1 tn Grk “tongues,” though the word is used figuratively (perhaps as a metonymy of cause for effect). To “speak in tongues” meant to “speak in a foreign language,” though one that was new to the one speaking it and therefore due to supernatural causes. For a discussion concerning whether such was a human language, heavenly language, or merely ecstatic utterance, see BDAG 201-2 s.v. γλῶσσα 2, 3; BDAG 399 s.v. ἕτερος 2; L&N 33.2-4; ExSyn 698; C. M. Robeck Jr., “Tongues,” DPL, 939-43.
2 tn Grk “sending on you.”
3 tn Grk “the promise of my Father,” with τοῦ πατρός (tou patros) translated as a subjective genitive. This is a reference to the Holy Spirit and looks back to how one could see Messiah had come with the promise of old (Luke 3:15-18). The promise is rooted in Jer 31:31 and Ezek 36:26.
4 sn The city refers to Jerusalem.
5 sn Until you have been clothed with power refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What the Spirit supplies is enablement. See Luke 12:11-12; 21:12-15. The difference the Spirit makes can be seen in Peter (compare Luke 22:54-62 with Acts 2:14-41).
6 tn Grk “Truly, truly, I say to you.”
7 tn Or “will do.”
8 tn Grk “the works.”
9 tn Or “that I do.”
10 tn Or “will do.”
11 tn Grk “greater works.”
12 tn Or “to the ends.”
13 tn Or “provide.”
14 tn Grk “by [the] works of [the] law” (the same phrase as in v. 2).
15 tn Grk “by [the] hearing of faith” (the same phrase as in v. 2).
16 tn Grk “God bearing witness together” (the phrase “with them” is implied).
17 tn Grk “and distributions of the Holy Spirit.”