John Calvin Commentary Acts 11:30

"which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul." — Acts 11:30 (ASV)

Sending it unto the elders, [presbyters.] We must note two things here: first, that the men of Antioch chose faithful men, of known honesty, to carry their blessing; and secondly, that they sent it to the elders, so that they could wisely distribute it. For if alms are thrown among the common people, or are placed where everyone can take what he wants, everyone will immediately take it for himself as if it were common prey; and so the boldest will defraud the needy; indeed, through his greediness, he will cut the throats of the hungry.

Therefore, let us note these passages, which teach that we must not only act uprightly and faithfully, but also that order and wisdom are required, both in making choices and in all our administration. Those were called elders in whose hands the government of the Church was; the apostles were chief among them. The men of Antioch entrusted the holy money (which they had designated for the poor) to their discretion.

If anyone objects that this was the office of the deacons, since the apostles denied that they could both serve tables and attend to doctrine, the answer is easy: the deacons were appointed over tables, yet in such a manner that they were nevertheless under the elders [presbyters], nor did they do anything except at their direction.