Paragraph 2:37–40

2:37a

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart: The Greek text is literally “having heard, they were pierced in the heart.” This is an idiom that means “feel an emotion greatly.” Here it probably refers to remorse. When Jesus died, the Jews probably thought that Jesus deserved to be crucified. But after Peter spoke they realized that Jesus was the Christ, the one who would save his people. So then they were sorry that they supported those who wanted to kill Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

Peter’s words pierced their hearts (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
they were acutely distressed (NET Bible)
-or-
they felt pain ⌊like a spear⌋ to the heart
-or-
they felt a sharp pain of remorse/sadness

the people: This refers to the crowd of Jews from many countries (2:5a–14a).

2:37b

and: It is possible to see 2:37b as a result of 2:37a. In some languages it is more natural to indicate that connection. For example:

and ⌊so⌋

apostles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as apostles means “those who are sent.” It refers to the people whom someone sends with authority to do something.

Here are some other ways to translate apostles:

• Translate the meaning of the Greek word apostles. For example:

people sent ⌊to speak/act for him⌋
-or-

⌊special⌋ messengers
-or-
representatives
-or-
men with authority from Jesus

• Indicate the role or function of apostles. For example:

chief leaders ⌊of Jesus’ work⌋
-or-
people who are in charge ⌊of Jesus’ work⌋

Be careful to choose different terms for “apostles,” “angels,” “elders,” and “prophets.”

See how you translated this word in 1:2.

Brothers: The Greek text is literally “Men, brothers.” It is a polite way for the Jews to address Peter and the other eleven apostles. Here are some other ways to translate this Greek phrase:

Our(excl) male-kinsmen/people, our brothers
-or-
Fellow countrymen
-or-
Our relatives

what shall we do?: This is a real question. The Jews did not know what they should do about the news that Jesus is the Christ. It implies that many of them had accepted the news about Jesus. So they asked the apostles to tell them what to do next. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

What are we to do…? (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
what should we do? (New Revised Standard Version)

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