Acts 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 {G3767}{G3303} they which were scattered abroad {G1289} upon {G575} the persecution {G2347} that arose {G1096} about {G1909} Stephen {G4736} travelled {G1330} as far as {G2193} Phenice {G5403}, and {G2532} Cyprus {G2954}, and {G2532} Antioch {G490}, preaching {G2980} the word {G3056} to none {G3367} but {G1508} unto the Jews {G2453} only {G3440}.

Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution which had arisen over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch; they spoke God’s word, but only to Jews.

Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.

They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.

Acts 11:19 KJV serves as a pivotal verse, bridging the early Jerusalem-centric church with its eventual global expansion. It highlights how adversity, specifically the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, inadvertently became a catalyst for the spread of the Christian message.

Context

This verse directly references the events described in Acts 8:1, where a "great persecution" broke out against the church in Jerusalem after the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:60). This forced many believers to flee their homes, dispersing them throughout the Roman world. Acts 11:19 specifies their travel routes: to Phenice (Phoenicia), Cyprus, and most notably, Antioch in Syria. At this stage, their evangelistic efforts were confined "to none but unto the Jews only," reflecting the early church's initial understanding of their mission primarily to the Jewish people.

Key Themes

  • Persecution as a Catalyst for Growth: What appeared to be a devastating setback for the church in Jerusalem—the scattering of its members—was divinely orchestrated to propel the Gospel beyond its initial boundaries. This demonstrates God's ability to use adverse circumstances for His greater purposes.
  • Geographic Expansion of the Gospel: The mention of Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch signifies the significant outward movement of the nascent Christian faith from Jerusalem. Antioch, in particular, would soon become a major hub for missionary activity, especially for the Gentile mission (Acts 13:1).
  • Initial Focus on Jewish Evangelism: The phrase "preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only" underscores the early church's prevailing belief that the Messiah and His message were primarily for Israel. This understanding would soon be challenged and expanded upon, especially through the ministry of Peter to Cornelius (Acts 10:45) and the subsequent work in Antioch by others mentioned later in this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "scattered abroad" comes from the Greek word diaspeirō (διασπείρω), which literally means "to scatter seed." This imagery suggests that the dispersion of believers was not merely a random flight but a purposeful sowing of the Gospel message across new territories, destined to bear fruit. The act of "preaching the word" (Greek: euangelizomenoi ton logon) emphasizes the active proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Practical Application and Significance

Acts 11:19 reminds us that God's plan often unfolds in unexpected ways, using even suffering and displacement to advance His kingdom. For believers today, it serves as an encouragement that difficult situations can be opportunities for spiritual growth and outreach. It also illustrates the organic expansion of the church through the faithful witness of ordinary believers who, simply by going about their lives in new places, continued to share their faith. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic shift in the early church's understanding of its mission, moving from an exclusive focus on the Jews to embracing the inclusion of the Gentiles, a cornerstone of Christian universalism.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 15:35

    Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

  • Acts 15:3

    And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

  • Acts 15:22

    ¶ Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

  • Acts 4:36

    And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

  • Acts 21:2

    And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

  • Acts 13:4

    ¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

  • Acts 13:1

    ¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

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