Net English TranslationActs 16 =
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
16

1 He also came to Derbe1 and to Lystra.2 A disciple3 named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer,4 but whose father was a Greek.5 2 The brothers in Lystra6 and Iconium7 spoke well8 of him.9 3 Paul wanted Timothy10 to accompany him, and he took11 him and circumcised12 him because of the Jews who were in those places,13 for they all knew that his father was Greek.14 4 As they went through the towns,15 they passed on16 the decrees that had been decided on by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem17 for the Gentile believers18 to obey.19 5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.20

Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian Man

6 They went through the region of Phrygia21 and Galatia,22 having been prevented23 by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message24 in the province of Asia.25 7 When they came to26 Mysia,27 they attempted to go into Bithynia,28 but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow29 them to do this,30 8 so they passed through31 Mysia32 and went down to Troas.33 9 A34 vision appeared to Paul during the night: A Macedonian man was standing there35 urging him,36 “Come over37 to Macedonia38 and help us!” 10 After Paul39 saw the vision, we attempted40 immediately to go over to Macedonia,41 concluding that God had called42 us to proclaim the good news to them.

Arrival at Philippi

11 We put out to sea43 from Troas44 and sailed a straight course45 to Samothrace,46 the next day to Neapolis,47 12 and from there to Philippi,48 which is a leading city of that district49 of Macedonia,50 a Roman colony.51 We stayed in this city for some days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the side of the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down52 and began to speak53 to the women54 who had assembled there.55 14 A56 woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth57 from the city of Thyatira,58 a God-fearing woman, listened to us.59 The Lord opened her heart to respond60 to what Paul was saying. 15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us,61 “If62 you consider me to be a believer in the Lord,63 come and stay in my house.” And she persuaded64 us.

Paul and Silas Are Thrown Into Prison

16 Now65 as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit that enabled her to foretell the future by supernatural means.66 She67 brought her owners68 a great profit by fortune-telling.69 17 She followed behind Paul and us and kept crying out,70 “These men are servants71 of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way72 of salvation.”73 18 She continued to do this for many days. But Paul became greatly annoyed,74 and turned75 and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ76 to come out of her!” And it came out of her at once.77 19 But when her owners78 saw their hope of profit79 was gone, they seized80 Paul and Silas and dragged81 them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When82 they had brought them83 before the magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion.84 They are85 Jews 21 and are advocating86 customs that are not lawful for us to accept87 or practice,88 since we are89 Romans.”

22 The crowd joined the attack90 against them, and the magistrates tore the clothes91 off Paul and Silas92 and ordered them to be beaten with rods.93 23 After they had beaten them severely,94 they threw them into prison and commanded95 the jailer to guard them securely. 24 Receiving such orders, he threw them in the inner cell96 and fastened their feet in the stocks.97

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying98 and singing hymns to God,99 and the rest of100 the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds101 of all the prisoners came loose. 27 When the jailer woke up102 and saw the doors of the prison standing open,103 he drew his sword and was about to kill himself,104 because he assumed105 the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul called out loudly,106 “Do not harm yourself,107 for we are all here!” 29 Calling for lights, the jailer108 rushed in and fell down109 trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside110 and asked, “Sirs, what must111 I do to be saved?” 31 They replied,112 “Believe113 in the Lord Jesus114 and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then115 they spoke the word of the Lord116 to him, along with all those who were in his house. 33 At117 that hour of the night he took them118 and washed their wounds;119 then120 he and all his family121 were baptized right away.122 34 The jailer123 brought them into his house and set food124 before them, and he rejoiced greatly125 that he had come to believe126 in God, together with his entire household.127 35 At daybreak128 the magistrates129 sent their police officers,130 saying, “Release those men.” 36 The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying,131 “The magistrates have sent orders132 to release you. So come out now and go in peace.”133 37 But Paul said to the police officers,134 “They had us beaten in public135 without a proper trial136 – even though we are Roman citizens137 – and they threw us138 in prison. And now they want to send us away139 secretly? Absolutely not! They140 themselves must come and escort us out!”141 38 The police officers reported these words to the magistrates. They were frightened when they heard Paul and Silas142 were Roman citizens143 39 and came144 and apologized to them. After145 they brought them out, they asked them repeatedly146 to leave the city. 40 When they came out of the prison, they entered Lydia’s house, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and then147 departed.

116:1sn Derbe was a city in Lycaonia about 35 mi (60 km) southeast of Lystra. It was about 90 mi (145 km) from Tarsus.map For location see JP1-E2; JP2-E2; JP3-E2. 216:1sn Lystra was a city in Lycaonia about 25 mi (40 km) south of Iconium.map For location see JP1-E2; JP2-E2; JP3-E2. 316:1tn Grk “And behold, a disciple.” Here ἰδού (idou) has not been translated. 416:1tn L&N 31.103 translates this phrase “the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer.” 516:1sn His father was a Greek. Timothy was the offspring of a mixed marriage between a Jewish woman (see 2 Tim 1:5) and a Gentile man. On mixed marriages in Judaism, see Neh 13:23-27; Ezra 9:1-10:44; Mal 2:10-16; Jub. 30:7-17; m. Qiddushin 3.12; m. Yevamot 7.5. 616:2sn Lystra was a city in Lycaonia about 25 mi (40 km) south of Iconium. 716:2sn Iconium was a city in Lycaonia about 110 mi (175 km) east of Pisidian Antioch. 816:2tn For this sense of μαρτυρέω (marturew), see BDAG 618 s.v. 2.b. 916:2tn Grk “who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.” Because of the awkwardness in English of having two relative clauses follow one another (“who was a believer…who was well spoken of”) and the awkwardness of the passive verb (“was well spoken of”), the relative pronoun at the beginning of 16:2 (“who”) has been translated as a pronoun (“him”) and the construction converted from passive to active at the same time a new sentence was started in the translation. 1016:3tn Grk “this one”; the referent (Timothy) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 1116:3tn Grk “and taking him he circumcised him.” The participle λαβών (labwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Paul’s cultural sensitivity showed in his action here. He did not want Timothy’s lack of circumcision to become an issue (1 Cor 9:15-23). 1216:3tn The verb περιέτεμεν (perietemen) here may be understood as causative (cf. ExSyn 411-12) if Paul did not personally perform the circumcision. 1316:3tn Or “who lived in the area.” 1416:3tn The anarthrous predicate nominative has been translated as qualitative (“Greek”) rather than indefinite (“a Greek”).sn His father was Greek. Under Jewish law at least as early as the 2nd century, a person was considered Jewish if his or her mother was Jewish. It is not certain whether such a law was in effect in the 1st century, but even if it was, Timothy would not have been accepted as fully Jewish because he was not circumcised. 1516:4tn Or “cities.” 1616:4tn BDAG 762-63 s.v. παραδίδωμι 3 has “they handed down to them the decisions to observe Ac 16:4.” 1716:4map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4. 1816:4tn Grk “for them”; the referent (Gentile believers) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 1916:4tn Or “observe” or “follow.” 2016:5tn BDAG 437 s.v. ἡμέρα 2.c has “every day” for this phrase. 2116:6sn Phrygia was a district in central Asia Minor west of Pisidia. 2216:6sn Galatia refers to either (1) the region of the old kingdom of Galatia in the central part of Asia Minor (North Galatia), or (2) the Roman province of Galatia, whose principal cities in the 1st century were Ancyra and Pisidian Antioch (South Galatia). The exact extent and meaning of this area has been a subject of considerable controversy in modern NT studies. 2316:6tn Or “forbidden.” 2416:6tn Or “word.” 2516:6tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia. 2616:7tn BDAG 511 s.v. κατά B.1.b has “to Mysia” here. 2716:7sn Mysia was a province in northwest Asia Minor. 2816:7sn Bithynia was a province in northern Asia Minor northeast of Mysia. 2916:7tn Or “permit”; see BDAG 269 s.v. ἐάω 1. 3016:7tn The words “do this” are not in the Greek text, but are supplied for stylistic reasons, since English handles ellipses differently than Greek. 3116:8tn Although the normal meaning for παρέρχομαι (parercomai) is “pass by, go by,” it would be difficult to get to Troas from where Paul and his companions were without going through rather than around Mysia. BDAG 776 s.v. παρέρχομαι 6 list some nonbiblical examples of the meaning “go through, pass through,” and give that meaning for the usage here. 3216:8sn Mysia was a province in northwest Asia Minor. 3316:8sn Troas was a port city (and surrounding region) on the northwest coast of Asia Minor, near ancient Troy. 3416:9tn Grk “And a.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 3516:9tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. 3616:9tn The participle λέγων (legwn) is redundant and has not been translated. 3716:9tn Grk “Coming over.” The participle διαβάς (diabas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 3816:9sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. 3916:10tn Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 4016:10tn Grk “sought.” 4116:10sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. 4216:10tn Or “summoned.” 4316:11tn BDAG 62 s.v. ἀνάγω 4, “as a nautical t.t. (ἀ. τὴν ναῦν put a ship to sea), mid. or pass. ἀνάγεσθαι to begin to go by boat, put out to sea.” 4416:11sn Troas was a port city (and surrounding region) on the northwest coast of Asia Minor. See v. 8. 4516:11tn BDAG 406 s.v. εὐθυδρομέω has “of a ship run a straight course” here; L&N 54.3 has “to sail a straight course, sail straight to.” 4616:11sn Samothrace is an island in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. 4716:11sn Neapolis was a seaport on the southern coast of Macedonia. It was 10 mi (16 km) from Philippi. 4816:12map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1. 4916:12tc ‡ Or perhaps, “a city in the first district” (there are a number of textual variants). L&N 1.85 follow the text of UBS4 and NA27 here: “In Ac 16:12…the Greek New Testament published by the United Bible Societies has adopted a conjectural emendation, since the more traditional text, πρώτη τῆς μερίδος, literally ‘first of the district,’ is not only misleading in meaning but does not reflect the historical fact that Philippi was a city in one of the four districts of Macedonia but was not a capital city.” The original text is probably πρώτη τῆς μερίδος (prwth th" merido", “first of that district”) as found in Ì74 א A C Ψ 33vid 36 81 323 945 1175 1891 pc. This has traditionally been translated to give the impression that Philippi was the capital city of the district, but it does not necessarily have to be translated this way. The translation of the article before μερίδος as “that” acknowledges that there were other districts in the province of Macedonia. 5016:12sn Macedonia was the Roman province of Macedonia in Greece. 5116:12sn A Roman colony was a city whose residents were regarded as Roman citizens, since such cities were originally colonized by citizens of Rome. From Troas to Philippi was 130 mi (208 km). 5216:13tn Grk “and sitting down we began to speak.” The participle καθίσαντες (kaqisante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 5316:13tn The imperfect verb ἐλαλοῦμεν (elaloumen) has been translated as an ingressive imperfect. 5416:13sn To the women. Apparently there were not enough Jews present in Philippi to have a synagogue (ten men would have been required to have one). 5516:13tn The word “there” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. 5616:14tn Grk “And a.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 5716:14tn On the term translated “a dealer in purple cloth” see BDAG 855 s.v. πορφυρόπωλις. 5816:14sn Thyatira was a city in the province of Lydia in Asia Minor. 5916:14tn The words “to us” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 6016:14tn Although BDAG 880 s.v. προσέχω 2.b gives the meaning “pay attention to” here, this could be misunderstood by the modern English reader to mean merely listening intently. The following context, however, indicates that Lydia responded positively to Paul’s message, so the verb here was translated “to respond.”sn Lydia is one of several significant women in Acts (see 17:4, 12, 34; 18:20). 6116:15tn Grk “urged us, saying.” The participle λέγουσα (legousa) is redundant in English and has not been translated. 6216:15tn This is a first class condition in Greek, with the statement presented as real or true for the sake of the argument. 6316:15tn Or “faithful to the Lord.” BDAG 821 s.v. πίστος 2 states concerning this verse, “Of one who confesses the Christian faith believing or a believer in the Lord, in Christ, in God πιστ. τῷ κυρίῳ Ac 16:15.” L&N 11.17 has “one who is included among the faithful followers of Christ – ‘believer, Christian, follower.’” 6416:15tn Although BDAG 759 s.v. παραβιάζομαι has “urge strongly, prevail upon,” in contemporary English “persuade” is a more frequently used synonym for “prevail upon.” 6516:16tn Grk “Now it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated. 6616:16tn Or “who had a spirit of divination”; Grk “who had a spirit of Python.” According to BDAG 896-97 s.v. πύθων, originally Πύθων (Puqwn) was the name of the serpent or dragon that guarded the Delphic oracle. According to Greek mythology, it lived at the foot of Mount Parnassus and was killed by Apollo. From this, the word came to designate a person who was thought to have a spirit of divination. Pagan generals, for example, might consult someone like this. So her presence here suggests a supernatural encounter involving Paul and her “spirit.” W. Foerster, TDNT 6:920, connects the term with ventriloquism but states: “We must assume, however, that for this girl, as for those mentioned by Origen…, the art of ventriloquism was inseparably connected with a (supposed or authentic) gift of soothsaying.” It should also be noted that if the girl in question here were only a ventriloquist, the exorcism performed by Paul in v. 18 would not have been effective. 6716:16tn Grk “who.” Because of the awkwardness in English of having two relative clauses follow one another (“who had a spirit…who brought her owners a great profit”) the relative pronoun here (“who”) has been translated as a pronoun (“she”) and a new sentence begun in the translation. 6816:16tn Or “masters.” 6916:16tn On this term see BDAG 616 s.v. μαντεύομαι. It was used of those who gave oracles. 7016:17tn Grk “crying out, saying”; the participle λέγουσα (legousa) is redundant in English and has not been translated. The imperfect verb ἔκραζεν (ekrazen) has been translated as a progressive imperfect. 7116:17tn Grk “slaves.” See the note on the word “servants” in 2:18. The translation “servants” was used here because in this context there appears to be more emphasis on the activity of Paul and his companions (“proclaiming to you the way of salvation”) than on their status as “slaves of the Most High God.” 7216:17tn Or “a way.” The grammar of this phrase is a bit ambiguous. The phrase in Greek is ὁδὸν σωτηρίας (Jodon swthria"). Neither the head noun nor the genitive noun has the article; this is in keeping with Apollonius’ Canon (see ExSyn 239-40). Since both nouns are anarthrous, this construction also fits Apollonius’ Corollary (see ExSyn 250-54); since the genitive noun is abstract it is most naturally qualitative, so the head noun could either be definite or indefinite without being unusual as far as the grammar is concerned. Luke’s usage of ὁδός elsewhere is indecisive as far as this passage is concerned. However, when one looks at the historical background it is clear that (1) the woman is shut up (via exorcism) not because her testimony is false but because of its source (analogous to Jesus’ treatment of demons perhaps), and (b) “the way” is a par excellence description of the new faith throughout Acts. It thus seems that at least in Luke’s presentation “the way of salvation” is the preferred translation. 7316:17sn Proclaiming to you the way of salvation. The remarks were an ironic recognition of Paul’s authority, but he did not desire such a witness, possibly for fear of confusion. Her expression the Most High God might have been understood as Zeus by the audience. 7416:18tn Grk “becoming greatly annoyed.” The participle διαπονηθείς (diaponhqei") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. The aorist has been translated as an ingressive aorist (entry into a state or condition). See BDAG 235 s.v. διαπονέομαι. 7516:18tn Grk “and turning.” The participle ἐπιστρέψας (epistreya") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 7616:18tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.” 7716:18tn BDAG 1102-3 s.v. ὥρα 2.c has “at that very time, at once, instantly” for the usage in this verse. 7816:19tn Or “masters.” 7916:19tn On this use of ἐργασία (ergasia), see BDAG 390 s.v. 4. It is often the case that destructive practices and commerce are closely tied together. 8016:19tn Grk “was gone, seizing.” The participle ἐπιλαβόμενοι (epilabomenoi) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 8116:19tn On the term ἕλκω ({elkw) see BDAG 318 s.v. 1. 8216:20tn Grk “And when.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 8316:20tn Grk “having brought them.” The participle ἐπιλαβόμενοι (epilabomenoi) has been taken temporally. It is also possible in English to translate this participle as a finite verb: “they brought them before the magistrates and said.” 8416:20tn BDAG 309 s.v. ἐκταράσσω has “agitate, cause trouble to, throw into confusion” for the meaning of this verb. 8516:20tn Grk “being Jews, and they are proclaiming.” The participle ὑπάρχοντες (Juparconte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 8616:21tn Grk “proclaiming,” but in relation to customs, “advocating” is a closer approximation to the meaning. 8716:21tn Or “acknowledge.” 8816:21sn Customs that are not lawful for us to accept or practice. Ironically, the charges are similar to those made against Jesus in Luke 23:2, where Jews argued he was “twisting” their customs. The charge has three elements: (1) a racial element (Jewish); (2) a social element (unlawful); and (3) a traditional element (not their customs). 8916:21tn Grk “we being Romans.” The participle οὖσιν (ousin) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle. 9016:22tn L&N 39.50 has “the crowd joined the attack against them” for συνεπέστη (sunepesth) in this verse. 9116:22tn Grk “tearing the clothes off them, the magistrates ordered.” The participle περιρήξαντες (perirhxante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Although it may be possible to understand the aorist active participle περιρήξαντες in a causative sense (“the magistrates caused the clothes to be torn off Paul and Silas”) in the mob scene that was taking place, it is also possible that the magistrates themselves actively participated. This act was done to prepare them for a public flogging (2 Cor 11:25; 1 Thess 2:2). 9216:22tn Grk “off them”; the referents (Paul and Silas) have been specified in the translation for clarity. 9316:22tn The infinitive ῥαβδίζειν (rJabdizein) means “to beat with rods or sticks” (as opposed to fists or clubs, BDAG 902 s.v. ῥαβδίζω). 9416:23tn Grk “Having inflicted many blows on them.” The participle ἐπιθέντες (epiqente") has been taken temporally. BDAG 384 s.v. ἐπιτίθημι 1.a.β has “inflict blows upon someone” for this expression, but in this context it is simpler to translate in English as “they had beaten them severely.” 9516:23tn Grk “commanding.” The participle παραγγείλαντες (parangeilante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 9616:24tn Or “prison.” 9716:24tn L&N 6.21 has “stocks” for εἰς τὸ ξύλον (ei" to xulon) here, as does BDAG 685 s.v. ξύλον 2.b. However, it is also possible (as mentioned in L&N 18.12) that this does not mean “stocks” but a block of wood (a log or wooden column) in the prison to which prisoners’ feet were chained or tied. Such a possibility is suggested by v. 26, where the “bonds” (“chains”?) of the prisoners loosened. 9816:25tn Grk “praying, were singing.” The participle προσευχόμενοι (proseucomenoi) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 9916:25sn Praying and singing hymns to God. Tertullian said, “The legs feel nothing in the stocks when the heart is in heaven” (To the Martyrs 2; cf. Rom 5:3; Jas 1:2; 1 Pet 5:6). The presence of God means the potential to be free (cf. v. 26). 10016:25tn The words “the rest of” are not in the Greek text, but are implied. 10116:26tn Or perhaps, “chains.” The translation of τὰ δεσμά (ta desma) is to some extent affected by the understanding of ξύλον (xulon, “stocks”) in v. 24. It is possible (as mentioned in L&N 18.12) that this does not mean “stocks” but a block of wood (a log or wooden column) in the prison to which prisoners’ feet were chained or tied. 10216:27tn L&N 23.75 has “had awakened” here. It is more in keeping with contemporary English style, however, to keep the two verbal ideas parallel in terms of tense (“when the jailer woke up and saw”) although logically the second action is subsequent to the first. 10316:27tn The additional semantic component “standing” is supplied (“standing open”) to convey a stative nuance in English. 10416:27sn Was about to kill himself. The jailer’s penalty for failing to guard the prisoners would have been death, so he contemplated saving the leaders the trouble (see Acts 12:19; 27:42). 10516:27tn Or “thought.” 10616:28tn Grk “But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying.” The dative phrase μεγάλῃ φωνῇ (megalh fwnh) has been simplified as an English adverb (“loudly”), and the participle λέγων (legwn) has not been translated since it is redundant in English. 10716:28sn Do not harm yourself. Again the irony is that Paul is the agent through whom the jailer is spared. 10816:29tn Grk “he”; the referent (the jailer) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 10916:29tn Or “and prostrated himself.”sn Fell down. The earthquake and the freeing of the prisoners showed that God’s power was present. Such power could only be recognized. The open doors opened the jailer’s heart. 11016:30tn Grk “And bringing them outside, he asked.” The participle προαγαγών (proagagwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun by supplying the conjunction “then” to indicate the logical sequence. 11116:30tn The Greek term (δεῖ, dei) is used by Luke to represent divine necessity. 11216:31tn Grk “said.” 11316:31sn Here the summary term of response is a call to believe. In this context it refers to trusting the sovereign God’s power to deliver, which events had just pictured for the jailer. 11416:31tc The majority of mss add Χριστόν (Criston, “Christ”) here (C D E Ψ 1739 Ï sy sa), but the best and earliest witnesses read simply τὸν κύριον ᾿Ιησοῦν (ton kurion Ihsoun, “the Lord Jesus”; Ì74vid א A B 33 81 pc bo). The addition of “Christ” to “Lord Jesus” is an obviously motivated reading. Thus on both external and internal grounds, the shorter reading is strongly preferred. 11516:32tn Grk “And they.” Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the continuity with the preceding verse. Greek style often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” but English style does not. 11616:32sn The word of the Lord is a technical expression in OT literature, often referring to a divine prophetic utterance (e.g., Gen 15:1, Isa 1:10, Jonah 1:1). In the NT it occurs 15 times: 3 times as ῥῆμα τοῦ κυρίου (rJhma tou kuriou; Luke 22:61, Acts 11:16, 1 Pet 1:25) and 12 times as λόγος τοῦ κυρίου (logo" tou kuriou; here and in Acts 8:25; 13:44, 48, 49; 15:35, 36; 19:10, 20; 1 Thess 1:8, 4:15; 2 Thess 3:1). As in the OT, this phrase focuses on the prophetic nature and divine origin of what has been said. 11716:33tn Grk “And at.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here. 11816:33tn Grk “taking them…he washed.” The participle παραλαβών (paralabwn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 11916:33tn On this phrase BDAG 603 s.v. λούω 1 gives a literal translation as “by washing he freed them from the effects of the blows.” 12016:33tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the logical sequence. 12116:33sn All his family. It was often the case in the ancient world that conversion of the father led to the conversion of all those in the household. 12216:33tn Or “immediately.” 12316:34tn Grk “He”; the referent (the jailer) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 12416:34tn Grk “placed [food] on the table” (a figurative expression). Since the actual word for food is not specified, it would also be possible to translate “set a meal before them,” but since this is taking place in the middle of the night, the preparations necessary for a full meal would probably not have been made. More likely Paul and Silas were given whatever was on hand that needed little or no preparation. 12516:34tn Or “he was overjoyed.” 12616:34tn The translation “come to believe” reflects more of the resultative nuance of the perfect tense here. 12716:34tn The phrase “together with his entire household” is placed at the end of the English sentence so that it refers to both the rejoicing and the belief. A formal equivalence translation would have “and he rejoiced greatly with his entire household that he had come to believe in God,” but the reference to the entire household being baptized in v. 33 presumes that all in the household believed. 12816:35tn The translation “day is breaking” for ἡμέρα γίνεται (Jhmera ginetai) in this verse is given by BDAG 436 s.v. ἡμέρα 1.a. 12916:35tn On the term translated “magistrates,” see BDAG 947-48 s.v. στρατηγός 1. These city leaders were properly called duoviri, but were popularly known as praetors (στρατηγοί, strathgoi). They were the chief officials of Philippi. The text leaves the impression that they came to the decision to release Paul and Silas independently. God was at work everywhere. 13016:35tn On the term ῥαβδοῦχος (rJabdouco") see BDAG 902 s.v. The term was used of the Roman lictor and roughly corresponds to contemporary English “constable, policeman.” 13116:36tn The word “saying” is not in the Greek text, but is implied; it is necessary in English because the content of what the jailer said to Paul and Silas is not the exact message related to him by the police officers, but is a summary with his own additions. 13216:36tn The word “orders” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects in Greek were often omitted when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 13316:36tn Grk “So coming out now go in peace.” The participle ἐξελθόντες (exelqonte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 13416:37tn Grk “to them”; the referent (the police officers) has been specified in the translation for clarity. 13516:37tn Grk “Having us beaten in public.” The participle δείραντες (deirante") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 13616:37tn Or “in public, uncondemned.” BDAG 35 s.v. ἀκατάκριτος has “uncondemned, without due process” for this usage. 13716:37tn The participle ὑπάρχοντας (Juparconta") has been translated as a concessive adverbial participle. 13816:37tn The word “us” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. 13916:37tn L&N 28.71 has “send us away secretly” for this verse. 14016:37tn Grk “But they.” 14116:37sn They themselves must come and escort us out! Paul was asking for the injustice he and Silas suffered to be symbolically righted. It was a way of publicly taking their actions off the record and showing the apostles’ innocence, a major public statement. Note the apology given in v. 39. 14216:38tn Grk “heard they”; the referents (Paul and Silas) have been specified in the translation for clarity. 14316:38sn Roman citizens. This fact was disturbing to the officials because due process was a right for a Roman citizen, well established in Roman law. To flog a Roman citizen was considered an abomination. Such punishment was reserved for noncitizens. 14416:39tn Grk “and coming, they apologized.” The participle ἐλθόντες (elqonte") has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. 14516:39tn Grk “and after.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun. 14616:39tn The verb ἐρώτων (erwtwn) has been translated as an iterative imperfect; the English adverb “repeatedly” brings out the iterative force in the translation. 14716:40tn “Then” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to clarify the logical sequence in the translation.
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