Acts 11:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:30 describes the practical outworking of Christian benevolence, as the disciples in Antioch, responding to a prophetic warning of famine, collected and dispatched financial aid to the suffering believers in Judea. This act of solidarity was entrusted to the care of Barnabas and Saul, who were commissioned to deliver the offering directly to the recognized leadership, the elders, in Jerusalem, thereby strengthening the bonds between the burgeoning Gentile church and its Jewish roots.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal section in the book of Acts that highlights the expansion of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins to the Gentiles. Immediately preceding [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - The Antiochian Relief Effort"), [Acts 11:19-26](/acts/11-19-26 "Acts 11:19-26 - The Church in Antioch") details the establishment and flourishing of the church in Antioch, a diverse and vibrant city where believers were first called "Christians." The narrative then introduces [the prophet Agabus](/acts/11-27-28 "Acts 11:27-28 - Agabus' Prophecy"), who, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, foretells a severe famine across the Roman world. [Acts 11:29](/acts/11-29 "Acts 11:29 - Antioch's Response") records the Antiochian believers' immediate and generous response, with each disciple contributing according to their ability to send relief to the brethren in Judea. Thus, [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - Delivery of Aid") serves as the culmination of this humanitarian effort, detailing the method and agents of delivery, and setting the stage for Barnabas and Saul's subsequent missionary endeavors.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The famine predicted by Agabus is historically corroborated by Roman historians like Tacitus and Suetonius, indicating a widespread scarcity that particularly impacted the eastern Roman provinces during the reign of Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54). Judea, being a region often susceptible to famine and economic hardship, would have been especially vulnerable. The act of sending aid from Antioch to Jerusalem reflects a significant cultural and theological bridge-building. Antioch was a major Hellenistic city, a hub of Gentile Christianity, while Jerusalem remained the heartland of Jewish Christianity. This inter-church aid transcended the traditional ethnic and geographical divides, demonstrating a nascent global Christian identity. The mention of "elders" reflects the organizational structure of both Jewish synagogues and early Christian communities, where a council of respected, mature leaders managed the affairs of the congregation.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - The Delivery of Aid") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Unity and Solidarity**, demonstrating how believers, regardless of their geographical or ethnic background, are bound together as one body in Christ, sharing in each other's burdens and joys. This practical expression of love foreshadows Paul's later teachings on the collection for the saints (e.g., [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - Generosity and Grace")). Secondly, it highlights the **Emergence of Church Leadership and Structure**. The established presence of "elders" in Jerusalem indicates a maturing organizational framework within the early church, moving beyond the initial apostolic oversight to a more localized, sustainable leadership model. Thirdly, the verse marks a crucial point in the **Developing Ministry of Barnabas and Saul**. Their selection as trusted envoys signifies their growing prominence and the divine preparation for their future missionary work, bridging their ministry in Antioch with the foundational church in Jerusalem. This mission also serves as a precursor to their formal commissioning in [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Acts 13:2 - Barnabas and Saul Set Apart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **did (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies "to make or do" in a wide application, denoting active execution and accomplishment. In [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - The Act of Giving"), it emphasizes that the Antiochian believers' intention to send aid was not merely a thought or a promise, but a concrete action. They "did" what they resolved to do, highlighting their commitment and the tangible nature of their generosity.
* **sent it (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** Derived from "apo" (from) and "stellō" (to send), this word means "to send out, properly on a mission." It implies a formal dispatch, often with a specific purpose or authority. The use of _apostéllō_ here indicates that the relief was not casually delivered but formally entrusted to Barnabas and Saul, signifying the importance and official nature of their mission as envoys of the Antiochian church.
* **elders (Greek, _presbýteros'_):** This term, meaning "older" or "senior," refers to a recognized body of leaders within the early Christian community, a concept likely drawn from the established system of leadership in Jewish synagogues. In [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - The Recipients of Aid"), it points to mature, respected, and experienced individuals in Jerusalem who were entrusted with spiritual oversight and practical administration, underscoring the developing structure of the early church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which also they did":** This clause directly connects to the preceding verse ([Acts 11:29](/acts/11-29 "Acts 11:29 - Antioch's Generosity")), affirming that the Antiochian disciples indeed carried out their resolution to send relief. It underscores the practical and immediate nature of their response to the prophecy, demonstrating their faith through concrete action and generosity. The phrase emphasizes the collective will and unified effort of the entire community.
* **"and sent it to the elders":** This part specifies the recipients of the aid: "the elders" in Jerusalem. This detail is crucial, indicating an established, recognized leadership structure within the Jerusalem church. The relief was not sent to individuals but to a governing body, implying a level of organization and trust in their stewardship of the communal resources. It highlights the early church's developing ecclesiastical framework.
* **"by the hands of Barnabas and Saul":** This final phrase identifies the chosen messengers. "By the hands of" is an idiomatic expression signifying agency or instrumentality, meaning Barnabas and Saul were the trusted agents through whom the gift was conveyed. Their selection underscores their growing prominence and reliability within the early church, marking a significant moment in their ministry as they are entrusted with a vital mission that connects the Antiochian and Jerusalem churches.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - Narrative Conclusion") employs several literary devices effectively. The verse serves as a concise **Narrative Conclusion** to the account of the Antiochian church's benevolence, providing closure to the story of the famine relief while simultaneously acting as a **Transitional Device**, setting the stage for Barnabas and Saul's return to Antioch and their subsequent missionary journeys detailed in later chapters. The phrase "by the hands of Barnabas and Saul" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "hands" (a part) represents the full agency and trusted responsibility of the individuals (Barnabas and Saul) themselves. This emphasizes not just the physical act of delivery but the personal trust and spiritual authority invested in these two men. Furthermore, the entire episode, culminating in this verse, functions as a powerful example of **Practical Theology**, demonstrating how theological convictions (belief in prophecy, understanding of the church as one body) are translated into tangible acts of love and service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 11:30 profoundly illustrates the early church's commitment to practical love, unity, and mutual support, transcending geographical and cultural divides. The Antiochian believers' spontaneous and sacrificial giving to the distant Judean brethren exemplifies the core Christian principle of koinonia, or fellowship, which extends beyond shared beliefs to shared burdens. This act of benevolence, facilitated by recognized leadership, reflects God's design for His church as a unified body, where members care for one another, demonstrating the reality of Christ's love to a watching world. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is expressed through tangible acts of compassion and generosity, building bridges of fellowship and strengthening the fabric of the global Christian community.

* [2 Corinthians 8:13-15](/2_corinthians/8-13-15 "2 Corinthians 8:13-15 - Equality in Giving")
* [Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Collection for the Saints")
* [Galatians 2:9-10](/galatians/2-9-10 "Galatians 2:9-10 - Remembering the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 11:30 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian living and church practice. It challenges believers today to cultivate a spirit of radical generosity, not merely as an obligation but as a heartfelt response to the needs of others, particularly within the family of faith. The Antiochian church, despite being relatively new and perhaps not exceedingly wealthy, prioritized the well-being of their struggling brethren, demonstrating that true compassion knows no geographical boundaries. This verse calls us to look beyond our immediate congregations and consider the broader body of Christ, fostering a global perspective of mutual responsibility and care. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of trusting and supporting godly leadership within the church, as Barnabas and Saul were entrusted with the vital task of delivery, and the elders with the stewardship of the aid. Our willingness to give, serve, and submit to spiritual authority are all reflections of our commitment to Christ and His church.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Antiochian church's response to the famine challenge my own understanding and practice of generosity towards others, especially those in need within the global Christian community?**
* **In what ways can my local church better embody the unity and solidarity demonstrated between the churches in Antioch and Jerusalem?**
* **What does the mention of "elders" in Jerusalem teach us about the importance of established leadership and accountability in the church today, and how can I better support my spiritual leaders?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Barnabas and Saul being chosen to deliver the aid?**

Answer: The selection of Barnabas and Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul) to deliver the aid is highly significant. It underscores their growing prominence and trustworthiness within the early Christian movement. Barnabas was already a respected leader, having introduced Saul to the apostles in [Acts 9:27](/acts/9-27 "Acts 9:27 - Barnabas Introduces Saul") and having mentored him in Antioch ([Acts 11:25-26](/acts/11-25-26 "Acts 11:25-26 - Saul and Barnabas in Antioch")). Their joint mission to Jerusalem solidified their partnership and provided a crucial link between the burgeoning Gentile church in Antioch and the foundational Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem. This mission also served as a preparatory experience for their future missionary journeys, demonstrating their reliability and commitment to the broader church's welfare, as detailed in [Acts 13](/acts/13 "Acts 13 - Paul's First Missionary Journey").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:30, though a narrative of human benevolence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The spontaneous generosity of the Antiochian believers reflects the very heart of God, who, in Christ, gave His only Son for the salvation of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Jesus himself taught that true discipleship involves self-sacrificial love and care for the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Caring for the Least of These")), identifying with the suffering of His people. The unity demonstrated between the Antiochian and Judean churches, facilitated by the shared mission of Barnabas and Saul, foreshadows the breaking down of all dividing walls through Christ's atoning work ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Furthermore, the establishment of "elders" and the structured delivery of aid point to Christ as the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), who provides spiritual gifts and leadership for the building up of His body ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")). Thus, the acts of giving, unity, and organized ministry in [Acts 11:30](/acts/11-30 "Acts 11:30 - Christ's Example in Action") are not merely human initiatives but Spirit-empowered expressions of Christ's ongoing work in and through His church, mirroring His own self-giving love and unifying purpose.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.