Though the Greek text has no specific reference to money, it is clearly implied in the context (see Dios Habla Hoy “offering”; Barclay “their contributions”). “The elders” are obviously the church elders. This is the first time that Christian elders are spoken of (see further 14.23; 15.2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16.4; 20.17; 21.18). In none of these passages, however, is there any indication regarding either the origin or the function of these elders. In speaking of the elders there is a tendency in some translations to imply only a designation of “old men.” This may not, however, be fully adequate for it suggests the leaders in the church rather than necessarily the older men, though of course there was a tendency for the leadership to rest with the older adult men in the congregation, even as in most societies. In most face-to-face societies there exists a relatively well-identified group of elder counselors who often act as a kind of consultative body for the chief. Such a term may be readily employed for this group of the individuals in the church.

By Barnabas and Saul is literally “by the hand of Barnabas and Saul,” which simply means “by means of” (see Barclay “through”). By Barnabas and Saul may be rendered as “Barnabas and Saul carried the gift” or “Barnabas and Saul took the money to Jerusalem.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .