And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse marks the first mention of "elders" in the New Testament church, indicating a developing organizational structure that likely mirrored the Jewish synagogues, where elders held positions of authority and wisdom. The choice to send Barnabas and Saul, prominent leaders, with the contribution highlights the seriousness with which this charitable act was regarded, entrusting it to experienced hands for proper distribution.
And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following news of a famine throughout Judea, the church in Antioch took up a collection to aid their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. They entrusted this significant act of compassion to Barnabas and Saul, sending them with the gift to the leaders of the Jerusalem church. This shows the early church’s commitment to mutual care and the growing importance of designated leaders in the developing structure of the Christian community.
Ever wondered about the leadership structure in the early church? This verse drops a key term that might surprise you.
The First Mention of Elders
Acts 11:30 marks the very first time the New Testament mentions "elders" (or "presbyters" in the original Greek) within the Christian church.
It's easy to picture apostles as grand figures, but this verse shows them in a very practical, humble role.
Humble Messengers
Barnabas and Saul, men who were clearly influential (later known as Paul), were chosen to deliver this charitable gift. This highlights a few things:
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
presbyteros · Greek Noun
Spiritual leaders appointed to oversee the governance, doctrine, and pastoral care of a local church congregation.
This act of charity highlights the early church's commitment to unity and mutual support between Jewish and Gentile believers, even amidst challenging circumstances like famine.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity, leading to the formation of the early church in Jerusalem.
c. AD 33-35
Stephen's Martyrdom and Dispersion
The persecution of early Christians in Jerusalem, forcing many to flee and spread the Gospel to new areas like Antioch.
c. AD 44-45— this verse
Famine Predicted and Contribution Sent
Agabus, a prophet, foretells a widespread famine. The church in Antioch collects a generous offering for believers in Judea.
c. AD 45
Barnabas and Saul's Ministry in Antioch
Barnabas and Saul ministered in Antioch, a significant Gentile church, teaching and strengthening the believers.
c. AD 45-46
First Missionary Journey Begins
Following their ministry in Antioch and the delivery of the famine relief, Barnabas and Saul embark on their first major missionary journey.
This passage details Paul's instructions for the collection of funds for the poor believers in Jerusalem, highlighting the systematic and intentional nature of such charitable efforts within the early church.
2 Corinthians 8:1-7Here, Paul praises the generosity of the Macedonian churches and discusses the importance of their willingness and eagerness in contributing to the relief of the saints, echoing the spirit of the collection in Acts.
James 5:14This verse speaks of calling for the elders of the church to pray for the sick, showing that elders held positions of responsibility and care within the community, similar to their role in receiving the contribution.
Acts 15:1-2This later passage shows Paul and Barnabas again presenting a matter to the elders and apostles in Jerusalem, demonstrating a continued pattern of church leadership and decision-making involving these respected figures.
ellicottActs 11:30: "Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."
(30) And sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. —The elders of the Church are here named for the first time, and appear henceforth as a permanent element of its organisation, which in this respect followed the arrangements of the Synagogue. Officers filling like functions were known in the Gentile churches as Episcopi = Bishops, or Superintendents, and where Jews and Gentiles were m…
barnesActs 11:30: "Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul."
Sent it to the elders - Greek: to the presbyters. This is the first mention which we have in the New Testament of elders, or presbyters, in the Christian church. The word literally denotes "aged men," but in the Jewish synagogue it was merely a name of office. It is clear, however, I think, that the elders of the Jewish synagogue here are not included, for the relief Was intended for the "brethren" (…
This verse marks the first mention of "elders" in the New Testament church, indicating a developing organizational structure that likely mirrored the Jewish synagogues, where elders held positions of authority and wisdom. The choice to send Barnabas and Saul, prominent leaders, with the contribution highlights the seriousness with which this charitable act was regarded, entrusting it to experienced hands for proper distribution.
Following news of a famine throughout Judea, the church in Antioch took up a collection to aid their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. They entrusted this significant act of compassion to Barnabas and Saul, sending them with the gift to the leaders of the Jerusalem church. This shows the early church’s commitment to mutual care and the growing importance of designated leaders in the developing structure of the Christian community.
Following news of a famine throughout Judea, the church in Antioch took up a collection to aid their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. They entrusted this significant act of compassion to Barnabas and Saul, sending them with the gift to the leaders of the Jerusalem church. This shows the early church’s commitment to mutual care and the growing importance of designated leaders in the developing structure of the Christian community.
"And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." — This verse marks the first mention of "elders" in the New Testament church, indicating a developing organizational structure that likely mirrored the Jewish synagogues, where elders held positions of…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026