Acts 11:30 tells us the practical outcome of the church in Antioch's response to a prophecy about a coming famine. Let's break it down:
"which they also did": This refers back to the previous verses, where the disciples in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This phrase confirms they followed through with their decision. They didn't just talk about it; they acted on it.
"sending it to the elders": The relief (presumably money, food, or other necessities) was sent to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. In the early church, "elders" were leaders or overseers within the Christian community. They were responsible for the spiritual and practical well-being of the believers. The church in Antioch recognized the established leadership structure in Jerusalem and entrusted them with the distribution of the aid.
"by the hands of Barnabas and Saul": The relief was delivered personally by Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul). This highlights a few key points:
Trust: Sending prominent members like Barnabas and Saul demonstrated the Antioch church's trust in the integrity of the Jerusalem elders.
Importance: The delivery was not delegated to just anyone; it was entrusted to significant figures within the Antioch church, underlining the importance of the act.
Building Relationships: This mission helped to strengthen the relationship between the growing Gentile church in Antioch and the largely Jewish church in Jerusalem. This was critical for unity within the early Christian movement. Barnabas, especially, was known as an encourager and mediator.
In summary, Acts 11:30 is a simple but significant verse that shows:
Practical Christian charity in action: The Antioch church didn't just feel sympathy; they provided tangible help.
Respect for church leadership: They sent the relief to the established elders in Jerusalem.
Building unity between different groups of believers: This mission helped bridge the gap between the Gentile church in Antioch and the Jewish church in Jerusalem.
The growing prominence of Barnabas and Saul (Paul): They were entrusted with this important task, foreshadowing their future roles in spreading the Gospel.
Acts 11:30 tells us the practical outcome of the church in Antioch's response to a prophecy about a coming famine. Let's break it down:
"which they also did": This refers back to the previous verses, where the disciples in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This phrase confirms they followed through with their decision. They didn't just talk about it; they acted on it.
"sending it to the elders": The relief (presumably money, food, or other necessities) was sent to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. In the early church, "elders" were leaders or overseers within the Christian community. They were responsible for the spiritual and practical well-being of the believers. The church in Antioch recognized the established leadership structure in Jerusalem and entrusted them with the distribution of the aid.
"by the hands of Barnabas and Saul": The relief was delivered personally by Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul). This highlights a few key points:
Trust: Sending prominent members like Barnabas and Saul demonstrated the Antioch church's trust in the integrity of the Jerusalem elders.
Importance: The delivery was not delegated to just anyone; it was entrusted to significant figures within the Antioch church, underlining the importance of the act.
Building Relationships: This mission helped to strengthen the relationship between the growing Gentile church in Antioch and the largely Jewish church in Jerusalem. This was critical for unity within the early Christian movement. Barnabas, especially, was known as an encourager and mediator.
In summary, Acts 11:30 is a simple but significant verse that shows:
Practical Christian charity in action: The Antioch church didn't just feel sympathy; they provided tangible help.
Respect for church leadership: They sent the relief to the established elders in Jerusalem.
Building unity between different groups of believers: This mission helped bridge the gap between the Gentile church in Antioch and the Jewish church in Jerusalem.
The growing prominence of Barnabas and Saul (Paul): They were entrusted with this important task, foreshadowing their future roles in spreading the Gospel.