Act 2:22-24 | NETfull | STEP | “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through him, just as you yourselves know

Acts 2:22-24

22 “Men of Israel, ^{▼▼ Or “Israelite men,” although this is less natural English. The Greek term here is ἀνήρ (anēr), which only exceptionally is used in a generic sense of both males and females. In this context, it is conceivable that this is a generic usage, although it can also be argued that Peter’s remarks were addressed primarily to the men present, even if women were there.} listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, ^{▼▼ Or “miraculous deeds.”} wonders, and miraculous signs ^{▼▼ Again, the context indicates the miraculous nature of these signs, and this is specified in the translation.} that God performed among you through him, just as you yourselves know – 23 this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed ^{▼▼ Or “you killed.”} by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles. ^{▼▼ Grk “at the hands of lawless men.” At this point the term ἄνομος (anomos) refers to non-Jews who live outside the Jewish (Mosaic) law, rather than people who broke any or all laws including secular laws. Specifically it is a reference to the Roman soldiers who carried out Jesus’ crucifixion.} 24 But God raised him up, ^{▼▼ Grk “Whom God raised up.”} having released ^{▼▼ Or “having freed.”} him from the pains ^{▼▼ The term translated pains is frequently used to describe pains associated with giving birth (see Rev 12:2). So there is irony here in the mixed metaphor.} of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in its power. ^{▼▼ Or “for him to be held by it” (in either case, “it” refers to death’s power).}