoken of as though it were a road that a person travels. The phrase **the Way** seems to have been a title for Christianity at the time. Alternate translation: “speaking evil about Christianity to the crowd” or “speaking to the crowd evil things about those who follow Christ and who obey his teaching about God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [Acts 9:2](../09/02.md)) ACT 19 9 ts8d κακολογοῦντες 1 speaking evil Alternate translation: “speaking bad things about” ACT 19 9 xsm6 ἐν τῇ σχολῇ Τυράννου 1 in the lecture hall of Tyrannus Alternate translation: “in the large room where Tyrannus had taught people” -ACT 19 9 den4 translate-names Τυράννου 1 of Tyrannus ***Tyrannus* is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 19 9 den4 translate-names Τυράννου 1 of Tyrannus **Tyrannus** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 19 10 cw5g figs-hyperbole πάντας τοὺς κατοικοῦντας τὴν Ἀσίαν ἀκοῦσαι τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Here, **all** is a generalization that means very many people throughout Asia heard the gospel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ACT 19 10 kj12 figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 the word of the Lord Here, **word** stands for a message. Alternate translation: “the message about the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 19 11 fa6h figs-synecdoche δυνάμεις τε οὐ τὰς τυχούσας, ὁ Θεὸς ἐποίει διὰ τῶν χειρῶν Παύλου 1 And God was doing not ordinary miracles by the hands of Paul Here, **hands** stands for Paul’s whole person. Alternate translation: “And God was causing Paul to do unusual miracles” or “And God was doing amazing miracles through Paul” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) @@ -2472,7 +2472,7 @@ ACT 20 36 u3uc translate-symaction θεὶς τὰ γόνατα αὐτοῦ… ACT 20 37 pb4r ἐπιπεσόντες ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον τοῦ Παύλου 1 having fallen upon Paul’s neck Alternate translation: “having embraced Paul” or “putting their arms around him” ACT 20 37 sze4 κατεφίλουν αὐτόν 1 they were kissing him To kiss someone on the cheek was an expression of brotherly or friendly love in the Middle East. ACT 20 38 bs3s figs-synecdoche οὐκέτι μέλλουσιν τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ θεωρεῖν 1 they were never going to see his face again The word **face** here represents Paul’s physical body. Alternate translation: “they would not see him anymore on this earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -ACT 21 intro gh1j 0 # Acts 21 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Acts 21:1-19 describes Paul’s journey to Jerusalem. After he arrived in Jerusalem, the believers there told him that the Jews wanted to harm him and what he should do so they would not harm him (verses 20-26). Even though Paul did what the believers told him to do, the Jews tried to kill him. The Romans rescued him and gave him a chance to speak to the Jews.

The last verse of the chapter ends with an incomplete sentence. Most translations leave the sentence incomplete, as the ULT does.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “They are all determined to keep the law”

The Jews in Jerusalem were following the law of Moses. Even those who were following Jesus still kept the law. Both groups thought that Paul had been telling Jews in Greece not to keep the law. But it was only the Gentiles to whom Paul was saying that.

### Nazarite vow

The vow that Paul and his three friends made was probably a Nazarite vow, because they shaved their heads ([Acts 21:23](../act/21/23.md)).

### Gentiles in the temple

The Jews accused Paul of bringing a Gentile man into a part of the temple into which God only allowed Jews to go. They thought that God wanted them to punish Paul by killing him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

### Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. +ACT 21 intro gh1j 0 # Acts 21 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Acts 21:1-19 describes Paul’s journey to Jerusalem. After he arrived in Jerusalem, the believers there told him that the Jews wanted to harm him and what he should do so they would not harm him (verses 20-26). Even though Paul did what the believers told him to do, the Jews tried to kill him. The Romans rescued him and gave him a chance to speak to the Jews.

The last verse of the chapter ends with an incomplete sentence. Most translations leave the sentence incomplete, as the ULT does.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “They are all determined to keep the law”

The Jews in Jerusalem were following the law of Moses. Even those who were following Jesus still kept the law. Both groups thought that Paul had been telling Jews in Greece not to keep the law. But it was only the Gentiles to whom Paul was saying that.

### Nazarite vow

The vow that Paul and his three friends made was probably a Nazarite vow, because they shaved their heads ([Acts 21:23](../21/23.md)).

### Gentiles in the temple

The Jews accused Paul of bringing a Gentile man into a part of the temple into which God only allowed Jews to go. They thought that God wanted them to punish Paul by killing him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]])

### Roman citizenship

The Romans thought that they needed to treat only Roman citizens justly. They could do as they desired with people who were not Roman citizens, but they had to obey the law with other Romans. Some people were born Roman citizens, and others gave money to the Roman government so they could become Roman citizens. ACT 21 1 i6f8 0 Connecting Statement: The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels. ACT 21 1 s3h3 figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς…ἤλθομεν 1 Here the word **we** refers to Luke, Paul, and those traveling with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 21 1 zz5h εὐθυδρομήσαντες ἤλθομεν εἰς τὴν Κῶ 1 having run a straight course, we came to Cos Alternate translation: “we went straight to the city of Cos” or “we went directly to the city of Cos” @@ -2503,7 +2503,7 @@ ACT 21 10 n3i8 writing-participants τις…προφήτης ὀνόματι ACT 21 10 f9cb translate-names Ἅγαβος 1 Agabus **Agabus** was a man from Judea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 21 11 n2r0 figs-exclusive ἡμᾶς 1 Here the word **us** refer to Luke, Paul, and those with them, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 21 11 i8t2 ἄρας τὴν ζώνην τοῦ Παύλου 1 taken Paul’s belt Alternate translation: “removed Paul’s belt from Paul’s waist” -ACT 21 11 nq2y figs-quotesinquotes τάδε λέγει τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸν ἄνδρα οὗ ἐστιν ἡ ζώνη αὕτη, οὕτως δήσουσιν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, καὶ παραδώσουσιν εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν. 1 Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles This is a quotation within a quotation. The inner quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “‘The Holy Spirit says that this will be how the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles.’ (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 21 11 nq2y figs-quotesinquotes τάδε λέγει τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον, τὸν ἄνδρα οὗ ἐστιν ἡ ζώνη αὕτη, οὕτως δήσουσιν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι, καὶ παραδώσουσιν εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν. 1 Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles This is a quotation within a quotation. The inner quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The Holy Spirit says that this will be how the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt, and they will hand him over into the hands of the Gentiles.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) ACT 21 11 i8u7 figs-synecdoche οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι 1 the Jews Here, **the Jews** does not mean all the Jews, but that these were the people who would do that. Alternate translation: “the Jewish leaders” or “some of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ACT 21 11 zvw8 παραδώσουσιν 1 they will hand him over Alternate translation: “they will deliver him” ACT 21 11 s92d figs-metonymy εἰς χεῖρας ἐθνῶν 1 into the hands of the Gentiles The word **hands** here represents control. Alternate translation: “into the legal custody of the Gentiles” or “to the Gentiles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) @@ -2591,7 +2591,7 @@ ACT 21 38 nxs6 figs-explicit οὐκ ἄρα σὺ εἶ ὁ Αἰγύπτιος ACT 21 38 tqh6 translate-numbers τοὺς τετρακισχιλίους ἄνδρας 1 the 4,000 men Alternate translation: “the four thousand terrorists” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]]) ACT 21 38 p2ym τῶν σικαρίων 1 of the ‘Assassins’ This refers to a group of Jewish rebels who killed Romans and anyone who supported Romans. ACT 21 39 ys84 δέομαι…σου 1 I ask you Alternate translation: “I beg you” or “I plead with you” -ACT 21 39 a139 ἐπίτρεψόν μοι 1 allow me Alternate translation: “please allow me” or please permit me” +ACT 21 39 a139 ἐπίτρεψόν μοι 1 allow me Alternate translation: “please allow me” or “please permit me” ACT 21 40 qp2q figs-abstractnouns ἐπιτρέψαντος…αὐτοῦ 1 when he had given him permission If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **permission**, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “when the commander permitted him to speak” or “after the commander allowed him to speak” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ACT 21 40 a4y2 ὁ Παῦλος ἑστὼς ἐπὶ τῶν ἀναβαθμῶν 1 Paul, standing on the steps The word **steps** here refers to the steps on the stairway to the fortress. ACT 21 40 rk1y figs-explicit κατέσεισε τῇ χειρὶ τῷ λαῷ 1 motioned with his hand to the people It can be stated explicitly why Paul **motioned with his hand**. Alternate translation: “motioned with his hand for the people to be quiet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -2931,7 +2931,7 @@ ACT 26 18 m9ve figs-metaphor κλῆρον 1 an inheritance The blessings that J ACT 26 18 c5ij figs-metaphor τοῖς ἡγιασμένοις πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ 1 those who have been sanctified by faith that is in me Jesus choosing some people to belong to him is spoken of as if he set them apart from other people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 26 18 bgc5 πίστει τῇ εἰς ἐμέ 1 by faith that is in me Here Paul finishes quoting the Lord. Alternate translation: “because they believe in me” ACT 26 19 ljx2 ὅθεν 1 Therefore Paul had just explained what the Lord had commanded him in his vision. Alternate translation: “Because what I have just said is true” -ACT 26 19 zv2u figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἐγενόμην ἀπειθὴς τῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ 1 I did not disobedient to the heavenly vision If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not disobedient**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “I obeyed the heavenly vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 26 19 zv2u figs-doublenegatives οὐκ ἐγενόμην ἀπειθὴς τῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ 1 I did not disobedient to the heavenly vision If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not disobedient**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “I obeyed the heavenly vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ACT 26 19 sn4h figs-metonymy τῇ οὐρανίῳ ὀπτασίᾳ 1 to the heavenly vision This refers to what the person in the **vision** told Paul. Alternate translation: “to what the person from heaven told me in the vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 26 20 fei4 figs-metaphor ἐπιστρέφειν ἐπὶ τὸν Θεόν 1 to turn to God To start trusting God is spoken of as if a person turns to start walking toward God. Alternate translation: “to trust in God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 26 20 h1v2 figs-abstractnouns ἄξια τῆς μετανοίας ἔργα πράσσοντας 1 doing deeds worthy of repentance If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **repentance**, you could express the same idea with the verb “repented.” Alternate translation: “and start doing good deeds to show they truly have repented” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) @@ -2945,7 +2945,7 @@ ACT 26 23 sc5f νεκρῶν 1 of the dead The phrase **the dead** refers to th ACT 26 23 z2ms figs-metaphor φῶς μέλλει καταγγέλλειν 1 is going to proclaim light To tell people about how God saves people is spoken of as if a person were speaking about the **light**. Alternate translation: “he would proclaim the message about how God saves people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 26 24 dvn2 μαίνῃ 1 you are insane Alternate translation: “you are speaking nonsense” or “you are crazy” ACT 26 24 tk27 τὰ πολλά σε γράμματα εἰς μανίαν περιτρέπει 1 your great learning is turning you to insanity Alternate translation: “you have learned so much that it is now making you crazy” -ACT 26 25 dur9 figs-doublenegatives οὐ μαίνομαι…ἀλλὰ 1 I am not insane … but If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not insane**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “I am sane … and” or “I am able to think well … and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 26 25 dur9 figs-doublenegatives οὐ μαίνομαι…ἀλλὰ 1 I am not insane … but If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative **not insane**, you can express it in positive form. Alternate translation: “I am sane … and” or “I am able to think well … and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) ACT 26 25 a6pb κράτιστε Φῆστε 1 most excellent Festus Alternate translation: “Festus, who deserves highest honors” ACT 26 26 ed7y figs-123person ὁ βασιλεύς, πρὸς ὃν…αὐτὸν 1 the king … to him … from him Paul is still speaking to King Agrippa, but he is referring to him in the third person. Alternate translation: “you … to you … from you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]]) ACT 26 26 cs7b παρρησιαζόμενος λαλῶ 1 I am speaking boldly Paul was not afraid to speak to the king about Christ. Alternate translation: “I speak with confidence” @@ -3150,7 +3150,7 @@ ACT 28 26 pax8 ἀκοῇ ἀκούσετε…βλέποντες βλέψετε ACT 28 26 s1ti figs-parallelism καὶ οὐ μὴ συνῆτε…καὶ οὐ μὴ ἴδητε 1 but you will certainly not understand … but you will certainly not perceive Both of these phrases mean basically the same thing. They emphasize that the Jewish people will not understand God’s plan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) ACT 28 27 fz42 0 General Information: Translate Paul’s quotation of Isaiah as a direct quotation or indirect quotation according to how you translated it in [Acts 28:25-26](./25.md). ACT 28 27 ts5a figs-metaphor ἐπαχύνθη γὰρ ἡ καρδία τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου 1 For the heart of this people has become dull People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if their **heart** is **dull**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -ACT 28 27 ngve figs-metonymy ἡ καρδία 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for the mind. Alternate translation: “the thinking” or “the thoughts” See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 28 27 ngve figs-metonymy ἡ καρδία 1 Here, **heart** is a metonym for the mind. Alternate translation: “the thinking” or “the thoughts” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 28 27 f5m4 figs-metaphor τοῖς ὠσὶν βαρέως ἤκουσαν, καὶ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν ἐκάμμυσαν 1 with their ears they hardly heard, and they shut their eyes People who stubbornly refuse to understand what God is saying or doing are spoken of as if they are unable to hear and are shutting **their eyes** so that they will not see. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 28 27 lr99 figs-metonymy τῇ καρδίᾳ συνῶσιν 1 might understand with their heart Here, **heart** stands for the mind. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 28 27 q8c2 figs-metaphor ἐπιστρέψωσιν 1 might turn again To start obeying God is spoken of as though the person were physically **turning** toward God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])