Acts 1:19

1:19 This ¹  became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so that in their own language ²  they called that field ³  Hakeldama, that is, “Field of Blood.”)

Acts 2:39

2:39 For the promise ⁴  is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

Acts 3:11

Peter Addresses the Crowd

3:11 While the man ⁵  was hanging on to Peter and John, all the people, completely astounded, ran together to them in the covered walkway ⁶  called Solomon’s Portico. ⁷ 

Acts 10:7

10:7 When the angel who had spoken to him departed, Cornelius ⁸  called two of his personal servants ⁹  and a devout soldier from among those who served him, ¹⁰ 

Acts 13:2

13:2 While they were serving ¹¹  the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart ¹²  for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

¹ tn Grk “And this.” 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.

² sn Their own language refers to Aramaic, the primary language spoken in Palestine in Jesus’ day.

³ tn Grk “that field was called.” The passive voice has been converted to active in the translation in keeping with contemporary English style.

⁴ sn The promise refers to the promise of the Holy Spirit that Jesus received from the Father in 2:33 and which he now pours out on others. The promise consists of the Holy Spirit (see note in 2:33). Jesus is the active mediator of God’s blessing.

⁷ tn Grk “he”; the referent (the man) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

⁸ tn Or “portico,” “colonnade”; Grk “stoa.” The translation “covered walkway” (a descriptive translation) was used here because the architectural term “portico” or “colonnade” is less familiar. However, the more technical term “portico” was retained in the actual name that follows.

⁹ sn Solomon’s Portico was a covered walkway formed by rows of columns supporting a roof and open on the inner side facing the center of the temple complex. It was located on the east side of the temple (Josephus, Ant. 15.11.3-5 [15.391-420], 20.9.7 [20.221]) and was a place of commerce and conversation.

¹⁰ tn Grk “he”; the referent (Cornelius) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

¹¹ tn Or “domestic servants.” The Greek word here is οἰκέτης (oiketh"), which technically refers to a member of the household, but usually means a household servant (slave) or personal servant rather than a field laborer.

¹² tn The meaning of the genitive participle προσκαρτερούντων (proskarterountwn) could either be “a soldier from the ranks of those who served him” (referring to his entire command) or “a soldier from among his personal staff” (referring to a group of soldiers who were his personal attendants). The translation “from among those who served him” is general enough to cover either possibility.

¹³ tn This term is frequently used in the LXX of the service performed by priests and Levites in the tabernacle (Exod 28:35, 43; 29:30; 30:20; 35:19; 39:26; Num 1:50; 3:6, 31) and the temple (2 Chr 31:2; 35:3; Joel 1:9, 13; 2:17, and many more examples). According to BDAG 591 s.v. λειτουργέω 1.b it is used “of other expression of religious devotion.” Since the previous verse described the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, it is probable that the term here describes two of them (Barnabas and Saul) as they were serving in that capacity. Since they were not in Jerusalem where the temple was located, general religious service is referred to here.

¹⁴ tn Or “Appoint.”