King James Version

What Does Acts 11:30 Mean?

Acts 11:30 in the King James Version says “Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 11:30 · KJV


Context

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:

30

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. The relief delivery through trusted representatives establishes accountability while advancing Saul's emerging apostolic ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sent it to elders indicates Jerusalem church's organizational structure beyond apostles. Barnabas (established bridge-figure) and Saul (former persecutor now missionary) carried funds, ensuring credibility. This visit around 46-48 CE provided Saul/Paul early interaction with Jerusalem leadership, building relationships crucial for later ministry. The relief offering demonstrated Gentile Christianity's legitimacy and generosity, countering prejudice against uncircumcised believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does financial accountability matter in church life?
  2. What role do trusted representatives play in maintaining unity?
  3. How does generous giving validate theological claims?
  4. In what ways did this visit advance Paul's apostolic preparation?
  5. What does joint Jewish-Gentile Christian cooperation demonstrate about gospel's power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
1 of 12

Which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

καὶ2 of 12

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐποίησαν3 of 12

they did

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἀποστείλαντες4 of 12

and sent it

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

πρὸς5 of 12

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς6 of 12
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρους7 of 12

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

διὰ8 of 12

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

χειρὸς9 of 12

the hands

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

Βαρναβᾶ10 of 12

of Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

καὶ11 of 12

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Σαύλου12 of 12

Saul

G4569

saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul


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 11:30 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 11:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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