SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:1

Division 1:1–6:7

Jesus ascended to heaven, and the Holy Spirit came and enabled believers to evangelize many other Jews

The setting for this division was Jerusalem and the people were Jewish. After Jesus had instructed his followers to tell others about him, he ascended to heaven (1:2–9). As Jesus had promised the apostles (1:4–5), the Holy Spirit came (2:1–4) and enabled the believers to tell many other people about Jesus. The Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to do miracles, such as healing a lame man (3:1–10). These miracles showed people that what the apostles and other believers said was true, and that God was empowering them. However, Jewish leaders opposed the apostles and tried to prevent them from teaching people about Jesus (4:1–22). This division tells how well the believers lived together and worked together (2:42–47). However, it also tells about problems among the believers, such as Ananias and Sapphira lying (5:1–11) and people neglecting widows (6:1). But it shows how God enabled the believers to resolve these problems. In those ways the number of people who believed in Jesus increased greatly in Jerusalem (6:7).

Section 1:1–11

Jesus instructed his followers and then ascended to heaven

In this section Luke introduced the rest of the book (1:12–28:31). He indicated to whom he was writing. He also indicated that he had written about Jesus in a previous book. He gave a short summary of what Jesus did after he died on the cross. He introduced three important themes: The Holy Spirit empowering believers; the believers telling others about Jesus; and God planning for Jesus to return.

Here are some other possible headings for this section:

Introduction (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
The Promise of the Holy Spirit (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
Luke Writes Another Book (New Century Version)

Since this is the first section, some English versions do not have a heading. Consider what is the best way to begin a book of the Bible in your language.

Paragraph 1:1–3

1:1a

In my first book, O Theophilus: The name of the person addressed, Theophilus, occurs in the middle of the sentence. In some languages, it is more natural to have it first in the sentence. For example:

Theophilus, in my former book

In some language, it is more natural to introduced the name in a different way. For example:

To Theophilus.

The first book I wrote (New Century Version)

In my first book: This phrase refers to the Gospel of Luke. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible literally translates as first indicates that Luke wrote that book before this book. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

In my former book (New International Version)
-or-
In the book that I wrote before this one

O Theophilus: The name Theophilus means “friend of God.” In Luke 1:3 Luke addressed him as “most excellent Theophilus.” This address most likely indicates that Theophilus was a person of high social standing. In your translation, you should use a natural form for writing or speaking directly to someone of high social standing. For example:

⌊honorable⌋ Theophilus
-or-
Dear Theophilus: (Good News Translation)
-or-

⌊most excellent⌋ Theophilus

However some languages do not normally express honor when greeting someone, like the way that the Berean Standard Bible translates.

1:1b–2a

I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, until the day he was taken up to heaven: The words began and until indicate that Luke wrote in the first book about what Jesus did from the first day of his life to the day he was taken up to heaven. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

1bI wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning 2auntil the day when he was taken up to heaven (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-

1bI first wrote to you about all that Jesus did and taught from the very first 2auntil he was taken up to heaven. (Contemporary English Version)

1:1b

wrote: The Greek word is literally “made.” It refers to putting effort into something. Luke worked hard at writing this book. Here are some other ways to translate this word:

composed (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
gave an account (Revised English Bible)

about all: The phrase about all indicates that Luke wrote about all the important events and teachings of Jesus. It does not mean that Luke wrote down everything that Jesus did and said. In some languages a literal translation would indicate that Luke actually wrote about everything Jesus did. If that is true in your language, you may want to indicate the correct meaning in your translation. For example:

about all ⌊the important things⌋
-or-
about the things
-or-
about the many things

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SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:2

1:2a

until the day He was taken up to heaven: The word until introduces when “all that Jesus began to do and to teach” ended. The phrase the day refers to Jesus’ last day on earth, which makes it clear that Luke had written about what Jesus did and taught during all of his time on earth. Some languages need to translate until in a different way. For example:

1bI wrote about all that Jesus did and taught 2a⌊on earth⌋. I even wrote about the day he was taken up to heaven.
-or-

1bI wrote about all that Jesus did and taught 2a⌊on earth⌋, including the day he was taken up to heaven.

He was taken up to heaven: This clause is passive. Here are some ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

when he was taken up (Revised Standard Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊God⌋ took him up to heaven

heaven: Here this word refers to the place where God lives and from which he rules. In some languages the same word is used for “heaven” and “sky.” If that is true in your language, you may need to make it clear that this refers to the place where God lives. For example:

the place of God
-or-
the place where God lives

1:2b

after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen: Jesus went to heaven after he gave instructions. In some languages it is more natural to put the events in the order they happened or explain when this event happened. For example:

He gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen, ⌊and then he was taken up to heaven⌋.
-or-

⌊Before he went to heaven⌋ he gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

giving instructions…to the apostles: The phrase giving instructions refers to commanding people to do things. Here Jesus told them to do certain things. For example, Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

commanding the apostles
-or-
instructing the apostles
-or-
telling the apostles his instructions

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 accomplish a mission or a particular task. At the time Luke was writing about, Judas Iscariot had killed himself, so there were only eleven apostles here.

Here are some 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⌋

through the Holy Spirit: The word through indicates that the Holy Spirit was the means of instructing the apostles or that Jesus used the power of the Holy Spirit to instruct the apostles. It is probably used in the same way as later when Jesus was in heaven and instructed the apostles through the Holy Spirit. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

by the Holy Spirit (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Good News Translation)
-or-
with the help of the Holy Spirit (Contemporary English Version)

Holy Spirit: This phrase refers to the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is God, together with God the Father and God the Son. The Holy Spirit is Spirit in the sense that he is a living being who does not have a physical body. He is Holy in the sense that he is divine. He is perfect in every way and is completely pure and sinless. Because of these qualities, he is worthy of awe.

Here are some ways to translate Holy Spirit:

Spirit/Breath of God
-or-
Holy/Sacred Spirit

Do not imply that the Holy Spirit is like the ghost of a dead person or that God has died.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:3

1:3a

After His suffering: The word suffering here refers to when Jesus was beaten, mocked, and then died on the cross. In some languages a literal translation would refer to something else. If that is true in your language, you may want to include the implied information. For example:

After his suffering ⌊on the day he died⌋

1:3b

He presented Himself to them: Jesus appeared to the apostles a number of times after he became alive again, as 1:3c makes clear. For example:

he appeared to them many times (Good News Translation)
-or-
he became visible to them ⌊so they saw him⌋ ⌊many times⌋

1:3c

with many convincing proofs that He was alive: This clause refers to the days after God resurrected Jesus. In some languages a literal translation would refer generally to his life. If that is true in your language, include the implied information. For example:

and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive ⌊again⌋
-or-
he proved in many ways that he had been raised from death (Contemporary English Version)

with many convincing proofs: This phrase indicates that Jesus clearly showed the apostles in different ways that he was actually alive again. For example, he let them touch him and he ate with them. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

he proved in many ways (New Century Version)
-or-
showed…in many convincing ways (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
did many things so that they would ⌊thoroughly⌋ know

1:3d

He appeared to them over a span of forty days: These forty days were after Jesus had become alive again and before he went up to heaven. The apostles saw Jesus a number of times during those forty days. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

appeared to them repeatedly over a period of forty days (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
appearing to them during forty days (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time (New Living Translation (2004))

1:3e

the kingdom of God: This phrase refers to God’s activity of ruling and caring for his people as their king. It does not refer to a land or country that he rules over. It refers to the relationship that he has with his people. He leads, protects, and cares for them. They obey, trust, and submit to him as their king.

Here are some ways to translate this:

• With a noun. For example:

God’s rule/reign
-or-
God’s kingship
-or-
God’s chieftaincy
-or-
God’s government

• With a verb. For example:

God rules his people
-or-
God cares for his people as king

God: This word refers here to the eternal spirit who created everything. He is more powerful than any other spirit, and he is perfectly good and wise. He deserves to be worshiped. Here are some ways to translate God:

• Use a name or title for God that people in your culture already use.

• Use a descriptive term that fits the truth about God that is revealed in the Bible. For example:

Creator
-or-
Great Spirit
-or-
Ruler of the universe

• Use a borrowed word from the major language in your area. Choose a term that is acceptable to the believers and interested organizations in your area.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:4

Paragraph 1:4–5

1:4a–d

And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss.”: The Greek has 1:4b–c as indirect speech. For example:

4aAnd while staying with them he charged them 4bnot to depart from Jerusalem, 4cbut to wait for the promise of the Father, 4dwhich, he said, “you heard from me, (Revised Standard Version)

However, it may be easier for your readers to begin the direct quote with 1:4b, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

1:4a

And: Some English versions add the phrase “On one occassion” here to make it clear that 1:4a–5b occurred during the 40 days (1:3d). However, the Berean Standard Bible does not do this. If it would be natural in your language to include this implied information, here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

On one occasion… (New International Version)
-or-
Once, (God’s Word)

while they were gathered together: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gathered together is rarely used and its meaning is not clear. There are four main interpretations of this verb:

(1) It means was together with. Here is another way to translate this:

And when they came together (Good News Translation)

(Good News Translation, God’s Word, NET Bible, Revised English Bible, King James Version, New American Bible, Revised Edition)

(2) It means eat with. Here is another way to translate this:

Once when he was eating with them (New Century Version)

(New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004))

(3) It means stay with. Here is another way to translate this:

And while staying with them (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version)

(4) It means gather. For example:

Gathering them together (New American Standard Bible)

(Berean Standard Bible, New American Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

1:4b

Do not leave Jerusalem: This command is further explained in 1:4c. Jesus wanted them to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came. For example:

Don’t leave Jerusalem yet. (Contemporary English Version)

1:4c–d

but wait for the gift the Father promised: The word gift refers to the Holy Spirit. God had already promised to send the Holy Spirit to the believers. It is like a gift, because there is nothing they can do to require God to give it. In some languages people would not think a literal translation would refer to the Holy Spirit. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain the meaning in your translation. For example:

wait for the gift my Father promised, ⌊namely the Holy Spirit⌋
-or-
wait for the gift ⌊of the Holy Spirit⌋ that my Father promised

• Explain the meaning in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

The word “gift” refers to the Holy Spirit here.

the Father: This phrase refers to God here. In some languages people would think that a literal translation refers to someone else. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain in your translation. For example:

⌊God⌋ my Father

General Comment on 1:4b–d

In some languages it is more natural to have the positive command first, then the negative command. For example:

4cWait in Jerusalem for the gift my Father promised, 4dwhich you have heard me speak about. 4bDo not leave.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:5

1:5a–b

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit: Here the word For introduces an explanation of why the disciples should wait (1:4c). A few days from this time the Holy Spirit would come.

1:5a

baptized with water: The verb baptized means to purify people with a special ritual that uses water. Here the ritual involved purification from sin. It did not mean that the person was cleaned to remove dirt. Baptism was an initiation that marked the beginning of a person’s life as one of God’s pure people.

Here are some ways to translate baptized:

• Use a descriptive term. For example:

ritually wash
-or-
initiate people in/with water
-or-
immerse people in water for God
-or-
sprinkle/shower people with God’s initiation water

• Use a term for a similar ritual that is already used in your culture. You may need to indicate that it has a special connection with God here. For example:

purify people with God’s ceremonial bath
-or-
wash people in initiation water for God

• Use a term that is already accepted by the local churches. In some areas this term may have been borrowed from the national language or transliterated from Greek or English.

Churches use different ways to baptize people. Choose a term that is acceptable to the different churches in your area.

1:5b

but: This conjunction indicates a contrast between what John the Baptist did in 1:5a and what God will do in 1:5b.

in a few days: Here this phrase refers to a time period of about ten days. Your translation should allow for that many days.

you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit: The word baptized here is a metaphor. It indicates that God would send the Holy Spirit to stay in them and help them. Some languages will have difficulty using baptized as a metaphor. If that is true in your language, you may need to:

• Explain the meaning of the metaphor in your translation. For example:

you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit ⌊when he is given to you⌋ ⌊and remains in you⌋

• Translate the meaning of the metaphor. For example:

you will be given the Holy Spirit ⌊and he will remain in you⌋
-or-
the Holy Spirit will be caused to live in you

You may then want to explain the literal words in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Literally: “you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” This uses “baptized” as a metaphor that refers to God causing the Holy Spirit to live in believers and help them.

• Translate literally and explain in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

The word “baptized” here is a metaphor. It indicates that God would send the Holy Spirit to stay in the believers and help them. Acts 2:1–4 describes the first time when God “baptized” them with the Holy Spirit.

you will be baptized: This clause is passive. Here are some ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb, as in the Berean Standard Bible.

• Use an active verb. For example:

⌊God⌋ will baptize you

with the Holy Spirit: The word with is used as a metaphor. Here it indicates that God would cause the Holy Spirit to live in believers and always be there to help them. Luke uses the word with to indicate the difference from the effect of John’s baptism to what God would do for believers.

In some languages a literal translation would not have that meaning. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

by ⌊giving you⌋ the Holy Spirit
-or-
by ⌊causing⌋ the Holy Spirit ⌊to live in you⌋

General Comment on 1:5a–b

If possible, use the same word for “baptize” in the phrases “baptized with water” and “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Doing this will help show the contrast. For example:

John put you in water, but God will put the Holy Spirit ⌊in your hearts/minds⌋.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:6

Paragraph 1:6–9

1:6a

they: The pronoun they refers at least to the apostles. Other followers of Jesus may have been present too.

1:6b

Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord was the respectful term that the disciples often used to address Jesus. The word means “master,” or “the one who has authority over others.” Jesus is Lord because he is leader over the apostles and he is the Christ, the Son of God. You should translate Lord with a word that your language would use for addressing this kind of person.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

Master
-or-
Chief
-or-
Owner
-or-
Sovereign

will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?: Jewish religious teachers expected the Christ to establish an earthly kingdom with himself as king, based on prophecies in the Old Testament. They believed that he would free the people of Israel so that foreigners would no longer rule them. The word restore indicates that Israel was once a great kingdom and they expected it to be like that again. All Jews including the apostles knew this teaching. But Jesus did not do those things. So the apostles and followers of Jesus hoped that he would do them soon. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
has the time come for you to restore the kingdom to Israel? (New Jerusalem Bible)

In some languages people are not familiar with these Jewish expectations. If that is true in your language, you may want to explain the expectations in a footnote. Here is an example footnote:

Based on prophecies in the Old Testament, the people of Israel expected the Christ to establish an earthly kingdom with himself as king. It would be like King David’s reign of long ago. But those prophecies refer to when Jesus comes the second time.

Israel: This name here refers to the Jewish people.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:7

1:7a

Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons”: Jesus replied in a courteous manner. The reply is not a rebuke.

It is not for you to know times or seasons: This phrase indicates that Jesus would not tell the apostles such things. They did not need to know. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

The times or seasons are not for you to know
-or-
You don’t need to know about times or periods (God’s Word)
-or-
You are not permitted to know the times or periods (NET Bible)

times or seasons: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as times can refer to a point in time or a period of time. The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as seasons can refer to a season (such as winter), a period of time or a point in time. Together they probably refer to periods of time when something is a certain way and to the day when an event occurs. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

times or epochs (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
times and occasions (Good News Translation)

1:7b

that the Father has fixed by His own authority: God alone decides when things occur. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

that the Father has decided by his own authority (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
that the Father has indicated, using his own authority, when they will occur

the Father: This refers to God. In some languages a literal translation would not clearly refer to God. If that is true in your language, you may want to include the implied information. For example:

⌊God⌋ the Father

SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 1:8

1:8a

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you: Here Jesus told them what they did need to know, in contrast to what they did not need to know in 1:7. In some languages a literal translation would not indicate contrast to God setting the times and dates. If that is true in your language, you may want to:

• Explain in your translation. For example:

But ⌊instead of needing to know such things,⌋ you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you
-or-
However, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you

• Allow the other words of 1:7–8 to indicate the contrast and do not translate the conjunction But. For example:

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you

you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you: This clause indicates that the Holy Spirit would soon come to them and enable them to do what God wants them to do, including to tell others about him. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit which will come on you (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power (New Century Version)

you will receive power: In English, the word receive implies someone else willingly gave what was received, and the word “take” does not imply that someone else willingly gave it. It is implied here that God willingly gave the power.

In some languages the same word is used for both “receive” and “take.” In some of those languages a literal translation would indicate that the believers took the power or that God did not give it willingly. If that is true in your language, you may want to use a different word than receive. For example:

you will be given power
-or-

⌊God⌋ will give power to you

1:8b–c

and you will be My witnesses: The phrase My witnesses indicates that the apostles would tell others what they knew personally about Jesus. Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

you will be witnesses for me (Good News Translation)
-or-
you will tell ⌊people⌋ what you know concerning me
-or-
you will announce my good news

Jerusalem: Jerusalem was (and is) the capital of Israel, then called Judea.

and in all Judea: Judea was the name of a region or province that the Romans, or one of their vassal kings, ruled. It was one of the areas where Jews lived.

Jerusalem was in the province of Judea. In some languages a literal translation would indicate or imply that Judea was in a different place. If that is true in your language, explain it in your translation. For example:

in all ⌊the rest of⌋ ⌊the province of⌋ Judea

and Samaria: Samaria was a region or district north of Judea. The Samaritan people lived there.

and to the ends of the earth: This phrase is an idiom that refers to the farthest places from where the person was. Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:

the farthest places of the earth
-or-
everywhere else in the world
-or-
to earth’s remotest corners
-or-
as far as the entire world

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Acts 2021