Finished their mission is equivalent to “did what they came to Jerusalem to do” or, as may be necessary in some instances, “gave the money to the elders” (a specific reference to 11.30).

This verse presents a very severe textual problem, and the translations differ as to whether or not (they) returned from Jerusalem or “returned to Jerusalem.” Although it is possible to conclude that this verse means that Barnabas and Saul finished their mission (in Antioch) and returned to Jerusalem, it is more natural to assume that 11.30 records their arrival in Jerusalem and 12.25 their departure from Jerusalem. New American Bible and An American Translation* have “to”; while Good News Translation, Moffatt, Barclay, Dios Habla Hoy, La Sainte Bible: Nouvelle version Segond révisée, Luther, and Zürcher Bibel have “from”; Le Nouveau Testament. Version Synodale “from Jerusalem to Antioch”; Revised Standard Version, New English Bible, Jerusalem Bible have “from,” with a note indicating the possibility of “to.” The UBS Greek text has “to,” but gives this a D rating, as quite uncertain. From the standpoint of the discourse structure, it would seem much more natural for the reading to be from Jerusalem, so as to prepare the reader for the account of the happenings in Antioch, which immediately follows (13.1ff.).

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 .