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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Acts 11:30 - 11:30
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30. πρὸς τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους, to the elders. This is the first time we come upon the πρεσβύτεροι in the Christian history. In Act 20:17 they are again mentioned, and shortly afterwards (Act 11:28) in the same narrative they are named ἐπίσκοποι = overseers, bishops. No doubt at first the office of elder or presbyter comprised, beside the work of teaching, the general oversight of one, or it may be more Churches. Cf. Php 1:1 where the two orders of the ministry are described as ‘bishops (= presbyters) and deacons.’ As the Church increased in numbers these duties were separated, and the general superintendence and control assigned to one who was called overseer or bishop.
διὰ χειρὸς Βαρνάβα καὶ Σαύλου, by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. The character and labours of these two had marked them out as the most fit men to be bearers of this help, and it was from Jerusalem that Barnabas had been sent at first to Antioch.