Acts 11:29
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ηὐπορεῖτό
his ability
G2141
ηὐπορεῖτό
his ability
Strong's:
G2141
Word #:
5 of 18
(intransitively) to be good for passing through, i.e., (figuratively) have pecuniary means
ὥρισαν
determined
G3724
ὥρισαν
determined
Strong's:
G3724
Word #:
7 of 18
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
αὐτῶν
man
G846
αὐτῶν
man
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
relief
G1519
εἰς
relief
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
διακονίαν
G1248
διακονίαν
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
11 of 18
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
πέμψαι
to send
G3992
πέμψαι
to send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
12 of 18
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικοῦσιν
which dwelt
G2730
κατοικοῦσιν
which dwelt
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
14 of 18
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 2:10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.Acts 11:26And 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.Acts 4:34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,Acts 11:1And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.Nehemiah 5:8And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.1 Corinthians 13:5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;Ezra 2:69They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
Historical Context
According to ability indicates proportional giving—wealthier gave more, poorer gave less, all contributed. Determined shows deliberate decision, not impulsive emotion. Relief for Judean brethren reversed historical pattern—typically Jerusalem helped diaspora communities. Around 45-46 CE, this Gentile-to-Jewish charity demonstrated gospel's power to overcome ethnic animosity, providing practical proof of Christian unity across traditional divisions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does proportional giving reflect biblical stewardship principles?
- What does cross-ethnic charity demonstrate about gospel's reconciling power?
- In what ways should prophecy prompt practical preparation and response?
- How does helping former opponents demonstrate genuine conversion?
- What role does generous giving play in expressing Christian unity?
Analysis & Commentary
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: The Antioch church's generous response demonstrates practical Christian love transcending ethnic divisions—Gentile believers helping Jewish Christians.