The Church in Antioch and Famine Relief
Acts 11:19-30
Acts.11.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- ουν: CONJ
- διασπαρεντες: VERB,part,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γενομενης: VERB,aor,mid,part,gen,sg,f
- επι: PREP
- Στεφανω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- διηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εως: CONJ
- Φοινικης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Κυπρου: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- Αντιοχειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μηδενι: PRON,dat,sg,n
- λαλουντες: PART,pres,act,nom,pl,masc
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- μονον: ADV
- Ιουδαιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 8:1-4 (verbal): Directly parallels the report that those scattered by persecution 'went about preaching the word' (Acts 8:4); both describe dispersal after Stephen's death and their proclamation activity.
- Acts 6:8-7:60 (allusion): Narrates Stephen's ministry, arrest, and martyrdom—the immediate cause of the persecution and scattering referred to in Acts 11:19.
- Acts 11:20-21 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same narrative showing how some of those who came to Antioch began speaking to Greeks, marking the shift from Jewish-only outreach noted in 11:19.
- Matthew 10:5-6 (thematic): Jesus' instruction to the Twelve to 'go to the lost sheep of Israel' reflects the early mission pattern of initially addressing Jewish audiences, as in Acts 11:19.
- Acts 13:46 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas' turning to the Gentiles after Jewish rejection illustrates the broader missionary trajectory that contrasts with—and follows from—the Jewish-focused proclamation described in Acts 11:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews.
- Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word only to Jews.
Acts.11.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ησαν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- δε: CONJ
- τινες: PRON,nom,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- Κυπριοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- Κυρηναιοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οιτινες: PRO,rel,nom,pl,m
- ελθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- Αντιοχειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ελαλουν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- και: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- Ελληνιστας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ευαγγελιζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 11:19 (structural): Immediate context: describes the scattered believers preaching to Hellenists—sets the narrative background for 11:20's report that Cypriots and Cyrenians preached in Antioch.
- Acts 6:9 (verbal): Mentions Cyrenians in Jerusalem (opponents of Stephen); connects to the identifiable group of Cyrenian believers who later appear evangelizing in Antioch.
- Acts 13:1-3 (verbal): Lists leaders in the Antioch church and explicitly names men from Cyprus and Cyrene (and Barnabas from Cyprus), showing continuity of Cypriot/Cyrenian involvement in Antiochine ministry.
- Galatians 2:7 (thematic): Paul explains his mission to the Gentiles while Peter ministers to Jews—reflects the Antioch mission's orientation toward Hellenistic/Gentile audiences.
- Romans 1:16 (thematic): Affirms the gospel's power 'to the Jew first and also to the Greek,' underscoring the inclusive, Gentile-directed evangelism exemplified by preaching to Hellenists in Antioch.
Alternative generated candidates
- But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they came to Antioch began to speak also to the Greeks, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
- But there were some of them—men of Cyprus and Cyrene—who, when they came to Antioch, began to speak to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
Acts.11.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- χειρ: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- μετ᾽αυτων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,3
- πολυς: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- τε: CONJ
- αριθμος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πιστευσας: VERB,aor,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- επεστρεψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 4:4 (verbal): After Peter’s sermon many believed — similar language and outcome (many coming to faith) as in Acts 11:21’s report of a great number believing.
- Acts 5:14 (thematic): Luke’s summary of numerical growth—'more were added to the Lord'—parallels Acts 11:21’s emphasis on large-scale conversion as the Lord’s work.
- Acts 8:12-13 (thematic): In Samaria Philip’s preaching leads many to believe and be baptized; like Acts 11:21, the passage links evangelistic preaching with many turning to the Lord.
- Acts 9:31 (thematic): Luke’s summary of the church’s enlargement and strengthening under the Lord’s blessing parallels Acts 11:21’s note that the 'hand of the Lord was with them' and resulted in growth.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
- And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
Acts.11.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ηκουσθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λογος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- ωτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εκκλησιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- ουσης: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- περι: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- εξαπεστειλαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- Βαρναβαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εως: CONJ
- Αντιοχειας·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 4:36-37 (verbal): Introduces Barnabas (Joseph called Barnabas) and his good standing in the Jerusalem church, explaining why they would entrust him with a mission to Antioch.
- Acts 9:26-27 (thematic): Shows Barnabas' role as advocate and mediator in Jerusalem (vouching for Saul), illustrating his trusted position that leads to being sent out by the Jerusalem church.
- Acts 13:1-3 (structural): Describes the church at Antioch and the commission of Barnabas (with Saul) by the Spirit — the subsequent stage of the mission initiated when Jerusalem sent Barnabas there.
- Galatians 2:1-2 (allusion): Paul recounts going to Jerusalem 'with Barnabas,' underscoring Barnabas' ongoing connection between Antioch and Jerusalem and his role in early missionary cooperation.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the news reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
- The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
Acts.11.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- παραγενομενος: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ιδων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εχαρη: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- παρεκαλει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- προθεσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- προσμενειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Hebrews 10:23-25 (thematic): Both texts urge believers to hold fast and to exhort/encourage one another so they will persevere — a corporate call to steadfastness and mutual encouragement.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (thematic): Paul prays that God would comfort and strengthen hearts and encourage believers to remain blameless — similar language of strengthening/encouraging believers to stand firm.
- Philippians 1:27 (thematic): An exhortation to live worthily of the gospel and to stand firm together in one spirit, paralleling Barnabas' call to remain with single purpose of heart toward the Lord.
- Acts 13:52 (verbal): Both passages link the work/grace of God with joy among believers (’rejoiced’/’filled with joy’), showing rejoicing as the appropriate response to God’s favor and mission success.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (thematic): A succinct pastoral command to encourage and build one another up, echoing Barnabas’ action of exhorting the new believers to continue in the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose of heart.
- When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
Acts.11.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ανηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αγαθος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- πληρης: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αγιου: ADJ,gen,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- προσετεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- οχλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ικανος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 6:5 (verbal): Stephen is described with virtually the same wording — 'a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit' — a direct verbal parallel to Barnabas' description.
- Acts 2:47 (verbal): Uses the same corporate language of growth: 'the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved,' paralleling 'a great number was added to the Lord.'
- Acts 2:41 (structural): After Peter's proclamation many 'were added' (about three thousand), paralleling the pattern of conversion growth linked to effective witness and Spirit-filled ministry.
- Acts 13:52 (thematic): Describes believers as 'filled with joy and the Holy Spirit,' thematically echoing the characterization of Barnabas as filled with the Holy Spirit and faith and the ensuing fruitfulness.
Alternative generated candidates
- For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and a large number were brought to the Lord.
- For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and a great many were added to the Lord.
Acts.11.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εξηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- Ταρσον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αναζητησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- Σαυλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 9:27 (structural): Barnabas previously intervenes on Saul’s behalf in Jerusalem and brings him to the apostles, establishing the Barnabas–Saul relationship that explains Barnabas’s later trip to Tarsus.
- Acts 9:30 (structural): Reports that Saul was sent to Tarsus for safety; Acts 11:25’s journey to Tarsus picks up this detail by locating Saul there.
- Acts 11:26 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: Barnabas finds Saul in Tarsus and brings him to Antioch, showing the outcome of the search mentioned in 11:25.
- Galatians 1:21 (thematic): Paul’s autobiographical note that he went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia (which includes Tarsus) provides corroborating background for Saul’s residence in Tarsus.
- Galatians 2:1 (thematic): Paul’s later account of accompanying Barnabas to Jerusalem (and their ongoing association) underscores the enduring Barnabas–Paul partnership that Acts portrays beginning with Barnabas seeking Saul in Tarsus.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then he went off to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
- Then he went off to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
Acts.11.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ευρων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ηγαγεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- Αντιοχειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- και: CONJ
- ενιαυτον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ολον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- συναχθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- διδαξαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- οχλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ικανον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- χρηματισαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τε: CONJ
- πρωτως: ADV
- εν: PREP
- Αντιοχεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- μαθητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- Χριστιανους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 9:26-27 (structural): Barnabas acts as introducer and advocate for Saul/Paul—parallel to 11:25–26 where Barnabas seeks out Saul and brings him to Antioch to teach.
- Acts 13:1-3 (thematic): Describes the Antioch church with prophets and teachers and the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul—continuation of the ministry and missionary sending that began in Acts 11:26.
- Acts 26:28 (verbal): Agrippa’s remark, 'In a short time you would persuade me to be a Christian,' echoes Acts 11:26’s note that the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch—both highlight the early use of the term.
- 1 Peter 4:16 (allusion): Later New Testament use of the label 'Christian' (suffering as a Christian) connects back to the first occurrence recorded in Acts 11:26, showing development of the term’s identity and usage.
Alternative generated candidates
- For an entire year they met with the church and taught a grande multitude; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
- So they met with the church there for a whole year and taught a large number; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts.11.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εν: PREP
- ταυταις: DEM,dat,pl,f
- δε: CONJ
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- ημεραις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- κατηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- απο: PREP
- Ιεροσολυμων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- προφηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- Αντιοχειαν·: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 13:1 (verbal): Mentions prophets (and teachers) at Antioch—directly parallels the presence and role of prophets in the Antioch church introduced in Acts 11:27.
- Acts 21:10-11 (allusion): Records the prophet Agabus (named in Acts 11:28) appearing elsewhere to prophesy about Paul, linking the prophetic figure who came from Judea with later prophetic activity.
- Acts 2:17-18 (thematic): Peter’s citation of Joel describes the outpouring of the Spirit and the prophetic gift in the last days, providing the broader theological context for prophetic activity in the early church such as the prophets who came to Antioch.
- 1 Corinthians 14:29-32 (thematic): Gives instructions for prophetic ministry in the gathered church, thematically related to the appearance and function of prophets in Antioch described in Acts 11:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now in those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
- During these days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Acts.11.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αναστας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- εξ: PREP
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Αγαβος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εσημανεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- λιμον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μεγαλην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- μελλειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- εσεσθαι: VERB,fut,mid,inf
- εφ᾽ολην: PREP+ADJ,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικουμενην·ητις: NOUN,acc,sg,f+PRON,nom,sg,f
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- επι: PREP
- Κλαυδιου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 21:10-11 (structural): The same prophet Agabus appears again; like Acts 11:28 he delivers a Spirit-led sign predicting a future calamity (here, Paul's binding), showing a pattern of prophetic action by Agabus in Acts.
- Luke 21:11 (thematic): Lists 'famines' alongside earthquakes and pestilences as signs—parallels Acts 11:28's announcement of a great famine as a significant, widespread calamity.
- Matthew 24:7 (thematic): Jesus' eschatological discourse includes 'famines' affecting many nations, echoing the motif of large-scale shortage proclaimed in Acts 11:28.
- Revelation 6:5-6 (thematic): The rider on the black horse brings scarcity and inflated food prices—an apocalyptic depiction of famine that thematically parallels Acts 11:28's announcement of wide-reaching food shortage.
Alternative generated candidates
- One of them, named Agabus, stood up and, by the Spirit, signified that a great famine would come over the whole inhabited world—this came to pass in the days of Claudius.
- One of them, named Agabus, stood up and, by the Spirit, declared that a great famine would come over the whole world—this happened in the days of Claudius.
Acts.11.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- μαθητων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- καθως: CONJ
- ευπορειτο: VERB,impf,mid,ind,3,sg
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ωρισαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εκαστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- διακονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- πεμψαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- κατοικουσιν: PART,pres,act,dat,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Ιουδαια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- αδελφοις·: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 11:27-30 (structural): Immediate context: prophecy of a famine by Agabus leads the disciples to determine, each according to ability, to send relief to the brothers in Judea (direct narrative continuation).
- Acts 4:32-37 (thematic): Early church practice of sharing resources and providing for needy believers (e.g., Barnabas selling a field), paralleling the communal relief effort for Judean Christians.
- Romans 15:25-27 (structural): Paul describes his plan to bring a collection from Gentile churches to the saints in Jerusalem; echoes the practice of sending financial aid to Judean believers.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (structural): Paul gives practical instructions for taking up a collection for the saints, reflecting the organized, local preparations to send relief mentioned in Acts 11:29.
- Galatians 2:10 (allusion): The apostles' request that Paul remember the poor (which he was eager to do) aligns with the early church's commitment to support impoverished brothers in Judea.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.
- The disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
Acts.11.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εποιησαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αποστειλαντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- προς: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- πρεσβυτερους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- χειρος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- Βαρναβα: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Σαυλου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 4:36-37 (verbal): Earliest mention of Barnabas in Acts in connection with giving/relief (he sold a field and brought the money), linking Barnabas to charitable support for the Jerusalem community.
- Acts 15:30 (structural): After the Jerusalem council delegates are sent to Antioch to deliver a decision; parallels the practice of commissioning trusted envoys to carry a contribution or message to another church.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (thematic): Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church to collect a contribution for the saints in Jerusalem and to send it with appointed men—parallels the collection and transmission to the Jerusalem elders.
- 2 Corinthians 8:19-23 (thematic): Paul describes sending an honored brother and other trusted men to accompany the gift to Jerusalem so the collection is handled without reproach—similar concern and practice to sending Barnabas and Saul as messengers.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
- They did so, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word only to Jews. But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they came to Antioch began to speak also to Greeks, proclaiming the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number believed and turned to the Lord.
When the news reached the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas off to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with a firm purpose of heart.
For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; and great numbers were brought to the Lord.
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.
For a whole year they met with the church and taught large numbers; and in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.
One of them, named Agabus, stood up and, by the Spirit, foretold that a great famine would come over the whole world—this indeed took place in the days of Claudius. So the disciples, everyone according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.
They did so, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.