Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The Antiochenes chose trustworthy men to carry their gift, and rightly sent it to the elders for wise distribution. If alms lie loose among the people, the bold will seize them as common prey and cut the throats of the hungry with their greed. Order and faithfulness both matter in charity.
AI summary
Christ gave prophets to the Church not merely to prove His truth but to guide it. These men came from Jerusalem to Antioch because they saw their work done there and heard that church flourished. Faithful service in small things draws greater trust.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 11:27-30
This is the first mention in the New Testament of elders in the Christian church. The relief went to aged, prudent, experienced men in the church for distribution among the brethren, not to Jewish synagogue rulers. Whether officers by rank or simply trusted elders, they had the discretion.
AI summary