John Calvin 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)

But here a question arises: since the misery was common to all, why should they have helped one people rather than all the rest? I answer that, because Judea was impoverished by great destructions from wars and other miseries, the men of Antioch were understandably more moved by the miseries of the brethren who were there. Secondly, the greater the rage of the enemies was, the more wretched was the condition of the brethren.

Finally, Paul sufficiently declares in the Epistle to the Galatians that Judea had certain special necessities, which all others regarded for good reason (Galatians 3). This thankfulness deserved no small praise, because the men of Antioch thought that they should help the needy brethren from whom they had received the gospel. For there is nothing more just than that those should reap earthly things who have sown spiritual things.

Since everyone is too inclined to provide for himself, each person might readily have objected: “Why should I not rather provide for myself?” But when they remembered how greatly they were indebted to the brethren, setting aside that personal concern, they turned to help them.

In summary, this alms had a twofold purpose: the men of Antioch fulfilled the duty of charity toward their needy brethren, and by this sign, they also testified how highly they valued the gospel, while they honored the place from where it came.

As every man was able. We see the men of Antioch observe here that standard which Paul prescribes to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:6), whether they did this of their own accord or were instructed by him. And it is not to be doubted that he was consistent in both places.

Therefore, we must follow this rule: that everyone, considering how much has been granted to him, should share it courteously with his brethren, as one who must give an account. So it will come to pass that even one who is poor will have a generous mind, and a small gift will be counted as a rich and splendid sacrifice.

By this word determined, Luke gives us to understand that their offering was voluntary. This is how it should be, as Paul teaches, that we reach out our hand to the needy not under compulsion, but cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

When he names “everyone,” it is as if he were saying that no one prescribed a law for another, nor did they burden one another by their example, but that everyone bestowed his generosity as seemed good to himself.

And we must note the word διακονίας, by which we are taught that rich men are given greater abundance on the condition that they should be ministers to the poor in the stewardship committed to them by God.

Lastly, Luke teaches that the blessing was sent not to the entire nation, but only to those who were of the household of faith. This is not because we should never show any generosity or courtesy towards unbelievers, since love ought to extend to all mankind, but because those should be preferred whom God has joined and linked to us more closely, and with a more holy bond.