Acts 11:30
Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Original Language Analysis
ὃ
Which
G3739
ὃ
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐποίησαν
they did
G4160
ἐποίησαν
they did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
3 of 12
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἀποστείλαντες
and sent it
G649
ἀποστείλαντες
and sent it
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 12
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 12
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,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρους
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
7 of 12
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
8 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
χειρὸς
the hands
G5495
χειρὸς
the hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
9 of 12
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Βαρναβᾶ
of Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶ
of Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
10 of 12
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Cross References
Acts 12:25And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.Acts 16:4And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.Acts 20:17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.Acts 15:6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.Acts 15:4And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.1 Timothy 5:17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.James 5:14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:1 Peter 5:1The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does financial accountability matter in church life?
- What role do trusted representatives play in maintaining unity?
- How does generous giving validate theological claims?
- In what ways did this visit advance Paul's apostolic preparation?
- What does joint Jewish-Gentile Christian cooperation demonstrate about gospel's power?
Analysis & 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.