Acts 11:30

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Which {G3739} also {G2532} they did {G4160}, and sent it {G649} to {G4314} the elders {G4245} by {G1223} the hands {G5495} of Barnabas {G921} and {G2532} Saul {G4569}.

and they did it, sending their contribution to the elders in the care of Bar-Nabba and Sha’ul.

This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.

which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Context of Acts 11:30

Acts 11:30 concludes a significant narrative illustrating the early Christian church's unity and practical love. This verse follows the account of the prophet Agabus predicting a great famine throughout the Roman world during the reign of Claudius Caesar. In response to this prophecy, the disciples in Antioch, a burgeoning center of Gentile Christianity, decided to send relief to the brethren in Judea, who were likely suffering more acutely. This act of benevolence highlights the strong bond between the newly established Gentile churches and the Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, demonstrating a practical expression of their shared faith and solidarity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christian Benevolence and Solidarity: The verse showcases a spontaneous and organized act of charity, where believers in one region (Antioch) sacrificially gave to support those in need in another (Judea). This exemplifies the New Testament's emphasis on cheerful giving and mutual support among believers, transcending geographical and cultural divides. It underscores the principle of the church as a unified body caring for its members.
  • Emerging Church Leadership and Structure: The mention of sending the relief "to the elders" in Jerusalem indicates an established and recognized leadership structure within the Jerusalem church. These "elders" were likely spiritual leaders responsible for the care and administration of the local body, demonstrating a maturing organizational framework within the early Christian movement.
  • Barnabas and Saul's Growing Ministry: This verse marks an important moment for Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul). They are entrusted with the vital mission of delivering the aid, signifying their growing prominence and trustworthiness within the early church. This mission also serves as a bridge, connecting their ministry in Antioch with the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem, paving the way for future missionary endeavors.

Linguistic Insights

The term "elders" (Greek: presbyteroi) is significant here. It refers to a recognized body of leaders within the early Christian community, a concept that likely drew from the Jewish synagogue's established system of leadership. This term, used throughout the New Testament, points to mature, respected, and experienced individuals who were entrusted with spiritual oversight and practical administration within the church.

Practical Application

Acts 11:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Generosity in Action: It calls us to practical compassion and generosity, especially towards those in the family of faith who are facing hardship. True faith is often demonstrated through tangible acts of love and support, reflecting Christ's own example of self-giving.
  • Unity in the Body of Christ: The act of sending aid from Antioch to Jerusalem underscores the unity of the global church. Despite geographical distances or cultural differences, believers are called to care for one another as members of one body, fostering a spirit of mutual responsibility and love.
  • Trusting and Supporting Leadership: The early church entrusted important resources to its recognized leaders (Barnabas, Saul, and the elders). This highlights the importance of discerning, respecting, and supporting godly leadership within the church, enabling them to carry out their responsibilities effectively for the benefit of the congregation.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 12:25

    And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled [their] ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

  • Acts 16:4

    And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.

  • Acts 15:6

    ¶ And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

  • Titus 1:5

    ¶ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

  • Acts 15:4

    And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and [of] the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

  • Acts 20:17

    ¶ And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

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