en_tn/tNotes/Acts/Acts_05.md

Acts 5

Acts 5:1

Connecting Statement:

Continuing the story of how the new Christians shared their belongings with other believers, Luke tells about two believers, Ananias and Sapphria. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background and rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-participants)

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line to tell a new part of the story.

Acts 5:2

his wife also knew it

"his wife also knew that he kept back part of the sale money"

laid it at the apostles' feet

This means that they presented to money to the apostles. See how you translated this in Acts 4:35. Alternate translation: "presented it to the apostles" or "gave it to the apostles" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)

Acts 5:3

General Information:

If your language does not use rhetorical questions, you may reword these as statements.

why has Satan filled your heart to lie ... land?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "you should not have let Satan fill your heart to lie ... land." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

Satan filled your heart

Here the word "heart" is a metonym for the will and emotions. The phrase "Satan filled your heart" is a metaphor. Possible meanings of the metaphor are 1) "Satan completely controlled you" or 2) "Satan convinced you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price

This implies that Ananias had told the apostles that he was giving the entire amount that he had received from selling his land. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 5:4

While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own ... authority?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "While it remained unsold, it was your own ... authority." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

While it remained unsold

"Before you sold it"

after it was sold, was it not under your authority?

Peter uses this question to rebuke Ananias. Alternate translation: "after it was sold, you had control over the money that you received." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

after it was sold

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "after you sold it" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Who is it that put this activity in your heart?

Peter used this question to rebuke Ananias. Here the word "heart" refers to the will and emotions. Alternate translation: "You should not have thought of doing this thing." or "It is Satan who has put this activity in your heart." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

this activity

This phrase is a metonym for the desire to do the activity. Alternate translation: "the desire to do this" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:5

fell down and breathed his last

Here "breathed his last" means "breathed his final breath" and is a polite way of saying that he died. Ananias fell down because he died; he did not die because he fell down. Alternate translation: "died and fell to the ground" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism)

Acts 5:6

The young men arose

This means that they began to act. This does not necessarily mean that they had been sitting or that Peter and Ananias had been at the front of the room or a meeting hall. If your language has a phrase that speaks of people responding to something by beginning to act, you may use it.

Acts 5:7

his wife came in

"Ananias' wife came in" or "Sapphira came in"

what had happened

"that her husband had died"

Acts 5:8

for so much

"for this much money." This refers to the amount of money that Ananias had given to the apostles.

Acts 5:9

General Information:

Here the word "you" is plural and refers to both Ananias and Sapphira. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)

How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?

Peter asks this question to rebuke Sapphira. Alternate translation: "You should not have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

you have agreed together

"the two of you have agreed together"

to test the Spirit of the Lord

Here the word "test" means to challenge or to prove. They were trying to see if they could get away with lying to God without receiving punishment.

Look, the feet of the men

The word "Look" is an idiom for "Pay attention!" Peter is probably telling Sapphira to pay attention to the sound of the men's footsteps, which indicate that they are about to enter the building, not to look at their feet. Here the phrase "the feet" can be either a synecdoche for the men whose feet they are or a metonym for the sound that they make. Alternate translation: "Pay attention! The men" or "Listen! The footsteps of the men" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

they will carry

"the men will carry"

Acts 5:10

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about Ananias and Sapphira. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate:writing_endofstory)

fell down at his feet

This means that when she died, she fell on the floor in front of Peter. This expression should not be confused with falling down at a person's feet as a sign of humility.

breathed her last

Here "breathed his last" means "breathed her final breath" and is a polite way of saying "she died." See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 5:5. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism)

Acts 5:11

General Information:

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Acts 5:12

General Information:

It is not clear whether here the word "They" refers to the believers or only to the apostles.

Connecting Statement:

Luke continues to tell what happens in the early days of the church.

Many signs and wonders were taking place among the people through the hands of the apostles

"Many signs and wonders took place among the people through the hands of the apostles." This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

signs and wonders

"supernatural events and miraculous deeds." See how you translated these terms in Acts 2:22

through the hands of the apostles

Here the word "hands" refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: "through the apostles" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)

all together

This phrase translates a word that speaks of people who agree with each other and who work together to accomplish a common purpose. The people were more than just in the same place at the same time.

Solomon's Porch

This was a covered walkway that consisted of rows of pillars that supported a roof, and which people named after king Solomon. See how you translated "the porch that is called Solomon's" in Acts 3:11.

Acts 5:13

General Information:

The words "them" and "they" refer to the apostles.

none of the rest

Possible meanings are 1) the apostles were in Solomon's Porch, but the rest of the believers were afraid to join them there, or 2) all the believers were in Solomon's Porch, and the word "none" is a hyperbole that means that most of the people who were not believers were afraid to join them. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-hyperbole)

they were held in high esteem by the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the people held the believers in high esteem" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:14

more believers were being added to the Lord

This could be stated in active form. See how you translated "were added" in Acts 2:41. Alternate translation: "more people were believing in the Lord" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:15

General Information:

Here the word "they" refers to the people who lived in Jerusalem.

his shadow might fall on some of them

It is implied that God would heal them if Peter's shadow touched them. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 5:16

those afflicted with unclean spirits

"those whom unclean spirits had afflicted"

they were all healed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God healed them all" or "the apostles healed them all" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:17

Connecting Statement:

The religious leaders began to persecute the believers.

But

This begins a contrasting story. You may translate this in the way that your language introduces a contrasting narrative.

the high priest rose up

Here the phrase "rose up" means that the high priest decided to take action, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: "the high priest took action" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)

they were filled with jealousy

The abstract noun "jealousy" can be translated as an adjective. This could be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "they became very jealous" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)

Acts 5:18

laid hands on

This means they had the believers arrested. See how you translated this in Acts 4:3. Alternate translation: "sent soldiers to arrest" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:19

General Information:

Here the word "them" refers to the apostles.

Acts 5:20

in the temple

This phrase here refers to the temple courtyard, not to the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

all the words of this life

The word "words" here is a metonym for the message that the apostles had already proclaimed. Possible meanings are 1) "all this message of eternal life" or 2) "the whole message of this new way of living" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:21

General Information:

Here the word "they" refers to the apostles.

into the temple

They went into the temple courtyard, not into the temple building, where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "into the temple courtyard" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

about daybreak

"as it began to be light." Although the angel led them out of the jail during the night, the sun was rising by the time the apostles reached the temple courtyard.

sent to the prison to have the apostles brought

This implies someone went to the jail. Alternate translation: "sent someone to the jail to bring the apostles" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-ellipsis)

Acts 5:22

General Information:

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Acts 5:23

we found no one inside

Possible meanings are 1) they found no one inside the apostles' cell Alternate translation: "we did not find them inside" or 2) the apostles had been the only prisoners and now there were no prisoners at all in the jail. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 5:24

General Information:

Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)

they were much perplexed

"they were very puzzled" or "they were very confused"

concerning them

"concerning the words they had just heard" or "concerning these things"

as to what would come of it

"and what would happen as a result" or "what would happen next"

Acts 5:25

General Information:

Here the word "you" is plural and refers to the captain of the temple and the chief priests. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)

standing in the temple

They did not go into the part of the temple building where only the priests were allowed. Alternate translation: "standing in the temple courtyard" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 5:26

Connecting Statement:

The captain and the officers bring the apostles before the Jewish religious council.

brought them back

"brought the apostles back"

they feared that they might be stoned

This can be expressed with an active form. Alternate translation: "they feared that the people might stone the captain and the officers" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:27

they had brought them, they set them ... interrogated them

"the captain and officers had brought the apostles, the captain and the officers set the apostles ... interrogated the apostles"

interrogated

questioned to find out what was true

Acts 5:28

We ... us

The speakers were referring to themselves, but not to the apostles, so these words are exclusive. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)

you ... your

These words refer to the apostles and so are plural. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-you)

in this name

Here the word "name" refers to the person of Jesus. See how you translated this in Acts 4:17. Alternate translation: "not to speak anymore about this person, Jesus" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching

Teaching many people in a city is spoken of as if they were filling the city with a teaching. Alternate translation: "you have taught many people in Jerusalem about him" or "you have taught about him throughout the Jerusalem" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

desire to bring this man's blood upon us

Here the word "blood" is a metonym for death, and to bring someone's blood on people is a metaphor for saying that they are guilty of that person's death. Alternate translation: "desire to make us responsible for this man's death" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

Acts 5:29

General Information:

Here the word "We" refers to the apostles, and not to the audience. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)

Peter and the apostles answered

Peter spoke on behalf of all of the apostles when he said the following words.

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus

Here "raised up" is an idiom. Alternate translation: "The God of our fathers caused Jesus to live again" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)

by hanging him on a tree

Here Peter uses the word "tree" to refer to the cross, which was made of wood. Alternate translation: "by hanging him on a cross" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:31

God exalted him to his right hand

To be at the "right hand of God" is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: "God exalted him to the place of honor beside him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)

give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins

The words "repentance" and "forgiveness" can be translated as verbs. Alternate translation: "give the people of Israel an opportunity to repent and have God forgive their sins" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)

Israel

The word "Israel" refers to the Jewish people. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:32

those who obey him

"those who submit to God's authority"

Acts 5:33

General Information:

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Acts 5:34

Connecting Statement:

Gamaliel addresses the council members.

Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people

Luke introduces Gamaliel and provides background information about him. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-participants and rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

who was honored by all the people

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "whom all the people honored" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

commanded the apostles to be taken outside

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded the guards to take the apostles outside" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:35

pay close attention to

"think carefully about" or "be cautious about." Gamaliel was warning them not to do something that they would later regret.

Acts 5:36

Theudas rose up

Possible meanings are 1) "Theudas rebelled" or 2) "Theudas appeared."

claiming to be somebody

"claiming to be somebody important"

He was killed

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "People killed him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

all who had been obeying him were scattered

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "all the people scattered who had been obeying him" or "all who had been obeying him went in different directions" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

came to nothing

This means that they did not do what they had planned to do.

Acts 5:37

After this man

"After Theudas"

in the days of the census

"during the time of the census"

drew away some people after him

This means that he persuaded some people to rebel with him against the Roman government. Alternate translation: "caused many people to follow him" or "caused many people to join him in rebellion" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-idiom)

Acts 5:38

keep away from these men and let them alone

Gamaliel is telling the Jewish leaders not to punish the apostles any more and not to put them back in jail. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

if this plan or work is of men

"if men have devised this plan or are doing this work"

it will be overthrown

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "someone will overthrow it" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:39

Connecting Statement:

Gamaliel finishes addressing the council members.

if it is of God

Here the word "it" refers to "this plan or work." Alternate translation: "if God has devised this plan or commanded these men to do this work" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

So they were persuaded

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "So Gamaliel persuaded them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 5:40

General Information:

Here the word "they" refers to the council members and all instances of "them" refer to the apostles.

they called the apostles in and beat them

The council members would have ordered the temple guards to do these things. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

to speak in the name of Jesus

Here "name" refers to the authority of Jesus. See how you translated a similar phrase in Acts 4:18. Alternate translation: "to speak anymore in the authority of Jesus" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:41

General Information:

All instances of "they" refer to the apostles.

they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name

The apostles rejoiced because God had honored them by letting the Jewish leaders dishonor them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

for the Name

Here "the Name" refers to Jesus. Alternate translation: "for Jesus" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 5:42

General Information:

The word "they" refers to the apostles.

Thereafter every day

"After that day, every day." This phrase marks what the apostles did every day through the following days.

in the temple and from house to house

They did not go into the temple building where only the priests went. Alternate translation: "in the temple courtyard and in different people's houses" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)