King James Version

What Does Acts 11:27 Mean?

Acts 11:27 in the King James Version says “And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Acts 11:27 · KJV


Context

25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

26

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. with: or, in the church

27

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability , determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem. The rapid communication about Antioch's Gentile Christianity shows early church's communication networks and concern for doctrinal unity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Tidings (Greek: logos) means report or account. Church in Jerusalem maintained oversight of emerging Christianity. News of systematic Gentile evangelism in Antioch (around 41-42 CE) required response. Jerusalem church sent Barnabas (Acts 11:22) to investigate, demonstrating appropriate oversight without authoritarian control. This balance characterized early Christianity—local autonomy within broader apostolic unity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do healthy churches balance local initiative with broader accountability?
  2. What role does communication play in maintaining doctrinal unity?
  3. In what ways should established churches relate to emerging communities?
  4. How does news of innovative ministry require appropriate investigation?
  5. What distinguishes healthy oversight from controlling authoritarianism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Ἐν1 of 11

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταύταις2 of 11
G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

δὲ3 of 11

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῖς4 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραις5 of 11

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

κατῆλθον6 of 11

came

G2718

to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)

ἀπὸ7 of 11

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἱεροσολύμων8 of 11

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

προφῆται9 of 11

prophets

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

εἰς10 of 11

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἀντιόχειαν11 of 11

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 11:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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