Acts 11:29
New International Version
The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.

New Living Translation
So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.

English Standard Version
So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

Berean Standard Bible
So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

Berean Literal Bible
And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea,

King James Bible
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

New King James Version
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.

New American Standard Bible
And to the extent that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers and sisters living in Judea.

NASB 1995
And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.

NASB 1977
And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea.

Legacy Standard Bible
And as any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the service of the brothers living in Judea.

Amplified Bible
So the disciples decided to send a contribution, each according to his individual ability, to the believers who lived in Judea.

Christian Standard Bible
Each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers and sisters who lived in Judea.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.

American Standard Version
And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea:

Contemporary English Version
The followers in Antioch decided to send whatever help they could to the followers in Judea.

English Revised Version
And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judaea:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the disciples in Antioch decided to contribute whatever they could afford to help the believers living in Judea.

Good News Translation
The disciples decided that they each would send as much as they could to help their fellow believers who lived in Judea.

International Standard Version
So all of the disciples decided they would send a contribution to the brothers living in Judea, as they were able,

Majority Standard Bible
So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

NET Bible
So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

New Heart English Bible
As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea.

Weymouth New Testament
So the disciples decided to send relief, every one in proportion to his means, to the brethren living in Judaea.

World English Bible
As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the disciples, according as anyone was prospering, determined each of them to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea,

Berean Literal Bible
And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea,

Young's Literal Translation
and the disciples, according as any one was prospering, determined each of them to send for ministration to the brethren dwelling in Judea,

Smith's Literal Translation
And certain of the disciples, as he was able, determined, each of them, to send for service to the brethren dwelling in Judea:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the disciples declared, according to what each one possessed, what they would offer to be sent to the brothers living in Judea.

New American Bible
So the disciples determined that, according to ability, each should send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.

New Revised Standard Version
The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the disciples, each one according to his ability, determined to set aside for relief to the brethren who dwelt in Ju-dæ’a.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But the disciples set aside, according to what each one of them had, to send for the service of the brethren who dwelt in Judea;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And every one of the disciples determined, as he had the means, to send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea;

Godbey New Testament
And they determined that each one of them should send to the ministry to the brethren dwelling in Judea, as each one of the disciples was prosperous;

Haweis New Testament
Then the disciples, as everyman had ability, determined every individual of them to send a sum to be distributed among the brethren who dwelt in Judea:

Mace New Testament
then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd,

Weymouth New Testament
So the disciples decided to send relief, every one in proportion to his means, to the brethren living in Judaea.

Worrell New Testament
And the disciples, according as any one of them was being prospered, determined, each of them, to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea;

Worsley New Testament
And each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Church at Antioch
28One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) 29So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul.…

Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...

2 Corinthians 9:1-2
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. / For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

Romans 15:25-27
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. / For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. / They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual blessings, they are obligated to minister to them with material blessings.

Galatians 2:10
They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

1 Corinthians 16:1-3
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: / On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. / Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Matthew 25:35-40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, / I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ / Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? ...

1 John 3:17-18
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.

Philippians 4:14-16
Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. / And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

Hebrews 13:16
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Luke 3:11
John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Isaiah 58:7
Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.


Treasury of Scripture

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers which dwelled in Judaea:

every.

Ezra 2:69
They 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.

Nehemiah 5:8
And 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 16:2
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

to send.

Acts 2:44,45
And all that believed were together, and had all things common; …

Acts 4:34
Neither 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,

Ecclesiastes 11:1,2
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days…

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Acts 11
1. Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5. makes his defense;
18. which is accepted.
19. The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22. Barnabas is sent to confirm them.
26. The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
27. They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine.














So the disciples
The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus Christ, who were committed to His teachings and mission. In the early church, the disciples were not just the original twelve apostles but included all believers who adhered to the teachings of Christ. The Greek word for disciples, "μαθηταί" (mathētai), implies learners or students, emphasizing their role in continually growing in faith and understanding. This highlights the communal and collective nature of the early Christian movement, where all believers were considered part of the body of Christ, learning and growing together.

each according to his ability
This phrase underscores the principle of proportional giving, where contributions are made based on one's capacity. The Greek word "δύναμις" (dynamis) for "ability" suggests power or capability, indicating that the disciples were encouraged to give in a manner that was both sacrificial and sustainable. This reflects a biblical principle found throughout Scripture, where God values the heart and intent behind the giving rather than the amount. It is reminiscent of the widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus commends her for giving out of her poverty.

decided to send relief
The decision to send relief was a deliberate and collective action by the disciples, demonstrating their unity and compassion. The Greek word "ὥρισαν" (hōrisan) for "decided" implies a determined and purposeful choice. This reflects the early church's commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, particularly in caring for those in need. The act of sending relief is a tangible expression of love and solidarity, embodying the Christian principle of bearing one another's burdens as outlined in Galatians 6:2.

to the brothers
The term "brothers" (Greek: "ἀδελφοί," adelphoi) signifies the familial bond among believers, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries. In the early church, this term was used to describe fellow Christians, emphasizing the unity and equality of all believers in Christ. This familial language underscores the concept of the church as a spiritual family, where members are called to support and care for one another, reflecting the love of Christ.

living in Judea
Judea was a region in the ancient Near East, significant in biblical history as the location of Jerusalem and the heart of Jewish religious life. The early church in Judea faced significant challenges, including persecution and economic hardship. The decision to send relief to Judea highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities, regardless of geographical distance. It also reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in Acts 1:8, where the gospel would spread from Jerusalem to Judea and beyond, illustrating the expanding reach of the Christian mission.

(29) Then the disciples, every man according to his ability.--Literally, as each man prospered. It is obviously implied that the collection was made at once, as a provision against the famine, in consequence of the prophecy, before the famine itself came. We may well believe that Saul and Barnabas were active in stirring up the Gentiles to this work of charity. It was the beginning of that collection for the "poor saints at Jerusalem" which was afterwards so prominent in the Apostle's labours (Acts 24:17; Romans 15:25-26; 1Corinthians 16:1; 2Corinthians 9:1-15; Galatians 2:10), and which he regarded as a bond of union between the Jewish and Gentile sections of the Church. It is probable that the generous devotion and liberality of the converts of Jerusalem in the glow of their first love had left them more exposed than most others to the pressure of poverty, and that when the famine came it found them to a great extent dependent on the help of other churches.

Determined to send relief.--The Greek gives the more specific to send as a ministration, the half-technical word which St. Paul uses in Romans 15:31; 2Corinthians 9:1. . . .

Verse 29. - And for then, A.V.; that for which, A.V. This is the first example of the practice, so much encouraged by St. Paul, of the Gentile Churches contributing to the wants of the poor Christians of the mother Church of Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 9; Galatians 2:10, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[So]
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

disciples,
μαθητῶν (mathētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

each
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

according to
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

his ability,
εὐπορεῖτό (euporeito)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2141: From a compound of hetoimazo and the base of poreia; to be good for passing through, i.e. have pecuniary means.

decided
ὥρισαν (hōrisan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3724: From horion; to mark out or bound, i.e. to appoint, decree, specify.

to send
πέμψαι (pempsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

relief
διακονίαν (diakonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brothers
ἀδελφοῖς (adelphois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

living
κατοικοῦσιν (katoikousin)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2730: To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Judea.
Ἰουδαίᾳ (Ioudaia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2449: Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.


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NT Apostles: Acts 11:29 As any of the disciples had plenty (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 11:28
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