en_tn/tNotes/Acts/Acts_16.md

Acts 16

Acts 16:1

Connecting Statement:

This continues the missionary journeys of Paul with Silas. Timothy is introduced into the story and joins Paul and Silas. Verses 1 and 2 give background information about Timothy. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

Paul also came

Here "came" can be translated as "went." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-go)

Derbe

This is the name of a city in Asia Minor. See how you translated it in Acts 14:6.

behold

The word "behold" alerts us to a new person in the narrative. Your language may have a way of doing this.

who was a believer

The words "in Christ" are understood. Alternate translation: "who was a believer in Christ" or "who believed in Christ" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:2

He was well spoken of by the brothers

This can be stated in active from. Alternate translation: "The brothers spoke well of him" or "Timothy had a good reputation among the brothers" or "The brothers said good things about him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

by the brothers

Here "brothers" refers to believers. Alternate translation: "by the believers"

Acts 16:3

wanted him ... took him ... circumcised him ... his father

"wanted Timothy ... took Timothy ... circumcised Timothy ... Timothy's father"

with him ... he took

"with Paul ... Paul took"

circumcised him

It is possible that Paul himself circumcised Timothy, but it is more likely that he had someone else circumcise Timothy.

because of the Jews that were in those places

"because of the Jews living in the areas where Paul and Timothy would be traveling"

for they all knew that his father was a Greek

Since Greek men did not have their sons circumcised, the Jews would have known Timothy was not circumcised, and they would have rejected Paul and Timothy before hearing their message about Christ. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:4

General Information:

The word "they" here refers to Paul, Silas (Acts 15:40), and Timothy (Acts 16:3).

for them to obey

"for the church members to obey" or "for the believers to obey"

the ordinances decided on by the apostles and elders

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the ordinances that the apostles and elders in Jerusalem had decided on and written down" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:5

the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the believers became stronger in their faith, and there were more and more people becoming believers every day" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

the churches were strengthened in the faith

This speaks of helping someone to believe more confidently as if it were making them physically stronger. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

Acts 16:6

Phrygia

This is a region in Asia. See how you translated this name in Acts 2:10.

they had been forbidden by the Holy Spirit

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "the Holy Spirit had forbidden them" or "the Holy Spirit did not permit them" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

the word

Here "word" stands for "message." Alternate translation: "the message about Christ" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:7

When they came

Here "came" can be translated as "went" or "arrived." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-go)

Mysia ... Bithynia

These are two more regions in Asia. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names)

the Spirit of Jesus

"the Holy Spirit"

Acts 16:8

they came down to the city of Troas

The phrase "came down" is used here because Troas is lower in elevation than Mysia.

they came down

Here "came" can be translated as "went." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-go)

Acts 16:9

A vision appeared to Paul

"Paul saw a vision from God" or "Paul had a vision from God"

begging him

Or "inviting him."

Come over into Macedonia

The phrase "Come over" is used because Macedonia is across the sea from Troas.

Acts 16:10

we sought to go to Macedonia ... God had called us

Here the words "we" and "us" refer to Paul and his companions, including Luke, the author of Acts.

Acts 16:11

Samothrace ... Neapolis

These are coastal cities near Phillipi in Macedonia. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names)

we came to Neapolis

Here "came to" can be translated as "went to" or "arrived at." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-go)

Acts 16:12

a Roman colony

This is a city outside of Italy where many people who came from Rome lived. The people there had the same rights and freedoms as people who lived in cities in Italy. They could govern themselves and they did not have to pay taxes. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Acts 16:13

Connecting Statement:

Paul and his companions are now in Philippi on their missionary trip. The story of Lydia begins here. This short story happens during Paul's travels.

Acts 16:14

A certain woman named Lydia

Here "A certain woman" introduces a new person in the story. Alternate translation: "There was a woman named Lydia" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-participants)

a seller of purple

Here "cloth" is understood. Alternate translation: "a merchant who sold purple cloth" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

Thyatira

This is the name of a city. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names)

worshiped God

A worshiper of God is a Gentile who gives praise to God and follows him, but does not obey all of the Jewish laws.

The Lord opened her heart to pay attention

For the Lord to cause someone to pay attention and believe a message is spoken of as if he were opening a person's heart. Alternate translation: "The Lord caused her to listen well and to believe" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

opened her heart

Here "heart" stands for a person's mind. Also, the author speaks about the "heart" or "mind" as if it were a box that a person could open so it is ready for someone to fill it. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

what was said by Paul

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

Acts 16:15

Connecting Statement:

The story of Lydia ends here.

When she and her house were baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "When they baptized Lydia and members of her household" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

her house

Here "house" represents the people who live in her house. Alternate translation: "the members of her household" or "her family and household servants" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:16

General Information:

Background information is given here to explain that this young fortune teller brought much financial gain to her masters by guessing people's futures. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)

Connecting Statement:

This begins the first event in another short story during Paul's travels; it is about a young fortune teller.

It came about that

This phrase marks the beginning of a new part of the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

a certain slave girl ... encountered

The phrase "a certain" introduces a new person to the story. Alternate translation: "there was a slave girl ... who encountered" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-participants)

a spirit of divination

An evil spirit spoke to her often about the immediate future of people.

Acts 16:17

the way of salvation

How a person can be saved is spoken of here as if it were a way or path that a person walks on. Alternate translation: "how God can save you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)

Acts 16:18

But Paul, being greatly annoyed by her, turned

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "But she greatly annoyed Paul, so he turned around" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

in the name of Jesus Christ

Here "name" stands for speaking with the authority or as the representative of Jesus Christ. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

it came out at that same hour

"the spirit came out immediately"

Acts 16:19

her masters

"the owners of the slave girl"

their hope of profit was now gone

Here the word "hope" is the reason for which a person can expect that what he desires will happen. Now that the spirit was gone, the girl's masters could not expect to earn money from the spirit's telling people things. Alternate translation: "their opportunity to make money was now gone" or "they could no longer expect to make money" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns)

their hope of profit was now gone

It can be stated clearly why they no longer expected to make money. Alternate translation: "she could no longer earn money for them by telling fortunes" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

into the marketplace

"into the public square." This is a public place of business, where buying and selling of goods, cattle, or services takes place.

before the authorities

"into the presence of the authorities" or "so that the authorities could judge them"

Acts 16:20

When they had brought them to the magistrates

"When they had brought them to the judges"

magistrates

rulers, judges

These men are troubling our city

Here the word "our" refers to the people of the city and includes the magistrates who ruled it. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)

Acts 16:21

to accept or practice

"to believe or to obey" or "to accept or to do"

Acts 16:22

General Information:

Here the words "their" and "them" refer to Paul and Silas.

commanded them to be beaten with rods

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "commanded the soldiers to beat them with rods" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:23

they had ... upon them, they threw them ... guard them

"the magistrates had ... upon Paul and Silas, the magistrates threw Paul and Silas ... keep Paul and Silas"

had laid many blows upon them

"had hit them many times with rods"

commanded the jailer to guard them securely

"told the jailer to make sure they did not get out"

jailer

a person responsible for all the people held in the jail or prison

Acts 16:24

he got this command

"he heard this command"

fastened their feet in the stocks

"securely locked their feet in the stocks"

stocks

a piece of wood with holes for preventing a person's feet from moving

Acts 16:25

General Information:

The word "them" refers to Paul and Silas.

Connecting Statement:

This continues Paul and Silas' time in Philippi in prison and tells what happens to their jailer.

Acts 16:26

earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "earthquake which shook the foundations of the prison" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

the foundations of the prison

When the foundations shook, this caused the entire prison to shake. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-synecdoche)

all the doors were opened

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

everyone's chains were unfastened

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "everyone's chains came loose" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:27

The jailer was awakened from sleep

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "The jailer woke up" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

was about to kill himself

"was ready to kill himself." The jailer preferred to commit suicide rather than suffer the consequences of letting the prisoners escape.

Acts 16:28

General Information:

Here the word "we" refers to Paul, Silas, and all of the other prisoners but excludes the jailer. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)

Acts 16:29

called for lights

The reason why the jailer needed light can be made explicit. Alternate translation: "called for someone to bring light so he could see who was still in the prison" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

for lights

The word "lights" stands for something that makes light. Alternate translation: "for torches" or "for lamps" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

rushed in

"quickly entered the jail"

fell down before Paul and Silas

The jailer humbled himself by bowing down at the feet of Paul and Silas. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-symaction)

Acts 16:30

brought them out

"led them outside the jail"

what must I do to be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "what must I do for God to save me from my sins" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:31

you will be saved

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "God will save you" or "God will save you from your sins" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

your house

Here "house" stands for the people who live in the house. Alternate translation: "all the members of your household" or "your family" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:32

General Information:

The word "They" refers to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25), and the word "him" refers to the jailer.

They spoke the word of the Lord to him

Here "word" stands for a message. Alternate translation: "They told him the message about the Lord Jesus" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

Acts 16:33

General Information:

The words "them" and "their" refer to Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25), and the words "he" and "his" refer to the jailer.

he and those in his entire house were baptized immediately

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Paul and Silas immediately baptized the jailer and all the members of his household" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)

Acts 16:34

General Information:

All instances of "he" and "his" refer to the jailer.

Acts 16:35

General Information:

This is the last event in the story of Paul and Silas in Philippi (Acts 16:12).

Now

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Luke tells the last event in the story that started in Acts 16:16.

sent word to the guards

Here "word" stands for "message" or "command." Alternate translation: "sent a message to the guards" or "sent a command to the guards" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

sent word

Here "sent" means the magistrates told someone to go tell the guards their message.

Let those men go

"Release those men" or "Allow those men to leave"

Acts 16:36

come out

"come outside of the jail"

Acts 16:37

General Information:

The word "they" refers to the magistrates. All instances of "we" and "us" refer only to Paul and Silas and so are exclusive. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive)

said to them

Probably Paul is speaking to the jailer, but he intends for the jailer to tell the magistrates what he says. Alternate translation: "said to the jailer" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

They have publicly beaten us

Here "They" refers to the magistrates who commanded their soldiers to beat them. Alternate translation: "The magistrates ordered their soldiers to beat us in public" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)

without a trial, even though we are Romans citizens—and they threw us into prison

"men who are Roman citizens, and they had their soldiers put us in jail though they had not proven in court that we were guilty"

Do they now want to send us away secretly? No!

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he will not allow the magistrates to send them out the city in secret after they had mistreated Paul and Silas. Alternate translation: "I will certainly not let them send us out of the city in secret!" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion)

Let them come themselves

Here "themselves" is used for emphasis. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rpronouns)

Acts 16:38

when they heard that Paul and Silas were Romans, they were afraid

To be a Roman meant to be a legal citizen of the Empire. Citizenship provided freedom from torture and the right to a fair trial. The city leaders were afraid that more important Roman authorities might learn how the city leaders had mistreated Paul and Silas. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit)

they heard ... they were afraid

"the magistrates heard ... the magistrates were afraid"

Acts 16:39

General Information:

All instances of "them" refer to Paul and Silas.

Acts 16:40

General Information:

Here the word "they" refers to Paul and Silas. The word "them" refers to the believers in Philippi.

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of Paul and Silas' time in Philippi. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-endofstory)

came to the house

Here "came" can be translated as "went." (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-go)

the house of Lydia

"the home of Lydia"

saw the brothers

Here "brothers" refers to believers, whether male or female. Alternate translation: "saw the believers" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-gendernotations)