1 tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style. A new sentence was begun at this point in the translation because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence.
2 tn Grk “heard them”; the referent (these things, from the previous verse) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 tn Grk “heart.” The term “heart” (καρδία, kardia) could also be translated as “mind,” or “thoughts,” and the entire phrase be rendered as “kept them in mind,” “thought about,” or the like. But the immediate context is clearly emotive, suggesting that much more is at work than merely the mental processes of thinking or reasoning about “these things.” There is a sense of joy and excitement (see the following question, “What then will this child be?”) and even fear. Further, the use of καρδία in 1:66 suggests connections with the same term in 2:19 where deep emotion is being expressed as well. Therefore, recognizing both the dramatic nature of the immediate context and the literary connections to 2:19, the translation renders the term in 1:66 as “hearts” to capture both the cognitive and emotive aspects of the people’s response.
4 tn Or “what manner of child will this one be?”
5 sn The reference to the Lord’s hand indicates that the presence, direction, and favor of God was with him (Acts 7:9b).
6 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the response of Jesus to the man’s request.
7 sn Touched. This touch would have rendered Jesus ceremonially unclean (Lev 14:46; also Mishnah, m. Nega’im 3.1; 11.1; 12.1; 13.6-12).
8 tn Here the conjunction δέ (de) has been translated as contrastive.
9 sn The statement that Jesus knew their thoughts adds a prophetic note to his response; see Luke 5:22.
10 tn Grk “their reasonings.” The implication is that Jesus knew his opponents’ plans and motives, so the translation “thoughts” was used here.
11 sn Most likely synagogues were arranged with benches along the walls and open space in the center for seating on the floor.
12 tn Here καί (kai) has been translated as “so” to indicate the man’s action was a result of Jesus’ order.
13 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
14 tn Grk “the”; in context the article is used as a possessive pronoun (ExSyn 215).
15 sn Jesus warns that excessive concern for family ties (looks back) will make the kingdom a lesser priority, which is not appropriate for discipleship. The image is graphic, for who can plow straight ahead toward a goal while looking back? Discipleship cannot be double-minded.
16 sn The kingdom of God is a major theme of Jesus. It is a realm in which Jesus rules and to which those who trust him belong. See Luke 6:20; 11:20; 17:20-21.