Acts 22–23

Footnotes

1. 1 Listen to my defense. This is the first of several speeches Paul would make in his own defense: Acts 24:10ff.; 25:8, 16; and 26:1ff. For the use of such a speech (“apologia”) in Greek, see Josephus, 2.15 [2.147]; Wis 6:10.
2. 2 The adverb νυνί (nuni, “now”) is connected with the phrase τῆς πρὸς ὑμᾶς νυνὶ ἀπολογίας (tēs pros humas nuni apologias) rather than the verb ἀκούσατε (akousate), and the entire construction (prepositional phrase plus adverb) is in first attributive position and thus translated into English by a relative clause.
3. 3 ἀκούσαντες (akousantes) has been taken temporally.
4. 4 Or “spoke out to.” L&N 33.27 has “to address an audience, with possible emphasis upon loudness—‘to address, to speak out to.’ πολλῆς δέ σιγῆς γενομένης προσεφώνησεν τῇ Ἐβραίδι διαλέκτῳ ‘when they were quiet, he addressed them in Hebrew’ Ac 21:40.”
5. 5 Grk “in the Hebrew language.” See the note on “Aramaic” in .
6. 6 μᾶλλον 1 “ μ. can mean to a greater degree (than before), even more, now more than ever Lk 5:15; Jn 5:18; 19:8; Ac 5:14; 22:2; 2 Cor 7:7.”
7. 7 ἡσυχία 2 has “παρέχειν ἡσυχίαν quiet down, give a hearing … Ac 22:2.” This is best taken as a parenthetical note by the author.
8. 8 Grk “and.” Since this represents a continuation of the speech begun in v. 1, καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the logical sequence.
9. 9 Grk “a Jewish man.”
10. 10 ἀνατρέφω b has “of mental and spiritual nurture bring up, rear, train … ἀνατεθραμμένος ἐν τ. πόλει ταύτῃ 22:3.”
11. 11 Or “with precision.” Although often translated “strictly” this can be misunderstood for “solely” in English. ἀκρίβεια gives the meaning as “exactness, precision.” To avoid the potential misunderstanding the translation “with strictness” is used, although it is slightly more awkward than “strictly.”
12. 12 Grk “strictly at the feet of” (an idiom).
13. 13 Or “brought up in this city under Gamaliel, educated with strictness …” The phrase παρὰ τοὺς πόδας Γαμαλιὴλ (para tous podas Gamaliēl) could be understood with what precedes or with what follows. The punctuation of and , which place a comma after ταύτῃ (tautē), has been followed in the translation. Gamaliel was a famous Jewish scholar and teacher mentioned here and in Acts 5:34. He had a grandson of the same name and is referred to as “Gamaliel the Elder” to avoid confusion. He is quoted a number of times in the , was given the highest possible title for Jewish teachers, Rabba (cf. John 20:16), and was highly regarded in later rabbinic tradition.
14. 14 Or “our forefathers.”
15. 15 Grk “ancestors, being.” The participle ὑπάρχων (huparchōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
16. 16 BDAG 427 ζηλωτής 1.a.α has “of pers.… ζ. τοῦ θεοῦ one who is loyal to God Ac 22:3.”
17. 17 Grk “who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“who”) was translated by the first person pronoun (“I”) and a new sentence begun in the translation.
18. 18 That is, persecuted the Christian movement (Christianity). The Way is also used as a description of the Christian faith in Acts 9:2; 18:25–26; 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22).
19. 19 θάνατος 1.a has “διώκειν ἄχρι θανάτου persecute even to death Ac 22:4.”
20. 20 Grk “binding.” See Acts 8:3.
21. 21 παραδίδωμι 1.b has “W. local εἰς … εἰς φυλακήν put in prison Ac 8:3; cp. 22:4.”
22. 22 That is, the whole Sanhedrin. πρεσβυτέριον has “an administrative group concerned with the interests of a specific community, council of elders—a. of the highest Judean council in Jerusalem, in our lit. usu. called συνέδριον … ὁ ἀρχιερεύς καὶ πᾶν τὸ πρ. Ac 22:5.”
23. 23 Grk “from whom.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was translated by the third person plural pronoun (“them”) and a new sentence begun in the translation.
24. 24 Grk “receiving.” The participle δεξάμενος (dexamenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
25. 25 Grk “letters to the brothers, [and] I was going to Damascus.” Such a translation, however, might be confusing since the term “brother” is frequently used of a fellow Christian. In this context, Paul is speaking about fellow Jews.
26. 26 Grk “even there and bring …” or “there and even bring …” The ascensive καί (kai) shows that Paul was fervent in his zeal against Christians, but it is difficult to translate for it really belongs with the entire idea of arresting and bringing back the prisoners.
27. 27 δέω 1.b has “δεδεμένον ἅγειν τινά bring someone as prisoner … Ac 9:2, 21; 22:5.”
28. 28 Grk “I was going … to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners that they might be punished.” For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
29. 29 Grk “It happened that as.” 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.
30. 30 Grk “going and nearing Damascus.” En route and near Damascus. This is the first retelling of Paul’s Damascus Road experience in Acts (cf. Acts 9:1–9; the second retelling is in Acts 26:9–20).
31. 31 ἱκανός 3.b has “φῶς a very bright light Ac 22:6.”
32. 32 Or “from the sky” (the same Greek word means both “heaven” and “sky”).
33. 33 Or “shone.”
34. 34 This is a continuation of the same sentence in Greek using the connective τέ (te), but due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence a new sentence was begun in the translation here. To indicate the logical sequence for the modern English reader, τέ was translated as “then.”
35. 35 Grk “did not hear” (but see Acts 9:7). ἀκούω 7 has “W. τὸν νόμον understand the law Gal 4:21; perh. Ac 22:9; 26:14 … belong here.” If the word has this sense here, then a metonymy is present, since the lack of effect is put for a failure to appreciate what was heard.
36. 36 Grk “So I said.”
37. 37 Grk “Getting up.” The participle ἀναστάς (anastas) is an adverbial participle of attendant circumstance and has been translated as a finite verb.
38. 38 Grk “about all things.”
39. 39 Or “assigned,” “ordered.” τάσσω 2.a has “act. and pass., foll. by inf.… περὶ πάντων ὧν τέτακταί σοι ποιῆσαι concerning everything that you have been ordered to do 22:10.” There is an allusion to a divine call and commission here.
40. 40 ἀπό 5.a has “οὐκ ἐνέβλεπον ἀπὸ τῆς δόξης τοῦ φωτός I could not see because of the brilliance of the light Ac 22:11.”
41. 41 Or “brightness”; Grk “glory.”
42. 42 Grk “by” (ὑπό, hupo), but this would be too awkward in English following the previous “by.”
43. 43 Grk “a certain Ananias.”
44. 44 The law refers to the law of Moses.
45. 45 κατοικέω 1.a translates this present participle “ὑπὸ πάντων τῶν ( ἐκεῖ) κατοικούντων Ἰουδαίων by all the Jews who live there Ac 22:12.”
46. 46 Grk “coming.” The participle ἐλθών (elthōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
47. 47 Grk “coming to me and standing beside [me] said to me.” The participle ἐπιστάς (epistas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
48. 48 Grk “Brother Saul, look up” (here an idiom for regaining one’s sight). ἀναβλέπω places this usage under 1, “look up Ac 22:13a. W. εἰς αὐτόν to show the direction of the glance … 22:13b; but perh. this vs. belongs under 2a.” 2.a.α states, “of blind persons, who were formerly able to see, regain sight.” The problem for the translator is deciding between the literal and the idiomatic usage and at the same time attempting to retain the wordplay in Acts 22:13: “[Ananias] said to me, ‘Look up!’ and at that very moment I looked up to him.” The assumption of the command is that the effort to look up will be worth it (through the regaining of sight).
49. 49 Grk “hour,” but ὥρα (hōra) is often used for indefinite short periods of time (so ὥρα 2.c: “αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ at that very time, at once, instantly … Lk 2:38, 24:33; Ac 16:18; 22:13”). A comparison with the account in Acts 9:18 indicates that this is clearly the meaning here.
50. 50 Grk “I looked up to him.”
51. 51 Or “forefathers”; Grk “fathers.” The expression God of our ancestors is a description of the God of Israel. The God of promise was at work again.
52. 52 L&N 30.89 has “ ‘to choose in advance, to select beforehand, to designate in advance’ … ‘the God of our ancestors has already chosen you to know his will’ Ac 22:14.”
53. 53 Grk “and to see.” This καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
54. 54 The Righteous One is a reference to Jesus Christ (Acts 3:14).
55. 55 Or “a solemn declaration”; Grk “a voice.” φωνή 2.c states, “that which the voice gives expression to: call, cry, outcry, loud or solemn declaration (… = order, command) … Cp. 22:14; 24:21.”
56. 56 Or “a witness to him.” You will be his witness. See Acts 1:8; 13:31. The following reference to all people stresses all nationalities (Eph 3:7–9; Acts 9:15). Note also v. 21.
57. 57 Grk “all men,” but this is a generic use of ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos).
58. 58 L&N 67.121 has “to extend time unduly, with the implication of lack of decision—‘to wait, to delay.’ νῦν τί μέλλεις … ἀναστὰς βάπτισαι ‘what are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized’ Ac 22:16.”
59. 59 Grk “getting up.” The participle ἀναστάς (anastas) is an adverbial participle of attendant circumstance and has been translated as a finite verb.
60. 60 The expression have your sins washed away means “have your sins purified” (the washing is figurative).
61. 61 The expression calling on his name describes the confession of the believer: Acts 2:17–38, esp. v. 38; Rom 10:12–13; 1 Cor 1:2.
62. 62 Grk “It happened to me 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.
63. 63 ἔκστασις 2 has “γενέσθαι ἐν ἐκστάσει fall into a trance Ac 22:17.”
64. 64 Or “Jesus”; Grk “him.” The referent (the Lord, cf. v. 19) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
65. 65 Grk “And I said.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai, in καγώ [kagō]) has not been translated here.
66. 66 For the distributive sense of the expression κατὰ τὰς συναγωγάς (kata tas sunagōgas) κατά B.1.d has “of places viewed serially, distributive use … κατʼ οἶκαν from house to house … Ac 2:46b; 5:42 … Likew. the … κ. τὰς συναγωγάς 22:19.” See also L&N 37.114. See the note on synagogue in .
67. 67 Now Paul referred to Stephen as your witness, and he himself had also become a witness. The reversal was now complete; the opponent had now become a proponent.
68. 68 When the blood of your witness Stephen was shed means “when your witness Stephen was murdered.”
69. 69 Grk “and approving.” This καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
70. 70 Or “outer garments.” The cloaks. The outer garment, or cloak, was taken off and laid aside to leave the arms free (in this case for throwing stones).
71. 71 Or “who were putting him to death.” For the translation of ἀναιρούντων (anairountōn) as “putting to death” see ἀναιρέω 2.
72. 72 Grk “And.” Since this represents a response to Paul’s reply in v. 19, καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the logical sequence.
73. 73 Grk “They were listening”; the referent (the crowd) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
74. 74 Grk “until this word.” Until he said this. Note it is the mention of Paul’s mission to the Gentiles with its implication of ethnic openness that is so disturbing to the audience.
75. 75 Grk “And.” To indicate the logical sequence, καί (kai) has been translated as “then” here.
76. 76 Grk “and said.”
77. 77 Grk “this one.”
78. 78 καθήκω has “to be appropriate, come/reach to, be proper/fitting … Usu. impers. καθήκει it comes (to someone) … foll. by and inf.… οὐ καθῆκεν αὐτὸν ζῆν he should not be allowed to live Ac 22:22.”
79. 79 The participle κραυγαζόντων (kraugazontōn) has been translated temporally.
80. 80 Or “outer garments.” Their cloaks. The outer garment, or cloak, was taken off and laid aside to leave the arms free (perhaps in this case as preparation for throwing stones).
81. 81 The crowd’s act of tossing dust in the air indicated they had heard something disturbing and offensive. This may have been a symbolic gesture, indicating Paul’s words deserved to be thrown to the wind, or it may have simply resulted from the fact they had nothing else to throw at him at the moment.
82. 82 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). In Greek the term χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos) literally described the “commander of a thousand,” but it was used as the standard translation for the Latin tribunus militum or tribunus militare, the military tribune who commanded a cohort of 600 men.
83. 83 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
84. 84 Or “the headquarters.” παρεμβολή 2 has “barracks/headquarters of the Roman troops in Jerusalem Ac 21:34, 37; 22:24; 23:10, 16, 32.”
85. 85 Grk “into the barracks, saying.” This is a continuation of the same sentence in Greek using the participle εἴπας (eipas), but due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence a new sentence was begun in the translation here. The direct object “them” has been supplied; it is understood in Greek.
86. 86 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
87. 87 To interrogate Paul by beating him with a lash. Under the Roman legal system it was customary to use physical torture to extract confessions or other information from prisoners who were not Roman citizens and who were charged with various crimes, especially treason or sedition. The lashing would be done with a whip of leather thongs with pieces of metal or bone attached to the ends.
88. 88 Grk “they”; the referent (the crowd) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
89. 89 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
90. 90 Grk “for the thongs” (of which the lash was made). Although often translated as a dative of means (“with thongs”), referring to thongs used to tie the victim to the whipping post, ἱμάς states that it “is better taken as a of purpose for the thongs, in which case οἱ ἱμάντες = whips (Posidonius: 87 fgm. 5 Jac.; POxy. 1186, 2 τὴν διὰ τῶν ἱμάντων αἰκείαν.—Antiphanes 74, 8, Demosth. 19, 197 and Artem. 1, 70 use the sing. in this way).”
91. 91 See the note on the word centurion in .
92. 92 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity.
93. 93 Or “a Roman citizen and uncondemned.” ἀκατάκριτος has “uncondemned, without due process” for this usage. The fact that Paul was a Roman citizen protected him from being tortured to extract information; such protections were guaranteed by the Porcian and Julian law codes. In addition, the fact Paul had not been tried exempted him from punishment.
94. 94 See the note on the word centurion in .
95. 95 The word “this” 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.
96. 96 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
97. 97 The word “it” 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.
98. 98 Or perhaps, “What do you intend to do?” Although μέλλω 1.c.α lists this phrase under the category “be about to, be on the point of,” it is possible it belongs under 1.c.γ, “denoting an intended action: intend, propose, have in mind … τί μέλλεις ποιεῖν; what do you intend to do?”
99. 99 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity.
100. 100 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
101. 101 Grk “and said to.”
102. 102 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
103. 103 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity.
104. 104 Grk “He said.”
105. 105 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
106. 106 Sometimes Roman citizenship was purchased through a bribe (Dio Cassius, Roman History 60.17.4–9). That may well have been the case here.
107. 107 καί 2.b has “intensive: even … Ac 5:39; 22:28.”
108. 108 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity. Paul’s reference to being born a citizen suggests he inherited his Roman citizenship from his family.
109. 109 Grk “Paul said.” This phrase has been placed at the end of the sentence in the translation for stylistic reasons.
110. 110 ἀφίστημι 2.b has “keep away … ἀπό τινος … Lk 4:13; Ac 5:38; 2 Cor 12:8 … cp. Ac 22:29.” In context, the point would seem to be not that the interrogators departed or withdrew, but that they held back from continuing the flogging.
111. 111 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
112. 112 Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
113. 113 This is a present tense (ἐστιν, estin) retained in indirect discourse. It must be translated as a past tense in contemporary English.
114. 114 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity.
115. 115 Had him tied up. Perhaps a reference to the chains in Acts 21:33, or the preparations for the lashing in Acts 22:25. A trial would now be needed to resolve the matter. The Roman authorities’ hesitation to render a judgment in the case occurs repeatedly: Acts 22:30; 23:28–29; 24:22; 25:20, 26–27. The legal process begun here would take the rest of Acts and will be unresolved at the end. The process itself took four years of Paul’s life.
116. 116 Grk “he”; the referent (the commanding officer) has been supplied here in the translation for clarity.
117. 117 Grk “the certainty, why.” BDAG 147 ἀσφαλής 2 has “τὸ ἀ. the certainty = the truth (in ref. to ferreting out the facts … ἵνα τὸ ἀ. ἐπιγνῶ) γνῶναι 21:34; 22:30.”
118. 118 Grk “he”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
119. 119 Grk “the whole Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
120. 120 Grk “and bringing.” The participle καταγαγών (katagagōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was begun in the translation, and καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to clarify the logical sequence.
121. 1 Grk “Paul, looking directly at the council, said.” The participle ἀτενίσας (atenisas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
122. 2 Grk “the Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
123. 3 πολιτεύομαι 3 has “W. a double συνειδήσει ἀγαθῇ πεπολίτευμαι τῷ θεῷ I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God Ac 23:1.”
124. 4 Grk “and” (δέ, de); the phrase “at that” has been used in the translation to clarify the cause and effect relationship.
125. 5 BDAG 778 παρίστημι/παριστάνω 2.b.α has “οἱ παρεστῶτες αὐτῷ those standing near him Ac 23:2.”
126. 6 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
127. 7 Or “hit” (‘strike’ maintains the wordplay with the following verse). The action was probably designed to indicate a rejection of Paul’s claim to a clear conscience in the previous verse.
128. 8 You whitewashed wall. This was an idiom for hypocrisy—just as the wall was painted on the outside but something different on the inside, so this person was not what he appeared or pretended to be (L&N 88.234; see also τοῖχος). Paul was claiming that the man’s response was two-faced (Ezek 13:10–16; Matt 23:27–28). See also Deut 28:22.
129. 9 Grk “And do.” 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.
130. 10 The law refers to the law of Moses.
131. 11 παρανομέω has “παρανομῶν κελεύεις in violation of the law you order Ac 23:3.” In violation of the law. Paul was claiming that punishment was given before the examination was complete ( Sanhedrin 3:6–8). Luke’s noting of this detail shows how quickly the leadership moved to react against Paul.
132. 12 The word “him” is not in the Greek text but is implied.
133. 13 L&N 33.393 has for λοιδορέω (loidoreō) “to speak in a highly insulting manner—‘to slander, to insult strongly, slander, insult.’ ” Insult God’s high priest. Paul was close to violation of the Mosaic law with his response, as the citation from Exod 22:28 in v. 5 makes clear.
134. 14 Grk “said.”
135. 15 Or “know.”
136. 16 A quotation from Exod 22:28. This text defines a form of blasphemy. Paul, aware of the fact that he came close to crossing the line, backed off out of respect for the law.
137. 17 γινώσκω 4 has “to be aware of someth., perceive, notice, realize”; this is further clarified by section 4.c: “w. ὅτι foll.… Ac 23:6.”
138. 18 See the note on Sadducees in .
139. 19 See the note on Pharisee in .
140. 20 Grk “the Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
141. 21 That is, concerning the hope that the dead will be resurrected. Grk “concerning the hope and resurrection.” ἐλπίς 1.b.α states, “Of Israel’s messianic hope Ac 23:6 (ἐ. καὶ ἀνάστασις for ἐ. τῆς ἀν. [obj. gen] as 2 Macc 3:29 ἐ. καὶ σωτηρία).” With an objective genitive construction, the resurrection of the dead would be the “object” of the hope.
142. 22 The participle εἰπόντος (eipontos) has been translated temporally.
143. 23 Or “a dispute” ( στάσις 3).
144. 24 Grk “there came about an argument.” This has been simplified to “an argument began”
145. 25 ἀμφότεροι 2 has “all, even when more than two are involved … Φαρισαῖοι ὁμολογοῦσιν τὰ ἀ. believe in them all 23:8.” On this belief see Josephus, 2.8.14 (2.163); 18.1.3 (18.14). This is a parenthetical note by the author.
146. 26 Or “clamor” (cf. κραυγή 1.a, which has “there arose a loud outcry” here, and Exod 12:30).
147. 27 Or “and some scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in .
148. 28 Grk “standing up.” The participle ἀναστάντες (anastantes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
149. 29 Grk “protested strongly, saying.” L&N 39.27 has “διαμάχομαι: to fight or contend with, involving severity and thoroughness—‘to protest strongly, to contend with.’ … ‘some scribes from the party of the Pharisees protested strongly’ Ac 23:9.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant and has not been translated.
150. 30 “We find nothing wrong with this man.” Here is another declaration of innocence. These leaders recognized the possibility that Paul might have the right to make his claim.
151. 31 This genitive absolute construction with the participle γινομένης (ginomenēs) has been taken temporally (it could also be translated as causal).
152. 32 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). In Greek the term χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos) literally described the “commander of a thousand,” but it was used as the standard translation for the Latin tribunus militum or tribunus militare, the military tribune who commanded a cohort of 600 men.
153. 33 Grk “that Paul would be torn to pieces by them.” διασπάω has “of an angry mob μὴ διασπασθῇ ὁ Παῦλος ὑπʼ αὐτῶν that Paul would be torn in pieces by them Ac 23:10.” The passive construction is somewhat awkward in English and has been converted to an equivalent active construction in the translation.
154. 34 Normally this term means “army,” but according to στράτευμα, “Of a smaller detachment of soldiers, Ac 23:10, 27.” In the plural it can be translated “troops,” but it is singular here.
155. 35 Or “to go down, grab him out of their midst.”
156. 36 Or “the headquarters.” παρεμβολή 2 has “barracks/headquarters of the Roman troops in Jerusalem Ac 21:34, 37; 22:24; 23:10, 16, 32.”
157. 37 The presence of the Lord indicated the vindicating presence and direction of God.
158. 38 Grk “standing near Paul, said.” The participle ἐπιστάς (epistas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
159. 39 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
160. 40 Or “Do not be afraid.”
161. 41 For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
162. 42 Like Jesus went to Jerusalem, Paul would now go to Rome. This trip forms the concluding backdrop to Acts. This is the second notice about going to Rome (see Acts 19:21 for the first). For location see .
163. 43 Grk “when it was day.”
164. 44 Grk “forming a conspiracy, bound.” The participle ποιήσαντες (poiēsantes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
165. 45 L&N 30.72 has ‘some Jews formed a conspiracy’ Ac 23:12”; συστροφή 1 has “Judeans came together in a mob 23:12. But in the last pass. the word may also mean—2. the product of a clandestine gathering, plot, conspiracy” (see also Amos 7:10; Ps 63:3).
166. 46 Or “bound themselves under a curse.” ἀναθεματίζω 1 has “ put under a curse τινά someone … pleonastically ἀναθέματι ἀ. ἑαυτόν Ac 23:14 … ἀ. ἑαυτόν vss. 12, 21, 13 v.l.” On such oaths see Shevi’it 3:1–5. The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant in English and has not been translated.
167. 47 The word “anything” 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.
168. 48 L&N 30.73 defines συνωμοσία (sunōmosia) as “a plan for taking secret action someone or some institution, with the implication of an oath binding the conspirators—‘conspiracy, plot.’ … ‘there were more than forty of them who formed this conspiracy’ Ac 23:13.”
169. 49 Grk “who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) was translated by the third person plural pronoun (“them”) and a new sentence begun in the translation.
170. 50 Grk “going.” The participle προσελθόντες (proselthontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
171. 51 They went to the chief priests. The fact that the high priest knew of this plot and did nothing shows the Jewish leadership would even become accomplices to murder to stop Paul. They would not allow Roman justice to take its course. Paul’s charge in v. 3 of superficially following the law is thus shown to be true.
172. 52 Or “bound ourselves under a curse.” ἀναθεματίζω 1 has “ put under a curse τινά someone … pleonastically ἀναθέματι ἀ. ἑαυτόν Ac 23:14 … ἀ. ἑαυτόν vss. 12, 21, 13 v.l.” The pleonastic use ἀναθέματι ἀνεθεματίσαμεν (literally “we have cursed ourselves with a curse”) probably serves as an intensifier following Semitic usage, and is represented in the translation by the word “solemn.” On such oaths see Nedarim 3:1, 3.
173. 53 This included both food and drink (γεύομαι [geuomai] is used of water turned to wine in John 2:9).
174. 54 Grk “the Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
175. 55 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
176. 56 Or “decide.” διαγινώσκω has “ἀκριβέστερον τὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ to make a more thorough examination of his case Ac 23:15.”
177. 57 Grk “determine the things about him.”
178. 58 The expression “more thorough inquiry” reflects the comparative form of ἀκριβέστερον (akribesteron).
179. 59 “We are ready to kill him.” Now those Jews involved in the conspiracy, along with the leaders as accomplices, are going to break one of the ten commandments.
180. 60 The words “this place” are not in the Greek text, but are implied.
181. 61 Or “plot” ( ἐνέδρα).
182. 62 Grk “coming and entering …, he told.” The participles παραγενόμενος (paragenomenos) and εἰσελθών (eiselthōn) have been translated as finite verbs due to requirements of contemporary English style.
183. 63 Or “the headquarters.” παρεμβολή 2 has “barracks/headquarters of the Roman troops in Jerusalem Ac 21:34, 37; 22:24; 23:10, 16, 32.”
184. 64 Grk “calling … Paul said.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
185. 65 See the note on the word centurion in .
186. 66 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
187. 67 Grk “he”; the referent (the centurion) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
188. 68 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
189. 69 Grk “calling.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
190. 70 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
191. 71 Grk “you have,” but the expression “have to report” in English could be understood to mean “must report” rather than “possess to report.” For this reason the nearly equivalent expression “want to report,” which is not subject to misunderstanding, was used in the translation.
192. 72 Grk “He said.”
193. 73 Grk “the Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
194. 74 Grk “do not be persuaded by them.” The passive construction μὴ πεισθῇς αὐτοῖς (mē peisthēs autois) has been converted to an active construction in the translation, and the phrase “to do this” supplied to indicate more clearly the object of their persuasion.
195. 75 Grk “forty men of them.” In the expression ἐξ αὐτῶν ἄνδρες (ex autōn andres) “men” is somewhat redundant and has not been included in the English translation.
196. 76 Grk “are lying in wait for him” ( ἐνεδρεύω); see also v. 16.
197. 77 Grk “for him, who.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“who”) was translated by the third person plural pronoun (“they”) and a new sentence begun in the translation.
198. 78 Or “bound themselves under a curse.” ἀναθεματίζω 1 has “ put under a curse τινά someone … ἀ. ἑαυτόν vss. 12, 21, 13 v.l.”
199. 79 The word “anything” 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.
200. 80 Grk “waiting for your approval,” “waiting for your agreement.” Since it would be possible to misunderstand the literal translation “waiting for your approval” to mean that the Jews were waiting for the commander’s approval to carry out their plot or to kill Paul (as if he were to be an accomplice to their plot), the object of the commander’s approval (their request to bring Paul to the council) has been specified in the translation as “their request.”
201. 81 Grk “the chiliarch” (an officer in command of a thousand soldiers). See note on the term “commanding officer” in v. .
202. 82 παραγγέλλω has “to make an announcement about someth. that must be done, give orders, command, instruct, direct of all kinds of persons in authority, worldly rulers, Jesus, the apostles … παραγγέλλειν an inf. and μή comes to mean forbid to do someth.: π. τινί aor. inf. Lk 5:14; 8:56; without the , which is easily supplied fr. the context Ac 23:22.” However, if the direct discourse which follows is to be retained in the translation, a different translation must be used since it is awkward to introduce direct discourse with the verb to forbid. Thus the alternative to direct was used.
203. 83 On this verb, see ἐμφανίζω 2. The term was frequently used of an official report to authorities. In modern terms, this was a police tip.
204. 84 Grk “And.” Since this represents a response to the reported ambush, καί (kai) has been translated as “then” to indicate the logical sequence.
205. 85 Grk “summoning … he said.” The participle προσκαλεσάμενος (proskalesamenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
206. 86 See the note on the word centurion in .
207. 87 Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in . This was a journey of about 65 mi (just over 100 km). For location see ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
208. 88 Or “cavalrymen.”
209. 89 A military technical term of uncertain meaning. δεξιολάβος states, “a word of uncertain mng., military t.t., to Joannes Lydus … and Theophyl. Sim., Hist. 4, 1 a light-armed soldier, perh. bowman, slinger; to a scholion in CMatthaei p. 342 body-guard.… Spearman Goodspd., ; ‘security officer’, GDKilpatrick, 14, ’63, 393f.” Two hundred soldiers … along with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen. The resulting force assembled to guard Paul was almost a full cohort. The Roman commander was taking no chances, but was sending the issue up the chain of command to the procurator to decide.
210. 90 Grk “from.”
211. 91 Grk “from the third hour of the night.”
212. 92 Grk “provide mounts to put Paul on.” Mounts for Paul to ride. The fact they were riding horses indicates they wanted everyone to move as quickly as possible.
213. 93 Felix the governor was Antonius Felix, a freedman of Antonia, mother of the Emperor Claudius. He was the brother of Pallas and became procurator of Palestine in a.d. 52/53. His administration was notorious for its corruption, cynicism, and cruelty. According to the historian Tacitus (History 5.9) Felix “reveled in cruelty and lust, and wielded the power of a king with the mind of a slave.”
214. 94 Grk “Felix the procurator.” The official Roman title has been translated as “governor” ( ἡγεμών 2).
215. 95 Grk “writing.” Due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was begun here in the translation, supplying “he” (referring to the commanding officer, Claudius Lysias) as subject. The participle γράψας (grapsas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
216. 96 Grk “having this form,” “having this content.” L&N 33.48 has “γράψσς ἐπιστολὴν ἔχουσαν τὸν τύπον τοῦτον ‘then he wrote a letter that went like this’ Ac 23:25. It is also possible to understand ἐπιστολή in Ac 23:25 not as a content or message, but as an object (see 6.63).”
217. 97 Grk “Procurator.” The official Roman title has been translated as “governor” ( ἡγεμών 2).
218. 98 Governor Felix. See the note on Felix in v. .
219. 99 The participle συλλημφθέντα (sullēmphthenta) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. The remark reviews events of Acts 21:27–40.
220. 100 Grk “and was about to be killed by them.” The passive construction has been converted to an active one in the translation for stylistic reasons.
221. 101 Or “approached.”
222. 102 Normally this term means “army,” but according to στράτευμα, “Of a smaller detachment of soldiers, sing. Ac 23:10, 27.” In the plural it can be translated “troops,” but it is singular here.
223. 103 In Greek this is a present tense retained in indirect discourse.
224. 104 The word “citizen” is supplied here for emphasis and clarity. The letter written by the Roman commander Claudius Lysias was somewhat self-serving. He made it sound as if the rescue of a Roman citizen had been a conscious act on his part. In fact, he had made the discovery of Paul’s Roman citizenship somewhat later. See Acts 21:37–39 and 22:24–29.
225. 105 Or “determine.”
226. 106 Grk “to know the charge on account of which they were accusing him.” This has been simplified to eliminate the prepositional phrase and relative pronoun διʼ ἢν (di’ hēn) similar to L&N 27.8 which has “ ‘I wanted to find out what they were accusing him of, so I took him down to their Council’ Ac 23:28.”
227. 107 Grk “their Sanhedrin” (the Sanhedrin was the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews).
228. 108 Grk “whom I found.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, the relative pronoun (“whom”) has been changed to a personal pronoun (“he”) and a new sentence begun in the translation at this point.
229. 109 ζήτημα states, “in our lit. only in Ac, the mng. it still has in Mod. Gk. (controversial) question, issue, argument … Ac 15:2; 26:3. ζ. περί τινος questions about someth.… 18:15; 25:19.—In 23:29, since περί had already been used, the subj. of the discussion is added in the ζ. τοῦ νόμου αὐτῶν.” With reference to controversial questions. Note how the “neutral” Roman authorities saw the issue. This was a religious rather than a civil dispute. See Acts 18:15.
230. 110 Grk “but having no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.” ἔγκλημα 1 has “legal t.t.… ἔ. ἄξιον θανάτου ἢ δεσμῶν a charge deserving death or imprisonment 23:29.” Despite the official assessment that no charge against him deserved death or imprisonment, there was no effort to release Paul.
231. 111 Grk “It being revealed to me.” The participle μηνυθείσης (mēnutheisēs) has been taken temporally.
232. 112 The term translated “plot” here is a different one than the one in Acts 23:16 (see ἐπιβουλή).
233. 113 Grk “the things against him.” This could be rendered as “accusations,” “grievances,” or “charges,” but since “ordered his accusers to state their accusations” sounds redundant in English, “charges” was used instead.
234. 114 διατάσσω 2 has “κατὰ τὸ δ. αὐτοῖς in accordance their orders … Ac 23:31.”
235. 115 Grk “taking.” The participle ἀναλαβόντες (analabontes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
236. 116 Antipatris was a city in Judea about 35 mi (55 km) northwest of Jerusalem (about halfway to Caesarea). It was mentioned several times by Josephus ( 13.15.1 [13.390]; 1.4.7 [1.99]).
237. 117 Grk “letting.” The participle ἐάσαντες (easantes) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
238. 118 Or “cavalrymen.”
239. 119 Or “the headquarters.” παρεμβολή 2 has “barracks/headquarters of the Roman troops in Jerusalem Ac 21:34, 37; 22:24; 23:10, 16, 32.”
240. 120 Grk “who, coming to Caesarea.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek construction, a new sentence was begun here in the translation. The relative pronoun (“who”) has been replaced with the referent (the horsemen) in the translation for clarity.
241. 121 Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in . It was about 30 mi (50 km) from Antipatris.
242. 122 παρίστημι/παριστάνω 1.b has “present, represent—α. lit. τινά τινι someone to someone παρέστησαν τὸν Παῦλον αὐτῷ Ac 23:33.”
243. 123 Grk “he”; the referent (the governor) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
244. 124 Grk “having read.” The participle ἀναγνούς (anagnous) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
245. 125 The words “the letter” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
246. 126 Grk “and asking.” The participle ἐπερωτήσας (eperōtēsas) has been translated as a finite verb and καί (kai) left untranslated due to requirements of contemporary English style.
247. 127 Governor Felix asked what province he was from to determine whether he had legal jurisdiction over Paul. He could have sent him to his home province for trial, but decided to hear the case himself.
248. 128 Grk “and learning.” The participle πυθόμενος (puthomenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
249. 129 Cilicia was a province in northeastern Asia Minor.
250. 130 Or “I will hear your case.” διακούω has “as legal t.t. give someone an opportunity to be heard in court, give someone (τινός) a hearing Ac 23:35”; L&N 56.13 has “to give a judicial hearing in a legal matter—‘to hear a case, to provide a legal hearing, to hear a case in court.’ ”
251. 131 Grk “ordering.” The participle κελεύσας (keleusas) has been translated as a finite verb and a new sentence begun here due to the length and complexity of the Greek sentence. “Then” has also been supplied to indicate the logical and temporal sequence.
252. 132 Grk “him”; the referent (Paul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
253. 133 Herod’s palace (Grk “Herod’s praetorium”) was the palace built in Caesarea by Herod the Great. See Josephus, 15.9.6 (15.331). These events belong to the period of a.d. 56–57.