27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Verses 27-30 conclude the Antioch narrative. This section relates how churches financially helped each other in difficulty.
11:27
And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
While Barnabas and Paul ministered in Antioch, certain prophets came to the city from Antioch. The role of the prophet was not prediction but to challenge people to action.
11:28
Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Agabus was one of the prophets who arrived from Jerusalem. He will prophesy again later during Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10-11). He predicted a global famine that would come during the days of the Roman Emperor Claudius’ reign (AD 41-54). The church back in Judea suffered under a famine. The famine reached its height between AD 44-48 (Josephus).
11:29
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
The Antioch church responded to Agabus’ prophecy by sending “relief” to the Judean church. They send not send an equal amount, but according to their capacity to give (2 Co 8:11-12).
11:30
This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The Antioch church sent material relief to the Judean church by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Verse 30 is the first mention of “elders” in the book of Acts, who had oversight of ministry in Judea.
PRINCIPLE:
Giving in the New Testament is in proportion to what one possesses.
APPLICATION:
We find other offerings than Acts 11 in 1 Co 16:1-4; 2 Co 8-9; Ro 15:25-32. Biblical giving is a cheerful experience (2 Co 9:7). It is also a service to the saints (2 Co 9:1). Giving brings glory to God (2 Co 9:12-13). It manifests the extent to which God’s blessings upon one’s life (2 Co 9:14). The amount that one should give rests on their “ability” (Acts 2:45; 4:35; 2 Co 8:3). Go to this study to discover more about proportionate giving: https://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/doctrine/biblical-giving/
