Acts 11:20-21
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. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The biggest takeaway here is that the original text likely says these believers preached to "Greeks" (Gentiles) and not just "Hellenists" (Greek-speaking Jews). This wasn't just another sermon; it was a significant expansion of the Gospel's reach beyond the Jewish people, marking a pivotal moment for the early church.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, believers scattered, spreading the message but initially only to Jewish people. However, some individuals from Cyprus and Cyrene arrived in Antioch and boldly began sharing the gospel not just with Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists), but also with Gentiles. This marked a significant expansion of the gospel's reach beyond its initial Jewish audience, paving the way for broader acceptance.
When persecution scattered the early believers, did they intentionally take the message to everyone, or did God's plan unfold in surprising ways?
We see a pivotal moment in Acts 11 where the gospel, initially preached only to Jews, begins to spread to Gentiles. This wasn't just a random event; it was a deliberate expansion.
A Shift in Focus
This marks a significant expansion, showing God's heart for all people, not just one group.
Why was Antioch such a crucial city for the early Christian movement, and what made it the perfect place for this expansion?
Antioch wasn't just another city; it was a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub – a place where cultures and peoples mixed freely. This made it ripe for the gospel's next big step.
A Crossroads of Cultures
Understand the original words
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.
cheir kuriou · Greek Noun
A metaphor for divine power, intervention, and authority. It signifies God's active involvement in human history to accomplish His purposes and demonstrate His sovereignty.
pisteuō · Greek Verb
This verse highlights a pivotal moment where the gospel, initially spreading among Jewish communities after persecution, breaks through to Gentiles in Antioch, thanks to Hellenistic Jewish believers from diverse regions. This expansion paved the way for the church's global mission.
c. 30 BC
Founding of Antioch
Antioch is founded in Syria by Seleucus I Nicator, becoming a major Hellenistic city with a significant Jewish population and a strategic crossroads.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem, initiating the events that would lead to the formation of the Christian movement.
c. AD 33-34
Stoning of Stephen
Stephen, a Hellenistic Jewish Christian, is martyred in Jerusalem, sparking the first major persecution of the early church and scattering believers.
c. AD 34
Scattering of Believers
Persecution following Stephen's death forces many Jewish Christians, including Hellenistic Jews from Cyprus and Cyrene, to flee Jerusalem.
c. AD 34
This passage introduces the 'Hellenists' in Jerusalem, highlighting the existing cultural and linguistic divisions within the early church that the gospel would eventually bridge. It sets the stage for understanding why preaching to this group in Antioch was significant.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile, demonstrates God's impartiality and acceptance of those who fear Him, regardless of their background. This precedent laid the groundwork for the expansion of the gospel to non-Jews, as seen in Antioch.
Galatians 3:28Paul's declaration that in Christ there is 'neither Greek nor Jew' speaks to the ultimate unity the gospel brings. This verse underscores the radical inclusiveness of the early church's mission, moving beyond ethnic and cultural barriers.
Romans 1:16Paul's statement about the gospel being 'the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek' directly echoes the expansion seen in Antioch. It shows the intended reach of the gospel from its inception.
ellicottActs 11:20: "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
(20) And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. —Better, But some. These were, from the nature of the case, Hellenistic or Greek-speaking Jews. Who they were we can only conjecture. Possibly Lucius of Cyrene, who appears in the list of prophets in Acts 13:1 ; possibly Simon of Cyrene, of whom we have seen reason to think as a disciple of Ch…
barnesActs 11:20: "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Were men of Cyprus and Cyrene - Were natives of Cyprus and Cyrene. Cyrene was a province and city of Libya in Africa. It is at present called Cairoan, and is situated in the kingdom of Barca. In Cyprus the Greek language was spoken; and from the vicinity of Cyrene to Alexandria, it is probable that the Greek language was spoken there also. From…
The biggest takeaway here is that the original text likely says these believers preached to "Greeks" (Gentiles) and not just "Hellenists" (Greek-speaking Jews). This wasn't just another sermon; it was a significant expansion of the Gospel's reach beyond the Jewish people, marking a pivotal moment for the early church.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, believers scattered, spreading the message but initially only to Jewish people. However, some individuals from Cyprus and Cyrene arrived in Antioch and boldly began sharing the gospel not just with Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists), but also with Gentiles. This marked a significant expansion of the gospel's reach beyond its initial Jewish audience, paving the way for broader acceptance.
Following Stephen's martyrdom, believers scattered, spreading the message but initially only to Jewish people. However, some individuals from Cyprus and Cyrene arrived in Antioch and boldly began sharing the gospel not just with Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists), but also with Gentiles. This marked a significant expansion of the gospel's reach beyond its initial Jewish audience, paving the way for broader acceptance.
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It was in this dynamic setting that the gospel, carried by these diverse believers from Cyprus and Cyrene, began to break down barriers and reach people who were previously on the margins of the initial message.
To trust in, rely upon, or entrust one's life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It involves a fundamental change of mind and heart regarding who God is and the necessity of the gospel.
epistrephō · Greek Verb
A term signifying a radical change of direction, away from sin and toward God. It is the outward evidence of internal repentance and faith, resulting in a change of allegiance to Christ.
Gospel reaches Antioch
Scattered believers arrive in Antioch and begin preaching the word, initially only to Jewish people.
c. AD 34— this verse
Preaching to Greeks in Antioch
Some Hellenistic Jewish Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene, now in Antioch, expand their preaching to include non-Jewish Greeks, marking a significant step in the church's outreach.
c. AD 45-47
First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas embark on their first missionary journey, further spreading the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles across Asia Minor and establishing churches.
"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. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord." — The biggest takeaway here is that the original text likely says these believers preached to "Greeks" (Gentiles) and not just "Hellenists" (Greek-speaking Jews). This wasn't just another sermon; it wa…
