Acts 11:29 kjv
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Acts 11:29 nkjv
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
Acts 11:29 niv
The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
Acts 11:29 esv
So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
Acts 11:29 nlt
So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.
Acts 11 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 11:29 | ...according to his ability, each determined to send some relief to the brothers living in Judea. | Brotherly Love and Generosity |
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. | Partnership in Generosity |
| 1 Cor 16:1-2 | Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also must do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, whatever you may be able to save, so that there will be no collections when I come. | Systematic Giving |
| 2 Cor 8:10-11 | And in this matter I give my judgment: this is profitable for you, who were the first to give, not only in deed but also in will. Now finish doing it also in deed, that as there was readiness in the will, there may be also the completion in accordance with what you have. | Completing the Will and Deed |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. | Cheerful and Decided Giving |
| Gal 2:10 | Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. | apostolic care for the poor |
| Gal 6:10 | So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith. | Doing good to the Household of Faith |
| James 1:27 | Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. | Practical Religion and Care |
| 1 John 3:17 | But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? | Responding to a brother's need |
| Luke 3:11 | He answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” | Jesus' teaching on sharing |
| Matt 25:35-36 | For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you covered me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. | Recognizing Christ in the Needy |
| Prov 19:17 | Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. | Generosity to the Poor |
| Isa 58:7 | Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the chains of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? | God's definition of fasting |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, and no one claimed that any of the things that he possessed was his own, but they were all holding their possessions in common. | Early Church Unity and Sharing |
| Acts 4:34-35 | There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of what they sold and laying it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any need arose. | Communal Living and Distribution |
| Rom 12:13 | Contribute to the needs of the saints and give hospitality to strangers. | Sharing and Hospitality |
| 1 Thes 4:9-10 | Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for someone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. And indeed you do love one another in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. | The Duty of Brotherly Love |
| 1 Tim 6:17-19 | As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be proud, nor to hope in the uncertainty of riches, but in God, who richly provides us for all things to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, that they may take hold of that which is truly life. | Riches used for Good Works |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Pleasing Sacrifices to God |
Acts 11 verses
Acts 11 29 Meaning
The disciples decided, according to their ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea, due to a famine.
Acts 11 29 Context
This verse occurs within the narrative of the early church's expansion and mission, particularly highlighting the ministry of Barnabas and Paul. Following the persecution that scattered believers from Jerusalem, and their subsequent ministry in Antioch (Acts 11:19-21), a prophet named Agabus foretells a severe famine that would affect the entire Roman world. This prophetic announcement serves as the catalyst for the believers in Antioch to mobilize a generous relief effort for their brothers and sisters facing hardship in Judea. This act demonstrates the growing unity and love between Jewish and Gentile believers and the practical outworking of their faith in response to suffering within the broader Christian community. The initiative to collect and send aid shows a mature understanding of Christian responsibility and mutual support.
Acts 11 29 Word analysis
"Now" - Introduces a new development or transition in the narrative.
"as" - Indicates a comparison or manner.
"each" - Signifies individual participation and responsibility within the group.
"of the disciples" - Refers to the followers of Jesus, emphasizing their shared identity and commitment.
"determined" - Implies a decision and commitment was made.
"according to his ability" - Highlights proportionality in giving, suggesting a response based on one's own resources, not a prescribed amount.
"to send relief" - The primary action is to provide assistance and alleviate suffering.
"to the brothers" - Emphasizes the familial bond and shared faith among Christians.
"who were living in Judea" - Specifies the recipients of the aid, locating them geographically.
"as each disciple determined": This phrase underlines the voluntary and personal nature of the contribution. It's not an enforced tax or levy, but a decision made by each individual.
"according to his ability": This points to a principle of proportional giving. The capacity to give is recognized as varying among individuals, and the contribution is expected to reflect that personal capacity, echoing teachings like those in 1 Corinthians 16:2.
"to send relief to the brothers": This demonstrates a tangible expression of Christian love and unity. The term "brothers" emphasizes the spiritual kinship that transcends geographical or ethnic differences, linking the Antioch church with the Jerusalem church.
Acts 11 29 Bonus Section
This event reinforces the pattern established by the Jerusalem church in Acts 4:34-35, where resources were shared. It also foreshadows later collection efforts for the Jerusalem church, such as the one led by Paul mentioned in Romans 15:26 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, underscoring the importance of supporting impoverished saints as a consistent practice within the early church. The willingness to give based on "ability" resonates with principles of stewardship and proportionate generosity taught throughout Scripture.
Acts 11 29 Commentary
The believers in Antioch, inspired by the news of an impending famine and by the teaching of Jesus and the apostles, took personal initiative to help their fellow believers in Judea. This act of mutual support, given according to individual means, exemplifies practical Christian love. It showcases a maturity in faith, moving beyond communal worship to a practical expression of care for those in need, particularly within the body of Christ. This generosity strengthens the bond between different church communities.