What is the meaning of Acts 11:29? So the disciples • Luke records: “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). The same group now responds to a practical need. • Their readiness echoes the early Jerusalem church where “all the believers were together and had everything in common” (Acts 2:44-45). • True discipleship, Jesus said, is shown when “all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Each according to his ability • Giving is proportionate: “For I testify that they gave according to their means, and even beyond their means” (2 Corinthians 8:3). • The principle safeguards both generosity and responsibility—no one is pressed to give what he does not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). • Jesus honored the widow who “put in two small copper coins,” declaring she “put in more than all the others” (Luke 21:1-4). • “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Decided to send relief • This was a deliberate, corporate resolution. Paul later organized similar collections: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money…so that no collections will have to be made when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Practical help fulfills Christ’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). • Such relief embodied the charge to “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10) and demonstrated the unity of the Body (Romans 15:25-27). To the brothers living in Judea • The need arose from the prophecy of a coming famine (Acts 11:28). Judean believers, already under persecution (Acts 8:1), would be hit hardest. • Calling them “brothers” underscores spiritual kinship: “Keep on loving one another as brothers” (Hebrews 13:1). • Meeting needs within the household of faith fulfills, “If anyone has worldly possessions and sees his brother in need but has no compassion on him, how can the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). summary Acts 11:29 shows Spirit-led disciples responding practically and sacrificially to predicted hardship. Each believer gives proportionally, the whole church acts purposefully, and distant brethren receive tangible love. The verse models generous stewardship, heartfelt unity, and obedience to Christ’s call to care for His people. |
    |