BHT with Abridged Translator’s NotesActs 11 =
11
“Peter Explained the Whole Story to Them”
1 News soon reached+ the other apostles and the brothers and sisters throughout Judea that even the Gentiles had accepted the word of God. 2 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, he was met with criticism from those believers who were strict about Gentile circumcision.+ 3 “ˢYou went into the home of uncircumcised men and even shared a meal with them!” they said.+
4 Peter, then, explained the whole story to them. 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying,” he began, “when I saw in a trance a vision, something coming down that looked like a large linen sheet, being lowered from heaven+ by its four corners; it came very close to me. 6 As I stared at it, I kept looking closely, and I saw all sorts of unclean beasts and wild animals and rodents and snakes and frogs and lizards+ and wild birds.+ 7 I also heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter! Slaughter these creatures and eat.’
8 “ ‘Certainly not, Lord!’ I replied. ‘Nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth!’+
9 “In response the voice spoke a second time from heaven,+ saying, ‘The things that God pronounces+ acceptable for eating as clean ˢyou must not yourself consider barred from his sacred precincts and service as common.’+
10 “All this happened three times,+ and then the whole thing was pulled back up into heaven.+ 11 Just then, there showed up at the house where we were staying+ three men, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 12 The Spirit told me that I was to accompany them without even the least hesitation.
“Now these six brothers here also accompanied me, and we entered the home of the man who had sent for me.+13 He told us how he had seen an angel in his home, who had appeared and said, ‘Send some men to Joppa and have them bring back Simon, who also goes by Peter, 14 who will declare a message+ to ˢyou by which ˢyou will be saved, ˢyou and ˢyour entire household.’ 15 Well, I had hardly begun speaking,+ when the Holy Spirit fell on them just as he did on us, too, at the first!+ 16 Then I remembered the Lord’s words when he would say,+ ‘Whereas John baptized with+ water, ᵖyou will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If God gave them the very same gift, therefore, as he gave, too, to us, upon faith+ in the Lord Jesus the Messiah, then as for me, who was I to dare stand in the way of God?”
18 On hearing these things, they fell silent. Then they began to glorify God, saying, “So then, God has given even the Gentiles opportunity to repent and live+!”+
“There Were Some of Them Who Began to Proclaim It to Hellenized Non-Jews, Too”
19 Therefore, while many of those who had been forced to scatter as a result of the persecution that broke out in connection with Stephen, on the one hand, went north as far as the coastal plain of Phoenicia, Cyprus, and the city of Antioch in the province of Syria, proclaiming the message to no one except Jews, 20 there were some of them, on the other, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, on arriving in Antioch, began to proclaim it to Hellenized non-Jews,+ too, declaring the gospel about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power+ of the Lord was with them, and it was a large number people, who believed, that turned to the Lord.
22 News reached the assembly in Jerusalem+ concerning these things,+ and so they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and witnessed the gift of God, he rejoiced and kept exhorting everyone with great earnestness and firm resolve+ to remain true to the Lord, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And so a considerable number of people were brought+ to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas+ left for Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. It was for an entire year that the two men+ met with the assembly+ and taught a good-sized group of people. And the disciples were given, for the first time, in Antioch, the name “Messiah-followers.”+
“There Was About to Fall upon the Whole Empire a Severe Famine”
27 During this time,+ some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and warned through the Spirit that there was about to fall upon the whole empire+ a severe famine. (This+ took place during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.) 29 The disciples, then, each person contributing according to his ability: They decided to send the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea a financial gift.+ 30 And this+ they did, sending the gift to the elders through+ Barnabas and Saul.
+1:3Lit to whom.+1:3Lit the things concerning. IT. Cf τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ ( ta peri hautou) at Lk 24:27 (see esp the NCV and NET there), and πάντα τὰ γεγραμμένα...περὶ ἐμοῦ ( panta ta gegrammena...peri emou) at Lk 24:44. Just as the article there points back to OT Scriptures in Lk 24, so the same is true here (with Luke summarizing the focus of Jesus’ teaching in the post-resurrection appearances).+1:3Cf Mt 28:16-20; Lk 24:13-49.+1:4Lit the promise of the Father. See note at Lk 24:49. The same applies here. Cf LEB.+1:4Lit which you have heard of/from me. Because of the abrupt shift in the Greek text from indirect to direct speech, the antecedent has been restated in translation, and a new sentence started. The genitive is functioning in the subjective/source range, which is reflected in the translation (cf NCV, TEV).+1:5Or in.+1:6Lit they. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:6Or began asking.+1:6Cf Ps 102:12-17; Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 61:2; Mic 4:8; Lk 2:25.+1:7Lit he.+1:7Cf Ps 102:12-17; Dn 9:22-27, 12:8-9; Mt 13:11; Lk 21:25-31; Re 10:4.+1:8Lit will be my witnesses. ME (see note at Lk 24:48). Cf also UBSHS (Ac), 18.+1:9Lit he.+1:10Or into heaven.+1:11Or into the sky. Here we have a bit of a breakdown in language, since Jesus starts his departure in the first heaven (ie, the sky) and ends up at the Father’s right hand in a part of the heavens that are out of sight (cf 2 Co 12:1-3).+1:11Or into heaven. See note at “heaven” earlier in this verse. “Sky” is better here, since the angel is referring to the part of the ascension that the apostles had observed.+1:12Lit having a journey of a Sabbath. ME (see L-N, 81.28). Cf NCV, NLT. Though the idiom is derived from rabbinic traditions concerning how far someone was permitted to walk on the Sabbath (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 1:12), this is not central to Luke’s point here, and thus an ME has been used in translation.+1:14Lit were busying themselves together in prayer, or were continuing frequently together in prayer, or were continuing in one accord in prayer. Cf TEV; UBSHS (Ac), 23. V 15 what inclines me toward the interpretation reflected in the text.+1:14Lit his.+1:15Lit In these days. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+1:15Lit the brothers. In a number of situations, the plural masculine form of ἀδελφός ( adelophos) is used generically for brothers and sisters or for believers (see BDAG, 18, sv 1, 2). In this situation it means the latter and includes both men and women (see v 14). Cf CJB, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+1:15Lit in the middle, or in the midst. ME (see UBSHS [Mk], 104).+1:15Lit the crowd of names was in all about one hundred and twenty, or the crowd of names in one place was about one hundred and twenty. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 24). Cf most English translations.+1:16Lit men brothers. The compound indicates that Peter is most likely addressing the other apostles here (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 1:16).+1:16Or accomplished.+1:16Lit which.+1:17Lit was numbered/counted among us. ME (see BDAG, 526, καταριθμέω 2; L-N, 34.33). Cf TEV.+1:17Or this service.+1:18Lit with the wages/reward of his wickedness. ME(I/F) (see UBSHS [Ac], 27). Cf CJB, NCV, TEV.+1:18Cf Mt 26:14–15; 27:5, 7–8.+1:18Lit he burst open in the middle. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 19.30).+1:19Lit It. Cf NLT.+1:20Or home, or dwelling.+1:20Ps 69:25+1:20Or his office.+1:20Ps 109:8+1:21Lit during all the time in which the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 41.24; UBSHS [Ac], 30).+1:22Lit beginning from the/his baptism of/by John. Cf NET, NLT.+1:22Lit one of these must become a witness with us. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+1:24Lit the hearts. In the ancient world, the “heart” was the seat not only of the emotional faculties, but of the will and mind as well (see note at Mk 3:5). Cf TEV.+1:24Or chosen for yourself. “Yourself” here is drawn from the middle voice of the verb (see Wallace, Grammar, 419-23).+1:25Lit to take the place of this service/ministry and apostleship. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 31). The genitives “ministry” and “apostleship” have been interpreted as a hendiadys. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NIV.+1:26Lit cast lots for them. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+1:26Cf Ex 28:30; Lv 8:8;1 Sm 14:41; Ezr 2:63; Ne 7:65.+2:1Traditionally Pentecost (a transliteration). ME(OTB). Cf Ex 34:22, Lv 23:15; Dt 16:9.+2:2Or from the sky.+2:3Lit it. The shift to the third person singular here, along with the distributive idea activated by διαμερίζω ( diamerizō) in the preceding clause, indicates that a single tongue rested on each person. Cf UBSHS (Ac), 35; ISV.+2:4Or tongues.+2:4Lit as the Spirit was giving to them to utter. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, TEV.+2:5Lit Jews, God-fearing men. ME. Cf NET.+2:5Lit from every nation under heaven. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 737, sv οὐρανός, 1.b.).+2:7Lit Behold. EFE. See note at Mt 2:9. Cf CJB, NLT.+2:8Lit our own language in which we were born. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 38). Cf most English translations.+2:12Lit What does this want to be? ME (see BDAG, 448, sv θέλω 5).+2:13Lit They are filled/glutted with sweet new wine. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 40). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+2:14ἀποφθέγγομαι ( apophthengomai) doesn’t merely mean to address, but to address with great clarity and boldness because of divine aid and leading (see and cf ANLEX, 72, sv; BDAG, 125, sv; Little Kittel, 75, sv; TDNT, 1:447, sv; UBSHS [Ac], 41).+2:14Lit to them.+2:14Lit listen carefully to my words.+2:15Lit For not as you think. Cf NET.+2:15Lit for it is the third hour of the day. ME(H). Cf, eg, CJB, HCSB, NIV.+2:17These two phrases are found neither in the MT or the LXX, and thus have not been included in the quotation here (cf NET).+2:17Lit all flesh. Following the lead of the NET at Jl 2:28 in translation here (see NET Bible Notes, Jl 2:28; cf NCV here and at Jl 2:28). The context (“sons,” “daughters,” “young men,” “old men,” “male slaves,” and “female slaves”) indicates that “all flesh” here does not mean “all mankind” in the sense of “every person,” but is referring to all classes and categories of people. Cf BDAG, 784, sv πᾶς 5.+2:18Or slaves.+2:18Lit in those days. ME. Cf NCV.+2:19Lit give omens/portents. ME (see BDAG, 999, sv τέρας; L-N, 33.480; translation and note at Lk 2:34).+2:19Or in heaven.+2:19Cf Ex 4:1–9, 7:8–13, 10:21-23; 1 Ki 18:38; 2 Ki 1:9-16; Ps 19:1-5; Is 13:10, 34:4; Jl 2:10, 30-31; Hab 3:11; Mt 24:29; Mk 8:11-12; Lk 21:11; Re 6:12-13, 8:12.+2:21Jl 2:28-32+2:22Lit Men Israelites. ME. Cf CJB, ESV, NASB, HCSB, NET, NIV, RSV.+2:22Cf Lk 24:19.+2:22Lit in the midst of you. ME (see UBSHS [Mt], 558). Cf Mt 18:2, Mk 3:3. Cf also the translation and note at Jn 12:37.+2:23Lit by/according to the appointed plan and foreknowledge of God. ME (see L-N, 28.6; UBSHS [Ac], 48). Cf NLT, TEV. The genitive has been rendered as a subjective genitive in translation.+2:23Lit at the hand of lawless men. ME(H) (see L-N, 9.17; NET Bible Notes, Ac 2:23). Cf CJB, NET.+2:23Cf Jn 18:31.+2:24Lit whom God raised.+2:24Lit the birth-pains. ME (see ANLEX, 415, sv ὠδίν 2 a., b.). Cf the parallelisms in the LXX at 2 Sm 22:6 (2 Kingdoms in the LXX), Ps 18:4-5 (17:5-6 in the LXX), 116:3 (114:3 in the LXX).+2:24Cf Ps 18:4-5, 116:3; 2 Sm 22:6; Heb 2:15, 5:7.+2:24Lit its.+2:24Lit held by it. ME. Cf ISV, NASB, NET, NRSV.+2:26Or shouts.+2:26Lit my flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 51; FBT Chart, C, D, F, G). Cf TEV.+2:27Lit my soul. Here “soul” is referring not to one part of the person, but to the person as a whole. Cf CJB, HCSB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+2:27Lit Hades. ME(OTB) (see note at Mt 11:23).+2:28Ps 16:8-11+2:29Lit Men brothers.+2:29Or the patriarch, or our forefather.+2:29 being allowable/right/possible/obligatory to speak with frankness/plainly about the patriarch David. ME. Cf TEV.+2:30Lit he.+2:30Lit from the fruit of his loins. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 10.34).+2:30An allusion to 2 Sm 7:12-13 and Ps 132:11.+2:32Lit This Jesus. Cf ISV here; ISV, NET, and NIV at Ac 1:11.+2:32Lit of which we all are witnesses. ME (see note at Lk 24:48). Cf also UBSHS (Ac), 18.+2:33Cf Is 32:15, 44:3; Jl 2:11; Ezk 39:28-29.+2:34Lit he.+2:34Or Lord, or Master. Following the MT of Ps 110:1 in translation here. Cf NLT.+2:35Ps 110:1+2:36Lit house. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 11.58).+2:36Lit him.+2:36Lit this Jesus.+2:37Lit they. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+2:37Lit were pierced through the heart. ME(I/F) (see ANLEX, 220, sv κατανύσσομαι; BDAG, 523, sv κατανύσσομαι; L-N, 28.281). Cf Jn 16:8-10.+2:38Cf Is 32:15, 44:3; Jl 2:11; Ezk 39:28-29.+2:39Cf Dt 30:1-10; Is 57:19; 1 Pt 1:1. Cf also Ac 22:21; Eph 2:13.+2:39Or call.+2:39Cf Is 10:19-22; Jr 23:1-3.+2:40Cf Dt 32:20.+2:40Lit saying.+2:42Lit in the breaking of the bread. ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [Lk], 63). Cf NLT, TEV.+2:42Lit They were continuing/constantly busying themselves/spending their time in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. Cf Ac 1:14, 3:1. “Gathering” is presupposed by all the verbal nouns here (cf Ac 1:14, 2:26), sounds much more natural in English with the imperfective aspect and the number of different verbal ideas activated here, and helps the activities mentioned to be processed as occurring frequently and as being distributed over a period of time (cf UBSHS [Ac], 23).+2:43Lit Fear was becoming over every soul. ME. Cf NASB.+2:44Lit had all things in common. ME (see L-N, 57.99; UBSHS [Ac], 65). Cf ISV, NLT, TEV.+2:45Lit them. ME. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+2:45Lit in proportion to/to the degree that someone had need. ME. Cf TEV.+2:46Lit and breaking from house to house bread. ME(H)/IT (see UBSHS [Lk], 63, 65). Cf NLT+2:46Or humble, or sincere.+2:46Cf 1 Co 11:17-32.+2:47Lit having favor with/among. ME (see BSL, Ac 2:47; sv χάρις; UBSHS [Ac], 66).+3:1Lit the hour of prayer the ninth. ME(H) (see UBSHS [Ac], 68). Cf ISV, HCSB, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+3:2Lit being lame from his mother’s womb. ME. Cf ESV, HCSB, NCV, NET, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+3:2Lit they. This is an indefinite plural. Cf ISV.+3:2Cf ESV, NET, NRSV, TEV.+3:3Lit he.+3:3Lit asking alms to receive.+3:4Lit at him.+3:4Lit he.+3:6Lit Silver and gold is not existing/present to me. ME (see ANLEX, sv ὑπάρχω; BDAG, 1029, sv ὑπάρχω 1; BSL, Ac 3:6, sv ὑπάρχω).+3:7Lit him.+3:7Lit he.+3:7Lit his.+3:8Or stopped, or stood.+3:8Lit with them.+3:9Lit saw him walking and praising God.+3:11Lit at the portico. ME(H) (see BSL, Ac 3:11; NET Bible Notes, Ac 3:11; UBSHS [Ac], 75). Cf NET.+3:12Lit he answered to the people. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+3:12Lit Men Israelites. ME. Cf HCSB, NASB, NET, NIV.+3:12Or godliness, or piety.+3:13Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+3:13Included within the purview of δοξάζω ( doxazō) here is both the giving of honor and the causing of someone to enter into a state of being “clothed” in resurrected glory (see BDAG, δοξάζω, 258, 1, 2).+3:13Cf Is 40-66.+3:14Cf Is 53:11. This is a Messianic title most likely rooted in Is 53:11 (see UBSHS [Ac], 78).+3:15Or Pioneer, or Founder, or Source, or Originator, or Ruler.+3:15Lit of which we are witnesses. ME (see note at Lk 24:48). Cf also UBSHS (Ac), 18.+3:16Lit the name of him.+3:16ME/IT (see UBSHS [Jn], 170; translation and notes at 1 Co 1:10). Cf TEV at Jn 5:43.+3:16Lit him.+3:17Or And. Cf NKJV.+3:17Lit that you acted according to ignorance. ME/IT (see BDAG, 13, ἄγνοια, 2.a.; L-N, 32.7).+3:17Cf Lk 23:34; Jn 16:1-3; Ac 13:27; 1Co 2:8; 1Ti 1:13.+3:18Or accomplished, or carried out.+3:19Cf Dt 30:2; Lam 3:40; Is 55:7; Jl 2:12-13.+3:19Cf Col 2:14.+3:20Lit that appointed times of refreshment/relief may come from the face of the Lord. ME (see ANLEX, 53, sv ἀνάψυξις; BDAG, 75, sv ἀνάψυξις; L-N, 22.35; NAC [Ac], 134). Cf Ps 65:12 in the LXX.+3:20Cf Dt 30:1-10; Es 4:14; Ps 102:12-17; Is 40:1; 49:13; 51:3; 57:18; 61:2; Mic 4:8; Zc 12:10-14; Lk 2:25; Ac 1:6; Rm 11:12-16.+3:20Cf 1 Sm 16:1-13; 2 Sm 2:4, 5:1-5.+3:21Lit whom it is necessary for heaven to receive/welcome. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 84). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+3:21Ml 4:6. Cf LXX.+3:21Lit the times of the restoration of all things. ME(OTB). Cf Ml 4:4-5; Mt 17:11; Mk 9:12. ἀποκατάστασις ( apokatastasis) is simply the noun form of ἀποκαθίστημι ( apokathistēmi), with God as the implied agent. Cf ἀποκαταστάσεως πάντων ( apokatastaseōs pantōn) here with ἀποκαθιστάνει πάντα ( apokathistanei panta) at Mk 9:12 and ἀποκαταστήσει πάντα ( apokatastēsei panta) at Mt 17:11. Note that ἀποκαθίστημι ( apokathistēmai) is used at Ml 4:6 in the LXX to translate šûḇ in the Hiphil (Ml 3:23 in the LXX); cf Brenton’s translation. Just as in Mt 17:11 and Mk 9:12, the allusion here is to Ml 4:1-6. Ml 4:6 makes it clear that the “things” “turned back” or “brought back” are “hearts.” “All” is used as a shorthand reference to the various levels of relationship mentioned in Ml 4:6. Cf Dt 4:29-31, 30:2-3; 1 Ki 18:37-38; 2 Ki 1:1-16; Ml 4:6, Re 11:3-6. Cf also the NET’s rendering of Ml 4:6.+3:21Lit God. Since the implied subject has been made explicit in the preceding clause, a pronoun has been used in translation here.+3:22Lit from among your brothers. ME (see L-N, 11.25). Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:22Or listen, or heed. Both hearing and obedience are in view here (see L-N, 36.14; UBSHS [Ac], 85). Cf NET, TEV.+3:22Cf Mt 17:5.+3:23Dt 18:18-19+3:23Lv 23:29+3:24Lit and all the prophets from Samuel and the successors, as many as spoke. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 86). Cf TEV.+3:24Lit and all the prophets from Samuel and the successors, as many as spoke. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Ac], 86). Cf NCV, TEV.+3:24Lit announced these days. ME. Cf ISV, NIV, NRSV.+3:25Lit you are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 1025, sv υἱός 2.c.β.; UBSHS [Ac], 86). Cf ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+3:25Or with your forefathers. Lit with your fathers.+3:25Lit saying to Abraham.+3:25Or through.+3:25Or families, or peoples.+3:25Gn 22:18, 26:4+3:26Cf Mt 10:5-6, Rm 1:16.+4:1Lit While they.+4:2Lit because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 91). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:3Lit laid hands on. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 37.110).+4:3Lit them.+4:4Or the teaching, or the word.+4:4Lit the number of the men became about five thousand. ME (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 4:4).+4:5Lit their leaders. Cf TEV.+4:7Lit them.+4:7Lit in the middle, or in the midst. ME (see UBSHS [Mk], 104).+4:8Lk 12:11-12. The aorist participle here indicates that the Holy Spirit came upon/filled Peter at that moment for the purpose of enabling him to speak (cf UBSHS [Ac], 95). The phrase “filled with the Spirit” is fairly common in Luke’s writings and is even used to describe events that occur before Pentecost (cf Lk 1:15, 41, 67). Just for the record, I’m not writing this as an anti-charismatic statement. Luke simply doesn’t use the phrase in the same way that it is sometimes used in modern charismatic circles.+4:9Or healed, or delivered.+4:11Lit This one, or This man. Cf NLT, NCV, TEV.+4:11Ps 118:22+4:12Lit under heaven, or under the sky. ME (see BDAG, 737, sv οὐρανός, 1.b.).+4:12Lit among men.+4:12Cf Dt 32:1-43, 33:26-29; Is 30:27-33, 43:12, 44:8, 45:17, 45:22, 59:20; Jr 23:6, 30:10, 31:7, 46:27; Jl 2:32; Zc 8:13.+4:13Lit they.+4:13Lit and they began recognizing them, that they were with Jesus.+4:13Lit that they were with Jesus. ME (see BDAG, 961, sv σὺν 1.a.γ.; UBSHS [Ac], 99). Cf TEV.+4:14Cf Ex 4:12; Jr 1:9; Mt 10:20; Mk 13:11; Lk 12:12, 21:15; Jn 15:25; Ac 6:10.+4:18Lit them.+4:18Lit they ordered them not to speak or teach completely/at all/in the slightest degree.+4:19Lit Judge if it is right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 102). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+4:21Lit they.+4:23Lit they.+4:23Lit to their own [people]. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+4:23Lit in regard to them, or to them, or about them.+4:24Lit raised voice. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 33.78).+4:24Or together.+4:24Or heaven.+4:24Or the earth.+4:24Cf Gn 1-2; Ps 8.+4:25Or forefather. Lit father.+4:25Or nations.+4:26Lit will stand near, or will be present. ME (see BDAG, 778, sv παρίστημι/παριστάνω, 2.a.β.; UBSHS [Ac], 106). Cf NCV, NLT.+4:26Lit gather at the same place [ie, for war/battle].+4:26Ps 2:1-2+4:27Or in. Lit of. The genitive has been interpreted as a genitive of subordination. This is reflected in the translation. λαός ( laos) here is in the dative plural, referencing “the peoples” mentioned in v 25. The parallelism there indicates that “the peoples” is referring to Gentile nations. Therefore, the genitive here is not functioning appositionally, but is better understood either as a genitive of subordination (note the mention of Pilate and Herod), or as a genitive of place.+4:28Lit to carry out everything that your hand and your plan decided in advance/already decided would happen. ME (see L-N, 30.84; UBSHS [Ac], 107). Cf TEV.+4:29Or message.+4:31Lit the place in which they were. ME. Cf ISV, NCV, NIV, TEV.+4:32Lit was saying it was his own. ME (see BDAG, 466, sv ἴδιος 1.a.).+4:32Lit but all things were theirs/to them in common. ME (see L-N, 57.99; UBSHS [Ac], 65). Cf CJB, ISV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+4:33Lit giving the witness/testimony.+4:33Lit and great favor was on them all, or great grace was on them all. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 111). Cf CJB, NJB. Cf also Ac 2:47.+4:34Lit selling [them].+4:35Lit It.+4:35Lit to each in proportion to/to the degree that someone had need. ME. Cf CJB, TEV.+4:36And/or Consoler, or Exhorter, or Encourager. Lit son of exhortation/consolation/encouragement. ME (I/F) (see L-N, 9.4). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV. Cf BSL, Ac 4:37, sv παράκλησις. The context suggests that Barnabas received the name because his generous act brought relief and help to those in the community of believers who had little and were struggling. Hence the rendering here.+4:37Lit a field being to him. ME. Cf HCSB, NLT, TEV.+5:3Lit filled your heart. ME (see note at Mk 3:4; UBSHS [Ac], 115).+5:4Lit While it was remaining. ME (see BDAG, 631, sv μένω 1.b.) Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+5:4Lit it was in your authority. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 116).+5:4Lit Why that you set in your heart this deed? ME (see BDAG, 509, sv καρδία 1.b.γ.). Cf TEV.+5:5Cf Re 2:16, 22-23.+5:6Lit wrapped him. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, TEV.+5:9Lit Why that it was agreed by you...? ME. Cf ISV, NIV, NLT.+5:10Lit they found her dead. An active search is not implied here. Cf BDAG, 411, sv εὑρίσκω 1.b.; UBSHS (Lk), 683; UBSHS (Mk), 434.+5:10Lit carrying her out, they entombed her next to her husband.+5:13Lit they. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:13Or were in one accord.+5:13Lit with them.+5:18Lit laid hands on. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 37.110).+5:18Or common, or public.+5:19Or The angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+5:19Or doors.+5:20Lit go and, stopping/standing, speak in the temple courts. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 124).+5:20Lit speak to the people all the words of this life. ME/IT (see NAC [Ac], 166; Robertson, Word Pictures, Ac 5:20). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+5:20Cf Ac 3:15, 4:1-2, 4:12, 11:14, 11:18; 13:46, 15:11; 16:17.+5:21Or On hearing [this]. ἀκούω ( akouō) here can refer either to hearing (see, eg, L-N, 24.52; cf, eg, ISV, NET), and/or obeying (see, eg, L-N, 36.14; cf HCSB, TEV).+5:21Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58).+5:21Lit sent to the prison for them to be brought. Cf TEV.+5:24Lit were at a loss concerning them. ME. Cf ISV, TEV.+5:25Lit are standing. As in v 20, the focus here is not on posture but location (see UBSHS [Ac], 126).+5:26Lit them.+5:26Lit for they feared the people, lest they be stoned. ME. Cf ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV.+5:28Lit with an order we ordered. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 127; NET Bible Notes, Ac 5:28).+5:28Lit determined to bring on us. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 127; see also note at Mt 27:24). Cf TEV.+5:30Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+5:30Cf Dt 18:15-19; Ac 4:22, 26. Here, “raise up” can either mean something like to “send” (cf Ac 4:22, 26), or to “raise to life.”+5:30An allusion to Dt 21:22.+5:31Or Author, or Originator. Cf Ac 3:15.+5:33Lit When they. Cf TEV.+5:33Lit them.+5:35Lit said to them.+5:36Lit Before these days. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 130). Cf HCSB.+5:36Cf Mt 24:5, 24:24-26; Mk 13:6, 13: 21-23, 15:7; Lk 21:8, 23:18-19; Ac 21:38.+5:36Lit a number of men about four hundred.+5:36Lit all who were being persuaded by him, or all who were following/obeying him. ME. Cf, eg, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, TEV.+5:36Lit and it became into nothing. ME. Cf TEV.+5:37Lit After this man.+5:37Lit in the days of. ME. Cf TEV.+5:37Lit caused people to revolt after/behind him.+5:39Lit They.+5:39Lit by him.+5:41Lit they.+5:41Or on the Name’s behalf.+5:42Or proclaiming the gospel about the Messiah, Jesus.+6:1Lit In those days. ME. Cf CJB.+6:1Or Greek-speaking.+6:1Lit complaining/grumbling/whispering arose from the Greek-speaking Jews. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+6:1Or Hebrew-speaking.+6:2Or desirable, or proper.+6:4Or service.+6:4Lit will persist/continue in. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 136). Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+6:5Lit The statement was pleasing in the sight of all the multitude/group/community. ME. Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV.+6:5Cf Ac 2:11.+6:6Lit whom.+6:6Lit [and] laid hands on them. ME(OTB)/IT (see NAC [Ac], 182; UBSHS [1 Ti], 105, 132). Cf Dt 34:9; Nu 27:16-23; 1 Ti 5:22; 2 Ti 1:6.+6:8Lit full of grace. ME (see translation and note at 1 Co 1:4, 3:10; BDAG, 1080, χάρις 4). Cf NCV, TEV.+6:8Or great. Drawing from BSL in translation here (see BSL, Ac 6:8, sv μέγας).+6:10Lit they were unable to oppose/resist the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 139). Cf NCV, TEV.+6:10Cf Ex 4:12; Jr 1:9; Mt 10:20; Mk 13:11; Lk 12:12, 21:15; Jn 15:25; Ac 6:10.+6:11Or they bribed.+6:11Lit him.+6:13Or the Law. Cf CJB.+6:15Lit on him.+6:15Lit they saw his face like the face of angel. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 141). Cf Ex 34:29-30; Mt 17:4; 2 Co 3:7-13.+7:1Lit If these things thus have?. ME (see L-N, 13.2). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:2Lit he.+7:2Or the God of glory.+7:2Or forefather. Lit father.+7:3Gn 12:1+7:4Lit he.+7:4Lit him.+7:5Lit not even the step of a foot. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 80.3; UBSHS [Ac], 7:5).+7:5Lit it.+7:5An allusion Gn 12:7, 13:15, 15:2, 15:18, 17:8, 24:7, and 48:4. Cf Gl 3:16.+7:5Lit he.+7:6Lit his. Following the lead of the NET in translation here (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:6). Cf also CJB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+7:6Lit and they.+7:7Gn 15:13-14+7:7Or and worship me. In view here is the carrying out of sacred duties before God (see BDAG, 586, sv λατρεύω; NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:7).+7:7Ex 3:12+7:8Lit gave him the covenant of circumcision. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Ac], 146). Cf TEV.+7:8Lit him.+7:8Lit circumcised him.+7:9Lit with him.+7:10οἶκος ( oikos) in this context can refer to the royal household (see, eg, L-N, 10.8; cf TEV), and/or the possessions associated with that household (see, eg, L-N, 57.21; cf BDAG, 699, sv οἶκος 4). Both are probably in view here. Cf Gn 41:41-44; Ps 105:21.+7:11Lit a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan.+7:11Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+7:13Lit and the family of Joseph became known to Pharoah. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 149). Cf NCV, NCV, TEV. Cf also Gn 45:16.+7:14Lit in souls. Here “soul” is used for the whole person (see, eg, L-N, 9.20).+7:16Lit They. ME(OTB)/IT (see UBSHS [Ac], 149). Cf NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, NRSV, TEV. This is referring to the dead bodies/bones of Joseph and Jacob, which were both embalmed (see Gn 50:1-2, 26), and at different times were moved back to Israel (see Gn 50:4-14, 24-26).+7:16Gn 23:16, 35:19, 50:4-26; Ex 13:19; Jsh 24:32.+7:17Lit As the time of the promise which God had sworn to Abraham was/kept drawing near. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+7:18Ex 1:8+7:19Lit so that they.+7:20Lit and he was beautiful to God. ME(I/F/OTB) (see DBL Greek, #842.2; UBSHS [Ac], 151; NET Bible Notes, Jnh 3:3). Cf Gn 23:6; 30:8; Ex 9:28; 1 Sm 14:15; Ps 36:6, 80:10; Jnh 3:3.+7:20Lit who was brought up/raised for three months.+7:22Or powerful.+7:22Lit in his words and deeds. ME. Cf NCV.+7:23Lit he.+7:23Lit it arose in his heart. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 30.17, UBSHS [Ac], 152). Cf HCSB, NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:23Lit his brothers. ME. Cf NET.+7:23Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58).+7:25Lit that the brothers. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+7:25Or salvation.+7:26Lit he appeared to them as they. That two Israelite men are involved is clear from the context (see v 27; cf NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:26; UBSHS [Ac], 152). Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, TEV.+7:26Lit tried to reconcile them to peace. ME. Cf ESV, NIV, NRSV, RSV.+7:28Ex 2:14+7:29Lit Moses fled at this word. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:30Ex 3:2+7:31Lit the voice of the Lord happened. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+7:32Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+7:32Lit “of.” ME(OTB)/IT (see note at Mt 22:32).+7:32Ex 3:6+7:32Lit having become trembling. ME/IT (see, eg, ANLEX, 152, sv ἔντρομος; L-N, 16.6). Cf ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:34Or seen, or observed, or noticed.+7:34Ex 3:5, 7-8, 10+7:35Lit This Moses.+7:35Lit This man. Cf ISV, NET.+7:35Or by means of, or with the help of. Lit with the hand of. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 1083, sv χείρ 2.b.δ.; NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:35; UBSHS [Ac], 156).+7:36Lit this man.+7:36Lit them.+7:37Lit This is the Moses. Cf ISV.+7:37Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58).+7:37Lit from among your brothers. ME (see L-N, 11.25). Cf NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+7:37Dt 18:15+7:38Lit This man is the one who. Maintaining consistency in translation here with vv 35-37.+7:39Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+7:39Lit returned in their hearts. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 509, sv καρδία, 1.b.ε.; UBSHS [Ac], 159). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+7:39Cf Ex 16:3; Nm 11:4, 14:3–4, 20:3-5; Ezk 20:8, 24.+7:40Ex 32:1, 23+7:41Lit in those days. ME. Cf NET.+7:41Cf Ex 32:1-6; Dt 4:28; 2 Ki 19:18, 22:17; 2 Ch 32:19, 34:25; Is 37:19, 40:18-20, 44:9-20; Jr 10:1-6, 25:6-7, 32:20, 44:8; Ho 14:3; Mic 5:13.+7:42The meaning of “turned” here is that God takes an adversarial stance against the people (see, eg, Dt 9:19, 28:15-68; Jsh 24:20; 1 Sm 28:16). Cf NCV.+7:42Lit of the army/host of heaven. ME(OTB) (see L-N, 12.45; TWOT, #1491). Cf 2 Ki 21:3; 2 Ch 33:3-5, Jr 8:2.+7:42Or book.+7:42Lit the book/scroll of the prophets. ME(H) (see UBSHS [Ac], 161). Cf Lk 3:3.+7:42Lit house. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 11.58).+7:43The aorists here are proleptic. Cf the CJB, ESV, NET, NRSV, RSV, and TEV at Am 5:26-27. The point here is that God, in execution of the covenant curses (see Dt 4:27-28, 28:36, 28:64), is going to send Israel into exile in company with her false gods, the worship of which is what resulted in her exile in the first place. In other words, in the wilderness God allowed Israel to bear his own tabernacle in her midst, but because of disobedience, the nation would in the future (future from the time when the oracle was spoken) have to pick up and bear the tabernacle of her idols and carry them off into exile with her. It certainly does not mean that the Shekinah Glory graciously allowed some sort of idolatrous procession in the camp for forty years (cf Nm 25)!+7:43Or constellation-image. Lit star, or constellation. ME(H)/IT (see L-N, 1.31, 12.45; TWOT, #1491; UBSHS [Ac], 161).+7:43Am 5:25-27. Cf Dt 4:27-28, 28:36, 28:64.+7:44Cf Ex 25:22.+7:44Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+7:44Lit just as the one who spoke to Moses ordered him with detailed instructions to make it according to the pattern he had seen. ME. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV.+7:45Lit which also our fathers with Joshua brought in, having received it in succession, in the taking possession of the nations, which God drove out from the face of our fathers, until the days of David. The mismatch in languages is obviously vast here. For a discussion of challenges in translation, see UBSHS (Ac), 162.+7:46Lit who.+7:46Lit house. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 699, sv οἶκος 3).+7:46Lit asked to find a tabernacle/tent for the house of Jacob. ME(I/F/OTB) (see UBSHS [Ac], 163). Cf JB, NEB, TEV. Cf 2 Sm 7:1-8; 1Ch 22:7; Ps 89:19; 132:5 (esp 1 Ch 22:7). Following the NIV at Ps 15:1 in the translation of “tent” here (cf LXX/MT alignment there). For a brief discussion of manuscript variants here (some manuscripts read “for the God of Jacob”), see NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:46.+7:47Or him. The antecedent here may be the “house of Jacob” (ie, the descendants of Jacob [see note at “descendants” in the preceding verse]; hence the translation “them” here), or God (implied from the context).+7:47Cf 1Ki 6:1–2, 8:17–20; 2 Ch 3:1.+7:50Is 66:1-2+7:51Lit You who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and in the ears! ME(I/F) (see note at Mk 3:5). Cf Lv 26:41; Dt 10:16, 30:6; Jr 4:4, 9:26; Ezk 44:7-9.+7:51Or forefathers. Lit fathers.+7:53Lit by the directions/instructions of angels. ME(H/OTB) (see BDAG, 237, sv διαταγή; L-N, 89.76; NET Bible Notes, Ac 7:53). Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+7:54Lit When they.+7:55Or the sky.+7:55Lit he.+7:56Or the skies.+7:57Lit rushed together, or rushed in one accord.+7:58Lit The witnesses. ME (see Ac 6:13). Cf NCV, NLT.+7:60Lit fell asleep. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 23.104).+8:1Lit his.+8:2Lit recovered Stephen.+8:2Lit and made great beating of the chest for him. ME(H)/IT (see ANLEX, 235, sv κοπετός; BSL, Ac 8:2)+8:3Or he was causing harm to.+8:5Following the NET in translation here.+8:5Lit proclaimed to them the Messiah. ME. Cf NLT, TEV.+8:6Lit with one accord/together/unanimously. Cf Mofft and NAB at Ac 7:57 (see UBSHS [Ac], 168).+8:7Lit they.+8:10Lit to whom all were paying attention.+8:10Or from the youngest to the oldest.+8:10Lit This man is the power of God/the god which is called Great. ME(H) (see NAC [Ac], 215; UBSHS [Ac], 215). Cf HCSB, NIV, TEV.+8:10Lit saying.+8:16Lit He. Cf NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+8:16Or in, or into.+8:17Lit Then they.+8:17Lit on them.+8:18Lit through the laying on of the hands of the apostles. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+8:22Lit and ask the Lord if perhaps the intention/thought of your heart will be forgiven you. ME. In the ancient world, the “heart” was seen as the seat of one’s thoughts, emotions, and will (see note at Mk 3:5; cf UBSHS [Ac], 178). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+8:23Lit For I see you being into the gall of bitterness and the bond of unrighteousness. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 88.166; NET Bible Notes, Ac 8:23; UBSHS [Ac], 179).+8:25Lit they. Cf NCV, NIV.+8:25Or word.+8:26Lit spoke to Philip, saying…+8:26Or the angel. See note at Mt 1:20.+8:26Or on.+8:26Or Get ready and go at noon to the road.+8:26Lit saying.+8:26Or This road is deserted, or This town [ie, Gaza] is [now] deserted.+8:27Lit he.+8:27Lit behold. EFE. See note at Mt 2:9.+8:27Cf Dt 23:1; Is 56:3-8.+8:27Lit who.+8:27Lit was over all her treasury. ME(H). DBL Greek states: “treasury, in context, the financial treasure of a kingdom” (see DBL Greek, #1125).+8:28Or chariot.+8:29Lit Approach and cling to this carriage. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 181). Cf NCV. That Philip is on foot is made clear by the following verse.+8:30Lit heard him.+8:30Lit he.+8:31Lit he.+8:31Lit sit. Following the lead of the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Ac], 182).+8:32Lit did not open his mouth. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 33.29). Cf TEV.+8:33Lit In/at humiliation. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+8:33Or His posterity/descendants/family history who can describe? For a discussion of the interpretive possibilities here, see UBSHS (Ac), 182.+8:33Is 53:7-8+8:34Lit I beg/pray/beseech you. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+8:35Lit opening his mouth. ME(I/F/OTB) (see notes at Mt 5:2, Lk 4:21). Contrary to the claim of the UBSHS (see UBSHS [Ac], 183), the statement is not “meaninglessly repetitious.”+8:36Some manuscripts have (with minor variations) verse 37: “And Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God’” (ESV). For a brief discussion of the manuscript variants here, see NET Bible Notes, Ac 8:36.+8:38Lit he ordered to stop. A driver (or perhaps drivers) is obviously implied in the command. Though English does technically allow for verbs of command to be used with inanimate objects, in this situation it sounds awkward (as with many languages; cf, eg, the discussion in UBSHS [Ac], 184). At the same time, the number of drivers is not mentioned in the text. Hence, a passive construction has been used in translation.+8:38Lit he.+8:39Lit him.+8:39Or And the eunuch saw him no longer, or And the eunuch did not see him anymore. Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+8:40Lit until he came to Caesarea. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 185). Cf NCV.+9:2Or of introduction. ME(H)/IT (see JFB, 2:183; UBSHS [Ac], 187). Cf TEV.+9:3Lit Now in the to be going, it happened that he to be drawing near to Damascus. The gap between languages here is obvious. Cf UBSHS (Ac), 187.+9:3Or from the sky.+9:5Lit he.+9:7Lit with him.+9:7Or the voice. Cf Ac 22:9.+9:8Lit they. Cf NET, NLT.+9:10Lit he.+9:11Lit For behold. Cf ISV.+9:13Lit I have heard from many people. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, TEV.+9:14Lit And here. Following Mfft in translation here (see UBSHS [Ac], 191).+9:15Lit sons. ME (see L-N, 11.58).+9:16Or on my name’s behalf.+9:17Lit on him.+9:18Lit his.+9:19Lit He.+9:20Lit and immediately in the synagogues. ME. Cf TEV.+9:21Lit And here.+9:22Lit Saul increased more in strength. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 194). Cf NLT, TEV.+9:22Lit the Jews. ME(H). In many places in the book of Acts, the term “Jews” refers “specifically...to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed the Christian faith in that time” (ESV footnote, Ac 9:23; cf BDAG, 479, sv Ἰουδαῖος 2.e.β.; NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:19).+9:22Lit that this man.+9:23Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Ac 9:22).+9:25Lit his.+9:26Lit he.+9:28Lit And so he was with/among them going in and out in Jerusalem. ME(I/F) (see NET Bible Notes, Jr 37:4, Ac 9:28; UBSHS [Ac], 197). Cf NET. Cf also CJB and NET at Jr 37:4.+9:29Or Greek-speaking.+9:29Or they were trying to kill him, or they began trying to kill him.+9:31Lit had peace. ME. In this context, “had peace” means that there was a respite from persecution (see BDAG, 287, εἰρήνη 1.b.; UBSHS [Ac], 197).+9:32Lit the holy ones. Cf NCV, NIV, REB.+9:33Lit there.+9:33Or since he was eight years old.+9:34Lit Get up and spread for yourself. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 199). Cf LEB, NET, NIV, NLT.+9:36Lit which being translated is said Dorcas. ME(H)/IT (see BSL, Ac 9:36, sv Δορκάς; UBSHS [Ac], 200). Cf ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV.+9:37Lit in those days. ME. Cf NCV.+9:37Lit in the upper room. ME(H)/IT (see note at Ac 1:13).+9:38Lit in it.+9:38Lit Do not delay to come through to us. ME. Cf most English translations.+9:39Lit to the upper room. ME(H)/IT (see note at Ac 1:13).+9:39Lit tunics.+9:39Cf Ex 22:26-27; Dt 24:12-13.+9:41Lit he.+9:41Lit \it the holy ones it*.+9:42Lit It. Cf HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV.+9:43Lit he.+10:1Lit a centurion. ME(H). A centurion had charge over one hundred soldiers, and their responsibilities “were broadly similar to modern junior officers” ( NET Bible Notes, Mt 8:5).+10:2Lit doing many alms for the people. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+10:3Lit about the third hour of the day. ME(H). Cf, eg, NET, NIV, TEV.+10:3Lit He saw in a vision clearly. ME. Cf TEV.+10:4Or What is it, lord?+10:4Cf Lv 2:9-16; Ps 141:2; Heb 13:15.+10:6Lit with a certain Simon. “Another Simon” has been used in translation so that this Simon is not confused with Peter. Cf NCV.+10:7Lit he.+10:7“God-fearing” has been used instead of “devout” here (cf 10:2), to make it clear for English readers that devotion to God, rather than loyalty to Cornelius, is meant here.+10:9Lit as those ones.+10:9Lit about the sixth hour. ME(H). Cf CJB, HCSB, ISV, NCV, NLT, NIV, TEV.+10:10Lit they.+10:11Or the sky.+10:12Lit in which. Cf NLT.+10:12ME(OTB)/IT. Not all four-footed animals are meant here, but only those that are unclean according to the Torah’s dietary requirements (see v 14). Cf Lv 11. These creatures would have evoked feelings of disgust in a Jew. Since the ritual nature of the defilement/uncleanness is activated here in translation, the words “unclean” or “defiled,” without further qualification, are used in translation from this point forward in the narrative.+10:12Lit four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth. ME(OTB)/IT. Within Biblical classification, “creeping things” ranged from small reptiles with legs, to snakes, to creatures like rats and mice (see L-N, 4.51; NET Bible Notes, Ac 10:12.). Cf Gn 1:30, 6:20.+10:12Lit birds of the sky. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 809, sv πετεινόν; NET Bible Notes, Ac 10:12). Cf CJB, TEV, NET.+10:14Cf Lv 11.+10:15Or has pronounced.+10:16Or This happened a third time. The near demonstrative here may be referring to the number of times God spoke, or to the vision as a whole. For further discussion, see UBSHS (Ac), 209.+10:16Or into the sky.+10:17Lit Now as Peter was at a loss in himself/was perplexed in himself as to what the vision he had seen might possibly be. ME/EFE. The optative is used. See note at Lk 15:26. The same applies here.+10:21“Three of” is drawn from the plural “you,” and the context.+10:21Lit What is the reason because of which you are present? ME. Cf CJB.+10:22Lit They.+10:22Lit a centurion. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Mt 8:5). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+10:22Lit to hear words from you. ME. Cf ESV, CJB, ISV, NCV, NIV, RSV, TEV.+10:23Lit he.+10:23Lit he.+10:23Lit with them.+10:25Lit As it came about Peter to be/about to be entering. ME/IT. Cf CJB, ISV, NLT, TEV.+10:27Lit he.+10:28According to BDAG, ἀθέμιτος ( athemitos) “refers prim.[arily] not to what is forbidden by ordinance but to violation of tradition or common recognition of what is seemly or proper” (see BDAG, 24, sv). The BSL describes it as prohibition in the sense of being “contrary to accepted morality or convention” (see BSL, Ac 10:28, sv). In other words, it was a cultural “taboo” (Stern, JNTC, 10:28). Drawing from Stern in translation here ( Ibid).+10:28Lit come to/approach. ME(H) (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 10:28). Cf NLT. Cf also Lk 7:6; Jn 4:9, 18:28; Ac 10:28, 11:1-3; Ga 2:12.+10:28Or of foreigners, or of outsiders, or of Gentiles. Lit from another tribe. In this context, ἀλλόφυλος ( allophulos) clearly means Gentiles (see BDAG, 48, sv; DBL Greek, #260).+10:28Cf BDAG, 215, sv δείκνυμι 2.+10:28Lit no man/human being.+10:29 I ask, therefore, for what reason…? ME. Cf ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV.+10:30Lit From four days. ME(H) (see UBSHS [Ac], 213). Cf CJB, TEV.+10:30Or at this time. Lit until this hour. Cf CJB, ESV, NLT, NRSV, TEV.+10:30Lit I was praying. ME(H)/IT (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 10:30; UBSHS [Ac], 214). Cf CJB, RSV; NEB in UBSHS (Ac), 214. Cf also Ac 3:1.+10:30Lit at/during the ninth hour. ME(H). Cf, eg, HCSB, NET, NIV.+10:31Lit before. ME (see translation and notes at Re 16:19). Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+10:33Lit and you did well/kindly coming. ME (see BDAG, 505, sv καλῶς 4.a.; NET Bible Notes, Ac 10:33). Cf NET.+10:33Lit all the things commanded/instructed to you by the Lord. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, TEV.+10:34Lit opened his mouth and said. ME(I/F/OTB) (see notes at Mt 5:2; Lk 4:21; Ac 8:35).+10:34Lit that God is not an acceptor of face. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 30.120, 88.238; UBSHS [Mt], 683; UBSHS [Lk], 644; UBSHS [Ac], 215; translation and note at Rm 2:11). Cf NCV and TEV at Rm 2:11.+10:36Lit sons. ME (see, eg, L-N, 11.58).+10:36Lit this one. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT, TEV. Most translations seem to interpret the antecedent of the near demonstrative as referring to the Messiah. While this is certainly possible, if not likely, it is also possible that the antecedent is “God” of v 34/“he” of v 36, in which case Peter is saying that God (the one true God of Israel) is the Lord of all men/things (cf, eg, Jsh 3:11; Ps 97:5; Mic 4:13; Zc 4:14; Rm 3:28-30). This is obviously implied, though, even if the Messiah is the antecedent.+10:36Or over all things.+10:39Lit whom they. “They” here is referring to the authorities in Jerusalem (see Ac 4:27, 5:29; cf also Lk 24:20, Jn 18), who are implied in the mention of “Jerusalem” in the previous clause. Cf NCV.+10:39Dt 21:22+10:40Lit and granted him to be manifest. ME (OTB) (see translation and note at Jn 14:21).+10:42Or preach to. Since the coming judgment forms the content of the message, “warn” is an appropriate gloss here. Cf the NLT at 2 Pt 2:5. Connotations of warning are also activated by διαμαρτύρομαι ( diamarturomai) (see BDAG, 233, sv διαμαρτύρομαι 2), to which κηρύσσω ( kērussō) is closely connected by καὶ ( kai) within a reported speech.+10:42Lit that this one.+10:45Lit who were from the circumcision. ME(H) (see NAC [Ac], 266; Stern, JNTC, Ac 10:45; UBSHS [Ac], 222). Cf the CJB here, as well as the HCSB, ISV, and TEV at Ac 11:2. Since the phrase used here (ἐκ περιτομῆς [ ek peritomēs]) appears again just a few verses later (see Ac 11:2), it almost certainly means the same thing in both places. At this time, attitudes towards Gentiles varied within different factions of Judaism, and apparently these spilled over into the Messianic movement as Jews from different segments within Judaism turned to Jesus.+10:46Or in other languages.+10:46Cf Ac 2.+10:47Lit No one can forbid/prevent the water, for them to be baptized, can he? ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT.+10:48Lit Afterward they.+10:48Lit him.+10:48This implied some measure of fellowship. Cf Ga 2:11-13.+11:1Lit They heard. ME. Cf NLT; L-N, 33.212.+11:2Lit those from the circumcision. ME(H) (see note at Ac 10:44).+11:3Lit saying.+11:5Or from the sky.+11:6Lit creeping things of the earth. ME(OTB)/IT (see note at Ac 10:12).+11:6Lit birds of the sky. ME(I/F) (see note at Ac 10:12).+11:8Cf Lv 11.+11:9Or from the sky.+11:9Or has pronounced.+11:9Lit what God has made/pronounced clean, you must not call/consider common. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+11:10Or This happened a third time. See note at Ac 10:16. The same applies here.+11:10Or into the sky.+11:11Lit the house in which we were. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+11:12Lit the home of the man. ME/IT. Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+11:14Lit who will speak words. ME. Cf CJB, ESV, HCSB, NET, NIV, RSV.+11:15Lit in the to have begun me to speak. This doesn’t mean the exact moment Peter began to talk, but during the early part of his message. Cf CJB.+11:15Or at the beginning. This is a reference to the events of Ac 2.+11:16Lit I remembered the word/utterance of the Lord when he was saying. ME. Cf NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+11:16Or in.+11:17The Greek is a bit ambiguous here. The participle could be adjectival or adverbial, and grammatically it could modify “them,” “us,” or both “them and us.” If the participle is adverbial, it could easily be conceived as a temporal participle or as an adverbial of cause, or as perhaps functioning on both levels. If it is temporal, moreover, the relative time could be antecedent or contemporaneous, which presents difficulties depending on which constituent it is modifying (because technically, the Jewish believers received the Spirit many days after putting their faith in the resurrected Messiah, whereas “faith” and “receiving the Spirit” were more of a contemporaneous experience in the case of Cornelius and his household). Thus, all of the following translations fall within the grammatical boundaries: (1) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us who placed our faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (2) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us when we placed our faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (3) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us after we placed our faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (4) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us when they placed their faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (5) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us after they placed their faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (6) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us after we/when they placed our/their faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (7) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us, because they placed their faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (8) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us, because we placed our faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (9) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us, because they (for their part) and we (for our part) place faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…” (10) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us, placing faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…”; (11) “If God gave them the same gift that he also gave us, having placed faith in the Lord Jesus the Messiah…” It seems unlikely to me that Peter/Luke are making a technical point here, and thus the ambiguity has been maintained in translation. “Upon” accomplishes this well, in my opinion, since notions both of temporality and of causality are within its semantic range. For further discussion, see NET Bible Notes, Ac 11:17.+11:18Lit has given the repentance to/leading to/resulting in/unto life. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 225). Cf TEV; translation and note at Ac 5:31.+11:18Cf Ezk 18:23, 18:32, 33:11.+11:20Or to Hellinized Jews. Lit to the Hellenists. A number of important manuscripts read “Greeks” here (see Robertson, Word Pictures, Ac 11:20). Though Ἑλληνιστής ( hellēnistēs) is used three times in Acts (Ac 6:1, 9:29, and, in a number of important manuscripts, here at Ac 11:20 as well), it “is not found either in Greek or Hellenistic Jewish literature” ( TDNT, 2:511). Its various uses in Acts indicate that its precise meaning is highly dependent on context. In Ac 6:1, it refers to a segment of Jewish believers, and in 9:29 it refers to adversarial, non-believing Jews who spoke Greek. Although in this context it could possibly mean Greek-speaking Jews, it most likely means Hellenized non-Jewish peoples. For further discussion, see NAC (Ac), 270; TDNT, 2:508-12.+11:21Lit hand. ME(I/F) (see note at Ac 7:35). Cf NLT, TEV.+11:22Lit The word was heard in the ears of the assembly in Jerusalem ME (see NET Bible Notes, Ac 11:22; UBSHS [Ac], 227). Cf NCV, NET, TEV.+11:22Or concerning them.+11:23Lit with purpose/resolve/plan of heart. ME(I/F) (see BSL, Ac 11:23, sv πρόθεσις; UBSHS [Ac], 228).+11:24Lit were added to. ME (see UBSHS [Ac], 228). Cf ISV, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+11:25Lit he.+11:26Lit they.+11:26Or were the guests of the assembly.+11:26Traditionally “Christians” (a transliteration). ME(H) (see FSB, Ac 11:26; HNTC [Ac], 181; NAC [Ac], 273; UBSHS [Ac], 228).+11:27Lit In these days. ME. Cf CJB, NIV, NLT.+11:28Or the whole inhabited earth.+11:28Lit which.+11:29Lit Now the disciples, according as someone was prospering/had financial means, each of them determined to send for support/service to the brothers who lived in Jerusalem. ME (see BDAG, 410, sv εὐπορέω; NAC [Ac], 275; UBSHS [Ac], 230). εἰς διακονίαν ( eis diakonian) is in P2 (see BART Display and LDGNT), and therefore this element has been placed in clause-final within the ME for extra focus and stress.+11:30Lit which also.+11:30Lit by the hand of. ME(I/F) (see L-N, 9.17; UBSHS [Ac], 230).
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