Acts 11:19-20
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is the seemingly ordinary limitation: "speaking the word to no one except Jews." This wasn't just a preference; they were still operating under the understanding that the Gospel was exclusively for the Jewish people, unaware of the broader mission God was preparing. It highlights how even faithful believers can have a limited perspective, waiting for God to reveal His fuller plan.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, a wave of persecution scattered Christians from Jerusalem. These refugees traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, cautiously sharing the message of Jesus only with their Jewish countrymen. This cautious approach, however, was about to change dramatically in Antioch.
When persecution hit, believers scattered. But instead of hiding, they took the Gospel with them. Notice where they went and who they spoke to.
Seeds of Faith in a Hostile World
The early church faced intense pressure, especially after Stephen's martyrdom. This verse shows that believers, forced to flee Jerusalem, didn't abandon their faith or their mission. They became like seeds scattered by a storm, landing in new places.
This intentional, albeit limited, outreach shows the deep commitment of these early followers, even when facing danger.
Antioch wasn't just another city; it was a bustling hub. Why was it so significant for the early church's mission, even though these travelers initially only spoke to Jews there?
The Strategic Importance of Antioch
Antioch, situated on the Orontes River, was a major metropolis, a "capital of Syria" and one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. It was a vibrant cultural and commercial center, often called the "Gate of the East."
Understand the original words
thlipsis · Greek Noun
Hostility, oppression, or suffering inflicted upon believers due to their faith in Christ; it is often a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel.
Hellēnistēs · Greek Noun
Greek-speaking Jews or non-Jewish people who were culturally influenced by Hellenistic (Greek) customs. In the early church context, this refers to those outside the traditional Aramaic-speaking Jewish culture.
euangelizomai · Greek Verb
The act of publicly proclaiming or heralding the good news of the Gospel, typically involving the message about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where persecution inadvertently fuels the spread of the gospel beyond its Jewish origins, setting the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles.
c. AD 34
Stephen's Martyrdom and Initial Persecution
Following the stoning of Stephen, a prominent Hellenistic Jewish Christian, a wave of persecution erupted in Jerusalem. This event triggered the scattering of many believers.
c. AD 34-36— this verse
Dispersed Believers Spread the Word
Those forced to flee Jerusalem traveled throughout Judea and Samaria, and some ventured further to Phoenicia (modern Lebanon), Cyprus, and Antioch. They shared the gospel, primarily with fellow Jews.
c. AD 37-38
Gentiles in Antioch Hear the Gospel
Some of the dispersed believers, particularly those from Cyprus and Cyrene, reached Antioch and began speaking the good news to the Gentiles, marking a significant expansion of the gospel's reach.
c. AD 37-38
Jerusalem Church Responds to Antioch
News of the Gentiles' conversion in Antioch reached the apostles in Jerusalem. Barnabas was sent to investigate and, upon seeing God's work, encouraged the new believers.
This verse directly follows the preceding narrative, establishing the context of scattering due to persecution, which is the very cause for the spread of the gospel mentioned in Acts 11:19.
Acts 13:46This passage shows a turning point where Paul and Barnabas explicitly declare they will turn to the Gentiles, contrasting with the limited outreach described in Acts 11:19.
Galatians 2:9This passage speaks to the apostles recognizing the distinct ministries to Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the initial, more restricted proclamation of the gospel by those scattered in Acts 11:19.
Matthew 28:19Jesus' Great Commission to 'make disciples of all nations' stands as the overarching mandate that the limited scope of preaching in Acts 11:19 was, by necessity and immaturity, yet to fully embrace.
barnesActs 11:19: "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only."
Now they ... - This verse introduces a new train of historical remark; and from this point the course of the history of the Acts of the Apostles takes a new direction. Thus far, the history had recorded chiefly the preaching of the gospel to the Jews. From this point the history records the effor…
jfbActs 11:19-24: "Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only."
Ac 11:19-24. The Gospel Being Preached to Gentiles at Antioch Also Barnabas Is Sent Thither from Jerusalem, Who Hails Their Accession and Labors among Them.19. they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen—and who "went everywhere preaching the word" (Ac 8:4).t…
What's easy to miss here is the seemingly ordinary limitation: "speaking the word to no one except Jews." This wasn't just a preference; they were still operating under the understanding that the Gospel was exclusively for the Jewish people, unaware of the broader mission God was preparing. It highlights how even faithful believers can have a limited perspective, waiting for God to reveal His fuller plan.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, a wave of persecution scattered Christians from Jerusalem. These refugees traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, cautiously sharing the message of Jesus only with their Jewish countrymen. This cautious approach, however, was about to change dramatically in Antioch.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, a wave of persecution scattered Christians from Jerusalem. These refugees traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, cautiously sharing the message of Jesus only with their Jewish countrymen. This cautious approach, however, was about to change dramatically in Antioch.
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This verse sets the stage for Antioch's pivotal role, showing how even limited outreach in a strategically important location could lead to monumental shifts in God's plan.
c. AD 40s
Rise of Antioch as a Gentile Center
Antioch flourished as a major hub for the early church, becoming a critical base for missionary journeys, especially those involving Paul, and a place where the distinction between Jewish and Gentile believers began to be navigated.
"Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on com…" — What's easy to miss here is the seemingly ordinary limitation: "speaking the word to no one except Jews." This wasn't just a preference; they were still operating under the understanding that the Gos…
