diff --git a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv index 8e459a3949..152dd83bbe 100644 --- a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv +++ b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ 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 1 intro vyg9 0 # Acts 01 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 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. ACT 1 1 ryj5 translate-names Θεόφιλε 1 Theophilus **Theophilus** is the name of a man. It means “friend of God.” It may be his actual name, or it may describe what this man was like. Most translations treat it as his name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -143,7 +143,7 @@ ACT 1 26 r84c writing-pronouns ἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς 1 the ACT 1 26 a074 translate-unknown ἔδωκαν κλήρους αὐτοῖς 1 they cast lots for them The term **lots** describes objects with various markings on different sides that were used, most likely by dropping them on the ground, to select between possibilities. The belief was that God would control which way these objects fell and so guide the selection process. Alternate translation: “they threw marked objects on the ground, trusting that God would use these to guide them whether to choose Joseph or Matthias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) ACT 1 26 w4ph figs-idiom ἔπεσεν ὁ κλῆρος ἐπὶ Μαθθίαν 1 the lot fell to Matthias This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the lot selected Matthias” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 1 26 fk4x figs-activepassive συνκατεψηφίσθη 1 he was chosen If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the believers chose him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 2 intro x8fr 0 # Acts 02 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:17–21, 25–28, and 34–35.

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 material that is quoted in 2:31.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pentecost

The events described in this chapter took place on the day of Pentecost. That was a festival that the Jews observed each year 50 days after Passover. It was a harvest festival that celebrated the first produce from the fields. That produce was known as “firstfruits.” Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers on this particular day of Pentecost. Those believers were the “firstfruits” of all those who would become part of the church down through the years.

### Tongues

The word “tongues” has two meanings in this chapter. In 2:3, Luke describes what came down from heaven as “tongues as if of fire.” A “tongue of fire” means a “flame of fire” (as in Isaiah 5:24, for example), so this means “something like flames of fire.” In 2:4, Luke uses the word “tongues” in the different sense of “languages” to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them.

### Last days

In 2:17–21, Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel that describes something that will happen in the “last days.” Some scholars understand the “last days” to mean a time in the future just before Jesus returns. Other scholars understand the “last days” to mean the entire time from when Jesus first came to when he will return. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this expression where it occurs in 2:17. It may be best not to say more about this than ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])

### The prophecy of Joel

In 2:17–21, Peter quotes a prophecy of Joel about what would happen in the “last days.” Some of the things that prophecy describes did happen on the day of Pentecost, for example, the pouring out of the Spirit (2:17–18). Some other things did not happen, at least not literally, for example, the sun turning to darkness (2:20). Depending on how scholars understand the “last days,” they may say either that these other things await a literal future fulfillment or that they were fulfilled in some spiritual sense on the day of Pentecost. Once again it may be best not to say any more than ULT does and to allow preachers and teachers of the Bible to interpret and explain the meaning of Peter’s statement in 2:16, “this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

### Baptize

In this chapter, the word “baptize” refers to water baptism as an expression of faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. That is how Luke uses the term in 2:38 and 2:41. Jesus did promise the disciples in 1:5 that they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the events that Luke describes in 2:1-11 are the fulfillment of that promise. But Luke does not use the word “baptize” to describe those events in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

### Wonders and signs

These words refer to things that only God could do that showed that Jesus was who the disciples said he was. See the notes to this expression in 2:43.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “You killed” (2:23)

The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and urged the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter tells the people in the crowd on the day of Pentecost that they were guilty of killing Jesus. See the note to this phrase in 2:23 for suggestions about how to make clear in your translation what Peter means when he says this.

### Long sentences

There is a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:9 to the end of 2:11. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:44 to the end of 2:47. Once again it may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

### Poetry

The quotations from the Old Testament in 2:17–21, 25–28, and 34–35 are poetry. For advice about how to represent this literary form in your translation, see: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]]. +ACT 2 intro x8fr 0 # Acts 2 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 2:17–21, 25–28, and 34–35.

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 material that is quoted in 2:31.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Pentecost

The events described in this chapter took place on the day of Pentecost. That was a festival that the Jews observed each year 50 days after Passover. It was a harvest festival that celebrated the first produce from the fields. That produce was known as “firstfruits.” Many people believe that the church began to exist when the Holy Spirit came to live inside believers on this particular day of Pentecost. Those believers were the “firstfruits” of all those who would become part of the church down through the years.

### Tongues

The word “tongues” has two meanings in this chapter. In 2:3, Luke describes what came down from heaven as “tongues as if of fire.” A “tongue of fire” means a “flame of fire” (as in Isaiah 5:24, for example), so this means “something like flames of fire.” In 2:4, Luke uses the word “tongues” in the different sense of “languages” to describe the languages that the people spoke after the Holy Spirit filled them.

### Last days

In 2:17–21, Peter quotes a prophecy from Joel that describes something that will happen in the “last days.” Some scholars understand the “last days” to mean a time in the future just before Jesus returns. Other scholars understand the “last days” to mean the entire time from when Jesus first came to when he will return. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this expression where it occurs in 2:17. It may be best not to say more about this than ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])

### The prophecy of Joel

In 2:17–21, Peter quotes a prophecy of Joel about what would happen in the “last days.” Some of the things that prophecy describes did happen on the day of Pentecost, for example, the pouring out of the Spirit (2:17–18). Some other things did not happen, at least not literally, for example, the sun turning to darkness (2:20). Depending on how scholars understand the “last days,” they may say either that these other things await a literal future fulfillment or that they were fulfilled in some spiritual sense on the day of Pentecost. Once again it may be best not to say any more than ULT does and to allow preachers and teachers of the Bible to interpret and explain the meaning of Peter’s statement in 2:16, “this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

### Baptize

In this chapter, the word “baptize” refers to water baptism as an expression of faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. That is how Luke uses the term in 2:38 and 2:41. Jesus did promise the disciples in 1:5 that they would be baptized in the Holy Spirit, and the events that Luke describes in 2:1-11 are the fulfillment of that promise. But Luke does not use the word “baptize” to describe those events in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

### Wonders and signs

These words refer to things that only God could do that showed that Jesus was who the disciples said he was. See the notes to this expression in 2:43.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “You killed” (2:23)

The Romans were the ones who killed Jesus, but they killed him because the Jews captured him, brought him to the Romans, and urged the Romans to kill him. For this reason Peter tells the people in the crowd on the day of Pentecost that they were guilty of killing Jesus. See the note to this phrase in 2:23 for suggestions about how to make clear in your translation what Peter means when he says this.

### Long sentences

There is a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:9 to the end of 2:11. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 2:44 to the end of 2:47. Once again it may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

### Poetry

The quotations from the Old Testament in 2:17–21, 25–28, and 34–35 are poetry. For advice about how to represent this literary form in your translation, see: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]]. ACT 2 1 i4sa writing-newevent καὶ ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς 1 And when the day of Pentecost was completely filled Luke uses this time reference to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) ACT 2 1 a076 figs-idiom ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς 1 when the day of Pentecost was completely filled This is an idiomatic way of speaking about time. Alternate translation: “when the day of Pentecost had come” or, if your language does not speak of days “coming,” “on the day of Pentecost” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 2 1 a425 figs-activepassive ἐν τῷ συνπληροῦσθαι τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς 1 when the day of Pentecost was completely filled Since this is an idiom, it would probably not be meaningful in most languages to use an active form of the verb “fill” in place of the passive form of that verb here. However, if your language does speak of someone or something “filling” days or times so that they arrive, but your language does not use passive verbal forms, you could use an active form of “fill” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) @@ -386,7 +386,7 @@ ACT 2 46 a195 figs-abstractnouns ἐν ἀγαλλιάσει καὶ ἀφελό ACT 2 47 z6ig figs-hyperbole αἰνοῦντες τὸν Θεὸν καὶ ἔχοντες χάριν πρὸς ὅλον τὸν λαόν 1 praising God and having favor with the whole people Luke says **the whole people** as a generalization to emphasize how widely the people favored the believers. As the General Notes to this chapter suggest, it may be helpful to start a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They praised God and enjoyed wide favor with the people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ACT 2 47 kc42 figs-activepassive τοὺς σῳζομένους 1 those who were being saved If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “those whom he was saving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 2 47 a196 ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτό 1 to the same See the discussion of this phrase in Part 3 of the Introduction to Acts. Alternate translation: “to their Christian fellowship” -ACT 3 intro hpd9 0 # Acts 03 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The covenant God made with Abraham

This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews in fulfillment of the covenant that God made with Abraham.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Servant”

Twice in this chapter Peter uses the word “Servant” as a title to mean “Messiah” (3:13, 3:26). He and other believers use the word in the same sense twice in chapter 4 as well (4:27, 4:30). The word takes on this meaning by allusion to the book of Isaiah, where Isaiah uses it to mean the person whom God has chosen for the special purpose of bringing salvation. In your translation, indicate in some way that “Servant” is a Messianic title. Jesus was not a servant of God in the more ordinary sense, in which the believers apply it to themselves in 4:29, for example. Jesus was fully the Son of God, sent to earth on a special mission. If you would not be able to make this clear by using the word “Servant,” you may wish to use the word “Messiah” instead.

### “You killed” (3:15)

For the same reasons as when he was speaking on the day of Pentecost (2:23), Peter tells people in this chapter that they were guilty of killing Jesus. But he also tells them that they are the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus’ followers to invite them to repent (3:26). For further information and suggestions for how to make clear in your translation what Peter means, see the discussion of this phrase in the General Notes to chapter 2 and the notes to this phrase in 2:23 and 3:15. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

## Important textual issues in this chapter

### “the Lord our God” (3:22)

In [3:22](../03/22.md), some ancient manuscripts read “the Lord our God.” ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Lord your God,” and still other ancient manuscripts read simply “the Lord God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +ACT 3 intro hpd9 0 # Acts 3 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The covenant God made with Abraham

This chapter explains that Jesus came to the Jews in fulfillment of the covenant that God made with Abraham.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “Servant”

Twice in this chapter Peter uses the word “Servant” as a title to mean “Messiah” (3:13, 3:26). He and other believers use the word in the same sense twice in chapter 4 as well (4:27, 4:30). The word takes on this meaning by allusion to the book of Isaiah, where Isaiah uses it to mean the person whom God has chosen for the special purpose of bringing salvation. In your translation, indicate in some way that “Servant” is a Messianic title. Jesus was not a servant of God in the more ordinary sense, in which the believers apply it to themselves in 4:29, for example. Jesus was fully the Son of God, sent to earth on a special mission. If you would not be able to make this clear by using the word “Servant,” you may wish to use the word “Messiah” instead.

### “You killed” (3:15)

For the same reasons as when he was speaking on the day of Pentecost (2:23), Peter tells people in this chapter that they were guilty of killing Jesus. But he also tells them that they are the first ones to whom God has sent Jesus’ followers to invite them to repent (3:26). For further information and suggestions for how to make clear in your translation what Peter means, see the discussion of this phrase in the General Notes to chapter 2 and the notes to this phrase in 2:23 and 3:15. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

## Important textual issues in this chapter

### “the Lord our God” (3:22)

In [3:22](../03/22.md), some ancient manuscripts read “the Lord our God.” ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Lord your God,” and still other ancient manuscripts read simply “the Lord God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) ACT 3 1 b5rm grammar-connect-time-background δὲ 1 Now Luke uses the word **Now** to introduce background information that will help readers understand what happens next. You can translate it with a word or phrase that serves the same purpose in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) ACT 3 1 br7i figs-explicit εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν 1 to the temple Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so **the temple** means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “to the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 3 1 a198 τὴν ἐνάτην 1 the ninth hour In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this time in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “three o’clock in the afternoon” @@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ ACT 3 26 b7tz figs-idiom ἀναστήσας ὁ Θεὸς τὸν παῖδα ACT 3 26 z5q6 τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ 1 his Servant See the discussion of the term **Servant** in the General Notes to this chapter, and see how you translated that term in [3:13](../03/13.md). Alternate translation: “his Messiah” ACT 3 26 x8ss figs-metaphor τῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν 1 by turning each of you from your wickedness Here, **turning** someone **from** something figuratively means leading that person to stop doing that thing. See how you translated the similar expression in [3:19](../03/19.md). Alternate translation: “by leading every one of you to repent of your wickedness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 3 26 a248 figs-abstractnouns τῷ ἀποστρέφειν ἕκαστον ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν ὑμῶν 1 by turning each of you from your wickedness If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **wickedness** with an adjective such as “wicked.” Alternate translation: “by leading every one of you to stop doing wicked things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -ACT 4 intro pv3a 0 # Acts 04 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:25–26.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Unity

The first Christians wanted very much to be united. They wanted to believe the same things and share everything they owned and help those who needed help.

### “Signs and wonders”

This phrase refers to things that only God can do. The Christians wanted God to do what only he could do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### The “head of the corner” or cornerstone (4:11)

The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building out of stone. Peter refers to it as the “head of the corner” in 4:11. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything else depends. To say that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church is to say that nothing in the church is more important than Jesus and that everything in the church depends on Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “no other name” (4:12)

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). As a note to this verse explains, in this expression the term “name” figuratively represents a person. So with these words, Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or who will ever be on earth can save people. This statement might cause some controversy in some places today, but it is an essential part of the Christian message, and it should be translated so that its meaning is clear. +ACT 4 intro pv3a 0 # Acts 4 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set lines of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 4:25–26.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Unity

The first Christians wanted very much to be united. They wanted to believe the same things and share everything they owned and help those who needed help.

### “Signs and wonders”

This phrase refers to things that only God can do. The Christians wanted God to do what only he could do so that people would believe that what they said about Jesus was true.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### The “head of the corner” or cornerstone (4:11)

The cornerstone was the first piece of stone that people put down when they were building a building out of stone. Peter refers to it as the “head of the corner” in 4:11. This is a metaphor for the most important part of something, the part on which everything else depends. To say that Jesus is the cornerstone of the church is to say that nothing in the church is more important than Jesus and that everything in the church depends on Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “no other name” (4:12)

“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). As a note to this verse explains, in this expression the term “name” figuratively represents a person. So with these words, Peter was saying that no other person who has ever been on the earth or who will ever be on earth can save people. This statement might cause some controversy in some places today, but it is an essential part of the Christian message, and it should be translated so that its meaning is clear. ACT 4 1 abc4 writing-pronouns λαλούντων…αὐτῶν 1 as they were speaking The pronoun **they** refers to Peter and John. Alternate translation: “as Peter and John were speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ACT 4 1 ew3l figs-explicit ὁ στρατηγὸς τοῦ ἱεροῦ 1 the captain of the temple The temple had its own guards, and this man was their commanding officer. Alternate translation: “the commander of the temple guard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 4 1 a253 translate-names οἱ Σαδδουκαῖοι 1 the Sadducees **Sadducees** is the name of a group of Jewish priests. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -672,7 +672,7 @@ ACT 4 36 a328 translate-names Λευείτης 1 a Levite The name **Levite** de ACT 4 36 a329 translate-names Κύπριος 1 Cyprus **Cyprus** is the name of an island. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 4 37 a330 ὑπάρχοντος αὐτῷ 1 that was to him See how you translated the similar expression in [4:32](../04/32.md). Alternate translation: “that he owned” ACT 4 37 gtv5 translate-symaction ἔθηκεν παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τῶν ἀποστόλων 1 laid it at the feet of the apostles See how you translated the similar expression in [4:35](../04/35.md). Alternate translation: “presented it to the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 5 intro k2uh 0 # Acts 05 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (5:3)

No one knows for sure whether Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (5:1-10), because Luke does not say. However, Peter knew that they lied to the believers, and he knew that they had listened to and obeyed Satan. When they lied to the believers, they also lied to the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit lives inside believers.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Long sentences

Acts 5:36 consists of a single long sentence. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 5:38 to nearly the end of 5:39. In this case as well it may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does. +ACT 5 intro k2uh 0 # Acts 5 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Why has Satan filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit?” (5:3)

No one knows for sure whether Ananias and Sapphira were truly Christians when they decided to lie about the land that they sold (5:1-10), because Luke does not say. However, Peter knew that they lied to the believers, and he knew that they had listened to and obeyed Satan. When they lied to the believers, they also lied to the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit lives inside believers.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Long sentences

Acts 5:36 consists of a single long sentence. ULT represents all of it as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

There is also a long sentence that goes from the beginning of 5:38 to nearly the end of 5:39. In this case as well it may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does. ACT 5 1 v27a writing-participants ἀνὴρ δέ τις 1 Now a certain man Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) ACT 5 1 ysl9 translate-names Ἁνανίας 1 Ananias **Ananias** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 5 1 a332 writing-participants σὺν Σαπφείρῃ τῇ γυναικὶ αὐτοῦ 1 with Sapphira his wife Luke uses this phrase to introduce another new character into the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) @@ -826,7 +826,7 @@ ACT 5 36 juz1 figs-activepassive ὅσοι ἐπείθοντο αὐτῷ 1 as m ACT 5 36 a411 figs-activepassive διελύθησαν 1 were dispersed If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “dispersed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 5 36 rzg5 καὶ ἐγένοντο εἰς οὐδέν 1 and they came to nothing Alternate translation: “and their plans did not succeed” ACT 5 37 f33y figs-nominaladj μετὰ τοῦτον 1 After this one Gamaliel is using the demonstrative adjective **this** as a noun to refer to a specific person, Theudas. (ULT shows that by adding **one**.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could use a pronoun or this man’s name. Alternate translation: “After him” or “After Theudas” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) -ACT 5 37 a412 translate-names Ἰούδας ὁ Γαλιλαῖος 1 Judas the Galilean **Judas** is the name of a man. See how you translated the same name in [1:13](../01/13.md) and [1:16](../01/16.md). (Those verses describe two other men with this name, not the same Judas as here.) **Galilean** is the name for someone who is from the region of Galilee. See how you translated that name in [1:11](../01/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 5 37 a412 translate-names Ἰούδας ὁ Γαλιλαῖος 1 Judas the Galilean **Judas** is the name of a man. See how you translated the same name in [1:13](../01/13.md) and [1:16](../01/16.md). (Those verses describe two other men with this name, not the same Judas as here.) **Galilean** is the name for someone who is from the region of Galilee. See how you translated that name in [1:11](../01/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 5 37 a413 figs-metaphor ἀνέστη 1 rose up As in [5:36](../05/36.md), **rose up** here figuratively means that Judas rebelled against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “rebelled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 5 37 p56f figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις τῆς ἀπογραφῆς 1 in the days of the census Gamaliel is using the term **days** idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at the time of the census” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 5 37 kz4s figs-idiom ἀπέστησε λαὸν ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ 1 drew away people after him Here, **drew away** is an idiom that means Judas persuaded people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: “persuaded people to join him in rebellion” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -854,7 +854,7 @@ ACT 5 41 lk82 figs-metonymy ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος 1 for the Name ACT 5 42 jj94 writing-endofstory τε 1 And Luke uses the word translated **And** to introduce information about what happened after this story as a result of the events within the story itself. Your language may have its own way of indicating how such information relates to a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) ACT 5 42 kyp6 figs-explicit ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ 1 in the temple Only priests were allowed inside the temple building, so **the temple** means the courtyard around the temple. Alternate translation: “in the temple courtyard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 5 42 x424 figs-litotes οὐκ ἐπαύοντο, διδάσκοντες καὶ εὐαγγελιζόμενοι 1 they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the gospel Luke is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “they continued to teach and to proclaim the gospel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) -ACT 6 intro z5r5 0 # Acts 06 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The distribution to the widows

The believers in Jerusalem gave food every day to women whose husbands had died. All of them had been raised as Jews, but some of them spoke Hebrew and had lived mostly in Judea, while others spoke Greek and may have lived in Gentile areas. Those who gave out the food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not equally to the Greek-speaking widows. To please God, the church leaders appointed Greek-speaking men to make sure the Greek-speaking widows received their share of the food. One of these Greek-speaking men was Stephen.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “His face was like the face of an angel”

No one knows for sure what it was about Stephen’s face that was like the face of an angel, because Luke does not tell us. A note to this phrase offers one suggestion, which you may choose to follow. However, you might also decide to say only what the ULT says about this. +ACT 6 intro z5r5 0 # Acts 6 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The distribution to the widows

The believers in Jerusalem gave food every day to women whose husbands had died. All of them had been raised as Jews, but some of them spoke Hebrew and had lived mostly in Judea, while others spoke Greek and may have lived in Gentile areas. Those who gave out the food gave it to the Hebrew-speaking widows but not equally to the Greek-speaking widows. To please God, the church leaders appointed Greek-speaking men to make sure the Greek-speaking widows received their share of the food. One of these Greek-speaking men was Stephen.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### “His face was like the face of an angel”

No one knows for sure what it was about Stephen’s face that was like the face of an angel, because Luke does not tell us. A note to this phrase offers one suggestion, which you may choose to follow. However, you might also decide to say only what the ULT says about this. ACT 6 1 f8br writing-newevent ἐν δὲ ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις 1 Now in those days Luke uses this time reference to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) ACT 6 1 cg5t figs-idiom ἐν…ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις 1 in those days Luke is using the term **days** idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that same time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 6 1 e7vb translate-names τῶν Ἑλληνιστῶν 1 of the Hellenists **Hellenists** was the name for Jews in the Roman Empire who spoke the Greek language and followed Greek customs. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -901,7 +901,7 @@ ACT 6 11 ren5 figs-explicit ὑπέβαλον ἄνδρας λέγοντας 1 t ACT 6 11 s2cl figs-exclusive ἀκηκόαμεν 1 We have heard The men are using the word **We** to refer only to themselves, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 6 11 x747 figs-metonymy λαλοῦντος ῥήματα βλάσφημα 1 speaking blasphemous words The men are using the term **words** figuratively to mean the things that Stephen has been saying by using words. Alternate translation: “saying blasphemous things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 6 11 dgxi translate-names Μωϋσῆν 1 Moses **Moses** is the name of a man. God gave him the law to give to Israel. See how you translated his name in [3:22](../03/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -ACT 6 12 tqk9 writing-pronouns συνεκίνησάν 1 They…stirred up In this verse and the next one, the word "they" continues to refer back to the opponents of Stephen who are named in [6:9](../06/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 6 12 tqk9 writing-pronouns συνεκίνησάν 1 They…stirred up In this verse and the next one, the word “they” continues to refer back to the opponents of Stephen who are named in [6:9](../06/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ACT 6 12 l251 figs-metaphor συνεκίνησάν τε τὸν λαὸν, καὶ τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, καὶ τοὺς γραμματεῖς 1 They also stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes Luke says figuratively that Stephen’s opponents **stirred up** these other groups to mean that they said things to make them very upset with Stephen. Alternate translation: “They also said things that made the people, the elders, and the scribes very upset with Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 6 12 dkbj translate-names Συνέδριον 1 Sanhedrin **Sanhedrin** is the name of the Jewish ruling council. See how you translated it in [4:14](../04/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 6 13 zv6s figs-doublenegatives οὐ παύεται λαλῶν 1 does not stop speaking 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 **stop**. Alternate translation: “continually speaks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) @@ -909,9 +909,9 @@ ACT 6 13 ju6w figs-metonymy λαλῶν ῥήματα 1 speaking words The men a ACT 6 13 o3j2 figs-metonymy τοῦ τόπου τοῦ ἁγίου 1 the holy place The men are describing the temple in Jerusalem figuratively by referring to it by something associated with it, that it is a **holy place**. Alternate translation: “the temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 6 14 c5l9 translate-names ὁ Ναζωραῖος 1 the Nazarene The word **Nazarene** describes someone who comes from the city of Nazareth. See how you translated it in [2:23](../02/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 6 14 uok4 figs-explicit τὸν τόπον τοῦτον 1 this place By **this place**, the false witnesses mean the temple, which they described as “the holy place” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “this temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 6 14 vak4 figs-metonymy τὰ ἔθη ἃ παρέδωκεν ἡμῖν Μωϋσῆς 1 the customs that Moses handed down to us The phrase **handed down** is an idiom that refers to something that is passed from generation to generation. The false witnesses are describing how the ancestors of the Jews have passed on the teachings originally received from Moses to each successive generation. Alternate translation: “the customs that our ancestors learned from Moses and have taught each successive generation ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 6 14 vak4 figs-metonymy τὰ ἔθη ἃ παρέδωκεν ἡμῖν Μωϋσῆς 1 the customs that Moses handed down to us The phrase **handed down** is an idiom that refers to something that is passed from generation to generation. The false witnesses are describing how the ancestors of the Jews have passed on the teachings originally received from Moses to each successive generation. Alternate translation: “the customs that our ancestors learned from Moses and have taught each successive generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 6 15 k8rw figs-simile εἶδον τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, ὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου 1 saw his face as the face of an angel Luke offers this comparison but he does not say specifically in what way Stephen’s face was like **the face of an angel**. However, this may mean that his face was shining brightly, since descriptions of angels in the Bible often say they were shining brightly. So you might choose to say that in your translation. Alternate translation: “saw that his face was shining brightly, like the face of an angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) -ACT 7 intro p9h4 0 # Acts 07 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.

It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Stephen said”

Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.

### “Full of the Holy Spirit”

The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.

### Foreshadowing

When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Implied information

Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph’s brothers “sold him into Egypt” ([Acts 7:9](../act/07/09.md)), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaoh’s household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh’s household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Background knowledge

The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said. +ACT 7 intro p9h4 0 # Acts 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.

It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Stephen said”

Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.

### “Full of the Holy Spirit”

The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.

### Foreshadowing

When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Implied information

Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph’s brothers “sold him into Egypt” ([Acts 7:9](../act/07/09.md)), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaoh’s household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh’s household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Background knowledge

The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said. ACT 7 1 pt4h figs-you 0 General Information: The word “our” includes both Steven, the Jewish council to whom he spoke, and the entire audience. The word “your” is singular refers to Abraham. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ACT 7 1 hy9r 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story about Stephen, which began in [Acts 6:8](../06/08.md), continues. Stephen begins his response to the high priest and the council by talking about things that happened in Israel’s history. Most of this history comes from Moses’ writings. ACT 7 2 abc7 ὁ δὲ ἔφη 1 Then he said Stephen is speaking. @@ -1059,7 +1059,7 @@ ACT 7 59 k2el δέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου 1 receive my spirit Alterna ACT 7 60 u86q translate-symaction θεὶς δὲ τὰ γόνατα 1 But having knelt down on his knees This is an act of submission to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) ACT 7 60 tvf8 figs-litotes μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν 1 do not hold this sin against them You can state this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “forgive them for this sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ACT 7 60 r9vi figs-euphemism ἐκοιμήθη 1 he fell asleep Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -ACT 8 intro q9d9 0 # Acts 08 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.

The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words “So there began.”

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Receiving the Holy Spirit

In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:15-19](../08/15.md)). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.

### Proclaimed

This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word “proclaim” translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something. +ACT 8 intro q9d9 0 # Acts 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.

The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words “So there began.”

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Receiving the Holy Spirit

In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:15-19](../08/15.md)). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.

### Proclaimed

This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word “proclaim” translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something. ACT 8 1 tp9e translate-versebridge 0 General Information: It may be helpful to your audience to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]]) ACT 8 1 a7uc 0 Connecting Statement: The story shifts from Stephen to Saul in these verses. ACT 8 1 ez88 writing-background ἐγένετο…ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, διωγμὸς μέγας ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, τὴν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις. πάντες δὲ διεσπάρησαν κατὰ τὰς χώρας τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας, πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων 1 there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem, and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles This part of verse 1 is background information about the persecution that began after Stephen’s death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) @@ -1085,10 +1085,10 @@ ACT 8 9 jm7n writing-background 0 General Information: Simon is introduced to t ACT 8 9 bed1 writing-participants ἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων 1 But … a certain man named Simon This is a way of introducing a new person into the story. Your language may use different wording to introduce a new person into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) ACT 8 9 cx7a τῇ πόλει 1 the city “the city in Samaria” ([Acts 8:5](../08/05.md)) ACT 8 10 kb9b writing-background 0 General Information: Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse continues to give the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 10 evt7 figs-hyperbole προσεῖχον πάντες 1 they all … were paying attention The word **all** is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many of the Samaritans … were paying attention” or “the Samaritans in the city … were paying attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 8 10 evt7 figs-hyperbole προσεῖχον πάντες 1 they all … were paying attention The word **all** is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many of the Samaritans … were paying attention” or “the Samaritans in the city … were paying attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ACT 8 10 ibl1 figs-merism ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου 1 from least to greatest These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: “no matter how important they were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) ACT 8 10 j3d8 οὗτός ἐστιν ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 This man is the power of God which is called Great People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as “The Great Power.” -ACT 8 10 yw5v ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 the power of God which is called Great Possible meanings are (1) the powerful representative of God or (2) God or (3) the most powerful man or (4) and angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as “the Great power of God” . +ACT 8 10 yw5v ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 the power of God which is called Great Possible meanings are (1) the powerful representative of God or (2) God or (3) the most powerful man or (4) and angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as “the Great power of God”. ACT 8 11 pxj8 writing-background 0 General Information: Simon is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse ends the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ACT 8 12 yiw3 0 Connecting Statement: These verses give more information about Simon and some of the Samaritans coming to believe in Jesus. ACT 8 12 vsy8 figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 they were baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized them” or “Philip baptized the new believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) @@ -1157,7 +1157,7 @@ ACT 8 39 xp52 οὐκ εἶδεν αὐτὸν οὐκέτι ὁ εὐνοῦχ ACT 8 40 r1x7 Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον 1 Philip was found at Azotus There was no indication of Philip’s traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and Azotus. He just suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus. ACT 8 40 arh5 διερχόμενος 1 passed through Philip preached in the area around the town of Azotus. ACT 8 40 zfn6 τὰς πόλεις πάσας 1 to all the cities Alternate translation: “to all the cities in that region” -ACT 9 intro jm6x 0 # Acts 09 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

### “Letters for the synagogues in Damascus”

The “letters” Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### What Saul saw when he met Jesus

It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he “fell upon the ground.” Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, “I have seen the Lord Jesus” because it was a human form that he saw here. +ACT 9 intro jm6x 0 # Acts 9 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

### “Letters for the synagogues in Damascus”

The “letters” Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### What Saul saw when he met Jesus

It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he “fell upon the ground.” Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, “I have seen the Lord Jesus” because it was a human form that he saw here. ACT 9 1 r4n5 writing-background 0 General Information: These verses give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen. Here the word “him” refers to the high priest and “he” refers to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ACT 9 1 yt9e 0 Connecting Statement: The story shifts back to Saul and his salvation. ACT 9 1 anb6 figs-abstractnouns ἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς 1 still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples The noun **murder** can be translated as a verb. Alternate translation: “still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) @@ -1273,7 +1273,7 @@ ACT 10 intro ym7z 0 # Acts 10 General Notes

## Special concepts in thi ACT 10 1 m1vx writing-background 0 General Information: These verses give background information about Cornelius. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ACT 10 1 nfy5 0 Connecting Statement: This is the beginning of the part of the story about Cornelius. ACT 10 1 wtb9 writing-participants ἀνὴρ δέ τις 1 Now there was a certain man This was a way of introducing a new person to this part of the historical account. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -ACT 10 1 x476 ὀνόματι Κορνήλιος, ἑκατοντάρχης ἐκ Σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς 1 named Cornelius, a centurion from the regiment that was called ‘Italian.’ “whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 100 soldiers from the Italian section of the Roman army. +ACT 10 1 x476 ὀνόματι Κορνήλιος, ἑκατοντάρχης ἐκ Σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς 1 named Cornelius, a centurion from the regiment that was called ‘Italian.’ Alternate translation: “whose name was Cornelius. He was an officer in charge of 100 soldiers from the Italian section of the Roman army” ACT 10 1 abcd Σπείρης τῆς καλουμένης Ἰταλικῆς 1 the regiment that was called ‘Italian.’ Alternate translation: “the Italian Regiment” ACT 10 2 s6rh εὐσεβὴς καὶ φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν 1 devout and fearing God Alternate translation: “believing in God and seeking to honor and worship God in his life” ACT 10 2 n8i3 φοβούμενος τὸν Θεὸν 1 fearing God The word **fearing** here has the sense of deep respect and awe. @@ -1419,7 +1419,7 @@ ACT 11 11 b2qv ἰδοὺ 1 behold This word alerts us to the new people in the ACT 11 11 k44j ἐξαυτῆς 1 right away Alternate translation: “immediately” or “at that exact moment” ACT 11 11 qwn5 figs-activepassive ἀπεσταλμένοι 1 having been sent If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “someone had sent them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 11 12 lf6m μηδὲν διακρίναντα 1 not making any distinction Alternate translation: “not being concerned that they were Gentiles” -ACT 11 12 cf8x ἦλθον…σὺν ἐμοὶ 1 went with me went with me to Caesarea” +ACT 11 12 cf8x ἦλθον…σὺν ἐμοὶ 1 went with me Alternate translation: “went with me to Caesarea” ACT 11 12 xrc6 οἱ ἓξ ἀδελφοὶ οὗτοι 1 these six brothers Alternate translation: “these six Jewish believers” ACT 11 12 w6ia εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ ἀνδρός 1 into the house of the man This refers to the house of Cornelius. ACT 11 13 few6 Σίμωνα, τὸν ἐπικαλούμενον Πέτρον 1 Simon, who is called Peter “Simon, who is also called Peter.” See how you translated the same phrase in [Acts 10:32](../10/32.md). @@ -1522,7 +1522,7 @@ ACT 12 11 hw63 ἐξείλατό με 1 delivered me Alternate translation: “ ACT 12 11 p739 figs-synecdoche πάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων 1 from all the expectations of the Jewish people Here “the people of the Jews” probably referred mainly to the Jewish leaders. Alternate translation: “from all that the Jewish leaders thought would happen to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ACT 12 12 tfh3 συνιδών 1 having realized this He became aware that God had rescued him. ACT 12 12 ux4v figs-activepassive Ἰωάννου, τοῦ ἐπικαλουμένου Μάρκου 1 of John, who was called Mark John was also called Mark. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “John, whom people also called Mark” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 12 13 x5fg 0 General Information: Here the words “she” and “her” all refer to the servant girl Rhoda. Here the words they” and “They” refer to the people who were inside praying ([Acts 12:12](../12/12.md)). +ACT 12 13 x5fg 0 General Information: Here the words “she” and “her” all refer to the servant girl Rhoda. Here the words “they” and “They” refer to the people who were inside praying ([Acts 12:12](../12/12.md)). ACT 12 13 pfn7 κρούσαντος…αὐτοῦ 1 when he knocked “when Peter knocked.” Tapping on the door was a normal Jewish custom to let others know you wish to visit them. You may need to change this to fit your culture. ACT 12 13 c634 τὴν θύραν τοῦ πυλῶνος 1 at the door of the gate Alternate translation: “at the outer door” or “at the door of the entrance from the street to the courtyard” ACT 12 13 khq1 προσῆλθε…ὑπακοῦσαι 1 came to answer Alternate translation: “came to the gate to ask who was knocking” @@ -1678,7 +1678,7 @@ ACT 13 27 psk5 τοῦτον ἀγνοήσαντες 1 did not recognize this o ACT 13 27 ri1f figs-metonymy τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν 1 the voices of the prophets Here the word **voices** represents the message of the prophets. Alternate translation: “the writings of the prophets” or “the message of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 13 27 m4tz figs-activepassive τὰς…ἀναγινωσκομένας 2 that are read If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “which someone reads” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 13 27 rle6 τὰς φωνὰς τῶν προφητῶν…ἐπλήρωσαν 1 they fulfilled the voices of the prophets Alternate translation: “they actually did just what the prophets said that they would do” -ACT 13 28 v3hw 0 General Information: Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word him” here refers to Jesus. +ACT 13 28 v3hw 0 General Information: Here the word “they” refers to the Jewish people and their religious leaders in Jerusalem. The word “him” here refers to Jesus. ACT 13 28 y9j6 μηδεμίαν αἰτίαν θανάτου εὑρόντες 1 they found no reason for death Alternate translation: “they did not find any reason why anyone should kill Jesus” ACT 13 28 d4xm ᾐτήσαντο Πειλᾶτον 1 they asked Pilate The word **asked** here is a strong word meaning to demand, beg or plead for. ACT 13 29 sq1j ὡς δὲ ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ γεγραμμένα 1 And when they had completed all that had been written about him Alternate translation: “And when they did to Jesus all the things that the prophets said would happen to him” @@ -1836,7 +1836,7 @@ ACT 14 20 aqx3 εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν 1 he entered into ACT 14 20 e2y9 ἐξῆλθεν σὺν τῷ Βαρναβᾷ εἰς Δέρβην 1 he went with Barnabas to Derbe Alternate translation: “Paul and Barnabas went to the city of Derbe” ACT 14 21 wv7e figs-exclusive 0 General Information: Here the words “they” and “They” refer to Paul. Here the word “We” includes Paul, Barnabas, and the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 14 21 ykt4 τὴν πόλιν ἐκείνην 1 in that city “in Derbe” ([Acts 14:20](../14/20.md)) -ACT 14 22 ek9l figs-synecdoche ἐπιστηρίζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν μαθητῶν 1 They were strengthening the souls of the disciples Here, **souls** refers to the disciples. This emphasizes their inner thoughts and beliefs. Alternate translation: “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to believe the message about Jesus” or “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to grow strong in their relationship with Jesus (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 14 22 ek9l figs-synecdoche ἐπιστηρίζοντες τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν μαθητῶν 1 They were strengthening the souls of the disciples Here, **souls** refers to the disciples. This emphasizes their inner thoughts and beliefs. Alternate translation: “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to believe the message about Jesus” or “Paul and Barnabas urged the believers to continue to grow strong in their relationship with Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) ACT 14 22 zkd2 παρακαλοῦντες ἐμμένειν τῇ πίστει 1 and encouraging them to continue in the faith Alternate translation: “and encouraging the believers to keep trusting in Jesus” ACT 14 22 d9ic writing-quotations καὶ ὅτι διὰ πολλῶν θλίψεων, δεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 and saying, “It is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God through many afflictions.” Some version translate this as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “and saying that we must enter into the kingdom of God through many sufferings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations]]) ACT 14 22 wu1c figs-exclusive δεῖ ἡμᾶς εἰσελθεῖν 1 It is necessary for us to enter Paul includes his hearers, so the word **us** is inclusive. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) @@ -2140,7 +2140,7 @@ ACT 17 16 we78 figs-synecdoche παρωξύνετο τὸ πνεῦμα αὐτ ACT 17 17 q8px διελέγετο 1 he reasoned “he debated” or “he discussed.” This means that there is interaction from the listeners rather than only his preaching. They are talking with him as well. ACT 17 17 jkj8 τοῖς σεβομένοις 1 those who were worshiping This refers to Gentiles (non-Jews) who give praise to God and follow him but do not obey all of the Jewish laws. ACT 17 17 ec14 ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ 1 in the marketplace “in the public square.” This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services take place. -ACT 17 18 ru6a 0 General Information: Here the words “him,” “He, “and “he” refer to Paul. +ACT 17 18 ru6a 0 General Information: Here the words “him,” “He,” and “he” refer to Paul. ACT 17 18 l7le translate-names τῶν Ἐπικουρίων καὶ Στοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων 1 of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers These people believed all things were formed by chance and that the gods were too busy being happy to be bothered with governing the universe. They rejected the resurrection and wanted only simple pleasures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 17 18 f976 translate-names Στοϊκῶν φιλοσόφων 1 Stoic philosophers These people believed freedom comes from resigning oneself to fate. They rejected a personal loving God and the resurrection. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 17 18 dnj8 τινες ἔλεγον 1 some said Alternate translation: “some of the Stoic philosophers said” @@ -2259,7 +2259,7 @@ ACT 18 22 r26z ἀναβὰς 1 having gone up He traveled to the city of Jerus ACT 18 22 q9j6 figs-metonymy ἀσπασάμενος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν 1 greeted the church Here, **church** refers to the believers in Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “greeted the members of the church of Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 18 22 n3rh κατέβη 1 he went down The phrase **went down** is used here because Antioch is lower in elevation than Jerusalem. ACT 18 23 pww5 ἐξῆλθεν 1 he departed Alternate translation: “Paul went away” or “Paul left” -ACT 18 23 h65j figs-metaphor καὶ ποιήσας χρόνον τινὰ 1 And having spent some time there This speaks about **time** as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate translation: And after staying there for a while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 18 23 h65j figs-metaphor καὶ ποιήσας χρόνον τινὰ 1 And having spent some time there This speaks about **time** as if it were a commodity that a person could spend. Alternate translation: “And after staying there for a while” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 18 24 a7p9 writing-background 0 General Information: Apollos is introduced to the story. Verses 24 and 25 give background information about him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) ACT 18 24 muc2 0 Connecting Statement: Luke tells what happens in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila. ACT 18 24 xqy7 δέ 1 Now This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. @@ -2437,7 +2437,7 @@ ACT 20 12 jkj5 τὸν παῖδα 1 the boy This refers to Eutychus ([Acts 20: ACT 20 12 abx0 figs-litotes οὐ μετρίως 1 not moderately This is a way of saying that they were greatly comforted. Alternate translation: “greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) ACT 20 13 dja7 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: The words “he,” “himself,” and “him” refer to Paul. Here the word “we” refers to the writer and those traveling with him, but not to the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 20 13 awt9 0 Connecting Statement: The writer Luke, Paul, and his other companions continue their travels; however, Paul goes separately for part of the trip. -ACT 20 13 w4ew figs-rpronouns ἡμεῖς…προελθόντες 1 we, having gone ahead The word **we** here refers to Luke and his traveling companions, and not to Paul. Paul did travel on the ship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) +ACT 20 13 w4ew figs-rpronouns ἡμεῖς…προελθόντες 1 we, having gone ahead The word **we** here refers to Luke and his traveling companions, and not to Paul. Paul did travel on the ship. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ACT 20 13 q4yz translate-names τὴν Ἆσσον 1 Assos Assos is a town located directly below present day Behram in Turkey on the coast of the Aegean sea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 20 13 nq2q figs-rpronouns ἦν μέλλων αὐτὸς πεζεύειν 1 ἦν μέλλων αὐτὸς πεζεύειν Here, **himself** is used to emphasize that this is what Paul wanted. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) ACT 20 13 p8y7 πεζεύειν 1 to go on foot Alternate translation: “to walk” @@ -2506,7 +2506,7 @@ 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 **Kissing** someone on the cheek is 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](../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 1 s3h3 figs-exclusive 0 General Information: 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 i6f8 0 Connecting Statement: The writer Luke, Paul, and his companions continue their travels. 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” @@ -2901,7 +2901,7 @@ ACT 25 13 ukd3 ἀσπασάμενοι τὸν Φῆστον 1 paid their respe ACT 25 14 x8jf figs-activepassive ἀνήρ τὶς ἐστιν καταλελειμμένος ὑπὸ Φήλικος δέσμιος 1 There is a certain man who has been left behind by Felix, a prisoner If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “When Felix left office, he left a man in prison here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 25 14 z7yw Φήλικος 1 Felix Felix was the Roman governor of the area who resided in Caesarea. See how you translated this name in [Acts 23:24](../23/24.md). ACT 25 15 b6hx figs-metaphor περὶ οὗ…ἐνεφάνισαν 1 brought charges concerning him To charge someone in court is spoken of as if it were an object that a person brings to court. Alternate translation: “spoke to me against this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -ACT 25 15 hyp5 figs-abstractnouns αἰτούμενοι κατ’ αὐτοῦ καταδίκην 1 requesting a judgment against him The abstract noun “judgment” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “asking me to judge him” or “requesting that I judge him to be guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 25 15 hyp5 figs-abstractnouns αἰτούμενοι κατ’ αὐτοῦ καταδίκην 1 requesting a judgment against him The abstract noun “judgment” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “asking me to judge him” or “requesting that I judge him to be guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ACT 25 16 e4tk figs-metaphor χαρίζεσθαί τινα ἄνθρωπον 1 to hand over any man Here, **hand over** represents sending someone to people who will punish or kill him. Alternate translation: “to let someone punish anyone” or “to condemn anyone to death” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 25 16 xjb4 figs-idiom πρὶν ἢ ὁ κατηγορούμενος, κατὰ πρόσωπον ἔχοι τοὺς κατηγόρους 1 before the one who is accused may have his accusers face to face Here, **have his accusers face to face** is an idiom that means to meet in person with the people who accuse him. Alternate translation: “before the person whom others have accused of a crime had met directly with those who accused him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 25 17 z6g2 οὖν 1 Therefore “Because what I have just said is true.” Fetus had just said that an accused man should be able to face his accusers and make his defense.