Sometimes, in an attempt to make a translation understandable, functional equivalent translations can lose clues as to meaning, the very thing they are trying not to do. In the case of Acts 1:24, the NIV loses the double use of τόπος.

Normal Greek word order is conjunction-verb-subject-object, but that order is varied in almost every verse in there Bible. So what do you do when the structure of a verse is complicated and different? Find the verb, then the subject (either a nominative or from the personal ending), then the direct object (if there is one). From that point on, you can put the other pieces together.

A friend of mine pointed out the irregularity of the grammar in this verse. When the biblical writers break what we consider to be “proper” grammar, we call it a “solecism.” Sounds better than saying they are “wrong,” but caution is in order before we determine that a native speaker makes an error in his own language.