Acts 11:29-30
What is written? (ESV)
So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
What does it say?
So the disciples decided to contribute, as each was able, and send financial relief to the brethren in Judea. So they commissioned Barnabas and Saul to deliver the collection to the elders [in Jerusalem].
What is its immediate context?
As a result of the persecution that followed Stephen’s stoning, the gospel has spread and their are more gentiles (after Cornelius and his family/friends – chap 10) obeying in Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch (vs 19-21). Hearing about these conversions, the church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch to encourage them (vs 22). He subsequently goes to Tarsus to find Paul (vs 25) and brings him back to Antioch where they stay for a year (vs 26).
How Acts 11:29-30 is applied across Bible answers
What is the organization of the church?
Financial aid is given from one group of disciples (of the church Antioch) to the elders (of the church in Jerusalem).
Due to a prophesied famine in Judea, "disciples determined" in Antioch (apparently no elders there) to send relief to their "brothers" in Judea in the care of the elders there.
