After many days had gone by is another expression of indefinite time. Some try to stress the linear or progressive action in the verb by translating “as the days mounted up” (New English Bible) or “as time went on” (Lake’s commentary). However, the Greek verb tense represented by gathered and made plans (the verb has both of these ideas rather than merely “make plans” or “plot”) indicates that the Jewish gathering did not take place until after many days had gone by.

In many languages one cannot speak of “days going by.” One can, however, say “many days later,” “after the sun had gone down many times,” or even as in some languages “after many moons” (often not a reference to months but to nights).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .