Acts 11 30

Acts 11:30 kjv

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

Acts 11:30 nkjv

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

Acts 11:30 niv

This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 11:30 esv

And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 11:30 nlt

This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

Acts 11 verses

Acts 11 30 Meaning

Acts 11:30 details the concrete act of the disciples in Antioch, fulfilling their commitment to send aid to their fellow believers suffering in Judea. This verse specifically describes the collection of material assistance being dispatched to the elders in Jerusalem through the trusted hands of Barnabas and Saul. It encapsulates the early church's active demonstration of inter-community solidarity and practical love.

Acts 11 30 Context

Acts chapter 11 marks a pivotal transition in the early church's history, showcasing its expansion beyond its Jewish roots to include Gentiles. Following Peter's defense of preaching to Cornelius and his household, the church in Antioch flourished as a dynamic center of Gentile believers. It was here that disciples were first called "Christians." In this thriving spiritual environment, a prophet named Agabus foretold a severe famine that would sweep across the Roman world, particularly impacting Judea. This prophecy prompted the Antiochene Christians, many of whom were Gentiles, to demonstrate practical love and solidarity with their Jewish brothers and sisters in Judea. Historically, the famine under Emperor Claudius is well-documented, making the prophecy and the subsequent relief effort a tangible historical event, further validating the reliability of the New Testament accounts. This act of aid solidified the bond between the predominantly Gentile church in Antioch and the original Jewish Christian community in Jerusalem, transcending cultural and ethnic divisions.

Acts 11 30 Word analysis

• And this they did (καὶ τοῦτο ἐποίησαν - kai touto epoiesan): This phrase highlights the immediate and practical response of the Antioch believers to Agabus's prophecy (Acts 11:28) and their resolution (Acts 11:29). "This" refers specifically to "sending relief" mentioned in the previous verse, demonstrating their earnest commitment to actively participate in alleviating suffering. It underlines their corporate action.
• sending it (πέμποντες - pempontes): This is a present participle, implying continuous action or the process of dispatching. The "it" refers to the collected relief or funds. The verb suggests an official and deliberate dispatch, not merely an informal delivery. The act itself signifies the early church's structured benevolence and organizational capacity, even across significant geographical distances.
• to the elders (πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους - pros tous presbyterous): "Elders" designates a specific leadership role within the early church, distinct from apostles or deacons at this stage. This term (presbyteros) links directly to the well-established structure of Jewish synagogue governance, implying a recognizable and authoritative leadership body in Jerusalem responsible for the local church's affairs, including managing relief efforts. Directing the aid to the elders indicates trust in their leadership and their capacity for faithful stewardship of communal resources. It implies a developed and functioning church government capable of handling financial matters responsibly.
• by the hand of (διὰ χειρός - dia cheiros): This is an idiomatic expression signifying agency, conveyance, or direct delivery. It means "through the instrumentality of" or "under the charge of." It emphasizes that Barnabas and Saul were not merely accompanying the relief, but were the designated, trusted carriers and representatives. This method ensured accountability and personal delivery.
• Barnabas and Saul: These are two prominent figures in early Christianity. Barnabas was an esteemed figure, known for his generosity and encouragement (Acts 4:36, 11:24). Saul (later Paul) was a convert and emerging apostle. Their joint selection as messengers speaks volumes about their credibility, trust, and growing leadership within the wider Christian community. It foreshadows their subsequent joint missionary journeys. Their involvement validated the Antioch church's outreach and also helped solidify Saul's integration into the broader Christian mission.
• Words-group: sending it to the elders: This phrase indicates an established system of giving and receiving. It reveals that the Antioch church collected resources and recognized a proper administrative body (the elders in Jerusalem) to receive and distribute these resources. This practice emphasizes a structured, accountable, and interconnected early church.
• Words-group: by the hand of Barnabas and Saul: This highlights the crucial role of trusted individuals as emissaries. In a time without modern banking or communication, personal delivery by respected figures was vital for ensuring funds reached their intended destination securely and ethically. It demonstrates both the Antioch community's trust in these two men and the growing reliance on specific individuals for critical mission-oriented tasks.

Acts 11 30 Bonus section

This act of relief sending serves as Saul's (Paul's) second recorded visit to Jerusalem after his conversion, a detail which is significant for understanding the chronology of his early ministry. It also highlights the growing importance of Antioch as a central hub for Gentile Christianity, acting proactively to support the mother church in Jerusalem. The event indirectly validates the Spirit-led prophetic ministry within the early church (through Agabus) and emphasizes that spiritual gifts often lead to tangible, charitable responses. This journey provided Paul valuable direct contact and interaction with the leadership in Jerusalem, further preparing him for his future apostolic endeavors among the Gentiles.

Acts 11 30 Commentary

Acts 11:30 beautifully illustrates the practical outworking of Christian love and unity. Faced with an impending crisis affecting their brethren, the Antioch church didn't just feel sympathy; they acted with tangible, organized support. This selfless act, especially by a predominantly Gentile church for Jewish Christians in Judea, demonstrates a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the Body of Christ. It establishes a significant precedent for inter-church aid and financial stewardship. The dispatch to the "elders" highlights the importance of established leadership and accountable distribution, while the selection of "Barnabas and Saul" underscores the value of trustworthy individuals in mission and ministry. This moment serves not only as a record of historical benevolence but as a timeless example of how the Spirit binds believers in shared responsibility and compassionate action.