29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
29 So the disciples determined, everyone according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers
29 So the disciples decided that each of them would send whatever they could to their fellow Christians in Judea to help out.
29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.
30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
30 They sent Barnabas and Saul to deliver the collection to the leaders in Jerusalem.
30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.
(Read Acts 11:25-30)
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians, how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth would be like one large family, every member of which would strive to be dutiful and kind.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry,
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from
25 Barnabas and Saul, once they had delivered the relief offering to the church in Jerusalem, went back to Antioch. This time they took John with them, the one they called Mark.
25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and they also took with them John whose surname was Mark.
25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, taking John Mark with them.
(Read Acts 12:20-25)
Many heathen princes claimed and received Divine honours, but it was far more horrible impiety in Herod, who knew the word and worship of the living God, to accept such idolatrous honours without rebuking the blasphemy. And such men as Herod, when puffed with pride and vanity, are ripening fast for signal vengeance. God is very jealous for his own honour, and will be glorified upon those whom he is not glorified by. See what vile bodies we carry about with us; they have in them the seeds of their own dissolution, by which they will soon be destroyed, whenever God does but speak the word. We may learn wisdom from the people of Tyre and Sidon, for we have offended the Lord with our sins. We depend on him for life, and breath, and all things; it surely then behoves us to humble ourselves before him, that through the appointed Mediator, who is ever ready to befriend us, we may be reconciled to him, lest wrath come upon us to the utmost.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 11:29
Commentary on Acts 11:25-30
(Read Acts 11:25-30)
Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes his promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian to whom it does not rightly belong. But the name without the reality will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Grant, Lord, that Christians may forget other names and distinctions, and love one another as the followers of Christ ought to do. True Christians will feel for their brethren under afflictions. Thus will fruit be brought forth to the praise and glory of God. If all mankind were true Christians, how cheerfully would they help one another! The whole earth would be like one large family, every member of which would strive to be dutiful and kind.