Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 11:29

"And the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren that dwelt in Judea:" — Acts 11:29 (ASV)

Then the disciples. The Christians at Antioch.

According to his ability. As they had prospered. It does not imply that they were rich, but that they rendered aid as they could afford it.

Determined to send relief. This arose not merely from their general sense of their obligation to aid the poor, but they felt themselves particularly bound to aid their Jewish brethren. The obligation to aid the temporal wants of those from whom they had received so important spiritual mercies, is repeatedly enforced in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 16:1–2; 2 Corinthians 9:1–2; Galatians 2:10).