Acts 11:27
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
Original Language Analysis
ταύταις
G3778
ταύταις
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 11
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
5 of 11
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
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 11
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσολύμων
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
8 of 11
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
προφῆται
prophets
G4396
προφῆται
prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
9 of 11
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
Cross References
Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.Acts 15:32And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.Acts 2:17And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;Matthew 23:34Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do healthy churches balance local initiative with broader accountability?
- What role does communication play in maintaining doctrinal unity?
- In what ways should established churches relate to emerging communities?
- How does news of innovative ministry require appropriate investigation?
- What distinguishes healthy oversight from controlling authoritarianism?
Analysis & 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.