From 7f0702053a1ae86e79d4f4a0af5c8a773f49c6ef Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Larry Sallee Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2022 08:45:59 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Manually merge Christopher's edits to Acts --- en_tn_45-ACT.tsv | 696 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++----------------- 1 file changed, 445 insertions(+), 251 deletions(-) diff --git a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv index 03f3dfcb3e..43c2437d51 100644 --- a/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv +++ b/en_tn_45-ACT.tsv @@ -1,5 +1,5 @@ Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote -ACT front intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Acts

1. The apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (1:1–6:7)
2. The church expands into Judea and Samaria (6:8–9:31)
3. The church expands to include Gentiles (9:32–12:24)
4. Paul goes to Asia Minor as an apostle to the Gentiles (12:25–16:5)
5. The church expands into the middle Mediterranean area (16:6–19:20)
6. Paul reaches Rome, but as a prisoner and after several trials (19:21–28:31)

### What is the book of Acts about?

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church. It relates how more and more people, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the Roman Empire, became believers in Jesus. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book begin with the return of Jesus to heaven and they end about 30 years later.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Acts of the Apostles.” Or translators may choose a different title, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

### Who wrote the book of Acts?

The author of this book does not give his own name. However, the book is dedicated to Theophilus, the same person to whom Luke dedicated his story of the life of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke. Also, in parts of this book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person who traveled with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that Luke was the author of the book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. He personally witnessed many of the events that he describes in the book of Acts.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the church?

The church is the community of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. The book of Acts shows God helping the church. It shows God doing signs and wonders to confirm the church’s testimony to Jesus, leading many people to have faith in Jesus, guiding the church about where and how to share the good news, and enabling believers to resolve conflicts and endure persecution.

### The kingdom of God

The “kingdom of God” is a major concept in the book of Acts, as it is in the Gospel of Luke. This concept is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing God’s rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Possible translation difficulties in the book of Acts

“to the same”

The phrase “to the same” occurs five times in this book (1:15, 2:1, 2:44, 2:47, 4:26). It is not entirely clear what this phrase means. In the first three instances it could mean “in the same place,” but it could also mean “in one accord,” that is, “in full agreement.” In 2:47 it seems to mean “to their group.” Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:20 and 14:23, where it could mean “in the same place” or it could have the sense of full agreement and mean something like “in Christian fellowship.” That sense would fit Acts 2:47, where the phrase could be translated “to their Christian fellowship.” In 4:26 it could mean “to the same place,” but it could also mean “by agreement.” Notes will discuss the different possibilities in each case where the phrase could mean more than one thing.

“in/to/into the temple”

Luke uses this phrase many times in this book, but it does not refer to the temple building itself. Only priests were allowed to enter that building, so the phrase refers to the courtyard or area around the temple. The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomon’s” in 3:11 makes it clear that Peter and John and the crowd that gathered on the occasion that chapter describes were not inside the temple building. Notes will address this phrase to explain its meaning each time it occurs in the book.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Acts?

The following are the most significant textual issues in Acts. Notes will address them where they occur in the book.

First, there are some verses that are found in traditional versions of the Bible, but they are not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. Some modern versions put these verses in square brackets [ ]. The ULT and UST put them in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including these verses if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you put these verses in footnotes. These verses are:
* Acts 8:37, “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.’ The Ethiopian answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
* Acts 15:34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
* Acts 24:6-8, “And we wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias, the officer, came and forcibly took him out of our hands, sending him to you.”
* Acts 28:29, “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Second, in some verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. The ULT uses the first readings listed below, but it includes the second readings in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider following the same reading that it does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the same reading that ULT does. These verses are:
* Acts 3:22, “the Lord our God.” Some versions read “the Lord your God,” and other versions read “the Lord God.”
* Acts 12:25, “They returned from Jerusalem.” Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem” (or “to there”).
* Acts 13:18, “he put up with them.” Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
* Acts 15:17-18, “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +ACT front intro mw28 0 # Introduction to Acts

## Part 1: General Introduction

### Outline of the book of Acts

1. The apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem (1:1–6:7)
2. The church expands into Judea and Samaria (6:8–9:31)
3. The church expands to include Gentiles (9:32–12:24)
4. Paul goes to Asia Minor as an apostle to the Gentiles (12:25–16:5)
5. The church expands into the middle Mediterranean area (16:6–19:20)
6. Paul reaches Rome, but as a prisoner and after several trials (19:21–28:31)

### What is the book of Acts about?

The book of Acts tells the story of the early church. It relates how more and more people, from different backgrounds and in different parts of the Roman Empire, became believers in Jesus. It shows the power of the Holy Spirit helping the early Christians. The events in this book begin with the return of Jesus to heaven and they end about 30 years later.

### How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “The Acts of the Apostles.” Or translators may choose a different title, for example, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit through the Apostles.”

### Who wrote the book of Acts?

The author of this book does not give his own name. However, the book is dedicated to Theophilus, the same person to whom Luke dedicated his story of the life of Jesus, the Gospel of Luke. Also, in parts of this book, the author uses the word “we.” This indicates that the author traveled with Paul. Most scholars think that Luke was this person who traveled with Paul. Therefore, since early Christian times, most Christians have thought that Luke was the author of the book of Acts as well as the Gospel of Luke.

Luke was a medical doctor. His way of writing shows that he was an educated man. He was probably a Gentile. He personally witnessed many of the events that he describes in the book of Acts.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

### What is the church?

The church is the community of people who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The church includes both Jewish and Gentile believers. The book of Acts shows God helping the church. It shows God doing signs and wonders to confirm the church’s testimony to Jesus, leading many people to have faith in Jesus, guiding the church about where and how to share the good news, and enabling believers to resolve conflicts and endure persecution.

### The kingdom of God

The “kingdom of God” is a major concept in the book of Acts, as it is in the Gospel of Luke. This concept is very rich in meaning. It includes the idea of eternal life in the presence of God, but it also includes the idea of what the earth will be like in the future when God rules everything, and the idea of life on earth right now, when and where God’s wishes are carried out fully. The unifying concept behind all of these ideas is that of God ruling and of people embracing God’s rule over their lives. Wherever the expression “the kingdom of God” occurs, translation notes will suggest communicating the idea behind the abstract noun “kingdom” with some phrase that uses the verb “rule.” UST models this approach consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

## Part 3: Important Translation Issues

### Possible translation difficulties in the book of Acts

### “to the same”###



The phrase “to the same” occurs five times in this book (1:15, 2:1, 2:44, 2:47, 4:26). It is not entirely clear what this phrase means. In the first three instances it could mean “in the same place,” but it could also mean “in one accord,” that is, “in full agreement.” In 2:47 it seems to mean “to their group.” Paul uses the same phrase in 1 Corinthians 11:20 and 14:23, where it could mean “in the same place” or it could have the sense of full agreement and mean something like “in Christian fellowship.” That sense would fit Acts 2:47, where the phrase could be translated “to their Christian fellowship.” In 4:26 it could mean “to the same place,” but it could also mean “by agreement.” Notes will discuss the different possibilities in each case where the phrase could mean more than one thing.

### “in/to/into the temple”###



Luke uses this phrase many times in this book, but it does not refer to the temple building itself. Only priests were allowed to enter that building, so the phrase refers to the courtyard or area around the temple. The phrase “in the porch that is called Solomon’s” in 3:11 makes it clear that Peter and John and the crowd that gathered on the occasion that chapter describes were not inside the temple building. Notes will address this phrase to explain its meaning each time it occurs in the book.

### What are the major issues in the text of the book of Acts?

The following are the most significant textual issues in Acts. Notes will address them where they occur in the book.

First, there are some verses that are found in traditional versions of the Bible, but they are not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. Some modern versions put these verses in square brackets [ ]. The ULT and UST also put them in brackets. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including these verses if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you indicate in some way that these verses may not be original. You could put them in brackets, for example, or in footnotes. These verses are:


* Acts 8:37, “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.’ The Ethiopian answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”
* Acts 15:34, “But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.”
* Acts 24:6-8, “And we wanted to judge him according to our law. But Lysias, the officer, came and forcibly took him out of our hands, sending him to you.”
* Acts 28:29, “When he had said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.”

Second, in some verses, it is uncertain what the original text said. The ULT uses the first readings listed below, but it includes the second readings in footnotes. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider following the same reading that it does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you follow the same reading that ULT does. These verses are:

* Acts 3:22, “the Lord our God.” Some versions read “the Lord your God,” and other versions read “the Lord God.”
* Acts 7:46, “a dwelling for the house of Jacob.” Some versions read “for the God of Jacob.”
* Acts 12:25, “They returned from Jerusalem.” Some versions read, “They returned to Jerusalem” (or “to there”).
* Acts 13:18, “he put up with them.” Some versions read, “he cared for them.”
* Acts 15:17-18, “This is what the Lord says, who has done these things that have been known from ancient times.” Some older versions read, “This is what the Lord says, to whom are known all his deeds from ancient times.”

(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) ACT 1 intro vyg9 0 # Acts 1 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

The UST has set the words “Dear Theophilus” apart from the other words. This is because English speakers often start letters this way. You may want to start this book in the way that people start letters in your culture.

Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the two quotations from the book of Psalms in 1:20.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### The Ascension

This chapter records an event that is commonly known as the “Ascension.” That word describes how Jesus returned to heaven after he became alive again. In the future he will come back to earth again, and his return to earth is known as his “Second Coming.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/resurrection]])

### Baptism

Luke uses the word “baptize” with two different meanings in [1:5](../01/05.md). In the first instance, it refers literally to the water baptism of John. In the second instance, it refers figuratively to people being filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke uses the term “filled” to mean this same thing in [2:4](../02/04.md). (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/baptize]])

### “He spoke things concerning the kingdom of God”

Some scholars believe that when Jesus spoke “things concerning the kingdom of God,” as Luke describes in [1:3](../01/03.md), he explained to the disciples why the kingdom of God had not come while he was on earth the first time. Other scholars believe that the kingdom of God did begin while Jesus was on earth and that Jesus explained that it had come in a form different from the one the disciples had expected. Since Christians hold different views about the kingdom of God coming, translators should be careful to avoid letting how they understand that issue affect how they translate this verse.

## Possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Long sentence

As was common in compositions of this time, for stylistic purposes Luke begins this book with a very long sentence. It goes from the beginning of [1:1](../01/01.md) to the end of [1:3](../01/03.md). ULT represents all of this as a single sentence. It may be helpful to your readers to divide it into several sentences, as UST does.

### The details of the death of Judas

There are some differences in detail between the way Luke describes the death of Judas in the book of Acts and the way Matthew describes it in his gospel. Luke says that Judas used the money he got for betraying Jesus to buy a field; Matthew says that Judas returned the money to the Jewish leaders and that they bought the field with it. Luke says that Judas killed himself by falling onto the field from a height; Matthew says that Judas hanged himself. Luke says that the field was named the “Field of Blood” because Judas died a bloody death there; Matthew says the field was given that name because it was purchased with “blood money,” that is, money paid to ensure someone’s death.

It is possible to reconcile many of these details. For example, the body of Judas may have fallen and split open on the field if he fell when he tried to hang himself. Luke may say that Judas bought the field because the Jewish leaders would not take back the money that they had paid him, and so in a sense it was still his money when the field was purchased with it.

But it would probably be best to avoid trying to reconcile these details within your translation. For example, when Luke says in [1:18](../01/18.md) that Judas fell onto the field, instead of saying that he fell when he was trying to hang himself, you can let Luke and Matthew each tell the story the way they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible.

### The 12 disciples

There is one small difference between the list of the 12 disciples that Matthew and Mark provide in their gospels and the list that Luke provides in his gospel and in the book of Acts.

All three writers list Simon Peter and his brother Andrew; James and John, the two sons of Zebedee; Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. But Matthew and Mark say that the twelfth disciple was Thaddeus, while Luke says he was Judas the son of James. However, it is quite likely that Thaddeus was another name by which this other Judas was known.

Once again it is not necessary to try to reconcile these details within your translation. Specifically, in [1:13](../01/13.md) instead of saying, “Judas the son of James, who was also known as Thaddeus,” you can let each of the biblical writers tell the story in the way that they do. Then you can leave it up to preachers and teachers of the Bible to explain how their accounts are compatible. ACT 1 1 q9ep figs-explicit τὸν μὲν πρῶτον λόγον ἐποιησάμην 1 I made the first account Luke assumes that Theophilus will know that by **the first account** he means the book that has become known as the Gospel of Luke. Since that book was not known by that title at this time, it would not be accurate to put the title in your translation as a name that Luke would have used to describe the book to Theophilus. However, you could explain this in a footnote and use another expression here. Alternate translation: “I wrote in my first volume” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 1 1 a000 ὦ Θεόφιλε 1 O Theophilus Here Luke is identifying and addressing the man for whom he complied this account of the early church. Since this is like the salutation of a letter, in your translation you may wish to follow your culture’s way of identifying and greeting the addressee of a letter. UST models this by saying “Dear Theophilus” and putting the phrase at the beginning of the sentence. @@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ ACT 1 11 a024 figs-rquestion τί ἑστήκατε βλέποντες εἰς ACT 1 11 a025 figs-idiom τί ἑστήκατε βλέποντες 1 why do you stand looking This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “why do you keep looking” or “there is no reason for you to keep looking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 1 11 a026 ὁ ἀναλημφθεὶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν…ἐθεάσασθε αὐτὸν πορευόμενον εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν 1 who has been taken up from you into heaven … you saw him going into heaven In its second occurrence in this sentence, the term translated **heaven** likely means “the sky,” as in the previous sentence and in the previous verse. However, in its first occurrence in this sentence, the term likely means “heaven” itself. It would not be accurate to say that Jesus was just “taken up from you into the sky.” Alternate translation: “who has been taken up from you into heaven … you saw him going into the sky” ACT 1 11 a027 figs-activepassive ὁ ἀναλημφθεὶς 1 who has been taken up If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who has done the action. Alternate translation: “whom God has taken up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 1 11 cue7 figs-idiom ὃν τρόπον 1 in which manner This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in the same way in which” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 1 11 cue7 ὃν τρόπον 1 in which manner Alternate translation: “in the same way in which” ACT 1 12 x2nk writing-pronouns ὑπέστρεψαν 1 they returned The word **they** refers to the apostles. Alternate translation: “the apostles returned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ACT 1 12 a028 figs-activepassive ὄρους τοῦ καλουμένου Ἐλαιῶνος 1 the hill that is called Olivet If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the hill that people call Olivet” or “the hill whose name is Olivet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 1 12 a029 translate-names ὄρους τοῦ καλουμένου Ἐλαιῶνος 1 the hill that is called Olivet **Olivet** is the name of a hill. If your readers might recognize it better if you called it the Mount of Olives, you could use that name in your translation, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) @@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ ACT 2 14 ei5j τοῦτο ὑμῖν γνωστὸν ἔστω 1 let this be kn ACT 2 14 a105 grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ 1 and Peter uses the word translated **and** to indicate what his listeners should do as a result of what he has just told them. Alternate translation: “so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ACT 2 14 qp16 figs-metonymy ἐνωτίσασθε τὰ ῥήματά μου 1 take my words into your ears Peter is using the term **words** figuratively to mean what he is about to say by using words, and he is using the term **ears** figuratively to mean the capacity for listening. Alternate translation: “listen carefully to what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 2 15 a106 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For Peter says **for** in this first instance to introduce the reason why the crowd should listen to him. Alternate translation: “You should listen to me because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) -ACT 2 15 a107 figs-nominaladj οὗτοι 1 these Peter is using the demonstrative adjective **these** as a noun to refer to specific people, the disciples who are speaking different languages. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could add more information to clarify the meaning. Alternate translation: “these people who are speaking different languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 2 15 a107 writing-pronouns οὗτοι 1 these The demonstrative pronoun **these** refers to the disciples who are speaking different languages. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could add more information to clarify the meaning. Alternate translation: “these people who are speaking different languages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ACT 2 15 a108 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 2 For Peter says **for** in this second instance to introduce the reason why the people speaking different languages are not drunk. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are not drunk, because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ACT 2 15 a109 ἔστιν…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας 1 it is the third hour of the day In this culture, people began counting the hours each day beginning around daybreak at six o’clock in the morning. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express this in the way the people of your culture reckon time. Alternate translation: “it is nine o’clock in the morning” ACT 2 15 h28q figs-explicit ἔστιν…ὥρα τρίτη τῆς ἡμέρας 1 it is the third hour of the day Peter assumes that his listeners will know that people do not get drunk that early in the day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “it is only nine o’clock in the morning, and people do not get drunk that early” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) @@ -254,7 +254,7 @@ ACT 2 22 sa78 figs-idiom ἄνδρες, Ἰσραηλεῖται 1 Men, Israelit ACT 2 22 g6vj figs-metonymy ἀκούσατε τοὺς λόγους τούτους 1 hear these words Peter is using the term **words** figuratively to mean what he is about to say. Alternate translation: “listen to what I am about to say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 2 22 a134 translate-names Ἰησοῦν τὸν Ναζωραῖον 1 Jesus the Nazarene The word **Nazarene** describes someone who comes from the city of Nazareth. Alternate translation: “Jesus of Nazareth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 2 22 f2t1 figs-activepassive ἀποδεδειγμένον ἀπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 attested to you by God If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “whom God proved he had sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 2 22 a135 figs-doublet δυνάμεσι, καὶ τέρασι, καὶ σημείοις 1 with mighty deeds and wonders and signs The terms **mighty deeds**, **wonders**, and **signs** mean similar things. Peter is using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “by means of many great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 2 22 a135 figs-doublet δυνάμεσι, καὶ τέρασι, καὶ σημείοις 1 with mighty deeds and wonders and signs The terms **mighty works**, **wonders**, and **signs** mean similar things. Peter is using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “by means of many great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) ACT 2 23 a136 figs-nominaladj τοῦτον 1 This one Peter is using the demonstrative adjective **this** as a noun to refer to a specific person, Jesus. (ULT shows that by adding **one**.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could specify whom Peter means. Alternate translation: “This Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ACT 2 23 i6un figs-activepassive τῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἔκδοτον 1 given up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God The term translated **given up** is an adjective, not a passive verbal form, but even so you may wish to translate it with an active verbal form. Alternate translation: “whom God gave up by his determined counsel and foreknowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 2 23 s38b figs-abstractnouns τῇ, ὡρισμένῃ βουλῇ καὶ προγνώσει τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas behind the words **counsel** and **foreknowledge**, you could express the same ideas with verbs. Alternate translation: “as God had planned in a determined way for things he knew about ahead of time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) @@ -426,7 +426,8 @@ ACT 3 12 j6ld figs-rquestion ἢ ἡμῖν τί ἀτενίζετε, ὡς ἰ ACT 3 12 g4y1 figs-exclusive ἡμῖν…ἰδίᾳ 1 at us … our own By **us** and **our own**, Peter means himself and John but not also the people in the crowd. So use the exclusive forms of **us** and **our** in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) ACT 3 12 mwd9 figs-hendiadys ἰδίᾳ δυνάμει ἢ εὐσεβείᾳ 1 by our own power or godliness Peter may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with **or.** The term **godliness** describes what the crowd may consider the source or nature of the **power** that he and John have. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “by our own godly power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) ACT 3 13 q8q2 translate-names Ἀβραὰμ…Ἰσαὰκ…Ἰακώβ 1 Abraham … Isaac … Jacob These are the names of three men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -ACT 3 13 a213 figs-metaphor τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Peter is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 3 13 a213 figs-metaphor τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Peter is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “of our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 3 13 kmqw figs-gendernotations τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 The term **fathers** could mean: (1) in a generic sense that includes both men and women, the ancestors of the Israelites. If you decide to retain this metaphor in your translation, you could say “fathers and mothers” to indicate this. (2) Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In that case, Peter would be repeating the meaning of the previous phrase, and the term would have a masculine meaning. Alternate translation: “of the patriarchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ACT 3 13 a214 τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ, Ἰησοῦν 1 his Servant Jesus See the discussion of the term **Servant** in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “Jesus his Messiah” ACT 3 13 a215 παρεδώκατε 1 delivered up Alternate translation: “handed over for trial” ACT 3 13 cp1j figs-idiom κατὰ πρόσωπον Πειλάτου 1 before the face of Pilate Here the phrase **before the face of** means “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “in the presence of Pilate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) @@ -491,6 +492,7 @@ ACT 3 25 a242 figs-gendernotations οἱ υἱοὶ 1 the sons Although the term ACT 3 25 a243 figs-metonymy καὶ τῆς διαθήκης ἧς διέθετο ὁ Θεὸς πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν 1 and of the covenant that God made with your fathers The figurative sense of **sons** as “heirs” continues in this phrase. Alternate translation: “and who are going to receive what God promised to your fathers when he made a covenant with them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 3 25 a244 figs-quotesinquotes πρὸς τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν, λέγων πρὸς Ἀβραάμ, καὶ ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου ἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed’ If your readers would misunderstand this, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “with your fathers when he said to Abraham that in his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) ACT 3 25 a245 figs-metaphor τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν 1 your fathers Here, **fathers** figuratively means “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “your ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 3 25 wid4 figs-gendernotations τοὺς πατέρας ὑμῶν 1 Although the term **fathers** is masculine, Peter is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “your fathers and mothers” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ACT 3 25 mad5 figs-metaphor ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου 1 in your seed The term **seed** figuratively means “offspring.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “through your descendants” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 3 25 a246 figs-explicit ἐν τῷ σπέρματί σου 1 in your seed As the apostle Paul notes in [Galatians 3:16](../gal/03/16.md), God used the singular form of the word **seed** when he said this to Abraham, and so the ultimate fulfillment of this promise came when God sent Jesus as the Savior for everyone in the world who would believe in him. That may also be what Peter has in view here, since he refers in the next verse to God’s “Servant,” meaning the Messiah. Alternate translation: “through the Messiah, who will be your descendant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 3 25 a247 figs-activepassive ἐνευλογηθήσονται πᾶσαι αἱ πατριαὶ τῆς γῆς 1 will all the families of the earth be blessed If your readers would misunderstand this, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “I will bless all the families of the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) @@ -790,6 +792,7 @@ ACT 5 29 a390 figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς…Πέτρος καὶ οἱ ACT 5 29 di9u figs-explicit Πέτρος καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι εἶπαν 1 Peter and the apostles said Luke seems to mean implicitly that Peter said what follows on behalf of all of the apostles. Alternate translation: “Peter said on behalf of all of the apostles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 5 29 a391 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώποις 1 men Peter is using the term **men** in a generic sense to mean “human beings.” Alternate translation: “human beings” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ACT 5 30 a392 figs-metaphor τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 of our fathers Peter is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Alternate translation: “of our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 5 30 kwsc figs-gendernotations τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 Although the term **fathers** is masculine, Peter is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “of our fathers and mothers” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) ACT 5 30 r7av figs-idiom ἤγειρεν Ἰησοῦν 1 raised up Jesus As in [2:24](../02/24.md), the idiom **raised up** means that God made Jesus alive again after he died. Alternate translation: “brought Jesus back to life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) ACT 5 30 a393 figs-you ὃν ὑμεῖς διεχειρίσασθε 1 whom you killed The word **you** is plural. Even though Peter is responding to the high priest, who has been interrogating the apostles, Peter is referring here to the entire council. If your language does not use separate forms for singular and plural “you,” you could indicate that in some other way. Alternate translation: “whom you Sanhedrin members killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) ACT 5 30 a394 figs-synecdoche ὃν ὑμεῖς διεχειρίσασθε 1 whom you killed It was the Romans who literally killed Jesus, but Peter says figuratively that the Sanhedrin members killed him because their demands led to his death. Alternate translation: “whom you demanded to be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) @@ -879,6 +882,7 @@ ACT 6 5 ajq1 translate-names Στέφανον…Φίλιππον…Πρόχορ ACT 6 5 vsyk figs-metaphor ἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit Luke is speaking figuratively of Stephen as if they were a container that faith and the Holy Spirit had filled. Alternate translation: “a man who possessed great wisdom and in whose life the Holy Spirit was evidently present” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) ACT 6 5 yqsj figs-abstractnouns ἄνδρα πλήρης πίστεως καὶ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **faith**, you could express the same idea with a verb such as “trust.” Alternate translation: “a man who confidently trusted in God and in whose life the Holy Spirit was evidently present” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) ACT 6 5 cg5s translate-names Ἀντιοχέα 1 an Antiochian The name **Antiochian** describes a person who comes from the city of Antioch. Alternate translation: “who came from Antioch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 6 6 lvaj figs-events προσευξάμενοι, ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας 1 This could mean: (1) that the apostles first prayed and then placed their hands on these men. Alternate translation: “after they had prayed, they placed their hands upon them” (2) that the apostles placed their hands on the men while they were praying for them. Alternate translation: “they prayed for them with their hands placed upon them” or “they placed their hands upon them and prayed for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) ACT 6 6 wu1y translate-symaction ἐπέθηκαν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας 1 and placed their hands upon them The apostles **placed their hands** on the seven men to show publicly that they were giving them the responsibility and authority to oversee the food distribution. Alternate translation: “and placed their hands on them to show that they were giving them responsibility and authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) ACT 6 7 x48w writing-endofstory 0 As the outline in the General Introduction indicates, this verse is the end of the first major section of the book of Acts. That section describes how the apostles spread the good news about Jesus in Jerusalem. Luke uses this verse to summarize what happened as a result of the events within this whole section of the book. You language may have its own way of indicating how such a summary relates to a significant part of a story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) ACT 6 7 wu4l figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ ηὔξανεν 1 the word of God was growing Luke is speaking figuratively of the way the message about Jesus kept becoming more widespread as if the word of God itself were **growing**. Alternate translation: “more and more people were hearing the word of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) @@ -911,257 +915,447 @@ ACT 6 14 c5l9 translate-names ὁ Ναζωραῖος 1 the Nazarene The word ** ACT 6 14 uok4 figs-explicit τὸν τόπον τοῦτον 1 this place By **this place**, the false witnesses mean the temple, which they described as “the holy place” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “this temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) ACT 6 14 vak4 figs-metonymy τὰ ἔθη ἃ παρέδωκεν ἡμῖν Μωϋσῆς 1 the customs that Moses handed down to us The phrase **handed down** is an idiom that refers to something that is passed from generation to generation. The false witnesses are describing how the ancestors of the Jews have passed on the teachings originally received from Moses to each successive generation. Alternate translation: “the customs that our ancestors learned from Moses and have taught each successive generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) ACT 6 15 k8rw figs-simile εἶδον τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ, ὡσεὶ πρόσωπον ἀγγέλου 1 saw his face as the face of an angel Luke offers this comparison but he does not say specifically in what way Stephen’s face was like **the face of an angel**. However, this may mean that his face was shining brightly, since descriptions of angels in the Bible often say they were shining brightly. So you might choose to say that in your translation. Alternate translation: “saw that his face was shining brightly, like the face of an angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]) -ACT 7 intro p9h4 0 # Acts 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42-43 and 49-50.

It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Stephen said”

Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.

### “Full of the Holy Spirit”

The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.

### Foreshadowing

When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul, also known as Paul, here, even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Paul is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Implied information

Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph’s brothers “sold him into Egypt” ([Acts 7:9](../act/07/09.md)), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaoh’s household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh’s household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Background knowledge

The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was telling them about. They knew what Moses had written in the Book of Genesis. If the Book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to understand what Stephen said. -ACT 7 1 hy9r 0 Connecting Statement: The part of the story about Stephen, which began in [Acts 6:8](../06/08.md), continues. Stephen begins his response to the high priest and the council by talking about things that happened in Israel’s history. Most of this history comes from Moses’ writings. -ACT 7 2 abc7 ὁ δὲ ἔφη 1 Then he said Stephen is speaking. -ACT 7 2 v5si ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες, ἀκούσατε 1 brothers, and fathers, listen to me Stephen was being very respectful to the council in greeting them as extended family. -ACT 7 2 pt4h figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 The word **our** includes both Steven, the Jewish council to whom he spoke, and the entire audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -ACT 7 4 pfg3 κατῴκησεν…αὐτοῦ…αὐτὸν 1 In this verse, the words **he**, **his**, and **him** refer to Abraham. -ACT 7 4 pfg4 figs-you ὑμεῖς 1 you Here the word **you** refers to the Jewish council and audience. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) -ACT 7 5 tnsm ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ…ἐπηγγείλατο…αὐτῷ…αὐτοῦ…αὐτόν…αὐτῷ 1 In this verse, the words **He** and **he** refer to God, but the word **him** refers to Abraham. +ACT 7 intro p9h4 0 # Acts 7 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

This chapter presents Stephen’s defense against the charges that false witnesses had made against him, as Luke describes in [6:13–14](../06/13.md). Those witnesses had said, “This man does not stop speaking words against the holy place and the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” In response, Stephen shows that he respects the law, but he then shows how the Israelites have not kept the law. He next shows that he respects the temple, but he then explains that God does not live in temples made by people. Luke presents Stephen’s speech within the narrative setting of his trial by the Sanhedrin.

- v. 1 The high priest asks Stephen to answer the charges against him

- vv. 2–19 Stephen tells the story of the Israelites up to the time of Moses

- vv. 20–37 Stephen explains how Moses gave the law

- vv. 38–43 Stephen shows that the Israelites did not keep the law that Moses gave

- vv. 44–47 Stephen tells how the tabernacle and temple were built

- vv. 48–50 Stephen explains that God does not live in temples that people build

- vv. 51–54 Stephen makes his own charges against the Sanhedrin members

- vv. 55–60 The Sanhedrin members, enraged, execute Stephen by stoning

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 7:42–43 and 49–50.

A note to 7:36–38 suggests making each of these verses a separate paragraph or using formatting in some other way to highlight the repeated phrases that Stephen uses to describe Moses.

It appears that 8:1 is part of the narrative of this chapter.

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “Stephen said”

Stephen told the history of Israel very briefly. He paid special attention to the times that the Israelites had rejected the people God had chosen to lead them. At the end of the story, he said that the Jewish leaders he was talking to had rejected Jesus just as the evil Israelites had always rejected the leaders God had appointed for them.

### “Full of the Holy Spirit”

The Holy Spirit completely controlled Stephen so that he said only and all of what God wanted him to say.

### Foreshadowing

When an author speaks of something that is not important at that time but will be important later in the story, this is called foreshadowing. Luke mentions Saul in [7:58](../07/58.md), even though he is not an important person in this part of the story. This is because Saul, also known as Paul, is an important person in the rest of the Book of Acts.

## Important figures of speech in this chapter

### Implied information

Stephen was talking to Jews who knew the law of Moses well, so he did not explain things that his hearers already knew. But you may need to explain some of these things so that your readers will be able to understand what Stephen was saying. For example, you may need to make explicit that when Joseph’s brothers “sold him into Egypt” ([Acts 7:9](../act/07/09.md)), Joseph was going to be a slave in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

### Metonymy

Stephen spoke of Joseph ruling “over Egypt” and over all of Pharaoh’s household. By this he meant that Joseph ruled over the people of Egypt and of the people and possessions in Pharaoh’s household. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

## Important textual issues in this chapter

### “a dwelling for the house of Jacob” (7:46)###



In [7:46](../07/46.md), some ancient manuscripts read “a dwelling for the house of Jacob.” ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “a dwelling for the God of Jacob.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it has. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### Background knowledge

The Jewish leaders to whom Stephen spoke already knew much about the events he was describing. They knew what Moses had written in the book of Genesis. If the book of Genesis has not been translated into your language, it may be difficult for your readers to follow what Stephen said. It may be helpful to provide some background information, either in the text or in notes. +ACT 7 1 hy9r figs-explicit ὁ ἀρχιερεύς 1 Connecting Statement: Luke assumes that his readers will know that **the high priest** was there and that he asked Stephen to testify because he was a member of the Sanhedrin and its leader. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the high priest, who was the leader of the Sanhedrin,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 2 abc7 writing-pronouns ὁ δὲ ἔφη 1 Then he said The pronoun **he** refers to Stephen, not the high priest. Alternate translation: “Then Stephen said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 2 zbq0 figs-idiom ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες 1 **Men, brothers and fathers** is an idiomatic form of address. Alternate translation: “You brothers and fathers of mine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 2 v5si figs-metaphor ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοὶ καὶ πατέρες 1 brothers, and fathers, listen to me Stephen is using the word **brothers** figuratively to refer to his fellow Israelites. He is likely using the word **fathers** figuratively to refer to the leaders of Israel, the members of the Sanhedrin. In both cases he is speaking respectfully. Alternate translation: “My fellow Israelites and you leaders of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 2 kfep figs-abstractnouns ὁ Θεὸς τῆς δόξης 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **glory** with an adjective such as “glorious.” Alternate translation: “The glorious God” or “God, who is glorious,” or see the next note for a further possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 2 n09p figs-explicit ὁ Θεὸς τῆς δόξης 1 Stephen apparently chooses to describe God in this way at the beginning of his speech in order to refute the charge made in [6:11](../06/11.md) that he says blasphemous things about God. Calling him the **God of glory** acknowledges that people should rightfully give glory to God. You might choose to bring out this implication in your translation. Alternate translation: “God, to whom we should rightfully give glory,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 2 pt4h figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here and throughout this chapter, Stephen is using the word **our** to refer to himself and to his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) +ACT 7 2 w1ya figs-metaphor τῷ πατρὶ ἡμῶν Ἀβραὰμ 1 Stephen is using the term **father** figuratively to mean “ancestor.” Alternate translation: “to Abraham our ancestor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 2 ust7 translate-names Μεσοποταμίᾳ…Χαρράν 1 **Mesopotamia** is the name of a region, and **Harran** is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 3 uksj figs-quotesinquotes εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν, ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς γῆς σου καὶ ἐκ τῆς συγγενείας σου, καὶ δεῦρο εἰς τὴν γῆν ἣν ἄν σοι δείξω 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “God told Abraham to go out from his land and from his relatives and come into the land that he would show him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 3 kgef writing-pronouns εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν 1 The pronoun **he** refers to God, while the pronoun **him** refers to Abraham. Alternate translation: “God said to Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 4 pfg3 writing-pronouns κατῴκησεν…αὐτοῦ…μετῴκισεν αὐτὸν 1 The pronouns **his** and **him** and the first instance of **he** refer to Abraham, while the second instance of **he** refers to God. For clarity, in your translation you might say “Abraham lived” and “God brought him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 4 mv26 translate-names γῆς Χαλδαίων 1 **Chaldeans** is the name of a people group. This group lived in Mesopotamia, so as [7:2](../07/02.md) indicates, Abraham had been living among these people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 4 pfg4 figs-you ὑμεῖς 1 you The word **you** is plural. Stephen is using it to refer not just to the high priest, whose question he is answering, but also to all of the council members and the others who are listenting to him. So you can use the plural form of the word in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]) +ACT 7 5 tnsm writing-pronouns οὐκ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ…ἐπηγγείλατο…αὐτῷ…αὐτοῦ…αὐτόν…οὐκ ὄντος αὐτῷ 1 The pronouns **him** and **his** and the third instance of **he** refer to Abraham, while the first two instances of **he** refer to God. For clarity, in your translation you might say “God did not give Abraham,” “God promised,” and “although Abraham did not have.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) ACT 7 5 ax1j οὐκ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ κληρονομίαν ἐν αὐτῇ 1 he did not give him an inheritance in it Alternate translation: “he did not give any of it to him as an inheritance” -ACT 7 5 qff6 figs-idiom οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός 1 not even a stride of a foot This could mean: (1) enough ground to stand on or (2) enough ground to take a step. Alternate translation: “not even a very tiny piece of ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 5 u6iw αὐτῷ εἰς κατάσχεσιν…καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτόν 1 to him for a possession, and to his seed after him Alternate translation: “for Abraham to own and to give to his descendants” -ACT 7 6 tn6b ἐλάλησεν…οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς 1 God spoke to him like this It may be helpful to state that this occurred later than the statement in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “later God told Abraham” -ACT 7 7 f7fw figs-metonymy τὸ ἔθνος…κρινῶ ἐγώ 1 I will judge the nation Here, **nation** refers to the people in it. Alternate translation: “I will judge the people of the nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 7 q7y6 τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν 1 the nation that will enslave him Alternate translation: “the nation that they will serve” -ACT 7 8 mwc9 figs-explicit ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ διαθήκην περιτομῆς 1 God gave him the covenant of circumcision The Jews would have understood that this **covenant** required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family. Alternate translation: “made a covenant with Abraham to circumcise the males of his family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 8 g4bb οὕτως ἐγέννησεν τὸν Ἰσαὰκ 1 so he became the father of Isaac The story transitions to Abraham’s descendants. -ACT 7 8 ams1 figs-ellipsis Ἰακὼβ τοὺς δώδεκα πατριάρχας 1 Jacob of the 12 patriarchs Stephen shortened this. Alternate translation: “Jacob became the father of the 12 patriarchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) -ACT 7 9 n981 οἱ πατριάρχαι 1 the patriarchs Alternate translation: “Jacob’s older sons” or “Joseph’s older brothers” -ACT 7 9 tik7 figs-explicit ἀπέδοντο εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 sold him into Egypt The Jews knew their ancestors sold Joseph to be a slave in Egypt. Alternate translation: “sold him as a slave in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 9 w1is figs-idiom ἦν…μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 was with him This is an idiom for helping someone. Alternate translation: “helped him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 10 yr7m figs-metonymy ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 over Egypt This refers to the people of **Egypt**. Alternate translation: “over all the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 10 pb4p figs-metonymy ὅλον τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ 1 over all his household This refers to all his possessions. Alternate translation: “over everything he owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 11 p42j ἦλθεν…λιμὸς 1 came a famine The ground stopped producing food. Alternate translation: “a famine came” -ACT 7 11 p37v figs-explicit οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 our fathers This refers Jacob and his sons, who were the ancestors of the Jewish people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 12 pia8 σιτία 1 grain Grain was the most common food at that time. -ACT 7 12 mbg8 τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Here this phrase refers to Jabob’s sons, Joseph’s older brothers. -ACT 7 13 ce2b translate-ordinal ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ 1 On their second time Alternate translation: “on their next trip” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) -ACT 7 13 m37e ἀνεγνωρίσθη 1 was made known Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother. -ACT 7 13 jxk8 figs-activepassive φανερὸν ἐγένετο τῷ Φαραὼ τὸ γένος Ἰωσήφ 1 the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh learned that they were Joseph’s family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 14 aam5 ἀποστείλας 1 sending them back Alternate translation: “after sending his brothers back to Canaan” or “after sending his brothers back home” -ACT 7 15 w2sm ἐτελεύτησεν αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 he and our fathers died Make sure it does not sound as though he **died** as soon as he arrived in Egypt. Alternate translation: “eventually Jacob and our ancestors died” -ACT 7 15 fe56 αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 he and our fathers Alternate translation: “Jacob and his sons who became our ancestors” -ACT 7 16 slg3 figs-activepassive μετετέθησαν…καὶ ἐτέθησαν 1 they were carried over … and laid If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants carried Jacob’s body and his son’s bodies over … and buried them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 16 la8a τιμῆς ἀργυρίου 1 for a price in silver Alternate translation: “with money” -ACT 7 17 tuq2 καθὼς δὲ ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας…ηὔξησεν ὁ λαὸς καὶ ἐπληθύνθη 1 And as the time of the promise … approached, the people increased and multiplied In some languages it may be helpful to say that the people **increased** in number before saying that **the time of the promise** arrived. -ACT 7 17 tlh9 ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας 1 the time of the promise … approached It was close to the time that God would fulfill his **promise** to Abraham. -ACT 7 18 whe7 ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 there arose over Egypt another king Alternate translation: “another king began to rule over Egypt” -ACT 7 18 g2wq figs-metonymy ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 over Egypt Here, **Egypt** refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 18 e2y6 figs-metonymy ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ 1 who did not know Joseph Here, **Joseph** refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: “who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 20 q66s writing-participants ἐν ᾧ καιρῷ ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς 1 At that time Moses was born This introduces **Moses** into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -ACT 7 20 cd5z figs-idiom ἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ 1 he was beautiful to God This phrase is an idiom that means Moses was very **beautiful**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 20 pnb1 figs-activepassive ἀνετράφη 1 was nourished If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “his parents nourished him” or “his parents cared for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 21 w3iu figs-activepassive ἐκτεθέντος δὲ αὐτοῦ 1 But when he was exposed Moses was **exposed** because of Pharaoh’s command. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “When his parents placed him outside” or “When they abandoned him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 21 url3 ἡ θυγάτηρ Φαραὼ, καὶ ἀνεθρέψατο αὐτὸν ἑαυτῇ εἰς υἱόν 1 the daughter of Pharaoh … and raised him for herself as a son She did for him every good thing a mother would do for her own **son**. Use your language’s normal word for what a mother does to make sure her son becomes a healthy adult. -ACT 7 21 mbp7 εἰς υἱόν 1 as a son Alternate translation: “as if he were her own son” -ACT 7 22 c9nw figs-activepassive ἐπαιδεύθη Μωϋσῆς 1 Moses was educated If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “The Egyptians educated Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 22 att9 figs-hyperbole πάσῃ σοφίᾳ Αἰγυπτίων 1 in all the wisdom of the Egyptians This is an exaggeration to emphasize that he was trained in the best schools in Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 7 5 qff6 figs-explicit οὐδὲ βῆμα ποδός 1 not even a stride of a foot This could mean: (1) not enough ground to stand on or (2) not enough ground on which to take a step. Either way, the expression is implicitly describing a very small area. Alternate translation: “not even a tiny piece of ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 5 u6iw figs-metaphor αὐτῷ εἰς κατάσχεσιν…καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτόν 1 to him for a possession, and to his seed after him The term **seed** figuratively means “descendants.” Alternate translation: “to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 5 j09v figs-abstractnouns αὐτῷ εἰς κατάσχεσιν…καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ μετ’ αὐτόν 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **possession** with a verb such as “possess.” Stephen is saying that Abraham possessed the land in the sense that it was something that God had promised to him but that it was his descendants who came into actual possession of it. Alternate translation: “as something that his descendants would one day possess” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 6 tn6b figs-explicit ἐλάλησεν…οὕτως ὁ Θεὸς 1 God spoke to him like this Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that this occurred some time after the statement in the previous verse. It may be helpful to state that in your translation. Alternate translation: “Subsequently God told Abraham that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 6 jymv writing-pronouns ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα αὐτοῦ, πάροικον ἐν γῇ ἀλλοτρίᾳ, καὶ δουλώσουσιν αὐτὸ καὶ κακώσουσιν 1 Stephen is using the singular word **seed** figuratively to mean “descendants,” and so he uses the singular noun **stranger** and the singular pronoun **him**. For clarity in your translation, to show that he is not referring to a single individual, you could say “descendants” and “strangers” and use the plural pronoun **them**. Alternate translation: “his descendants would be strangers in a foreign land, whose people would enslave them and treat them badly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 7 k8pz figs-quotesinquotes καὶ τὸ ἔθνος ᾧ ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν κρινῶ ἐγώ, ὁ Θεὸς εἶπεν; καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα, ἐξελεύσονται καὶ λατρεύσουσίν μοι ἐν τῷ τόπῳ τούτῳ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But God said that he would judge the nation that would enslave him and that after that they would come out and serve him in this place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 7 f7fw figs-metonymy τὸ ἔθνος 1 I will judge the nation Here, **nation** refers to the people who belong to that nation. Alternate translation: “the people of the nation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 7 q7y6 writing-pronouns ἐὰν δουλεύσωσιν 1 the nation that will enslave him As in [7:6](../07/06.md), Stephen is using the singular pronoun **him** because he is using the singular word **seed** figuratively to mean “descendants.” For clarity, particularly if you said “descendants” in the previous verse, you could use the plural pronoun “them” instead. That would help readers recognize that Stephen also means Abraham’s descendants when he he says “they” later in the verse. Alternate translation: “will enslave them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 8 iwfx writing-pronouns ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ…ἐγέννησεν 1 The first instance of **he** refers to God, while the word **him** and the second instance of **he** refer to Abraham. For clarity, in your translation you might say “God gave Abraham … Abraham fathered.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 8 mwc9 figs-explicit ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ διαθήκην περιτομῆς 1 God gave him the covenant of circumcision Stephen’s listeners would have known that this **covenant** required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family. Alternate translation: “he made a covenant that required Abraham to circumcise the males of his family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 8 oel3 translate-names τὸν Ἰσαὰκ…τὸν Ἰακώβ 1 **Isaac** and **Jacob** are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 8 g67f translate-names τὸν Ἰσαὰκ…τὸν Ἰακώβ 1 These are the names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 8 ams1 figs-ellipsis καὶ Ἰσαὰκ τὸν Ἰακώβ, καὶ Ἰακὼβ τοὺς δώδεκα πατριάρχας 1 Jacob of the 12 patriarchs Stephen is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the 12 patriarchs” or “and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the 12 patriarchs” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +ACT 7 8 gaww figs-explicit τοὺς δώδεκα πατριάρχας 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that he is using the word **patriarchs** to mean the sons of Jacob who became the ancestors of the tribes of Israel. Alternate translation: “12 sons who became the ancestors of the tribes of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 9 n981 translate-kinship οἱ πατριάρχαι 1 the patriarchs Here the word **patriarchs** refers to the older sons of Jacob in their relationship with Joseph. If you refer to them in your translation as Joseph’s brothers, use the word for an older brother if your language makes that distinction. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s older sons” or “Joseph’s older brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship]]) +ACT 7 9 fq7w translate-names τὸν Ἰωσὴφ 1 **Joseph** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 9 tik7 figs-explicit ἀπέδοντο εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 sold him into Egypt Stephen’s listeners would have known that this meant that their ancestors sold Joseph into slavery and that he was taken to Egypt to be a slave there. Alternate translation: “sold him into slavery and he was taken to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 9 u3dp translate-names Αἴγυπτον 1 **Egypt** is the name of a place. See how you translated it in [2:9](../02/09.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 9 w1is figs-idiom ἦν…μετ’ αὐτοῦ 1 was with him When Stephen says that God **was with** Joseph, this is an idiom that means God helped him. Alternate translation: “helped him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 10 kxgk writing-pronouns ἐξείλατο αὐτὸν ἐκ πασῶν τῶν θλίψεων αὐτοῦ; καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ 1 In these phrases the word **he** refers to God and the words **him** and **his** refer to Joseph. Alternate translation: “God rescued Joseph from all his afflictions, and God gave Joseph” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 10 bfoo figs-abstractnouns ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ χάριν καὶ σοφίαν ἐναντίον Φαραὼ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns **favor** and **wisdom** with adjectives. Alternate translation: “God made Pharaoh favorable towards Joseph and enabled Joseph to give Pharaoh wise advice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 10 vpir figs-idiom ἐναντίον Φαραὼ 1 Here the phrase **before Pharaoh** may be an idiom that means “in the presence of.” Alternate translation: “whenever he was in the presence of Pharaoh” or see next note for another possibility. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 10 s5vk figs-metonymy ἐναντίον Φαραὼ 1 The phrase **before Pharaoh** could also refer to Pharaoh’s opinion, by association with the way that Pharaoh would assess anything that came to his attention in front of him. Alternate translation: “in Pharaoh’s perspective” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 10 nycs writing-pronouns κατέστησεν αὐτὸν ἡγούμενον ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον, καὶ ὅλον τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ 1 In these phrases the words **he** and **his** refer to Pharaoh and the word **him** refers to Joseph. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh appointed Joseph governor over Egypt and all his household” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 10 yr7m figs-metonymy ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 over Egypt The word **Egypt** refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “over all the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 10 pb4p figs-metonymy ὅλον τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ 1 over all his household The word **household** refers to Pharaoh’s own servants and all his possessions. Alternate translation: “over all his servants and everything he owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 11 p42j figs-personification ἦλθεν…λιμὸς ἐφ’ ὅλην τὴν Αἴγυπτον καὶ Χανάαν, καὶ θλῖψις μεγάλη 1 came a famine Here, Stephen speaks figuratively of **famine** and **tribulation** as if they **came** to Egypt and Canaan on their own. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “there was a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and there was great tribulation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +ACT 7 11 ncnr translate-names Χανάαν 1 **Canaan** is the name of a place, the land where the Israelites eventually settled. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 11 frd4 figs-abstractnouns καὶ θλῖψις μεγάλη 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **tribulation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and people suffered greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 11 p37v figs-explicit οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Stephen is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” He means specifically Jacob and his sons (Joseph’s older brothers), as UST indicates. Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 12 pia8 figs-explicit ὄντα σιτία εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 grain Stephen assumes that his readers will know that with Joseph as his administrator, Pharaoh had stored up grain during prosperous years and was now selling it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “that people could buy stored grain from Pharaoh in Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 12 cvhm figs-explicit ἐξαπέστειλεν τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν πρῶτον 1 By **first**, Stephen does not mean that Jacob sent Joseph’s older brothers to Egypt before he sent anyone else, or before he did anything else. He means that Jacob sent them for a first time and would later send them for a second time, as Stephen’s listeners would have understood. Alternate translation: “he sent our fathers on a first trip there to buy food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 12 mbg8 figs-metaphor τοὺς πατέρας ἡμῶν 1 our fathers Stephen is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Here he means specifically Joseph’s older brothers, as UST indicates. Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 13 a5f3 figs-nominaladj ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ 1 Stephen is using the adjective **second** as a noun, to mean the second time that Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt. ULT adds **time** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “when Jacob sent them to Egypt again to buy more food” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 13 ce2b translate-ordinal ἐν τῷ δευτέρῳ 1 On their second time If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you can use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “during trip number two” or “on their next trip” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]]) +ACT 7 13 m37e figs-activepassive ἀνεγνωρίσθη Ἰωσὴφ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς αὐτοῦ 1 was made known If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Joseph made himself known to his brothers” or “Joseph revealed to his brothers his identity as their brother” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 13 jxk8 figs-activepassive φανερὸν ἐγένετο τῷ Φαραὼ τὸ γένος Ἰωσήφ 1 the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh The phrase **became known** is not actually a passive from in Greek, but it might sound like one in other languages. If your language does not use passive forms, you could state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh learned that they were Joseph’s family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 14 aam5 grammar-connect-logic-goal ἀποστείλας…Ἰωσὴφ μετεκαλέσατο Ἰακὼβ 1 sending them back Stephen means that Joseph sent his brothers back home in order to get their father Jacob. Alternate translation: “Joseph sent his brothers back to Canaan to get Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]]) +ACT 7 14 wl32 figs-idiom ἐν ψυχαῖς ἑβδομήκοντα πέντε 1 Stephen is using a Hebrew idiom here. Alternate translation: “who amounted to 75 people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 15 zasp figs-idiom κατέβη Ἰακὼβ εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 Stephen says that Jacob **went down** because he traveled from the hilly and mountainous terrain of Canaan to the lowlying land of Egypt. Alternate translation: “Jacob traveled to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 15 w2sm figs-explicit ἐτελεύτησεν αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 he and our fathers died Stephen’s listeners would have known that Jacob and his sons lived in Egypt for some time. Make sure that your translation does not make it sound as if they **died** as soon as they arrived in Egypt. Alternate translation: “eventually Jacob and our ancestors died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 15 fe56 figs-metaphor αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 he and our fathers Stephen is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” Here he means specifically Jacob’s sons (Joseph’s older brothers), as UST indicates. Alternate translation: “Jacob and his sons who became our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 16 slg3 figs-activepassive μετετέθησαν εἰς Συχὲμ, καὶ ἐτέθησαν 1 they were carried over … and laid If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Jacob’s descendants brought his body and his son’s bodies to Shechem and buried them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 16 pnur translate-names Συχὲμ 1 **Shechem** is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 16 la8a translate-bmoney τιμῆς ἀργυρίου 1 for a price in silver In biblical times, people used **silver** as money. Alternate translation: “for a sum of money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]]) +ACT 7 16 pk1p translate-names τῶν υἱῶν Ἑμμὼρ 1 **Hamor** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 17 tuq2 figs-events καθὼς δὲ ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας…ηὔξησεν ὁ λαὸς καὶ ἐπληθύνθη 1 And as the time of the promise … approached, the people increased and multiplied In your language it may be helpful to say that the people **increased and multiplied** before saying that **the time of the promise** approached. Alternate translation: “the people increased and multiplied in Egypt as the time of the promise … approached” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]]) +ACT 7 17 kh8g figs-personification καθὼς…ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας, ἧς ὡμολόγησεν ὁ Θεὸς τῷ Ἀβραάμ 1 Stephen is speaking figuratively of this **time** as if it were a person and could have **approached** on its own. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “when it was almost time for God to fulfill the promise he had sworn to Abraham” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +ACT 7 17 tlh9 figs-explicit καθὼς…ἤγγιζεν ὁ χρόνος τῆς ἐπαγγελίας, ἧς ὡμολόγησεν ὁ Θεὸς τῷ Ἀβραάμ 1 the time of the promise … approached Stephen is referring to **the promise** that he described in [7:7](../07/07.md). God promised Abraham that he would deliver his descendants from a nation that would enslave them and that he would bring them back to the land of Canaan. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “as the time approached of the promise that God had sworn to Abraham, that he would deliver his descendants from slavery and bring them back to Canaan,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 17 s2oe figs-hendiadys ηὔξησεν ὁ λαὸς καὶ ἐπληθύνθη 1 Stephen is using the two words **increased** and **multiplied** together to express a single idea. The word **multiplied** tells in what way the people **increased**. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “the people increased greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) +ACT 7 18 whe7 figs-metaphor ἀνέστη βασιλεὺς ἕτερος ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 there arose over Egypt another king When Stephen says that this next king **arose**, he is using a spatial metaphor to mean that this king began his reign. Alternate translation: “another king began to rule over Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 18 g2wq figs-metonymy ἐπ’ Αἴγυπτον 1 over Egypt The word **Egypt** refers to the people of Egypt. Alternate translation: “over the people of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 18 e2y6 figs-metonymy ὃς οὐκ ᾔδει τὸν Ἰωσήφ 1 who did not know Joseph Stephen is not saying that this king **did not know Joseph** personally. Joseph had been dead for centuries by this point. Rather, **Joseph** refers to the reputation of Joseph. Alternate translation: “who did not know that Joseph had helped Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 19 qwbi writing-pronouns οὗτος 1 **He** refers to the new king of Egypt, not to Joseph. Alternate translation: “This king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 19 z312 figs-metaphor τοὺς πατέρας 1 Here and frequently throughout the rest of his speech to the Sanhedrin, Stephen is using the term **fathers** figuratively to mean “ancestors.” If your readers might not understand this, you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “our ancestors” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 19 ug6c figs-gendernotations τοὺς πατέρας 1 Although the term **fathers** is masculine, when Stephen uses it to mean “ancestors,” it has a generic sense that includes both men and women. Here and throughout the speech, if you retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “our fathers and mothers” to indicate this generic sense. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +ACT 7 19 rh3k figs-explicit τοῦ ποιεῖν τὰ βρέφη ἔκθετα αὐτῶν 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that by **exposed** he means “left outside.” This was an unfortunate means of infanticide in the ancient world. Alternate translation: “forcing them to leave their babies outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 19 n2vl figs-doublenegatives εἰς τὸ μὴ ζῳογονεῖσθαι 1 Stephen is using a double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the verb **keep alive**, which was negative from Pharaoh’s perspective, since it was contrary to his intentions. If your readers might misunderstand this double negative, , you could translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “in order to kill them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 7 20 nib6 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous ἐν ᾧ καιρῷ 1 Stephen uses this phrase to introduce something that happened while Pharaoh was trying to kill the Israelite babies. Alternate translation: “While this was happening,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]]) +ACT 7 20 q66s writing-participants ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς 1 At that time Moses was born Here Stephen introduces **Moses** into his story. See how you translated his name in [3:22](../03/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) +ACT 7 20 cz9w figs-activepassive ἐγεννήθη Μωϋσῆς 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the birth of Moses took place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 20 cd5z figs-idiom ἦν ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ 1 he was beautiful to God This could mean: (1) that Moses was **beautiful** in God’s perspective. Alternate translation: “God considered him to be beautiful” (2) in an idiiom, that Moses was very **beautiful**. Alternate translation: “he was very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 20 pnb1 figs-activepassive ὃς ἀνετράφη…ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ πατρός 1 was nourished If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, you can make Moses’ parents the subject. Alternate translation: “his parents cared for him … in their home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 21 w3iu figs-activepassive ἐκτεθέντος δὲ αὐτοῦ 1 But when he was exposed Moses **was exposed** because of Pharaoh’s command. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, the context suggests that it was Moses’ parents. Alternate translation: “when his parents had to place him outside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 21 el3b figs-metaphor ἀνείλατο αὐτὸν 1 This could mean: (1) that Pharaoh’s daughter adopted Moses. The verb can have this figurative legal meaning. Alternate translation: “adopted him” (2) that she lifted him up out of the basket he was in on the banks of the Nile. (This story is told in Exodus [2:1-10](../exo/02/01.md).) Alternate translation: “rescued him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 22 c9nw figs-activepassive ἐπαιδεύθη Μωϋσῆς πάσῃ σοφίᾳ Αἰγυπτίων 1 Moses was educated If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the Egyptians educated Moses in all of their wisdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 22 att9 figs-hyperbole πάσῃ σοφίᾳ Αἰγυπτίων 1 in all the wisdom of the Egyptians Stephen says **all** as an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “thoroughly in the wisdom of the Egyptians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) ACT 7 22 m3dm δυνατὸς ἐν λόγοις καὶ ἔργοις αὐτοῦ 1 mighty in his words and works Alternate translation: “effective in his speech and actions” or “influential in what he said and did” -ACT 7 23 fj9s figs-metonymy ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ 1 it came into his heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for “mind.” Alternate translation: “it came into his mind” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 23 ckxj figs-idiom ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ 1 The phrase **it came into his heart** is an idiom that means to decide something. Alternate translation: “he decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 23 x493 figs-explicit ἐπισκέψασθαι τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ 1 to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel This refers to his people, and not just to his family. Alternate translation: “to see how his own people, the children of Israel, were doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 24 l4zv figs-activepassive καὶ ἰδών τινα ἀδικούμενον, ἠμύνατο καὶ ἐποίησεν ἐκδίκησιν τῷ καταπονουμένῳ, πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον 1 And seeing a certain one being mistreated, he defended him and made vengeance for the one being oppressed by striking the Egyptian If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form by rearranging the order. Alternate translation: “Seeing an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite, Moses defended and avenged the Israelite by striking the Egyptian who was oppressing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 7 24 abc8 ἠμύνατο 1 he defended him Moses **defended** the Israelite who was being mistreated. -ACT 7 24 r2e8 πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον 1 by striking the Egyptian Moses hit **the Egyptian** so hard that he died. -ACT 7 25 wm3j ἐνόμιζεν 1 he thought Alternate translation: “he imagined” -ACT 7 25 nhb9 figs-metonymy διὰ χειρὸς αὐτοῦ δίδωσιν σωτηρίαν αὐτοῖς 1 by his hand was giving salvation to them Here, **hand** refers to the actions of Moses. Alternate translation: “was rescuing them through what Moses was doing” or “was using the actions of Moses to rescue them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 26 t2vc figs-explicit αὐτοῖς μαχομένοις 1 to them as they were quarreling The audience would have known from the account in Exodus that these were two Israelite men, but Stephen does not specify that. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 26 mpc7 συνήλλασσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς εἰρήνην 1 he urged them to peace Alternate translation: “urged them to stop fighting” -ACT 7 26 zzt4 ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί ἐστε 1 Men, you are brothers Moses was addressing the Israelites who were fighting. -ACT 7 26 k1ku figs-rquestion ἱνα τί ἀδικεῖτε ἀλλήλους? 1 Why is it that you are hurting each other? Moses asked this question to encourage them to stop fighting. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not hurt each other!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 27 q2r4 figs-rquestion τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ’ ἡμῶν? 1 Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? The man used this question to rebuke Moses. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have no authority over us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 27 t1hw figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 Here the word **us** refers to the Israelites but does not include Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) -ACT 7 28 hk1g figs-rquestion μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον? 1 You do not want to kill me in the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you? The man used this question to warn Moses that he and probably others knew Moses had killed the Egyptian. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Don’t kill me in the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 29 l149 figs-explicit 0 General Information: Stephen’s audience already knew that Moses had married a Midianite woman when he fled Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 29 q8qv figs-explicit ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ 1 at this statement The implied information is that Moses understood that the Israelites knew that he had killed an Egyptian the day before ([Acts 7:28](../07/28.md)). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 30 zx1c figs-explicit καὶ πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα 1 And when 40 years were past **40 yeears** was the amount of time Moses had been in Midian. Alternate translation: “And 40 years after Moses fled from Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 30 f7yu figs-explicit ὤφθη…ἄγγελος 1 an angel appeared Stephen’s audience knew that God spoke through the **angel**. The UST makes this explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 31 q6w6 figs-explicit ἐθαύμασεν τὸ ὅραμα 1 he marveled at the sight Moses was surprised that the bush was not burning up in the fire. This was previously known by Stephen’s audience. Alternate translation: “because the bush was not burning up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 31 uk7u προσερχομένου δὲ αὐτοῦ κατανοῆσαι 1 and as he approached to look at it This may mean Moses initially drew close to the bush to investigate. -ACT 7 32 b4q6 ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου 1 I am the God of your fathers Alternate translation: “I am the God whom your ancestors worshiped” -ACT 7 32 tdr7 ἔντρομος δὲ γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς οὐκ ἐτόλμα κατανοῆσαι 1 And becoming terrified, Moses did not dare to look This may mean **Moses** drew back in fear when he heard the voice. -ACT 7 32 e19k figs-explicit ἔντρομος…γενόμενος, Μωϋσῆς 1 becoming terrified, Moses Moses shook from fear. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: “And Moses trembled with fear and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 33 x7cd translate-symaction λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα 1 Untie the sandals God told Moses this so he would honor God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 33 clk4 figs-explicit ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν 1 for the place on which you are standing is holy ground The implied information is that where God is present, the immediate area around God is considered or made **holy** by God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 34 yz7b ἰδὼν, εἶδον 1 I have certainly seen The word **certainly** adds emphasis to seen. Alternate translation: “I have seen for sure” -ACT 7 34 x5bg τοῦ λαοῦ μου 1 of my people The word **my** emphasizes that these people belonged to God. Alternate translation: “of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” -ACT 7 34 j32c κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς 1 I have come down to rescue them Alternate translation: “I will personally cause their release” -ACT 7 34 sq8y νῦν δεῦρο 1 now come God gives an order here. Alternate translation: “get ready” -ACT 7 35 x4p2 0 General Information: Verses 35-38 contains a series of connected phrases referring to Moses. Each phrase begins with statements such as “This Moses” or “This same Moses” or “This is the man” or “It is the same Moses.” If possible, use similar statements to emphasize Moses. After the Israelites left Egypt, they spent 40 years wandering around the wilderness before God led them into the land he had promised them. -ACT 7 35 gn6e τοῦτον τὸν Μωϋσῆν, ὃν ἠρνήσαντο 1 This same Moses, whom they rejected This phrase refers back to the events recorded in [Acts 7:27-28](../07/27.md). -ACT 7 35 vp7e λυτρωτὴν 1 a redeemer Alternate translation: “a rescuer” -ACT 7 35 yjz9 figs-metonymy σὺν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου τοῦ ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ βάτῳ 1 with the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush Here, **hand** is a metonym for the action performed by the person. In this case, the angel had commanded Moses to return to Egypt. Stephen speaks as if the angel had a physical hand. You may need to make explicit what action the angel did. Alternate translation: “by the action of the angel” or “by having the angel … bush command him to return to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 35 abc9 ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ 1 appeared to him The angel **appeared** to Moses. -ACT 7 36 gz9r figs-explicit ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα 1 during 40 years Stephen’s audience knew about the **40 years** the Israelites spent in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “during the 40 years that the Israelite people lived in the wilderness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 37 b4sg προφήτην…ἀναστήσει 1 will raise up a prophet Alternate translation: “will cause a man to be a prophet” -ACT 7 37 j2rx ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν 1 from among your brothers Alternate translation: “from among your own people” -ACT 7 38 e8qu οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ 1 This is the one who was in the assembly Alternate translation: “This is the man Moses who was among the Israelites” -ACT 7 38 fd25 οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ γενόμενος 1 This is the one The phrase **This is the one** refers to Moses. -ACT 7 38 y2zu ὃς ἐδέξατο λόγια ζῶντα δοῦναι ὑμῖν 1 who received living words to give to us God was the one who gave those **words**. Alternate translation: “to whom God spoke living words to give to us” -ACT 7 38 p3xk figs-metonymy λόγια ζῶντα 1 living words This could mean: (1) “a message that endures” or (2) “words that give life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 39 mvz8 figs-metaphor ἀπώσαντο 1 they pushed him away This metaphor emphasizes their rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: “they rejected him as their leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -ACT 7 39 z3ze figs-metonymy ἐστράφησαν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 turned back in their hearts Here, **hearts** is a metonym for people’s thoughts. To do something in the heart means to desire to do something. Alternate translation: “they desired to turn back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 40 l8u7 ποίησον ἡμῖν θεοὺς οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν. ὁ γὰρ Μωϋσῆς οὗτος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ἐγένετο αὐτῷ 1 The quotation in this verse is from the writings of Moses. -ACT 7 41 ux1j figs-explicit ἐμοσχοποίησαν 1 they made an image of a calf Stephen’s audience knew the **image of a calf** they made was a statue to be used as an idol. Alternate translation: “they made as an idol a statue that looked like a calf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 41 hh77 ἐμοσχοποίησαν…τῷ εἰδώλῳ…τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν 1 they made an image of a calf … to the idol … the work of their hands These phrases all refer to the same statue of the **calf**. -ACT 7 42 d3dd translate-symaction ἔστρεψεν…ὁ Θεὸς 1 God turned away This action expresses that **God** was not pleased with the people and no longer helped them. Alternate translation: “God stopped correcting them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 42 rag5 παρέδωκεν αὐτοὺς 1 gave them up Alternate translation: “abandoned them” -ACT 7 42 u7lx τῇ στρατιᾷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 the host of heaven This could mean: (1) the stars in the sky or (2) the sun, moon, and stars. -ACT 7 42 f314 βίβλῳ τῶν προφητῶν 1 the book of the prophets This was apparently a collection of the writings of several of the Old Testament prophets into one scroll. It would also have included the writings of Amos. -ACT 7 42 w38i μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ? 1 Stephen’s quotation here is from the prophet Amos. -ACT 7 42 gd1b figs-rquestion μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ? 1 You did not offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness, did you, O house of Israel? God asked this question to show **Israel** they did not worship Him with their **sacrifices**. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You did not honor me when you offered slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness O house of Israel.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 42 j4q8 figs-metonymy οἶκος Ἰσραήλ 1 O house of Israel This phrase refers to the whole nation of **Israel**. Alternate translation: “all you Israelites” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 23 o4cg figs-idiom ὡς…ἐπληροῦτο αὐτῷ τεσσερακονταετὴς χρόνος 1 This is an idiomatic way of speaking about time. Alternate translation: “after Moses had turned forty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 23 b9gd figs-activepassive ὡς…ἐπληροῦτο αὐτῷ τεσσερακονταετὴς χρόνος 1 Since this is an idiom, it would probably not be meaningful in most languages to retain the verb “fill” and use an active verbal form instead of the passive form. However, if your language does speak of someone or something “filling” days or times so that they arrive, and if your language does not use passive verbal forms, you could use an active form of “fill” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 23 ckxj figs-idiom ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ 1 The phrase **it came up on his heart** is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he felt a desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 23 fj9s figs-metonymy ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ 1 it came into his heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for the thoughts and emotions. Alternate translation: “he felt a desire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 23 x493 figs-metaphor τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ 1 to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel Stephen is using the word **brothers** figuratively to mean “kinsmen,” and he is using the word **sons** figuratively to mean “descendants.” Alternate translation: “his kinsmen, the descendants of Israel” or, if the word “Israel” might make your readers think of the nation rather than the person, “his kinsmen, the descendants of Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 23 i4ko figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ, τοὺς υἱοὺς Ἰσραήλ 1 Although the terms **brothers** and **sons** are masculine, Stephen is using these words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you decide to retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “brothers and sisters” and “sons and daughters” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +ACT 7 24 l4zv figs-activepassive ἰδών τινα ἀδικούμενον 1 And seeing a certain one being mistreated, he defended him and made vengeance for the one being oppressed by striking the Egyptian If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was **the Egyptian** who is mentioned later in the verse. Alternate translation: “seeing an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 24 y3yh figs-activepassive ἐποίησεν ἐκδίκησιν τῷ καταπονουμένῳ, πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “avenged him by striking the Egyptian who was oppressing him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 24 r2e8 figs-explicit πατάξας τὸν Αἰγύπτιον 1 by striking the Egyptian Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that Moses hit **the Egyptian** so hard that he died. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “striking and killing the Egyptian” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 25 hrsh figs-metaphor τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς 1 Stephen is using the word **brothers** figuratively to mean “kinsmen.” Alternate translation: “his kinsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 25 mug9 figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς 1 Although the term **brothers** is masculine, Stephen is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you decide to retain the metaphor in your translation, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]]) +ACT 7 25 f6sn figs-abstractnouns δίδωσιν σωτηρίαν αὐτοῖς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **salvation**, you could express the same idea in another way. In context, the word refers to God using Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery. Alternate translation: “was delivering them from slavery” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 25 nhb9 figs-metonymy διὰ χειρὸς αὐτοῦ 1 by his hand was giving salvation to them Here, **hand** refers to the actions of Moses. Alternate translation: “through his actions” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 26 t2vc figs-explicit αὐτοῖς 1 to them as they were quarreling It is clear from the context that these were two Israelite men, though Stephen does not say that specifically. Alternate translation: “to two Israelite men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 26 qyc2 figs-youdual αὐτοῖς…αὐτοὺς…ἐστε…ἀδικεῖτε 1 Since Moses is speaking to two people, these uses of **them** and **you** would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise, they would be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) +ACT 7 26 mpc7 figs-abstractnouns συνήλλασσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς εἰρήνην 1 he urged them to peace If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **peace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he urged them to stop fighting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 26 kyde figs-quotesinquotes εἰπών, ἄνδρες, ἀδελφοί ἐστε. ἱνα τί ἀδικεῖτε ἀλλήλους? 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “telling them that they were brothers and asking them why they were hurting each other” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 26 zzt4 figs-idiom ἄνδρες 1 Men, you are brothers This is an idiomatic form of address. Translate it with an expression that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Friends” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 26 z5g2 figs-metaphor ἀδελφοί 1 Moses is using the word **brothers** figuratively to mean “kinsmen.” Alternate translation: “kinsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 26 k1ku figs-rquestion ἱνα τί ἀδικεῖτε ἀλλήλους? 1 Why is it that you are hurting each other? Moses is using a rhetorical question here to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not be hurting each other!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 27 xef7 writing-pronouns αὐτὸν 1 The word **him** refers to Moses, not to the neighbor. Alternate translation: “Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 27 iq30 figs-quotesinquotes εἰπών, τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ’ ἡμῶν? 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “asking him who appointed him a ruler and a judge over them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 27 q2r4 figs-rquestion τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν ἐφ’ ἡμῶν? 1 Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? The man is using a rhetorical question to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “No one appointed you a ruler and judge over us!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 27 wtq4 figs-doublet ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστὴν 1 In this context, the words **ruler** and **judge** mean basically the same thing. The man is using repetition to emphasize the fact that he feels that Moses has no authority over them. If your language does not use repetition for such a purpose, you could use a single phrase and provide emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “an authority with power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 7 27 t1hw figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 The man is using the word **our** to refer to himself and to his neighbor, but not to Moses, so use the exclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]]) +ACT 7 28 vow8 figs-doublenegatives μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον 1 The first word of this sentence in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a negative statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding **do you?** Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Translate this in the way that would be clearest in your language. Alternate translation: “Do you want to kill me the way you killed the Egyptian yesterday” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 7 28 hk1g figs-rquestion μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον? 1 You do not want to kill me in the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you? The man is using a rhetorical question implicitly to threaten Moses by indicating that he and probably others knew that Moses had killed the Egyptian. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I suppose you want to kill me the way you killed the Egyptian yesterday!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 28 qfxh figs-quotesinquotes μὴ ἀνελεῖν με σὺ θέλεις, ὃν τρόπον ἀνεῖλες ἐχθὲς τὸν Αἰγύπτιον? 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The man asked Moses if he wanted to kill him the way he had killed the Egyptian the day before.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 28 jxka ὃν τρόπον 1 Alternate translation: “in the same way in which” +ACT 7 29 l149 figs-explicit ἔφυγεν…Μωϋσῆς ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ 1 General Information: The implication is that Moses fled because he recognized that these Israelites, and probably others, knew that he had killed an Egyptian. Moses feared that he would be punished or even killed for this crime. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Moses ran away at this word to try to escape from being punished” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 29 rbhm figs-metonymy ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ 1 Stephen is using the term **word** figuratively to mean what the man said by using words. Alternate translation: “at this statement” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 29 pit4 translate-names Μαδιάμ 1 **Midian** is the name of a country. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 29 q8qv figs-explicit οὗ ἐγέννησεν υἱοὺς δύο 1 at this statement Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that Moses married a Midianite woman when he fled from Egypt. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “where he married a Midianite woman and fathered two sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 30 zx1c figs-explicit πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα 1 And when 40 years were past This is an idiomatic way of speaking about time. Alternate translation: “after 40 years had gone by” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 30 qci0 figs-activepassive πληρωθέντων ἐτῶν τεσσεράκοντα 1 Since this is an idiom, it would probably not be meaningful in most languages to retain the verb “fill” and use an active verbal form instead of the passive form. However, if your language does speak of someone or something “filling” days or times so that they arrive, and if your language does not use passive verbal forms, you could use an active form of “fill” here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 30 veft figs-idiom ὤφθη αὐτῷ…ἄγγελος 1 The word **appeared** does not mean that Moses simply saw this angel in a vision. Rather, this expression indicates that the angel was actually present with Moses. Alternate translation: “suddenly an angel was there with Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 30 f7yu figs-explicit ὤφθη αὐτῷ…ἄγγελος 1 an angel appeared Stephen assumes that his listeners know that God came to speak with Moses through the **angel**. The UST makes this explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 31 q6w6 figs-explicit ἐθαύμασεν τὸ ὅραμα 1 he marveled at the sight Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that Moses **admired the sight** because the bush was not burning up, even though it was on fire. Alternate translation: “marveled at what he saw, because the fire was not consuming the bush” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 31 uk7u figs-personification ἐγένετο φωνὴ Κυρίου 1 and as he approached to look at it Stephen is speaking figuratively of **the voice of the Lord** as if it were a person and that it **came** on its own. If this might be confusing for your readers, you could express this meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “the Lord spoke to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]]) +ACT 7 32 b26o figs-quotesinquotes ἐγὼ ὁ Θεὸς τῶν πατέρων σου, ὁ Θεὸς Ἀβραὰμ, καὶ Ἰσαὰκ, καὶ Ἰακώβ 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The Lord told Moses that he was the God of his fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 33 bpml figs-quotesinquotes εἶπεν…αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “the Lord told Moses to untie the sandals that were on his feet, because the place on which he was standing was holy ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 33 x7cd translate-symaction λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου, ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν 1 Untie the sandals In this culture, removing footwear was a symbolic way of acknowledging that a place was sacred. Footwear that had been worn elsewhere should not touch it. Your readers may understand the symbolic meaning of this action. If not, you could explain it in your translation. Alternate translation: “Untie your sandals and remove them to acknowledge that the place on which you are standing is holy ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 33 rxnj figs-explicit λῦσον τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 The implication is that God wanted Moses not only to untie his sandals but also to remove them. Alternate translation: “Untie your sandals and remove them from your feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 33 xl9p τὸ ὑπόδημα τῶν ποδῶν σου 1 Since this refers to both sandals, it might be more natural in your language to use the plural form of **sandals**. If your language uses the dual form, it would be appropriate to use that here. Alternate translation: “the sandals on your feet” or “the sandals you are wearing” +ACT 7 33 clk4 figs-explicit ὁ γὰρ τόπος ἐφ’ ᾧ ἕστηκας γῆ ἁγία ἐστίν 1 for the place on which you are standing is holy ground The implication is that where God is present, the immediate area around God is considered or made **holy** by God. Alternate translation: “for the place on which you are standing has been made holy by my presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 34 l0au figs-quotesinquotes ἰδὼν, εἶδον τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου τοῦ ἐν Αἰγύπτῳ, καὶ τοῦ στεναγμοῦ αὐτῶν ἤκουσα, καὶ κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς; καὶ νῦν δεῦρο, ἀποστείλω σε εἰς Αἴγυπτον. 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “The Lord said that he had certainly seen the oppression of his people who were in Egypt and that he had heard their groaning and that he had come down to rescue them. He told Moses to get ready because he was sending him to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 34 yz7b figs-idiom ἰδὼν, εἶδον 1 I have certainly seen Stephen is reproducing a Hebrew idiom from the biblical account of Moses at the burning bush. The verb **seen** is repeated in Hebrew. This repetition expresses the intensity, certainty, or clarity of Yahweh’s having seen how his people were being oppressed. This Hebrew practice of verb repetition for intensification cannot be directly translated into English. Use a natural form of strengthening a verb from your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 34 x5bg figs-possession τοῦ λαοῦ μου 1 of my people God uses the possessive word **my** to emphasize that these people were in a covenant relationship with him based on his promises to their ancestors. Alternate translation: “of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +ACT 7 34 j32c figs-metaphor κατέβην ἐξελέσθαι αὐτούς 1 I have come down to rescue them God describes himself as having **come down** from heaven to earth to help the Israelites. His presence was in the burning bush, but he also means figuratively that he is taking action to **rescue** them. Alternate translation: “I will personally bring about their release” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 34 atdo grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ 3 God is using the word translated **And** to introduce what he wants Moses to do as a result of what he has told him. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +ACT 7 34 sq8y figs-imperative νῦν δεῦρο 1 now come God is giving an order here. Alternate translation: “get ready” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) +ACT 7 34 x34c figs-declarative ἀποστείλω σε εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 God is not asking Moses’ permission when he says **let me send you to Egypt**. This is a way of saying “I will send you to Egypt,” and that statement in turn is functioning as a command. Alternate translation: “you must go to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]]) +ACT 7 35 x4p2 figs-litany τοῦτον τὸν Μωϋσῆν 1 General Information: Verses 35, 36, 37, and 38 contains a series of similar phrases emphasizing the role of Moses. Stephen says **This Moses**, “This one,” “This is the Moses,” and “This is the one.” If possible, use similar statements in your own translation to emphasize Moses. You may also wish to make each of these verses a separate paragraph or use formatting in some other way to highlight the repeated phrases. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litany]]) +ACT 7 35 nv5g figs-quotesinquotes εἰπόντες, τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστήν? 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. See what you did in [7:27](../07/27.md). Alternate translation: “asking him who appointed him a ruler and a judge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 35 vuqy figs-rquestion τίς σε κατέστησεν ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστήν? 1 See how you translated this rhetorical question in [7:27](../07/27.md). Alternate translation: “No one appointed you a ruler and a judge!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 35 oic6 translate/figs-doublet ἄρχοντα καὶ δικαστήν 1 See how you translated the combination of **ruler** and **judge** in [7:27](../07/27.md). Alternate translation: “an authority with power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 7 35 vp7e λυτρωτὴν 1 a redeemer In this context, the word translated **redeemer** refers to someone who delivers people from earthly troubles, not someone who brings eternal salvation. Alternate translation: “a rescuer” +ACT 7 35 yjz9 figs-metonymy σὺν χειρὶ ἀγγέλου 1 with the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush Here, **hand** is a metonym for the capability and actions of someone. Alternate translation: “accompanied by the power of the angel” or “through the actions of the angel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 35 abc9 figs-idiom ὀφθέντος αὐτῷ ἐν τῇ βάτῳ 1 appeared to him See how you translated the word **appeared** in [7:30](../07/30.md). Here as well, the word does not mean that Moses simply saw this angel in a vision. Alternate translation: “who was with him at the bush” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 36 gz9r figs-doublet τέρατα καὶ σημεῖα 1 during 40 years The terms **wonders** and **signs** mean similar things. Stephen is using them together for emphasis. See how you translated the similar expression in [2:22](../02/22.md). Alternate translation: “great miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 7 36 n75x translate-names Ἐρυθρᾷ Θαλάσσῃ 1 Stephen is using the name that was common in his culture, **the Red Sea**, to refer to the body of water that the Old Testament calls “the Sea of Reeds.” Decide whether you want to use the name that Stephen uses here or the name that you are using in your translation in the Old Testament, if they are different. Alternate translation: “the Sea of Reeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 37 k710 figs-quotesinquote ὁ εἴπας τοῖς υἱοῖς Ἰσραήλ, προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει ὁ Θεὸς, ἐκ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν, ὡς ἐμέ 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “who told the sons of Israel that God would raise up a prophet like him for them from their brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 37 vykp figs-metaphor τοῖς υἱοῖς Ἰσραήλ 1 Stephen is using the word **sons** figuratively to mean “descendants.” Alternate translation: “to the descendants of Israel” or “to the descendants of Jacob” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 37 b4sg figs-idiom προφήτην ὑμῖν ἀναστήσει…ὡς ἐμέ 1 will raise up a prophet Here, the expression **raise up** describes God giving someone the mission to go as a prophet to certain people. See how you translated it in [3:22](../03/22.md). Alternate translation: “will send you a prophet like me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 37 j2rx figs-metaphor τῶν ἀδελφῶν ὑμῶν 1 from among your brothers Stephen is using the word **brothers** figuratively to mean “kinsmen.” Alternate translation: “your kinsmen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 38 fd25 writing-pronouns οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ 1 This is the one **This is the one** refers to Moses. You may have decided to use similar language and special formatting in verses 35–38 to highlight the way Stephen is emphasizing Moses. However, if you think the reference would not be clear at this point, you could state his name. Alternate translation: “Moses is the one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 38 z1z7 figs-infostructure μετὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου τοῦ λαλοῦντος αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ Ὄρει Σινά, καὶ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, ὃς ἐδέξατο λόγια ζῶντα 1 It might be more natural to put the information about **Mount Sinai** next to the information about Moses receiving **living words**. Alternate translation: “with our fathers and with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, who received living words” or “with our fathers and with the angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, where he received living words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) +ACT 7 38 vdnz writing-pronouns τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, ὃς ἐδέξατο 1 This second instance of **who** in the verse refers to Moses, not to the **fathers**. For clarity, you could state his name and start a new sentence. Alternate translation: “with our fathers. Moses received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 38 y2zu figs-explicit ὃς ἐδέξατο λόγια ζῶντα 1 who received living words to give to us It may be helpful in your language to specify who gave Moses the **words** that he **received.** Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that this was God. Alternate translation: “to whom God gave living words” or “to whom God spoke living words” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 38 p3xk figs-metonymy λόγια ζῶντα 1 living words Stephen is using the term **words** to mean the message that God communicated through words. Alternate translation: “a living message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 38 w2gs figs-metaphor λόγια ζῶντα 1 Stephen is using the term **living** figuratively to describe God’s **words** as if they were alive. This could mean: (1) that God’s message is always effective. Alternate translation: “an enduring message” (2) that God’s message shows how to live as God wishes. Alternate translation: “a life-giving message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 39 ab0s writing-pronouns ᾧ οὐκ ἠθέλησαν ὑπήκοοι γενέσθαι οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 The word **whom** refers to Moses. It may be helpful to state his name and to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Our fathers were not willing to be obedient to Moses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 39 mvz8 figs-metaphor ἀπώσαντο 1 they pushed him away Stephen is speaking figuratively to emphasize the Israelites’ rejection of Moses. Alternate translation: “they rejected him as their leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 39 z3ze figs-metonymy ἐστράφησαν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν εἰς Αἴγυπτον 1 turned back in their hearts Here, **hearts** is a metonym for people’s desires. Alternate translation: “made it their desire to return to Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 40 l8u7 figs-quotesinquotes εἰπόντες τῷ Ἀαρών, ποίησον ἡμῖν θεοὺς οἳ προπορεύσονται ἡμῶν. ὁ γὰρ Μωϋσῆς οὗτος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ἐγένετο αὐτῷ. 1 If the direct quotation inside a direct quotation would be confusing in your language, you could translate the second direct quotation as an indirect quotation. Alternate translation: “They asked Aaron to make gods for them who would go ahead of them, because they did not know what had happened to Moses, who had brought them from the land of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes]]) +ACT 7 40 kb3o εἰπόντες τῷ Ἀαρών 1 It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They said to Aaron” +ACT 7 40 fzsq translate-names τῷ Ἀαρών 1 **Aaron** is the name of a man, the older brother of Moses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 40 a68q figs-infostructure ὁ γὰρ Μωϋσῆς οὗτος, ὃς ἐξήγαγεν ἡμᾶς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου, οὐκ οἴδαμεν τί ἐγένετο αὐτῷ 1 It may be more natural to put the information about Moses at the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “For we do not know what has happened to this Moses who brought us from the land of Egypt” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) +ACT 7 41 ux1j figs-explicit ἐμοσχοποίησαν 1 they made an image of a calf Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that this **image of a calf** was a statue that the Israelites wanted to worship as an idol. Stephen refers to it as **the idol** later in the sentence. Alternate translation: “they made a statue that looked like a calf to worship as an idol” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 41 v6tx figs-idiom ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις 1 Stephen is using the term **days** idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “at that time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 41 hjp0 writing-pronouns ἐμοσχοποίησαν 1 The pronoun **they** refers back to “our fathers” in verse 39, that is, to the Israelites whom Moses led out of Egypt. Alternate translation: “the Israelites made an image of a calf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 41 hh77 figs-metonymy τοῖς ἔργοις τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν 1 they made an image of a calf … to the idol … the work of their hands Stephen describes what he also calls the **calf** and the **idol** as **the works of their hands**, by association with the way the Israelites used their hands to make the calf. Alternate translation: “the statue they had made” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 42 d3dd figs-metaphor ἔστρεψεν…ὁ Θεὸς 1 God turned away Stephen is speaking figuratively as if **God** had physically **turned away**. He speaks this way to emphasize that God was not pleased with the Israelites and no longer helped them. Alternate translation: “God stopped helping them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 42 u7lx figs-metaphor τῇ στρατιᾷ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 the host of heaven Here, the word **host** means “army,” and the word **heaven** means “sky.” Stephen is speaking figuratively of the stars in the sky as if they were an army. Alternate translation, as in UST: “the stars in the sky” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 42 ya6v figs-activepassive γέγραπται ἐν βίβλῳ τῶν προφητῶν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the book of the prophets says” or “the book of the prophets records” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 42 f314 figs-explicit βίβλῳ τῶν προφητῶν 1 the book of the prophets This was apparently a collection of the writings of several of the Old Testament prophets on one scroll. Alternate translation: “the scroll that records sayings of the prophets” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 42 w38i figs-quotemarks μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ 1 This is the beginning of a quotation from the prophet Amos, which continues through the end of verse 43. Even if your language does not customarily put one direct quotation inside another, it would be good to present this quotation from Amos as a direct quotation if possible, since God is addressing the Israelites directly in it. You may be able to indicate its beginning with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation. You may also be able to use special formatting to set off the quotation, as ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) +ACT 7 42 o5ly figs-doublenegatives μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ? 1 The first word of this sentence in Greek is a negative word that can be used to turn a negative statement into a question that expects a negative answer. ULT shows this by adding **did you?** Your language may have other ways of asking a question that expects a negative answer, for example, by changing the word order of a positive statement. Translate this in the way that would be clearest in your language. Alternate translation: “Did you offer slain beasts and offerings to me for 40 years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 7 42 gd1b figs-rquestion μὴ σφάγια καὶ θυσίας προσηνέγκατέ μοι, ἔτη τεσσεράκοντα ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οἶκος Ἰσραήλ? 1 You did not offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness, did you, O house of Israel? Speaking through the prophet Amos, God used the question form to emphasize to the people of **Israel** that they did not really worship Him **in the wilderness** with their sacrifices. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You did not honor me when you offered slain beasts and sacrifices for 40 years in the wilderness, O house of Israel!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) ACT 7 43 zek5 καὶ ἀνελάβετε τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ, καὶ τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ῥαιφάν, τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε προσκυνεῖν αὐτοῖς. καὶ μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος. 1 The quotation from the prophet Amos continues here. -ACT 7 43 rk4z figs-explicit ἀνελάβετε 1 you took up It is implied that they took these idols with them as they traveled in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “you carried with you from place to place” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 43 im7e τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ 1 the tabernacle of Molech The **tabernacle of Molech** was the tent that housed the false god Molech. -ACT 7 43 cq47 τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ῥαιφάν 1 the star of your god Rephan This **star** is identified with the false **god Rephan**. -ACT 7 43 gm4g τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε 1 and the images that you made They made statues or **images** of the gods Molech and Rephan in order to worship them. -ACT 7 43 zgq6 μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος 1 I will carry you away beyond Babylon This would be God’s act of judgment. Alternate translation: “I will remove you to places even farther than Babylon” +ACT 7 42 q9rr figs-yousingular μὴ…προσηνέγκατέ 1 **You** is plural in these instances, even though the addressee (**house**) is singular, because God is actually speaking to all of the Israelites. If it would not be natural in your language to use the plural in such a case, you can use singular **you** in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]]) +ACT 7 42 tck0 figs-merism σφάγια καὶ θυσίας 1 In a figure of speech, God is using the two main categories of sacrifices, those that involve shedding blood (**slain beasts**) and those that are bloodless (**offerings**), to mean sacrifices of all kinds. If this would be misunderstood in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or non-figurative language. Alternate translation: “all kinds of sacrifices” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) +ACT 7 42 j4q8 figs-metaphor οἶκος Ἰσραήλ 1 O house of Israel Here, **house** means all the people descended from a particular person. It envisions them as if they were one household living together. So the **house of Israel** figuratively means all the people descended from the patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “nation of Israel” or “people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 43 h20h grammar-connect-logic-contrast καὶ 1 **And** at the beginning of this verse introduces God’s own answer to the question he asked in the previous verse, [7:42](../01/32.md): “You did not offer slain beasts and offerings to me …, did you?” The answer is in contrast to what the question asks. Use a natural way in your language for introducing a contrast. Alternate translation, followed by a sentence break: “No!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]]) +ACT 7 43 q85n figs-irony ἀνελάβετε…μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς 1 The term **took up** indicates that the Israelites carried the idols this verse describes around with them as they traveled in the wilderness. The term **remove** in this context means that God will send them into exile as a punishment, with the sense of carrying them away from their homeland. So the punishment is ironic; if possible, use similar terms in your language that will bring out this irony. Alternate translation: “you carried around … I will carry you away” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) +ACT 7 43 gxh2 figs-yousingular ἀνελάβετε…ὑμῶν…ἐποιήσατε…ὑμᾶς 1 As in [7:42](../07/42.md), **you** is plural here, even though the addressee (“house”) is singular, since God is speaking to all of the Israelites. In this verse **your** is also plural. If it would not be natural in your language to use the plural in these cases, you can use the singular in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]]) +ACT 7 43 im7e figs-explicit τὴν σκηνὴν τοῦ Μολὸχ 1 the tabernacle of Molech The **tabernacle of Molech** was a tent or shrine that housed an idol of the false god Molech. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 43 cq47 figs-explicit τὸ ἄστρον τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν Ῥαιφάν 1 the star of your god Rephan The Israelites were not carrying around an actual **star**, but an image designed to look like a star. This image was used in the worship of the false god Rephan. (This may have been the planet Saturn.) Alternate translation: “the star-shaped image of your god Rephan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 43 gm4g figs-explicit τοὺς τύπους οὓς ἐποιήσατε 1 and the images that you made The word **images** refers to the idol of Molech and the star-shaped image of Rephan. It may be helpful to make this a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “You made that idol of Molech and that star-shaped image of Rephan so that you could worship those false gods.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 43 zgq6 grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ 3 I will carry you away beyond Babylon Speaking through Amos, God uses the word translated **and** to introduce what he will do as a result of the Israelites’ unfaithfulness and disobedience. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As a result” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) ACT 7 44 fs4q 0 Connecting Statement: Stephen continues his response to the high priest and the council which he began in [Acts 7:2](../07/02.md). -ACT 7 44 m9gw ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου 1 The tabernacle of the testimony The **tabernacle** was a tent that housed the ark (a box) with the 10 commandments carved in stone inside it. -ACT 7 45 n2sc ἣν καὶ εἰσήγαγον, διαδεξάμενοι οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν μετὰ Ἰησοῦ 1 Our fathers, under Joshua, received it and brought it with them The phrase **under Joshua** means that their ancestors did these things in obedience to Joshua’s direction. Alternate translation: “Our fathers, in accordance with Joshua’s instructions, received the tabernacle and brought it with them” -ACT 7 45 n1pp ἐν τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 when they took possession of the nations who God drove out from the face of our fathers This sentence tells why the ancestors were able to take **possession** of the land. Alternate translation: “when God forced the nations to leave the land before the face of our fathers so they could live in it” -ACT 7 45 spm5 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 when they took possession of the nations who God drove out from the face of our fathers Here, **the face of our fathers** refers to the presence of their ancestors. This could mean: (1) “when God took the land from the nations and drove them out as our ancestors watched” or (2) “when our ancestors came, God took the land from the nations and drove them out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 45 c2fb figs-metonymy τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 of the nations Here, **the nations** refers to the people who lived in the land before Israel. Alternate translation: “of the people who previously lived here” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 45 m9ib ὧν ἐξῶσεν ὁ Θεὸς 1 whom God drove out Alternate translation: “whom God forced to leave the land” -ACT 7 46 w3cu σκήνωμα τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰακώβ 1 a dwelling place for the house of Jacob David wanted a permanent place for the ark to reside in Jerusalem, not in a tent. Alternate translation: “a house for the ark where the God of Jacob could stay” -ACT 7 48 c822 figs-synecdoche χειροποιήτοις 1 houses made with hands Here, **hand** is a synecdoche for the whole person. Alternate translation: “houses made by people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -ACT 7 49 a7bx 0 General Information: In verses 49 and 50, Stephen quotes from the prophet Isaiah. In the quotation, God is speaking about himself. -ACT 7 49 k2vn ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου 1 Heaven is my throne, and the earth is the footstool for my feet The prophet is comparing the greatness of God’s presence to how impossible it is for man to build a place for God to rest on earth since the whole earth is nothing but a place for God to rest his **feet**. -ACT 7 49 wc9m figs-rquestion ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι? 1 What kind of house will you build for me? God asks this question to show how useless man’s efforts are to take care of God. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “You can not build a house adequate enough for me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 49 u1ft figs-rquestion ἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου? 1 or what is the place for my rest? God asks this question to show man that he cannot provide God any **rest**. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “and there is no place of rest good enough for me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 50 rfk1 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα? 1 Did my hand not make all these things? God asks this question to show that man did not create anything. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “My hand made all these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 51 umq6 σκληροτράχηλοι 1 O stiff-necked Stephen shifts from identifying with the Jewish leaders to rebuking them. -ACT 7 51 vn7h figs-idiom σκληροτράχηλοι 1 O stiff-necked This does not mean their necks were stiff but rather that they were “stubborn.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 51 zp55 figs-metonymy ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν 1 uncircumcised in heart and ears The Jews regarded **uncircumcised** people as disobedient to God. Stephen uses **heart and ears** to represent to the Jewish leaders who acted the way Gentiles act when they do not obey or listen to God. Alternate translation: “you refuse to obey and hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 7 52 x7kf figs-rquestion τίνα τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἐδίωξαν οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν? 1 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? Stephen asked this question to show them that they learned nothing from the errors of their forefathers. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your forefathers persecuted every prophet!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 7 52 q8wb τοῦ Δικαίου 1 of the Righteous One This title refers to the Christ, the Messiah. -ACT 7 52 agd9 οὗ νῦν ὑμεῖς προδόται καὶ φονεῖς ἐγένεσθε 1 of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers Alternate translation: “you have also betrayed and murdered him” -ACT 7 53 euw5 τὸν νόμον εἰς διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων 1 the law as ordained by angels Alternate translation: “the law that God caused angels to give to our ancestors” -ACT 7 54 t4u2 0 Connecting Statement: The council reacts to Stephen’s words. -ACT 7 54 ef2g ἀκούοντες δὲ ταῦτα 1 Now hearing these things This indicates a turning point; the sermon ends and the council members react. -ACT 7 54 u4l7 figs-idiom διεπρίοντο ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 they were cut to their hearts Here, **cut to their hearts** is an idiom for making them extremely angry. Alternate translation: “they became extremely angry” or “they became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) -ACT 7 54 ae9s translate-symaction ἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπ’ αὐτόν 1 they ground their teeth at him This action expressed their strong anger at Stephen or hatred of Stephen. Alternate translation: “they became so angry that they ground their teeth together” or “they moved their teeth back and forth as they looked at Stephen”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 55 ntp4 ἀτενίσας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν 1 and looking intently into heaven It appears that only Stephen saw this vision and not anyone else in the crowd. Alternate translation: “and staring up into heaven” -ACT 7 55 bl2j figs-explicit εἶδεν δόξαν Θεοῦ 1 he saw the glory of God People normally experienced **the glory of God** as a bright light. Alternate translation: “he saw a bright light from God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 7 55 vyz3 translate-symaction καὶ Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 and Jesus standing at the right hand of God To stand **at the right hand of God** is a symbolic action of receiving great honor and authority from God. Alternate translation: “and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor and authority beside God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 56 aqp8 Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 Son of Man Stephen refers to Jesus by the title **Son of Man**. -ACT 7 57 p4cg translate-symaction συνέσχον τὰ ὦτα αὐτῶν 1 they covered their ears They did this to show that they did not want to hear any more of what Stephen said. Alternate translation: “they put their hands on their ears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 58 ks1u ἐκβαλόντες ἔξω τῆς πόλεως 1 throwing him outside the city Alternate translation: “seizing Stephen, they forcefully took him out of the city” -ACT 7 58 wy7n τὰ ἱμάτια 1 outer garments These **outer garments** were cloaks or robes they would wear outside to stay warm, similar in function to a jacket or coat. -ACT 7 58 sx2p παρὰ τοὺς πόδας 1 at the feet They were placed there so Saul could watch them. Alternate translation: “in front of” -ACT 7 58 e2vl νεανίου 1 of a young man Saul was probably around 30 years old at the time. -ACT 7 59 k2el δέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου 1 receive my spirit Alternate translation: “take my spirit.” It may be helpful to add “please” to show that this was a request. Alternate translation: “please receive my spirit” -ACT 7 60 u86q translate-symaction θεὶς δὲ τὰ γόνατα 1 But having knelt down on his knees This is an act of submission to God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 7 60 tvf8 figs-litotes μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν 1 do not hold this sin against them You can state this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “forgive them for this sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]]) -ACT 7 60 r9vi figs-euphemism ἐκοιμήθη 1 he fell asleep Here to fall asleep is a euphemism for dying. Alternate translation: “died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) -ACT 8 intro q9d9 0 # Acts 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.

The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words “So there began.”

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Receiving the Holy Spirit

In this chapter for the first time Luke speaks of people receiving the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:15-19](../08/15.md)). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.

### Proclaimed

This chapter more than any other in the Book of Acts speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word “proclaim” translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something. -ACT 8 1 tp9e translate-versebridge 0 General Information: It may be helpful to your audience to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge for verses 1-2 as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]]) -ACT 8 1 a7uc 0 Connecting Statement: The story here shifts from Stephen to Saul. -ACT 8 1 ez88 writing-background ἐγένετο…ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, διωγμὸς μέγας ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν, τὴν ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις. πάντες δὲ διεσπάρησαν κατὰ τὰς χώρας τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας, πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων 1 there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem, and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles This verse gives background information about the **persecution** that began after Stephen’s death. This explains why Saul was persecuting the believers in verse 3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 1 vc8x ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 that day Here, **that day** refers to the day that Stephen died ([Acts 7:59-60](../07/59.md)). -ACT 8 1 u5pi figs-hyperbole πάντες…διεσπάρησαν 1 they were all scattered The word **all** is a generalization to express that a large number of the believers left Jerusalem because of the persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -ACT 8 1 k5a2 figs-explicit πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων 1 except the apostles This statement implies that **the apostles** remained in Jerusalem even though they also experienced this great persecution. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 8 2 sjc8 ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς 1 devout men Alternate translation: “God-fearing men” or “men who feared God” -ACT 8 2 a38x ἐποίησαν κοπετὸν μέγαν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ 1 made great lamentation over him Alternate translation: “greatly mourned his death” -ACT 8 3 nz28 σύρων τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας 1 dragging out both men and women Saul forcefully took Jewish believers out of their home and put them into prison. -ACT 8 3 yd2i κατὰ τοὺς οἴκους 1 according to the houses Alternate translation: “houses one by one” or “from house to house” -ACT 8 3 w6vk figs-explicit ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας 1 men and women This refers to **men and women** who believed in Jesus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 8 4 ymy5 figs-activepassive διασπαρέντες 1 had been scattered The cause for the scattering, the persecution, was stated previously. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “had fled the great persecution and had gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 4 su6i figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον 1 the word This is a metonym for “the message.” Alternate translation: “the message” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 4 iaq4 figs-explicit τὸν λόγον 1 You may need to make explicit that the message was about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 8 5 dh3x Φίλιππος 1 Connecting Statement: This begins the story of **Philip**, whom the people had chosen as a deacon ([Acts 6:5](../06/05.md)). -ACT 8 5 gz5m κατελθὼν εἰς τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας 1 went down to the city of Samaria The phrase **went down** is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem. -ACT 8 5 f45b τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας 1 the city of Samaria This could mean: (1) Luke expected the readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: “the main city in Samaria” or (2) Luke did not expect his readers to know which city he was writing about. Alternate translation: “a city in Samaria” -ACT 8 5 pk1l figs-metonymy ἐκήρυσσεν αὐτοῖς τὸν Χριστόν 1 proclaimed to them the Christ The title **Christ** refers to Jesus, the Messiah. Alternate translation: “told them that Jesus is the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 6 cnt9 δὲ οἱ ὄχλοι 1 And the crowds The location was specified in [Acts 8:5](../08/05.md). Alternate translation: “And the people in the city of Samaria” -ACT 8 6 wm83 προσεῖχον 1 were paying attention to The reason people paid attention was because of all the healing Philip did. +ACT 7 43 rrn8 figs-quotemarks μετοικιῶ ὑμᾶς ἐπέκεινα Βαβυλῶνος 3 This is the end of the quotation from the prophet Amos that began in verse 42. See how you marked the beginning of the quotation there. It would be appropriate to mark its ending here with a closing second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation. If you used special formatting to set off the quotation, you can return to regular formatting after this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) +ACT 7 44 hfmx figs-ellipsis ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου ἦν τοῖς πατράσιν ἡμῶν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, καθὼς διετάξατο ὁ λαλῶν τῷ Μωϋσῇ 1 Stephen is not saying that the **tabernacle** was **with** the Israelites just as God had commanded. He means that the tabernacle was built **according to the pattern** that Moses saw on Mount Sinai. To make this clear, it may be helpful to supply some of the words that Stephen is leaving out. It may also be helpful to introduce a sentence break. Alternate translation: “The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness. It was built just as the one speaking to Moses had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +ACT 7 44 m9gw figs-metonymy ἡ σκηνὴ τοῦ μαρτυρίου 1 The tabernacle of the testimony Stephen calls this tent the **tabernacle of the testimony** by association with the way it housed the ark of the covenant, which was also known as the ark of the testimony. The “testimony” of the ark, as UST indicates, was to the covenant between God and the Israelites and to his presence with them wherever they went in the wilderness. Alternate translation: “the tent that housed the ark of the covenant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 44 fk06 figs-infostructure καθὼς διετάξατο ὁ λαλῶν τῷ Μωϋσῇ, ποιῆσαι αὐτὴν κατὰ τὸν τύπον ὃν ἑωράκει 1 It may be more natural to put the information about the command to Moses before the information about how Moses fulfilled the command. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The one speaking to Moses had commanded him to make the tabernacle according to the pattern that he had seen, and he made it just that way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) +ACT 7 44 masq figs-explicit διετάξατο ὁ λαλῶν τῷ Μωϋσῇ 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that he is referring to the way God spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “God commanded Moses when he spoke to him on Mount Sinai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 44 avqh figs-explicit τὸν τύπον ὃν ἑωράκει 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that he is referring to the **pattern** for the tabernacle that God showed Moses on Mount Sinai. Alternate translation: “the pattern that he showed him on Mount Sinai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 45 uqca writing-pronouns ἣν καὶ εἰσήγαγον, διαδεξάμενοι οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν 1 The pronoun **which** refers to the tabernacle. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Our ancestors received the tabernacle from their ancestors and they brought it in” +ACT 7 45 qjov διαδεξάμενοι 1 The phrase **having received … in turn** translates a Greek verb that refers to receiving something in succession, in this case from one’s ancestors. Alternate translation: “having received it from their ancestors” +ACT 7 45 n2sc εἰσήγαγον…μετὰ Ἰησοῦ 1 Our fathers, under Joshua, received it and brought it with them When Stephen says that the Israelites brought in the tabernacle **with Joshua**, he does not mean that they brought in both the tabernacle and Joshua. He means that the Israelites did the things he describes in obedience to Joshua’s directions. Alternate translation: “brought in as Joshua directed them” +ACT 7 45 e3gu figs-explicit εἰσήγαγον 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that he is referring to the Israelites entering the land of Canaan. Alternate translation: “brought in to the land of Canaan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 45 znov translate-names Ἰησοῦ 1 **Joshua** is the name of a man, the successor of Moses as leader of the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 45 eww5 figs-metonymy ἐν τῇ κατασχέσει τῶν ἐθνῶν 1 Stephen is using the term **nations** to mean the land that these people groups occupied. Alternate translation: “when they took possession of land that had been occupied by the nations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 45 spm5 figs-metaphor ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν 1 when they took possession of the nations who God drove out from the face of our fathers Stephen is using the word **face** figuratively to mean “presence.” Alternate translation: “from the presence of our ancestors” or “so that our ancestors alone would live there” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 45 zjlj figs-ellipsis ἕως τῶν ἡμερῶν Δαυείδ 1 Stephen is leaving out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The tabernacle remained there until the days of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +ACT 7 45 wot8 figs-idiom τῶν ἡμερῶν Δαυείδ 1 Stephen is using the term **days** idiomatically to refer to a specific time. Alternate translation: “the time of David” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 46 k9vh figs-idiom εὑρεῖν 1 Stephen is speaking idiomatically. David did not ask God if he could go look for this **dwelling**. David asked God if he could build it. Alternate translation: “to build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 45 bux7 translate-names Δαυείδ 1 **David** is the name of a man. See how you translated it in [1:16](../01/16.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 46 x4kl writing-pronouns ὃς εὗρεν χάριν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 The pronoun **who** refers to David. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “David found favor before God” +ACT 7 46 ykio figs-metonymy ὃς εὗρεν χάριν ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here the phrase **before God** refers to God’s opinion, by association with the way that God would assess anything that came to his attention in front of him. Alternate translation: “God regarded David with favor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 46 yl80 figs-idiom εὑρεῖν 1 Stephen is speaking idiomatically. David did not ask God if he could go look for this **dwelling**. David asked God if he could build it. Alternate translation: “to build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 46 w3cu figs-metaphor σκήνωμα 1 a dwelling place for the house of Jacob The word **dwelling** refers to a permanent habitation, that is, a house. Stephen is using the word figuratively to mean a temple. He is speaking of this temple as if it was a house in which God lived, since God’s presence was there. Alternate translation: “a temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 46 in7m translate-textvariants τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰακώβ 1 See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter to decide whether to use the reading **the house of Jacob** or another possible reading, “the God of Jacob.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +ACT 7 46 fsmp figs-metaphor τῷ οἴκῳ Ἰακώβ 1 Here, **house** means all the people descended from a particular person. It envisions them as if they were one household living together. So **the house of Jacob** figuratively means all the people descended from the patriarch Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Alternate translation: “the people of Israel” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 47 bo1q translate-names Σολομῶν 1 **Solomon** is the name of a man. See how you translated it in [3:11](../03/11.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 47 k54c figs-metaphor αὐτῷ οἶκον 1 Stephen is using the word **house** figuratively to mean a temple. Alternate translation: “a temple for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 47 dlk8 writing-pronouns αὐτῷ οἶκον 1 The pronoun **him** refers to God. Alternate translation: “a temple for God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 48 wuce ὁ Ὕψιστος 1 This is a respectful title for God. UST suggests one way to express its meaning. +ACT 7 48 fwvu figs-nominaladj χειροποιήτοις 1 Stephen is using the adjective **made with hands** (or “handmade”) as a noun, to mean structures built by humans. ULT adds **houses** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “temples that people build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 48 c822 figs-synecdoche χειροποιήτοις 1 houses made with hands Stephen is using the word **hand**, one part of a person, figuratively to mean the whole person. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “houses that people build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 7 48 ota0 figs-metaphor χειροποιήτοις 1 The word **houses** figuratively means “temples.” Alternate translation: “temples that people build” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 48 d4fh figs-explicit καθὼς ὁ προφήτης λέγει 1 Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that by **the prophet**, he means Isaiah. Alternate translation: “as the prophet Isaiah says” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 49 oyax figs-quotemarks ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου 1 This is the beginning of a quotation from the prophet Isaiah, which continues through the end of verse 50. Even if your language does not customarily put one direct quotation inside another, it would be good to present this quotation from Isaiah as a direct quotation if possible, since God is addressing the Israelites directly in it. You may be able to indicate its beginning with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation. You may also be able to use special formatting to set off the quotation, as ULT does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) +ACT 7 49 k2vn figs-metaphor ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου 1 Heaven is my throne, and the earth is the footstool for my feet Speaking through Isaiah, God figuratively describes **Heaven** as his **throne** and **the earth** as his **footstool**. If your readers would not understand what these figures mean, you could use equivalent metaphors from your culture, or you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. This could mean: (1) that God is present both in heaven and on earth. Alternate translation: “I dwell in heaven and I am also present throughout the earth” (2) that God rules over heaven and earth. Alternative translation: “I rule from heaven and I have complete authority over the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 49 i4u3 figs-merism ὁ οὐρανός μοι θρόνος, ἡ δὲ γῆ ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν μου 1 God is using the two parts of creation, **Heaven** and **earth**, to mean all of creation. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. This could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “I am present everywhere in creation” (2) Alternate translation: “I rule over all of creation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) +ACT 7 49 wc9m figs-rquestion ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι? λέγει Κύριος, ἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου? 1 What kind of house will you build for me? God is using the question form to emphasize that human beings cannot build a temple worthy of him or adequate for him. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate these words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “You can not build a temple that is worthy of me or a place to live that is adequate for me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 49 rqr4 figs-parallelism ποῖον οἶκον οἰκοδομήσετέ μοι? λέγει Κύριος, ἢ τίς τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου? 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. God says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize the truth of what he is saying. If saying the same thing twice might be confusing for your readers, you can combine the phrases into one. Alternate translation: “You can not build a temple that is worthy for me to live in!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]]) +ACT 7 49 mshp figs-metaphor ποῖον οἶκον 1 The word **house** figuratively means a “temple.” Alternate translation: “What kind of temple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 49 vjaq figs-abstractnouns τόπος τῆς καταπαύσεώς μου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **rest**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the place where I can live” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 7 50 hqjr figs-quotemarks οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα? 1 This is the end of the quotation from the prophet Isaiah that began in verse 49. See how you marked the beginning of the quotation there. It would be appropriate to mark its ending here with a closing second-level quotation mark or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation. If you used special formatting to set off the quotation, you can return to regular formatting after this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]]) +ACT 7 50 rfk1 figs-rquestion οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα? 1 Did my hand not make all these things? God is using the question form for emphasis. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express its meaning as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “My hand made all these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 50 jlg1 figs-synecdoche οὐχὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐποίησεν ταῦτα πάντα? 1 God is using one part of himself, his **hand**, to represent all of himself figuratively in the act of creating. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “Did I not make all these things?” or, if you choose to represent the rhetorical question as an exclamation, “I made all these things!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 7 50 gzw0 figs-explicit ταῦτα πάντα 1 The phrase **all these things** refers back to “Heaven” and “earth” in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “everything in creation” +ACT 7 51 umq6 figs-exclamations σκληροτράχηλοι καὶ ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν 1 O stiff-necked Stephen is using the exclamatory word **O** to make a transition in his speech. Up to this point, he has been identifying with the Sanhedrin members, saying “our fathers” as he describes what earlier generations of Israelites did. Now, as he shifts to rebuking them, he addresses them with the vocative **O**. Use an exclamation that is natural in your language for this same purpose. Alternate translation: “You stiff-necked people who are uncircumcised in your heart and ears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) +ACT 7 51 yxe3 figs-nominaladj σκληροτράχηλοι καὶ 1 Stephen is using the adjective **stiff-necked** as a noun, to describe a kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “O people who are stiff-necked and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 51 vn7h figs-metaphor σκληροτράχηλοι 1 O stiff-necked Stephen is speaking figuratively of the Sanhedrin members as if they were horses or mules that stiffened their necks in order not to be turned in one direction or another. He means that they are being stubborn. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent metaphor from your culture, or you could express the meaning in a non-figurative way. Alternate translation: “O stubborn” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 51 zp55 figs-metonymy ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν 1 uncircumcised in heart and ears Stephen speaks figuratively of the Sanhedrin members’ **heart and ears** as **uncircumcised** by association with the way that Gentiles, who are uncircumcised because they are not part of the covenant community, do not obey or listen to God. Alternate translation: “unwilling to obey or listen to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 7 51 esfc figs-synecdoche ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν 1 Stephen is using one part of a person, the **heart**, figuratively meaning the desires and will, to represent all of a person in the act of obeying or disobeying. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “unwilling to obey or listen to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 7 51 jslb figs-synecdoche ἀπερίτμητοι καρδίαις καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν 1 Stephen is figuratively using one part of a person, the **ears**, to represent all of a person in the act of listening. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “unwilling to obey or listen to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 7 51 zgon figs-hyperbole ὑμεῖς ἀεὶ τῷ Πνεύματι τῷ Ἁγίῳ ἀντιπίπτετε 1 The word **always** is a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You keep resisting the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 7 51 w164 figs-youplural ὑμεῖς…ὑμῶν…ὑμεῖς 1 The words **you** and **your** are plural, since Stephen is speaking to all the members of the Sanhedrin. So use plural forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youplural]]) +ACT 7 51 d2v8 figs-ellipsis ὡς οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν, καὶ ὑμεῖς 1 Stephen is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “As your ancestors disobeyed God and did not listen to him, so you disobey God and do not listen to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]]) +ACT 7 52 x7kf figs-rquestion τίνα τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἐδίωξαν οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν? 1 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? Stephen is not asking for information. He is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Your ancestors persecuted each of the prophets!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 7 52 eiw2 figs-hyperbole τίνα τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἐδίωξαν οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν? 1 Stephen’s rhetorical question has an implicit generalization for emphasis. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your language that conveys emphasis. Alternate translation: “Your ancestors kept persecuting the prophets!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 7 52 q8wb figs-nominaladj τοῦ Δικαίου 1 of the Righteous One Stephen is using the adjective **Righteous** as a noun in order to describe a specific person. ULT adds **One** to show this. This is a title that refers to the Christ, the Messiah. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “of the Messiah, who was righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 52 agd9 οὗ νῦν ὑμεῖς προδόται καὶ φονεῖς ἐγένεσθε 1 of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You have now betrayed and murdered him” +ACT 7 53 axhl writing-pronouns οἵτινες ἐλάβετε 1 The pronoun **who** refers to the Sanhedrin members whom Stephen is addressing. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 7 53 t92q figs-synecdoche οἵτινες ἐλάβετε 1 The Sanhedrin members whom Stephen is addressing did not receive **the law** themselves. Rather, Stephen is using them figuratively to represent the entire Jewish community down through the years. If your readers might misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or plain language. Alternate translation: “whose community received” or, if you choose to start a new sentence, “Your community received” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) +ACT 7 53 euw5 figs-explicit εἰς διαταγὰς ἀγγέλων 1 the law as ordained by angels Stephen assumes that his listeners will know that he is referring to God giving the law to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. A later Jewish tradition said that angels acted as God’s intermediaries at that time. (Stephen says in [7:38](../07/38.md) that an angel was speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as angels delivered it on Mount Sinai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 54 ef2g figs-activepassive ἀκούοντες…ταῦτα διεπρίοντο ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 Now hearing these things If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “these things cut them to their hearts when they heard them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 7 54 u4l7 figs-idiom διεπρίοντο ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν 1 they were cut to their hearts Here, the expression **they were cut to their hearts** is an idiom that means the Sanhedrin members became very angry. If your readers would not understand this, you could use an equivalent idiom or use plain language. Alternate translation: “they became furious at Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 54 ae9s translate-symaction ἔβρυχον τοὺς ὀδόντας ἐπ’ αὐτόν 1 they ground their teeth at him This action expressed their strong anger at Stephen. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “they became so angry at Stephen that they ground their teeth together” or “they moved their teeth back and forth as they looked angrily at Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 55 dlux figs-explicit πλήρης Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 Luke is speaking figuratively of Stephen as if he were a container that the Holy Spirit could fill. Alternate translation: “inspired by the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 55 ntp4 figs-explicit ἀτενίσας εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν, εἶδεν 1 and looking intently into heaven The implication is that only Stephen saw this vision, not anyone else who was present. Alternate translation: “staring up into heaven, he saw in a vision” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 55 bl2j figs-explicit δόξαν Θεοῦ 1 he saw the glory of God The implication is that Stephen saw a bright light that expressed the magnificent presence of God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a bright light that expressed the glorious presence of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 55 zpry figs-nominaladj Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Luke is using the adjective **right** as a noun in order to indicate the right side. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “Jesus standing at the right side of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 55 vamz figs-explicit Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 In this culture, the place at the right side of a ruler was a position of honor. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jesus standing in a place of honor next to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 55 vyz3 translate-symaction Ἰησοῦν ἑστῶτα ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 and Jesus standing at the right hand of God Elsewhere in the New Testament, Jesus is described as “sitting” **at the right of God**. Many interpreters believe that Jesus stood on this occasion to honor Stephen for his courage and faithful testimony. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Jesus, in a place of honor next to God, standing to honor him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 56 gzvv figs-metaphor ἰδοὺ 1 Stephen is using the term **behold** to focus his listener’ attention on what he is about to say. You language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now listen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 56 p0jg figs-metaphor θεωρῶ τοὺς οὐρανοὺς διηνοιγμένους, καὶ 1 Stephen is speaking figuratively of **the heavens** being **opened** to mean that they are open to his view. Alternate translation: “the heavens are open to my view, and I see” or “I can see into heaven, and I see” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 56 aqp8 figs-explicit τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου 1 Son of Man The title **Son of Man** is equivalent to “Messiah.” Jesus himself used that title to claim that role subtly and implicitly. You may want to translate the title directly into your language. Alternatively, if you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could express what it means. Alternate translation: “Jesus the Messiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 56 imoa figs-nominaladj ἐκ δεξιῶν ἑστῶτα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 See how you translated the nominal adjective **right** in [7:55](../07/55.md). Alternate translation: “standing at the right side of God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 7 56 cr19 figs-explicit ἐκ δεξιῶν ἑστῶτα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 See how you expressed the implicit significance of the phrase **at the right of God** in [7:55](../07/55.md). Alternate translation: “standing in a place of honor next to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 56 rvwp translate-symaction ἐκ δεξιῶν ἑστῶτα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 See how you expressed the significance of the symbolic action of Jesus **standing** in [7:55](../07/55.md). Alternate translation: “, in a place of honor next to God, standing to honor me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 57 p4cg translate-symaction κράξαντες…φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, συνέσχον τὰ ὦτα αὐτῶν 1 they covered their ears The Sanhedrin members did these things to demonstrate that they did not want to hear any more of what Stephen said. Alternate translation: “shouting loudly to drown out Stephen, they put their hands over their ears to show that they did not want to hear any more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 57 wtwk figs-idiom κράξαντες…φωνῇ μεγάλῃ 1 This is an idiom that suggests figuratively that the Sanhedrin members had another, louder voice that they could use. It means that they raised the volume of their voices. Alternate translation: “shouting loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 57 hm0q κράξαντες…φωνῇ μεγάλῃ 1 If you would like to reproduce this idiom but it would be unusual in your language to speak as if a whole group of people had one **voice**, you could make this plural. Alternate translation: “with loud voices” or “in loud voices” +ACT 7 57 uxvc figs-idiom 1 +ACT 7 57 t287 ὥρμησαν ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐπ’ αὐτόν 1 This could mean: (1) that the Sanhedrin members all rushed at Stephen at the same time. Alternate translation: “rushed at him all at once” (2) that every one of the Sanhedrin members rushed at Stephen. Alternate translation: “every one of them rushed at him” +ACT 7 58 ks1u figs-metaphor ἐκβαλόντες ἔξω τῆς πόλεως 1 throwing him outside the city Luke is likely speaking figuratively when he speaks of the Sanhedrin members **throwing** Stephen outside the city. It is unlikely that they actually picked him up and heaved him through the air. Alternate translation: “seizing Stephen and forcefully taking him out of the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 7 58 teas figs-explicit οἱ μάρτυρες 1 These were the “false witnesses” whom the Sanhedrin brought in to accuse Stephen, as described in [6:13](../06/13.md). According to the Law of Moses, it was their responsibility to carry out the execution of the man they had accused. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the false witnesses, who were responsible to carry out the execution,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 58 ryrh figs-explicit ἀπέθεντο τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν, παρὰ τοὺς πόδας νεανίου καλουμένου Σαύλου 1 The implications are that the witnesses took off their long robes so that they could throw stones at Stephen more easily and that they left them with Saul for safekeeping. UST models one way to make these implications explicit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 7 58 wy7n translate-unknown τὰ ἱμάτια 1 outer garments These **outer garments** were long cloaks or robes that people wore outside to stay warm. They were also a sign of wealth and status. If your readers would not be familiar with this kind of garment, you could use the name of another garment that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “coats” or “robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +ACT 7 58 sx2p figs-idiom παρὰ τοὺς πόδας 1 at the feet The expression **at the feet** is an idiom. Alternate translation: “on the ground in front of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 58 e2vl translate-names Σαύλου 1 of a young man **Saul** is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 7 59 fxhz figs-hendiadys ἐπικαλούμενον καὶ λέγοντα 1 This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The phrase **calling out** tells how Stephen was **saying** what he said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “as he was saying loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) +ACT 7 59 k2el figs-imperative δέξαι τὸ πνεῦμά μου 1 receive my spirit This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please receive my spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) +ACT 7 60 u86q translate-symaction θεὶς…τὰ γόνατα 1 But having knelt down on his knees Kneeling down was an act of submission to God and a revernt posture of prayer. Alternate translation: “after he had knelt down reverently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 7 60 hi24 figs-idiom ἔκραξεν φωνῇ μεγάλῃ 1 This is an idiom that means that Stephen raised the volume of his voice. Alternate translation: “he cried out loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 7 60 dfjs figs-imperative μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν 1 This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “please do not hold this sin against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) +ACT 7 60 tvf8 figs-doublenegatives μὴ στήσῃς αὐτοῖς ταύτην τὴν ἁμαρτίαν 1 do not hold this sin against them If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle **not** and the negative verb **hold … against**. Alternate translation: “forgive them for this sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]]) +ACT 7 60 r9vi figs-euphemism ἐκοιμήθη 1 he fell asleep Luke is describing the death of Stephen when he says **he fell asleep**. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. If this would be misunderstood in your language, use a different polite way of referring to this or use plain language. Alternate translation: “he passed away” or, as in UST, “he died” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]]) +ACT 8 intro q9d9 0 # Acts 8 General Notes

## Structure and formatting

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry that is quoted from the Old Testament in 8:32-33.

The first sentence of verse 1 ends the description of the events in chapter 7. Luke begins a new part of his history with the words “And on that day.”

## Special concepts in this chapter

### Receiving the Holy Spirit

In this chapter Luke speaks for the first time of people receiving the Holy Spirit ([Acts 8:15-19](../08/15.md)). The Holy Spirit had already enabled the believers to speak in tongues, to heal the sick, and to live as a community, and he had filled Stephen. But when the Jews started putting believers in prison, those believers who could leave Jerusalem did leave, and as they went, they told people about Jesus. When the people who heard about Jesus received the Holy Spirit, the church leaders knew that those people had truly become believers.

### Proclaimed

This chapter, more than any other in the book of Acts, speaks of the believers proclaiming the word, proclaiming the good news, and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ. The word “proclaim” translates a Greek word that means to tell good news about something. +ACT 8 1 ez88 writing-background Σαῦλος δὲ ἦν συνευδοκῶν τῇ ἀναιρέσει αὐτοῦ 1 there began on that day a great persecution against the church that was in Jerusalem, and they all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles Luke is providing this background information to help readers understand why Saul was persecuting the church, as he relates in [8:3](../08/03.md) and in chapter 9. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Now Saul approved of the Sanhedrin executing Stephen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]]) +ACT 8 1 i1tc writing-newevent ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, διωγμὸς μέγας ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν 1 Luke uses this phrase to introduce a new event in the story, the scattering of the church and its witness beyond Jerusalem. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “And so began that day a great persecution against the church” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +ACT 8 1 vc8x figs-explicit ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 that day Here, **day** is not a figurative word for “time.” Luke is referring to a specific day, the day on which Stephen was killed. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the day Stephen was killed,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 1 xp25 figs-activepassive πάντες…διεσπάρησαν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they all fled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 1 u5pi figs-hyperbole πάντες…διεσπάρησαν 1 they were all scattered The word **all** is a generalization that emphasizes that a large number of the believers were affected. Alternate translation: “many of the believers were scattered” or “many of the believers fled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 8 1 ok0h translate-names τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας 1 **Judea** and **Samaria** are the names of regions. See how you translated them in [1:8](../01/08.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 8 1 k5a2 figs-explicit πλὴν τῶν ἀποστόλων 1 except the apostles The implication is that **the apostles** remained in Jerusalem, even though they too experienced this great persecution. Alternate translation: “except the apostles, who remained in Jerusalem despite the persecution” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 2 tp9e translate-versebridge συνεκόμισαν δὲ τὸν Στέφανον ἄνδρες εὐλαβεῖς, καὶ ἐποίησαν κοπετὸν μέγαν ἐπ’ αὐτῷ 1 General Information: It may be helpful to your readers to move these parts of the story about Stephen together by using a verse bridge for verses 1-2 as the UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]]) +ACT 8 2 sjc8 figs-explicit συνεκόμισαν…τὸν Στέφανον 1 devout men The word translated **carried away** means to carry away for burial. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. You could also say explicitly that it was Stephen’s body that these men carried away. Alternate translation: “carried Stephen’s body away to bury it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 3 yd2i κατὰ τοὺς οἴκους 1 according to the houses Alternate translation: “entering one house after another” +ACT 8 3 w6vk figs-explicit κατὰ τοὺς οἴκους… τε ἄνδρας καὶ γυναῖκας 1 men and women Luke may mean **houses** where Christians met, as described in [2:46](../02/46.md), and he means **men and women** who believed in Jesus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the houses where Christians met…believers in Jesus, both men and women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 4 n52l figs-nominaladj οἱ…διασπαρέντες 1 Luke is using the participle **having been scattered**, which functions as an adjective, as a noun. ULT adds the term **ones** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the believers who had been scattered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 8 4 ymy5 figs-activepassive οἱ…διασπαρέντες 1 had been scattered If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. See how you translated it in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “the believers who had fled from the persecution” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 4 su6i figs-metonymy εὐαγγελιζόμενοι τὸν λόγον 1 the word Luke is using the term **word** figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that these believers shared by using words. See how you translated the term in [4:4](../04/04.md). Also see the General Notes to this chapter for the meaning of the word translated **proclaiming** here and many other times in this chapter. Alternate translation: “telling the good news about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 5 dh3x translate-names Φίλιππος 1 Connecting Statement: **Philip** is the name of a man. See how you translated it in [1:13](../01/13.md). Philip was one of the apostles. A man by that same name, possibly the same man, was chosen as one of the deacons in [6:5](../06/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 8 5 gz5m figs-idiom κατελθὼν 1 went down to the city of Samaria Luke speaks of Philip **going down** from Jerusalem because that was the customary way of speaking about traveling from Jerusalem, since that city is up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “traveling” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 5 f45b figs-idiom τὴν πόλιν τῆς Σαμαρείας 1 the city of Samaria This is an idiom that means the principal city in the region of Samaria, probably the one known at that time as Sebaste, although some interpreters believe that Luke may have had the city of Sychar in mind instead. Alternate translation: “the main city in Samaria” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 5 pk1l figs-metonymy τὸν Χριστόν 1 proclaimed to them the Christ Luke is using the name **Christ** figuratively by association to mean the message about Christ. Alternate translation: “the good news about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 6 cnt9 figs-explicit οἱ ὄχλοι 1 And the crowds Luke implicitly means **the crowds** in the city that Philip traveled to. Alternate translation: “the people in that city of Samaria” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 6 jyvw ὁμοθυμαδὸν 1 Alternate translation: “all together” +ACT 8 6 tt0i figs-nominaladj τοῖς λεγομένοις ὑπὸ τοῦ Φιλίππου 1 Luke is using the participle **being spoken**, which functions as an adjective, as a noun. ULT adds the term **things** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the things that Philip was saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 8 6 g0ft figs-activepassive τοῖς λεγομένοις ὑπὸ τοῦ Φιλίππου 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the things that Philip was saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 6 wm83 τὰ σημεῖα 1 were paying attention to Here the word **signs** has the same sense that it has in the phrase “wonders and signs” in [2:22](../02/22.md) and elsewhere in Acts. It means a miracle. Alternate translation: “the miracles” +ACT 8 7 un6b figs-infostructure πολλοὶ γὰρ τῶν ἐχόντων πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα, βοῶντα φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, ἐξήρχοντο 1 As Luke tells the story of this event, he changes from the people who had **unclean spirits** being the subject of the sentence to the **unclean spirits** themselves being the subject. This may be because the unclean spirits controlled people such an extent that the spirits seemed to be the people themselves. It may be helpful to your readers to put the information about the spirits before the information about the people who had them. Alternate translation: “unclean spirits, shouting with a loud voice, were coming out of many of those who had them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) +ACT 8 7 pehe figs-nominaladj τῶν ἐχόντων 1 Luke is using the participle **having**, which functions as an adjective, as a noun. ULT adds the term **those** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the people who had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) ACT 8 7 xb2n ἐχόντων πνεύματα ἀκάθαρτα 1 having unclean spirits Alternate translation: “who were controlled by unclean spirits” -ACT 8 8 z5z3 figs-metonymy ἐγένετο δὲ πολλὴ χαρὰ ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ 1 And there was much joy in that city The phrase **that city** refers to the people who were rejoicing. Alternate translation: “So the people of the city were rejoicing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 9 jm7n writing-background Σίμων 1 **Simon** is introduced to the story of Philip. This verse gives the beginning of the background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 9 bed1 writing-participants ἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων 1 But … a certain man named Simon This is a way of introducing a new person into the story. Your language may use different wording to introduce a new person into the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -ACT 8 9 cx7a τῇ πόλει 1 the city Alternate translation: “the city in Samaria” ([Acts 8:5](../08/05.md)) -ACT 8 10 kb9b writing-background 0 General Information: This verse continues to give additional background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 10 evt7 figs-hyperbole πάντες 1 they all … were paying attention The word **all** is a generalization. Alternate translation: “many of the Samaritans” or “the Samaritans in the city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) -ACT 8 10 ibl1 figs-merism ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου 1 from least to greatest These two phrases refer to everyone from one extreme to the other. Alternate translation: “no matter how important they were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) -ACT 8 10 j3d8 οὗτός ἐστιν ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 This man is the power of God which is called Great People were saying that Simon was the divine power known as “The Great Power.” -ACT 8 10 yw5v ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 the power of God which is called Great This could mean: (1) the powerful representative of God or (2) God or (3) the most powerful man or (4) and angel. Since the term is unclear, it may be best to simply translate it as “the Great power of God”. -ACT 8 11 pxj8 writing-background 0 General Information: This verse gives additional background information about Simon and who he was among the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 12 vsy8 figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 they were baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized them” or “Philip baptized the new believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 13 k2th figs-rpronouns ὁ…Σίμων καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπίστευσεν 1 Simon himself also believed The word **himself** is here used to emphasize that Simon believed. Alternate translation: “Simon was also one of those who believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) -ACT 8 13 v91t figs-activepassive βαπτισθεὶς 1 having been baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after Philip had baptized Simon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 14 s7lr writing-newevent ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ ἐν Ἱεροσολύμοις ἀπόστολοι 1 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard This marks the beginning of a new part of the story of the Samaritan’s becoming believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -ACT 8 14 ju21 figs-synecdoche ἡ Σαμάρεια 1 Samaria This refers to the many people, who had become believers, throughout the district of **Samaria**. Alternate translation: “the Samaritans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -ACT 8 14 e682 δέδεκται 1 had received Alternate translation: “had believed” or “had accepted” -ACT 8 15 af1n οἵτινες καταβάντες 1 who, having come down This phrase refers to Peter and John. -ACT 8 15 hk1m καταβάντες 1 having come down This phrase is used here because Samaria is lower in elevation than Jerusalem. -ACT 8 15 bun9 προσηύξαντο περὶ αὐτῶν 1 prayed for them Alternate translation: “prayed for the Samaritan believers” -ACT 8 15 n7vc ὅπως λάβωσιν Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον 1 so that they might receive the Holy Spirit Alternate translation: “so that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit” -ACT 8 16 rn3c figs-metonymy μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Here, **name** represents authority, and being baptized into his name represents being baptized in order to be under his authority. Alternate translation: “they had only been baptized to become disciples of the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 16 m1nw figs-activepassive μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον 1 they had only been baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 17 q7gd translate-symaction ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς 1 they were laying their hands on them Peter and John placed their **hands** on the Samaritan people who had believed Stephen’s message of the gospel. This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) -ACT 8 18 rh79 figs-activepassive διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τῶν ἀποστόλων δίδοται τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 the Holy Spirit was being given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “the apostles gave the Holy Spirit by laying their hands on people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 19 fbw9 ἵνα ᾧ ἐὰν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας, λαμβάνῃ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον 1 so that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit Alternate translation: “so that I can give the Holy Spirit to anyone on whom I place my hands” -ACT 8 20 df1j αὐτόν…σου…σοὶ…ἐνόμισας 1 Here the words **him**, **Your**, and both occurrences of **you** all refer to Simon. -ACT 8 20 jju3 τὸ ἀργύριόν σου, σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν 1 Your silver with you is for destruction Alternate translation: “May you and your money be destroyed” -ACT 8 20 gh12 τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the gift of God Here this refers to the ability to give the Holy Spirit by laying his hands on someone. -ACT 8 21 p2ev figs-doublet οὐκ ἔστιν σοι μερὶς οὐδὲ κλῆρος ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ 1 There is to you no part or share in this matter The words **part** and **share** mean the same thing and are used for emphasis. Alternate translation: “You may not participate in this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) -ACT 8 21 xbh2 figs-metonymy ἡ γὰρ καρδία σου οὐκ ἔστιν εὐθεῖα 1 because your heart is not right Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts or motives. Alternate translation: “because you are not right in your heart” or “because the motives of your mind are not right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 22 ppk5 figs-metonymy ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου 1 the intention of your heart Here, **heart** is a metonym for a person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “what you intended to do” or “what you were thinking of doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 22 sa6s τῆς κακίας…ταύτης 1 this wickedness Alternate translation: “these evil thoughts” -ACT 8 22 pe2u εἰ ἄρα ἀφεθήσεταί σοι ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου 1 if therefore the intention of your heart will be forgiven to you Alternate translation: “If he may be willing to forgive you for the desires you had” -ACT 8 23 d3v7 figs-metaphor εἰς…χολὴν πικρίας 1 in the poison of bitterness Here, **in the poison of bitterness** is a metaphor for being very envious. It speaks of envy as if it tastes bitter and poisons the person who is envious. Alternate translation: “very envious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -ACT 8 23 j696 figs-metaphor σύνδεσμον ἀδικίας 1 the bond of unrighteousness The phrase **bond of unrighteousness** is spoken of as if unrighteousness can restrain Simon and keep him a prisoner. It is metaphor that means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate translation: “because you continue sinning you are like a prisoner” or “you are like a prisoner to unrighteousness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) -ACT 8 24 n5cw ὑμεῖς…εἰρήκατε 1 Here the words **You** and **you** refer to Peter and John. -ACT 8 24 u1a4 ὅπως μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ὧν εἰρήκατε 1 so that nothing of which you have spoken may happen to me You can state this another way. Alternate translation: “so that the things you have said may not happen to me” -ACT 8 24 sk5w μηδὲν…ὧν εἰρήκατε 1 nothing … of which you have spoken This refers to Peter’s rebuke about Simon’s silver perishing along with him. -ACT 8 25 uz15 οἱ…διαμαρτυράμενοι 1 when they had testified Peter and John told what they personally knew about Jesus to the Samaritans. -ACT 8 25 ww9k figs-metonymy λαλήσαντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 spoken the word of the Lord Here, **word** is a metonym for “message.” Peter and John explained the message about Jesus to the Samaritans. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 25 eu66 figs-synecdoche πολλάς…κώμας τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν 1 to many villages of the Samaritans Here, **villages** refers to the people in them. Alternate translation: “to the people in many Samaritan villages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]]) -ACT 8 26 rnh4 0 Connecting Statement: This begins the part of the story about Philip and the man from Ethiopia. -ACT 8 26 mbj9 writing-newevent δὲ 1 Now **Now** marks a transition in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) -ACT 8 26 w1nk ἀνάστηθι καὶ πορεύου 1 Arise and go These verbs work together to emphasize that he should get ready to start a long journey that will take some time. Alternate translation: “Get ready to travel” -ACT 8 26 le2c τὴν καταβαίνουσαν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Γάζαν 1 that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza The phrase **goes down** is used here because Jerusalem is higher in elevation than Gaza. -ACT 8 26 a18y writing-background αὕτη ἐστὶν ἔρημος 1 This is desert Most scholars believe Luke added this comment to describe the area through which Philip would travel. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 27 xy7x writing-participants ἰδοὺ 1 behold The word **behold** alerts us to a new person in the story. Your language may have a way of doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) -ACT 8 27 zkc5 writing-background ἀνὴρ, Αἰθίοψ 1 This verse gives background information about the **man from Ethiopia**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 8 27 s1uf εὐνοῦχος 1 a eunuch The emphasis of **eunuch** here is that the Ethiopian was a high government official, not that his physical state was being castrated. -ACT 8 27 t5t1 translate-names Κανδάκης 1 of Candace This was a title for the queens of Ethiopia. It is similar to the way the word Pharaoh was used for the kings of Egypt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) -ACT 8 27 v8q7 figs-explicit ὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 who had come to Jerusalem to worship This implies that he was a Gentile who believed in God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. Alternate translation: “who had come to worship God at the temple in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 8 28 d3kv τοῦ ἅρματος 1 chariot Possibly “wagon” or “carriage” is more fitting in this context. Chariots are normally mentioned as a vehicle for war, not as a vehicle for long-distance travel. Also, people stood to ride in chariots. -ACT 8 28 bx2j figs-metonymy ἀνεγίνωσκεν τὸν προφήτην Ἠσαΐαν 1 was reading the prophet Isaiah This refers to the Old Testament book Isaiah. Alternate translation: “was reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 29 llh1 figs-metonymy κολλήθητι τῷ ἅρματι τούτῳ 1 be joined to this chariot Philip understood that this meant he was to stay close to the person riding in the **chariot**. Alternate translation: “accompany the man in this chariot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 30 ffh7 figs-metonymy ἀναγινώσκοντος Ἠσαΐαν τὸν προφήτην 1 reading Isaiah the prophet This is the Old Testament book **Isaiah**. Alternate translation: “reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 30 x98i ἆρά γε γινώσκεις ἃ ἀναγινώσκεις 1 Do you understand what you are reading? The Ethiopian was intelligent and could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Alternate translation: “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?” -ACT 8 31 r5g2 figs-rquestion πῶς…ἂν δυναίμην ἐὰν μή τις ὁδηγήσει με? 1 how would I be able, unless someone will guide me? This question was asked to state emphatically that he could not understand without help. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “I cannot understand unless someone guides me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 8 31 zx9h figs-explicit παρεκάλεσέν…τὸν Φίλιππον, ἀναβάντα καθίσαι σὺν αὐτῷ 1 he summoned Philip, having come up, to sit with him It is implied here that **Philip** agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the Scriptures. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 8 32 nd93 ὡς πρόβατον ἐπὶ σφαγὴν ἤχθη, καὶ ὡς ἀμνὸς ἐναντίον τοῦ κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος, οὕτως οὐκ ἀνοίγει τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ 1 This a passage from the book of Isaiah. Here the words **He**, **he**, and **his** refer to the Messiah. -ACT 8 32 lu3j ὡς ἀμνὸς ἐναντίον τοῦ κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος 1 like a lamb before its shearer is silent A **shearer** is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used. -ACT 8 33 y2a1 figs-activepassive ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει, ἡ κρίσις αὐτοῦ ἤρθη 1 In humiliation his justice was taken away If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “He was humiliated and they did not judge him fairly” or “He allowed his accusers to humble him and he suffered injustice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 33 k3uz figs-rquestion τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται? 1 Who can fully describe his generation? This question was used to emphasize the he will not have descendants. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to speak about his descendant, for there will not be any.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 8 33 idk8 figs-activepassive αἴρεται ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἡ ζωὴ αὐτοῦ 1 his life was taken from the earth This referred to his death. If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “men killed him” or “men took his life from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) -ACT 8 34 htb2 δέομαί σου 1 I am begging you Alternate translation: “Please tell me” -ACT 8 35 uw21 figs-metonymy τῆς Γραφῆς ταύτης 1 this scripture This refers to Isaiah’s writings in the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “the writings of Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 8 36 ip13 ἐπορεύοντο κατὰ τὴν ὁδόν 1 they were going along the road Alternate translation: “they continued to travel along the road” -ACT 8 36 muz2 figs-rquestion τί κωλύει με βαπτισθῆναι? 1 What is preventing me from being baptized? The eunuch uses this question as a way of asking Philip for permission to be baptized. If your readers would misunderstand this question, you can express it as a statement. Alternate translation: “Please allow me to be baptized.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) -ACT 8 38 l8wl ἐκέλευσεν στῆναι τὸ ἅρμα 1 he commanded the chariot to stop Alternate translation: “the eunich told the driver of the chariot to stop” -ACT 8 39 xp52 οὐκ εἶδεν αὐτὸν οὐκέτι ὁ εὐνοῦχος 1 the eunuch did not see him anymore Alternate translation: “the eunuch did not see Philip again” -ACT 8 40 r1x7 Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον 1 Philip was found at Azotus There was no indication of Philip’s traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and **Azotus**. He just suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus. -ACT 8 40 arh5 διερχόμενος 1 passed through Philip preached in the area around the town of Azotus. -ACT 8 40 zfn6 τὰς πόλεις πάσας 1 to all the cities Alternate translation: “to all the cities in that region” -ACT 9 intro jm6x 0 # Acts 9 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

### “Letters for the synagogues in Damascus”

The “letters” Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### What Saul saw when he met Jesus

It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he “fell upon the ground.” Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, “I have seen the Lord Jesus” because it was a human form that he saw here. +ACT 8 7 nz7y figs-idiom βοῶντα φωνῇ μεγάλῃ 1 This is an idiom that means that the unclean spirits raised the volume of their voices. Alternate translation: “shouting loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 7 v8uj figs-activepassive πολλοὶ…παραλελυμένοι καὶ χωλοὶ ἐθεραπεύθησαν 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, it would be appropriate to say Jesus, since the book of Acts shows that the apostles healed people in the name of Jesus, for example, in [4:10](../04/10.md). Alternate translation: “Jesus, through the power of his name, healed many who had been paralyzed and lame” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 7 imbh figs-nominaladj πολλοὶ…παραλελυμένοι 1 Luke is using the participle ** having been paralyzed** as an adjective. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “many who had been paralyzed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 8 7 anq3 figs-activepassive πολλοὶ…παραλελυμένοι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “many who had paralysis” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 8 s8bm grammar-connect-logic-result δὲ 1 Luke is using the word translated **And** to introduce what the people in the city did as a result of the many healings that Philip performed. Alternate translation: “So” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +ACT 8 8 z5z3 figs-metonymy ἐγένετο…πολλὴ χαρὰ ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ 1 And there was much joy in that city The phrase **that city** refers figuratively by association to the people who lived in that city. Alternate translation: “there was much joy among the people of that city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 8 r0nz figs-abstractnouns ἐγένετο…πολλὴ χαρὰ ἐν τῇ πόλει ἐκείνῃ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **joy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the people of that city rejoiced greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 9 jm7n writing-background ἀνὴρ δέ τις ὀνόματι Σίμων, προϋπῆρχεν ἐν τῇ πόλει μαγεύων 1 Luke is providing background information to help readers understand who Simon was and why he said and did the things Luke describes in the rest of this chapter. Use a natural way in your language for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “Now there was a man named Simon who had been practicing sorcery in that city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) +ACT 8 9 bed1 writing-participants ἀνὴρ…τις ὀνόματι Σίμων 1 But … a certain man named Simon Luke uses this phrase to introduce Simon as a new character in the story. If your language has its own way of doing that, you can use it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) +ACT 8 9 cx7a translate-names Σίμων 1 the city **Simon** is the name of a man. See how you translated this name, for a different man, in [1:13](../01/13.md). +ACT 8 10 mvcm writing-pronouns ᾧ προσεῖχον πάντες ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου 1 The phrase **to whom** refers to Simon. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “All of them, from little to great, were paying attention to Simon” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 10 evt7 figs-hyperbole πάντες 1 they all … were paying attention Luke is using the word **all** as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “the Samaritans in that city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 8 10 h51l figs-nominaladj ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου 1 Luke is using the adjectives **little** and **great** as nouns in order to indicate groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “from the least important people to the most important ones” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 8 10 ibl1 figs-merism ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου 1 from least to greatest Luke is speaking figuratively, using these two extremes in order to include all of the people in between. If your readers would misunderstand this, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “no matter how important they were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]]) +ACT 8 10 h5ya writing-pronouns οὗτός 1 The demonstrative pronoun **This** stands for Simon. Alternate translation: “This man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 10 j3d8 translate-names ἡ Δύναμις τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἡ καλουμένη Μεγάλη 1 This man is the power of God which is called Great The Samaritans believed that Simon must be the embodiment of some great power, and thinking that this power was God, the highest of powers, they called it Great. Alternate translation: “an embodiment of the Great God” or “an embodiment of the supreme God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 8 10 yw5v figs-activepassive ἡ καλουμένη 1 the power of God which is called Great If your language does not use the passive form **called**, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “that people call” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 11 pxj8 writing-background προσεῖχον δὲ αὐτῷ 1 General Information: This verse gives additional background information about Simon and what he was doing among the Samaritans. Alternate translation: “Now they were paying attention to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translatewriting-background]]) +ACT 8 12 h1hg writing-pronouns ἐπίστευσαν 1 The pronoun **they** refers to the Samaritans. Alternate translation: “the Samaritans believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 12 zwoj figs-abstractnouns εὐαγγελιζομένῳ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ὀνόματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of a **kingdom**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “proclaiming the good news that God had begun to rule and that Jesus the Messiah had come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 12 zjh5 figs-metonymy εὐαγγελιζομένῳ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ὀνόματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here the **name** of Jesus figuratively represents his authority, specifically as the Messiah, as the title **Christ** indicates. Alternate translation: “proclaiming the good news that God had begun to rule and that Jesus the Messiah had come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 12 jg1w figs-infostructure εὐαγγελιζομένῳ περὶ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τοῦ ὀνόματος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Since Jesus inaugurated the **kingdom of God** when he came to earth, it may be helpful to put the information about Jesus before the information about the kingdom of God. Alternate translation: “proclaiming the gospel about the name of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God” or “proclaiming the good news that Jesus the Messiah had come and that God had begun to rule” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure]]) +ACT 8 12 vsy8 figs-activepassive ἐβαπτίζοντο 1 they were baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “Philip was baptizing them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 13 k2th figs-rpronouns ὁ δὲ Σίμων καὶ αὐτὸς ἐπίστευσεν 1 Simon himself also believed Luke uses the word **himself** to emphasize how significant it was that Simon, who had claimed to be an embodiment of God, had believed in Jesus as the Messiah whom God sent. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this significance. Alternate translation: “Even Simon believed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]]) +ACT 8 13 bayg ἦν προσκαρτερῶν τῷ Φιλίππῳ 1 Alternate translation: “he followed Philip around everywhere” +ACT 8 13 v91t figs-activepassive βαπτισθεὶς 1 having been baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. Alternate translation: “after Philip baptized him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 13 rnr3 figs-irony θεωρῶν τε σημεῖα καὶ δυνάμεις μεγάλας 1 The word that ULT translates as **works** here is the same word that it translates as “power” in [8:10](../08/10.md). It can mean either power or works that demonstrate power. Luke is using the word to show what an ironic situation Simon is in. He claimed to be “the power … that is called Great,” but now he recognizes that **works** of power that are truly **great** are done in the name of Jesus. If your language has a word for works that demonstrate power that has the same root as its word for power, it would be appropriate to use it here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]]) +ACT 8 13 d4yb figs-doublet τε σημεῖα καὶ δυνάμεις 1 The terms **signs** and **works** mean similar things. Luke is using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation, as in UST: “miracles” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 8 14 s7lr writing-newevent δὲ 1 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard Luke is using the word translated **And** to introduce a new event in the story of the Samaritans becoming believers. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +ACT 8 14 ju21 figs-metonymy ἡ Σαμάρεια 1 Samaria Luke is using the word **Samaria** figuratively by association to mean the people of Samaria. Alternate translation: “the people of Samaria” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 14 e682 figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 had received Luke is using the term **word** figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that Philip shared by using words. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 14 td5t translate-names Πέτρον καὶ Ἰωάννην 1 **Peter** and **John** are the names of two men. See how you translated them in [1:13](../01/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 8 15 af1n writing-pronouns οἵτινες καταβάντες, προσηύξαντο περὶ αὐτῶν 1 who, having come down The pronoun **who** stands for Peter and John, and the pronoun **them** stands for the Samaritans. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “When Peter and John had come down, they prayed for the Samaritans” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 15 hd1w figs-youdual οἵτινες 1 Since the pronoun **who** stands for two men, it should be in the dual if your language uses that form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) +ACT 8 15 hk1m figs-idiom καταβάντες 1 having come down Luke speaks of Philip **having come down** from Jerusalem because that was the customary way of speaking about traveling from Jerusalem, since that city is up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “having traveled from Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 15 bun9 figs-go καταβάντες 1 prayed for them Your language may say “gone” rather than **come** in contexts such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “having gone down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) +ACT 8 16 d2z9 figs-metaphor οὐδέπω…ἦν ἐπ’ οὐδενὶ αὐτῶν ἐπιπεπτωκός 1 Luke is speaking figuratively of the Holy Spirit as if it could fall on the Samaritan believers. Alternate translation: “none of them had yet received the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 16 l4ez grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 Luke is using the word **For** to introduce the reason why Peter and John had to pray for the Samaritans to receive the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “They prayed for them because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]]) +ACT 8 16 bpzz writing-pronouns οὐδέπω…ἦν…ἐπιπεπτωκός 1 The pronoun **he** stands for the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 16 rn3c figs-metonymy μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ 1 they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus Here, **the name of the Lord Jesus** represents his authority, and being baptized into his name represents being baptized in order to be under his authority. Alternate translation: “they had only been baptized to become disciples of the Lord Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 16 m1nw figs-activepassive μόνον…βεβαπτισμένοι ὑπῆρχον 1 they had only been baptized If your language does not use this passive form, you can state this in active form. If you must state who did the action, the context suggests it was Philip. Alternate translation: “Philip had only baptized them” or “Philip had only baptized the Samaritan believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 17 bsll writing-pronouns ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς, καὶ ἐλάμβανον 1 The first instance of the pronoun **they** stands for Peter and John, and the pronoun **them** and the second instance of **they** stand for the Samaritans. Alternate translation: “When Peter and John were laying their hands on the Samaritans, and the Samaritans were receiving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 17 bldf figs-youdual ἐπετίθεσαν 1 Since this instance of the pronoun **they** stands for two men, it should be in the dual if your language uses that form. The same is true of “them” in [8:18](../08/18.md) and “they” and “the ones” in [8:25](../08/25.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) +ACT 8 17 q7gd translate-symaction ἐπετίθεσαν τὰς χεῖρας ἐπ’ αὐτούς 1 they were laying their hands on them Peter and John **laying their hands** on the Samaritans who had believed Philip’s message of the gospel was a symbolic action that showed that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to these believers. If there is a gesture with similar meaning in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])d John placed their **hands** on the Samaritan people who had believed Stephen’s message of the gospel. This symbolic action shows that Peter and John wanted God to give the Holy Spirit to the believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]) +ACT 8 18 rh79 figs-activepassive δίδοται τὸ Πνεῦμα 1 the Holy Spirit was being given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you must state who did the action, it is clear from the context that this was God. Alternate translation: “God was giving the Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 19 fbw9 δότε κἀμοὶ τὴν ἐξουσίαν ταύτην, ἵνα ᾧ ἐὰν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας, λαμβάνῃ Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον 1 so that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit Alternate translation: “Give me the authority to give the Holy Spirit to anyone I lay my hands on” +ACT 8 20 df1j figs-exclamations τὸ ἀργύριόν σου, σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν 1 Peter is using the exclamation form to emphasize how forcefully he rejects Simon’s offer. You may want to use an exclamation to convey this same emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “I refuse your offer! I can see that you are going to perdition, and you can take your money with you!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]]) +ACT 8 20 y4ny figs-metonymy τὸ ἀργύριόν 1 Peter is referring figuratively to money, by association with the way that **silver** was used for money at this time. Alternate translation: “money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 20 gh12 figs-metonymy τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the gift of God Peter is referring figuratively to the ability to confer the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. Since this is an ability that only God can give, by association Peter calls it **the gift of God**. Alternate translation: “the power to confer the Holy Spirit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 21 p2ev figs-doublet οὐκ ἔστιν σοι μερὶς οὐδὲ κλῆρος ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ 1 There is to you no part or share in this matter The terms **part** and **share** mean similar things. Peter is using them together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “We will not let you have anything to do with this work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) +ACT 8 21 ufk3 figs-doublet σοι 1 The phrase **to you** represents a possessive form. Alternate translation: “yours” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-possession]]) +ACT 8 21 xbh2 figs-metaphor ἡ γὰρ καρδία σου οὐκ ἔστιν εὐθεῖα 1 because your heart is not right Here, the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “your thoughts and motives are not right” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 21 p9v4 figs-metonymy ἔναντι τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 This could mean: (1) that Simon’s **heart** is not **right** in God’s opinion, by association with the way that God would assess anything that came to his attention in front of him. Alternate translation: “as far as God is concerned” (2) that Simon does not have the right thoughts about God or intentions towards God. Alternate translation: “in its attitude towards God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 22 sa6s figs-abstractnouns ἀπὸ τῆς κακίας σου ταύτης 1 this wickedness If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **wickedness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for trying to buy God’s gift with money” or “for trying to bribe God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 22 ppk5 figs-metaphor ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου 1 the intention of your heart Here, the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and motives. Alternate translation: “what you intended to do” or “what you were thinking of doing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 22 pe2u grammar-connect-condition-fact δεήθητι τοῦ Κυρίου, εἰ ἄρα ἀφεθήσεταί σοι ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου 1 if therefore the intention of your heart will be forgiven to you Peter is using the conditional word **if** to introduce a desired result. There is actually no doubt about whether God will forgive someone who sincerely repents and prays for forgiveness. Alternate translation: “pray to the Lord so that, as a result, the intention of your heart will be forgiven to you” or “pray to the Lord and ask him to forgive you for the intention of your heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact]]) +ACT 8 22 lq4i figs-activepassive ἀφεθήσεταί σοι ἡ ἐπίνοια τῆς καρδίας σου 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will forgive you for the intention of your heart” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 23 tf3s translate-unknown εἰς…χολὴν πικρίας 1 The **gall** plant has a bitter taste and is poisonous. If your readers would not be familiar with this plant, you could use the name of a similar plant in your area. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +ACT 8 23 kpu6 figs-metonymy εἰς…χολὴν πικρίας 1 Peter is using the **gall** plant figuratively by association to mean “poison.” Alternate translation: “in the poison of bitterness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 23 d3v7 figs-metaphor εἰς…χολὴν πικρίας 1 in the poison of bitterness Peter is describing **bitterness** figuratively as if it were made of **gall** or poison. He means that bitterness, here in the sense of envy, spiritually poisons a person, that is, it leads them towards spiritual death. Alternate translation: “dangerously envious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 23 j696 figs-metaphor σύνδεσμον ἀδικίας 1 the bond of unrighteousness Peter speaks figuratively of **the bond of unrighteousness** as if unrighteousness were restraining Simon and keeping him a prisoner. He means Simon is not able to stop himself from sinning. Alternate translation: “unable to stop sinning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 24 n5cw figs-youdual ὑμεῖς…εἰρήκατε 1 Even though it was only Peter who spoke to Simon, in his response, Simon is addressing both Peter and John, since he offered money to both of them, as [8:18](../08/18.md) describes. Since Simon is speaking to two men, **You** and **you** would be dual if your language uses that form. Otherwise it would be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]]) +ACT 8 24 v2wy figs-imperative δεήθητε ὑμεῖς ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τὸν Κύριον 1 This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “Please pray to the Lord for me” or “I ask you to pray to the Lord for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]]) +ACT 8 24 hwc6 writing-pronouns δεήθητε ὑμεῖς ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τὸν Κύριον 1 Simon is stating the pronoun **You**, which is already implied in the verb **pray**, for emphasis. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 24 u1a4 ὅπως μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ὧν εἰρήκατε 1 so that nothing of which you have spoken may happen to me Alternate translation: “so that the things you have said may not happen to me” +ACT 8 24 sk5w figs-explicit μηδὲν ἐπέλθῃ ἐπ’ ἐμὲ ὧν εἰρήκατε 1 nothing … of which you have spoken Simon is referring implicitly to Peter’s rebuke, in which Peter spoke of Simon’s silver perishing along with him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “I will not perish as you said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 25 nzvg grammar-connect-time-sequential οὖν 1 Luke is using the word translated **Then** to introduce what Peter and John did after being in the city where Philip had been telling the Samaritans about Jesus. Alternate translation: “After that,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +ACT 8 25 p3rj figs-explicit οἱ…διαμαρτυράμενοι καὶ λαλήσαντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 The **ones** Luke is describing are Peter and John. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Peter and John, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord,” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 25 uz15 figs-nominaladj οἱ…διαμαρτυράμενοι καὶ λαλήσαντες 1 when they had testified Luke is using the participles **having testified** and **having spoken**, which function as adjectives, as nouns. ULT adds the term **ones** to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “the ones who had testified and spoken” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]]) +ACT 8 25 ww9k figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου 1 spoken the word of the Lord Luke is using the term **word** figuratively to mean the message about Jesus that Peter and John shared by using words. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 25 eu66 figs-metonymy πολλάς…κώμας τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν 1 to many villages of the Samaritans The term **villages** refers figuratively by association to the people who lived in these villages. Alternate translation: “to the people in many Samaritan villages” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 26 mbj9 writing-newevent δὲ 1 Now Luke is using the word translated **But** to introduce a new event. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “Now” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +ACT 8 26 w1nk figs-idiom ἀνάστηθι 1 Arise and go Here the word **arise** means that the angel wanted Philip to take action, not that the angel wanted him to stand up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “Pack for a journey” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 26 le2c figs-idiom τὴν ὁδὸν τὴν καταβαίνουσαν ἀπὸ Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς Γάζαν 1 that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza The angel speaks of the road **going down** from Jerusalem because that was the customary way of speaking about traveling from Jerusalem, since that city is up on a mountain. Alternate translation: “the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 26 a18y writing-background αὕτη ἐστὶν ἔρημος 1 This is desert This sentence could be: (1) something that Luke adds to provide background information about the area through which Philip would be travelling. Alternate translation: “from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (Now that road leads through a desert.)” (2) part of what the angel is saying to Philip. Alternate translation: “from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is a desert road.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) +ACT 8 27 s0yn figs-idiom ἀναστὰς, ἐπορεύθη 1 As in the previous verse, the word **arising** means that Philip took preparatory action, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “he prepared for a journey and left” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 27 xy7x writing-participants ἰδοὺ 1 behold Luke is using the word **behold** to alert his audience to a new person in the story. Use the natural form in your language for introducing a new character. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]]) +ACT 8 27 zkc5 writing-background ἀνὴρ, Αἰθίοψ εὐνοῦχος, δυνάστης Κανδάκης βασιλίσσης Αἰθιόπων, ὃς ἦν ἐπὶ πάσης τῆς γάζης αὐτῆς, ὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 This verse provides background information about this Ethiopian official and why he was travelling along this road. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence and to use a natural form for introducing background information. Alternate translation: “a man from Ethiopia. Now this man was a eunuch, an official of the Kandake, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, and he had come to Jerusalem to worship” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translatewriting-background]]) +ACT 8 27 i5zh figs-idiom ἀνὴρ, Αἰθίοψ 1 This is an idiomatic way of describing someone. Alternate translation: “a man from Ethiopia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 27 s1uf translate-unknown εὐνοῦχος, δυνάστης Κανδάκης 1 a eunuch While the word **eunuch** describes a man who has been castrated, as men sometimes were who served in royal courts in the ancient world, the emphasis here is on the fact that this man was a high government official, not on his physical state. Alternate translation: “an important official in the court of the Kandake” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +ACT 8 27 t5t1 translate-names Κανδάκης 1 of Candace **Kandake** was a title for the queens of Ethiopia. It is similar to the word Pharaoh, the title that was used for the kings of Egypt. So in your translation, make clear that it is a title rather than a name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 8 27 nm48 figs-metaphor ὃς ἦν ἐπὶ πάσης τῆς γάζης αὐτῆς 1 Luke is using a spatial metaphor when says that this man was **over** the **treasure** of the Kandake. He means that the man was responsible for it. Alternate translation: “who was in charge of her treasury” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 27 v8q7 figs-explicit ὃς ἐληλύθει προσκυνήσων εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 who had come to Jerusalem to worship The implication is that this man was a Gentile who believed in the true God and had come to worship at the Jewish temple. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Even though he was a Gentile, he had come to worship the true God at the temple in Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 27 uk32 figs-go ὃς ἐληλύθει 1 Your language may say “gone” rather than **come** in a context such as this. Use whichever is more natural. Alternate translation: “who had gone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-go]]) +ACT 8 28 d3kv translate-unknown τοῦ ἅρματος 1 chariot Here and in [8:29](../08/29.md) and [8:38](../08/38.md), the term **chariot** probably means something like “carriage.” Chariots were vehicles for war, not for long-distance travel, and people stood to ride in chariots, while this man was seated. Alternate translation, as in UST: “his carriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +ACT 8 28 bx2j figs-metonymy ἀνεγίνωσκεν τὸν προφήτην Ἠσαΐαν 1 was reading the prophet Isaiah Luke is using the phrase **the prophet Isaiah** figuratively to mean the prophecies that Isaiah spoke and recorded. Alternate translation: “he was reading from the book of Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 28 n40c figs-explicit ἀνεγίνωσκεν 1 Since Philip was able to hear what the man was reading, as [8:30](../08/30.md) explains, the implication is that the man was reading aloud. Alternate translation: “he was reading aloud from” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 29 llh1 figs-metonymy πρόσελθε καὶ κολλήθητι τῷ ἅρματι τούτῳ 1 be joined to this chariot The Spirit means figuratively that Philip is to stay close to the person riding in the **chariot**. Alternate translation: “Go over to that chariot so you can be near the man in it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 29 soil figs-activepassive κολλήθητι τῷ ἅρματι τούτῳ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “join yourself to this chariot” or “keep pace with this chariot” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 30 ffh7 figs-metonymy ἀναγινώσκοντος Ἠσαΐαν τὸν προφήτην 1 reading Isaiah the prophet Luke is using the phrase **Isaiah the prophet** figuratively to mean the prophecies that Isaiah spoke and recorded. Alternate translation: “reading from the book of Isaiah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 30 x98i figs-explicit ἆρά γε γινώσκεις ἃ ἀναγινώσκεις 1 Do you understand what you are reading? The Ethiopian was a literate, educated man who could read, but he lacked spiritual discernment. Philip is asking implicitly whether he understands the meaning of the passage from Isaiah. Alternate translation: “Do you understand the meaning of what you are reading?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 31 r5g2 figs-rquestion πῶς γὰρ ἂν δυναίμην ἐὰν μή τις ὁδηγήσει με? 1 how would I be able, unless someone will guide me? The man is not asking for information. He is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “No, I cannot understand unless someone guides me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 8 31 zx9h figs-explicit παρεκάλεσέν…τὸν Φίλιππον, ἀναβάντα καθίσαι σὺν αὐτῷ 1 he summoned Philip, having come up, to sit with him The implication is that when the man invited Philip to come up and sit with him, Philip agreed to travel down the road with him to explain the Scriptures. Alternate translation: “he invited Philip to come up and sit with him and explain the Scriptures, and Philip accepted the invitation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 32 nd93 figs-explicit ὡς πρόβατον ἐπὶ σφαγὴν ἤχθη 1 This a quotation from Isaiah [53:7–8](../isa/53/07.md). It describes the Messiah, whom Isaiah calls “the servant of the Lord.” But since the Ethiopian official did not know whom Isaiah was describing and had to ask Philip, it would be better not to specify that at this point by saying, for example, “The Messiah was led like a sheep to the slaugher” or “The servant of the Lord was led like a sheep to the slaughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 32 bgk9 figs-abstractnouns ὡς πρόβατον ἐπὶ σφαγὴν ἤχθη 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **slaughter**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “He was led like a sheep that was going to be slaughtered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 32 kh97 figs-activepassive ἤχθη 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People led him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 32 lu3j translate-unknown ἐναντίον τοῦ κείραντος αὐτὸν ἄφωνος 1 like a lamb before its shearer is silent A **shearer** is a person who cuts the wool off the sheep so that it may be used. If your readers would not be familiar with this word and you have no comparable word in your language, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “is silent while its wool is being cut off” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]]) +ACT 8 32 k8sy figs-metonymy οὐκ ἀνοίγει τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ 1 This means that the Messiah does not speak, by association with the way a person would **open his mouth** in order to speak. Alternate translation: “he says nothing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 33 dwur figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ ταπεινώσει, ἡ κρίσις αὐτοῦ ἤρθη 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **humiliation** and **justice**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “Because he acted humbly and did not defend himself, his enemies were able to treat him unjustly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 33 y2a1 figs-activepassive ἡ κρίσις αὐτοῦ ἤρθη 1 In humiliation his justice was taken away If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his enemies denied him justice” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 33 k3uz figs-rquestion τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται? 1 Who can fully describe his generation? Isaiah is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use a rhetorical question for this purpose in your language, you could translate his words as a statement or an exclamation and communicate the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “No one will describe his generation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 8 33 ec09 figs-declarative τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται? 1 Isaiah is using a future statement to describe capability. If this would be confusing for your readers, you could use form that is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Who can describe his generation?” or “No one will be able to describe his generation.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]]) +ACT 8 33 yxxn figs-abstractnouns τὴν γενεὰν αὐτοῦ τίς διηγήσεται? 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **generation**, you could express the same idea in another way. This could mean: (1) that no one will be able to describe the Messiah’s descendants because he will die without having any children. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to describe his descendants.” (2) that no one will be able to describe the other people living at the same time as the Messiah because they will be so wicked. Alternate translation: “No one will be able to describe how wicked his contemporaries are.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) +ACT 8 33 idk8 figs-activepassive αἴρεται ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἡ ζωὴ αὐτοῦ 1 his life was taken from the earth If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his enemies will take his life from the earth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 34 agq5 figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ εὐνοῦχος τῷ Φιλίππῳ εἶπεν 1 Together the words **answering** and **said** mean that the Ethiopian official responded to Philip’s question about whether he understood what he was reading. Alternate translation: “The eunuch responded to Philip’s question by saying” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) +ACT 8 34 htb2 figs-idiom δέομαί σου 1 I am begging you The Ethiopian official is using a polite, idiomatic expression. Alternate translation: “Please tell me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) +ACT 8 34 pa3m writing-pronouns ἑτέρου τινός 1 In this context, the pronoun **other** means “other person.” Alternate translation: “some other person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 35 j7xw figs-metonymy ἀνοίξας…τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ 1 This means that Philip spoke, by association with the way a person would be **opening his mouth** in order to speak. The image of the open mouth suggests a certain confidence and freedom in speaking. Alternate translation: “speaking confidently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 35 uw21 figs-explicit τῆς Γραφῆς ταύτης 1 this scripture By **this scripture**, Luke implicitly means the passage that the official had been reading. Alternate translation: “the passage from Isaiah that the official had been reading” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 35 xg4i figs-metonymy εὐηγγελίσατο αὐτῷ τὸν Ἰησοῦν 1 Luke is using the name **Jesus** figuratively by association to mean the message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the good news about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 36 ip13 figs-metonymy τι ὕδωρ…ὕδωρ 1 they were going along the road Luke and the official are using the word **water** figuratively to mean a body of water, such as a pool at a desert oasis. Alternate translation: “a pool of water … there is a pool of water” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 36 muz2 figs-rquestion τί κωλύει με βαπτισθῆναι? 1 What is preventing me from being baptized? This question could be: (1) a rhetorical question that the eunuch is using as a polite way to ask Philip to baptize him. Alternate translation: “Please allow me to be baptized.” (2) a genuine request for information, since Philip seems to answer this question in [8:37](../08/37.md) by identifying something that could keep the official from being baptized. Alternate translation: “Is there a condition I must meet in order to be baptized?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]]) +ACT 8 36 wb9j figs-activepassive με βαπτισθῆναι 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you from baptizing me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 37 ov75 translate-textvariants εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Φίλιππος ἐὰν πιστεύεις ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου σωθήσει; ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ εἶπεν Πιστεύω εἰς τὸν Χριστὸν τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ θεοῦ 1 As the General Introduction to Acts explains, this verse is found in many traditional versions of the Bible, but it is not found in the most accurate ancient manuscripts of the Bible. ULT and UST indicate this by putting the verse in brackets. If a translation of the Bible already exists in your area, you could consider including this verse if that translation does. If there is not already a Bible translation in your area, we recommend that you indicate in some way that this verse may not be original, such as by putting it in brackets or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]]) +ACT 8 37 qj5i figs-metaphor ἐὰν πιστεύεις ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου 1 Here, the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and intentions. Alternate translation: “If you genuinely believe in Jesus and want to be his disciple” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]) +ACT 8 37 djq2 figs-activepassive σωθήσει 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will save you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 37 e3uu figs-hendiadys ἀποκριθεὶς…εἶπεν 1 Together the words **answering** and **said** mean that the eunuch responded to the what Philip told him. Alternate translation: “the eunuch responded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) +ACT 8 38 l8wl figs-metonymy ἐκέλευσεν στῆναι τὸ ἅρμα 1 he commanded the chariot to stop Luke is using the term **chariot** figuratively by association to mean the driver of the chariot. Alternate translation: “the official told the driver of the chariot to stop” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 8 38 nn00 writing-pronouns ἐβάπτισεν αὐτόν 1 The pronoun **he** stands for Philip, and the pronoun **him** stands for the eunuch. Alternate translation: “Philip baptized the eunuch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 8 39 xp52 grammar-connect-time-sequential γὰρ 1 the eunuch did not see him anymore While the word translated **for** often introduces a reason, that does not seem to be its function here. Luke is not saying that the eunuch did not see Philip any more because he did not look for him but instead **went on his way**. Rather, the word **for** seems simply to introduce a continuation of the narrative. Alternate translation: “but” or “nevertheless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]]) +ACT 8 40 r1x7 figs-explicit Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον 1 Philip was found at Azotus The implication is that there was no indication of Philip traveling between where he baptized the Ethiopian and Azotus. He suddenly disappeared along the road to Gaza and reappeared at the town of Azotus. Alternate translation: “Philip suddenly reappeared at Azotus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 8 40 bbws figs-activepassive Φίλιππος…εὑρέθη εἰς Ἄζωτον 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Philip reappeared at Azotus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) +ACT 8 40 arh5 διερχόμενος 1 passed through Alternate translation: “as he passed through that area, he was” +ACT 8 40 zfn6 figs-hyperbole τὰς πόλεις πάσας 1 to all the cities Luke says **all** as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “to the cities in that region” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]]) +ACT 8 40 yf7i translate-names Ἄζωτον… Καισάρειαν 1 **Azotus** and **Caesarea** are the names of cities. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) ACT 9 1 yt9e ὁ…Σαῦλος 1 Connecting Statement: The story shifts back to **Saul** and his salvation. -ACT 9 1 r4n5 writing-background 0 General Information: Verses 1-2 give background information telling us what Saul has been doing since the stoning of Stephen. Here the word “him” refers to the high priest and “he” refers to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]]) -ACT 9 1 anb6 figs-abstractnouns ἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς 1 still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word **murder**, you could express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “still speaking threats, even to murder the disciples” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]]) -ACT 9 2 v9lw figs-metonymy πρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς 1 to the synagogues This refers to the people in the **synagogues**. Alternate translation: “to the people in the synagogues” or “to the leaders in the synagogues” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) -ACT 9 2 y8f6 ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ 1 if he might find anyone Alternate translation: “whenever he found anyone” -ACT 9 2 pk19 τῆς ὁδοῦ, ὄντας 1 being of the Way Alternate translation: “who belonged to the Way” or “who followed the teachings of Jesus Christ” -ACT 9 2 n94s τῆς ὁδοῦ 1 of the Way This term appears to have been a title for Christianity at that time. -ACT 9 2 a6z4 figs-explicit δεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem Paul’s purpose can be made explicit by adding “so that the Jewish leaders could judge and punish them.” Alternate translation: “he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) -ACT 9 3 jf4g ἐν…τῷ πορεύεσθαι 1 as he was traveling After the high priest gave Saul the letters, Saul left left Jerusalem to go to Damascus. -ACT 9 3 by55 writing-newevent ἐγένετο 1 it happened that This is an expression that marks a change in the story to show something different is about to happen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +ACT 9 intro jm6x 0 # Acts 9 General Notes

## Special concepts in this chapter

### “The Way”

No one knows for sure who first started calling believers “followers of the Way.” This is probably what the believers called themselves, because the Bible often speaks of a person living his life as if that person were walking on a path or “way.” If this is true, the believers were “following the way of the Lord” by living in a way that pleased God.

### “Letters for the synagogues in Damascus”

The “letters” Paul asked for were probably legal papers that permitted him to put Christians in prison. The synagogue leaders in Damascus would have obeyed the letter because it was written by the high priest. If the Romans had seen the letter, they also would have allowed Saul to persecute the Christians, because they permitted the Jews to do as they desired to people who broke their religious laws.

## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

### What Saul saw when he met Jesus

It is clear that Saul saw a light and that it was because of this light that he “fell upon the ground.” Some people think that Saul knew that it was the Lord speaking to him without seeing a human form, because the Bible often speaks of God as being light and living in light. Other people think that later in his life he was able to say, “I have seen the Lord Jesus” because it was a human form that he saw here. +ACT 9 1 r4n5 writing-newevent δὲ 1 General Information: Luke uses the word translated **But** to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) +ACT 9 1 anb6 figs-hendiadys ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς 1 still speaking threats even of murder against the disciples Luke is using the two words **threat** and **murder** together to express a single idea. The word **murder** tells what kind of **threat** Saul was making. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use **and**. Alternate translation: “making murderous threats against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]) +ACT 9 1 lrre figs-metonymy ἐμπνέων 1 Luke is using the term **breathing** figuratively by association to mean “speaking,” since people breathe out while they speak. Alternate translation: “speaking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 9 2 wyfp writing-pronouns αὐτοῦ…εὕρῃ…ἀγάγῃ 1 The pronoun **him** refers to the high priest and both instances of the pronoun **he** refer to Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns]]) +ACT 9 2 v9lw figs-metonymy εἰς Δαμασκὸν πρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς 1 to the synagogues Luke is using the terms **Damascus** and **synagogues** figuratively by association to mean the people, probably the leaders, of the synagogues in Damascus. Alternate translation: “to the people in the synagogues of Damascus” or “to the leaders of the synagogues in Damascus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 9 2 lvzt translate-names Damascus 1 **Damascus** is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 9 2 thuy translate-names τῆς ὁδοῦ, ὄντας 1 As the General Introduction to Acts explains, **the Way** was one of the first names that people used to describe the community of believers in Jesus. Alternate translation: “who belonged to the Way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]]) +ACT 9 2 a6z4 figs-explicit δεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ 1 having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem The implication is that Saul wanted to bring believers in Jesus to Jerusalem for trial and punishment by the Jewish leaders. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem so that the Jewish leaders there could judge and punish them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 9 3 jf4g figs-explicit ἐν…τῷ πορεύεσθαι 1 as he was traveling Luke means implicitly that the high priest gave Saul the letters he asked for and that Saul then left Jerusalem to go to Damascus. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “as he was traveling to Damascus with letters that the high priest gave him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) +ACT 9 3 by55 writing-newevent ἐγένετο 1 it happened that Luke uses the phrase **it happened that** to introduce a significant development in this story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for this purpose. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]]) ACT 9 3 dm6c αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 there shone on him a light from heaven Alternate translation: “a light from heaven shone all around him” ACT 9 3 gua8 ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 1 from heaven This could mean: (1) heaven, where God lives or (2) the sky. The first meaning is preferable. Use that meaning if your language has a separate word for it. ACT 9 4 y4u4 πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν 1 he fell to the ground This could mean: (1) “Saul threw himself to the ground” or (2) “The light caused him to fall to the ground” or (3) “Saul fell to the ground the way one who fainted fell.” Saul did not fall accidentally. @@ -3159,4 +3353,4 @@ ACT 28 28 b2za figs-metaphor τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπεστάλη τοῦ ACT 28 28 e8hb figs-activepassive τοῖς ἔθνεσιν ἀπεστάλη τοῦτο τὸ σωτήριον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God is sending his messengers to the Gentiles to tell them about how he will save them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]]) ACT 28 28 d18n αὐτοὶ καὶ ἀκούσονται 1 they also will listen This response of the Gentiles is in contrast to the way the Jews of that time refused to listen to God. Alternate translation: “some of them also will listen” ACT 28 30 c56e writing-endofstory 0 Connecting Statement: In verses 30-31, Luke ends the story of Paul in the book of Acts. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-endofstory]]) -ACT 28 31 wv1l figs-metonymy κηρύσσων τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 proclaiming the kingdom of God Here, **kingdom of God** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “preaching about God’s rule as king” or “preaching about how God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) +ACT 28 31 wv1l figs-metonymy κηρύσσων τὴν Βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 proclaiming the kingdom of God Here, **kingdom of God** refers to God’s rule as king. Alternate translation: “preaching about God’s rule as king” or “preaching about how God will show himself as king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]]) \ No newline at end of file