[12:38] 1 sn The second or third watch of the night would be between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. on a Roman schedule and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on a Jewish schedule. Luke uses the four-watch schedule of the Romans in Acts 12:4, so that is more probable here. Regardless of the precise times of the watches, however, it is clear that the late-night watches when a person is least alert are in view here.
[12:38] 2 tn Grk “finds (them) thus”; but this has been clarified in the translation by referring to the status (“alert”) mentioned in v. 37.
[12:38] 3 tn Grk “blessed are they”; the referent (the watchful slaves, v. 37) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[23:56] 4 tn Here δέ (de) has been translated as “then” to indicate the implied sequence of events within the narrative.
[23:56] 5 tn On this term see BDAG 140-41 s.v. ἄρωμα. The Jews did not practice embalming, so these preparations were used to cover the stench of decay and slow decomposition. The women planned to return and anoint the body. But that would have to wait until after the Sabbath.
[23:56] 6 tn Or “ointments.” This was another type of perfumed oil.
[23:56] 7 sn According to the commandment. These women are portrayed as pious, faithful to the law in observing the Sabbath.
