Acts 11:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} some {G5100} of {G1537} them {G846} were {G2258} men {G435} of Cyprus {G2953} and {G2532} Cyrene {G2956}, which {G3748}, when they were come {G1525} to {G1519} Antioch {G490}, spake {G2980} unto {G4314} the Grecians {G1675}, preaching {G2097} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, some of these, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they arrived at Antioch, began speaking to the Greeks too, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.

American Standard Version

But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 11:20 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian movement, illustrating the organic and Spirit-led expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins to a broader Gentile audience. This verse highlights how ordinary believers, having been scattered by persecution, arrived in the cosmopolitan city of Antioch and, driven by faith, began to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ not only to Jews but also intentionally to non-Jewish Greeks, thereby laying crucial groundwork for the church's universal mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a crucial transitional phase in the Book of Acts, following the persecution that arose after Stephen's martyrdom, which scattered believers from Jerusalem ([Acts 8:1](/acts/8-1 "Acts 8:1 - Persecution and Scattering")). Initially, those scattered preached the word "to none but unto the Jews only" ([Acts 11:19](/acts/11-19 "Acts 11:19 - Preaching to Jews Only")). However, the narrative has been building towards Gentile inclusion, notably through Peter's groundbreaking encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, and his household, where the Holy Spirit fell upon Gentiles for the first time ([Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius")). Acts 11:20 then presents an independent, Spirit-prompted initiative by anonymous believers from Cyprus and Cyrene who, upon reaching Antioch, boldly broke with the established pattern and began evangelizing Gentiles, demonstrating the spontaneous, grassroots nature of the Gospel's spread.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Antioch, located in Syria, was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire, a vibrant commercial and cultural hub. Its diverse population, including a significant Jewish diaspora and a large Gentile populace, made it fertile ground for the Gospel's expansion. The men from Cyprus and Cyrene were likely Hellenistic Jews or proselytes who had been exposed to Greek culture, making them uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile communities. Their decision to preach to "Grecians" (understood in this context as non-Jewish Greeks, distinct from Greek-speaking Jews) was a significant cultural and theological step, challenging deeply ingrained Jewish social and religious boundaries that traditionally separated them from Gentiles.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 11:20 powerfully articulates several foundational themes. It underscores the **Breaking of Barriers**, demonstrating that the Good News of Jesus Christ is not exclusive to any single ethnic or cultural group but is intended for all humanity, fulfilling the universal scope of the Great Commission given by Jesus ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). The verse also highlights the **Power of the Message** itself; the simple act of "preaching the Lord Jesus" was sufficient to draw many to faith, indicating the inherent transformative power of the Gospel. Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Role of Ordinary Believers** in the spread of Christianity, as these men were not apostles but faithful, Spirit-led followers whose initiative proved crucial. Finally, this event solidifies **Antioch as a Missionary Hub**, establishing it as the primary launching point for Gentile missions, most notably for the future journeys of Paul and Barnabas ([Acts 13:1-3](/acts/13-1-3 "Acts 13:1-3 - Paul and Barnabas Sent Out from Antioch")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grecians (Greek, _Hellēnistḗs'_):** The KJV translates this as "Grecians" (G1675), which Strong's defines as "a Hellenist or Greek-speaking Jew." However, the broader context of Acts 11, particularly verse 19's distinction that others "spake unto the Jews only," strongly suggests that in verse 20, "Grecians" refers to non-Jewish Gentiles. This interpretation highlights a crucial theological and missional shift, indicating that these believers intentionally targeted those outside the Jewish covenant, breaking traditional ethnic boundaries in their evangelism.
* **preaching (Greek, _euangelízō'_):** This verb means "to announce good news" or "to evangelize," specifically referring to the proclamation of the Gospel. Its use here emphasizes that the core activity of these believers was not merely teaching or discussing, but actively declaring the salvific message of Jesus Christ. It denotes the joyful, urgent, and transformative nature of their communication, focusing on the redemptive work of Jesus.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term signifies "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." When applied to Jesus, as it is here ("the Lord Jesus"), it carries profound theological weight. For Jews, it evoked the divine name YHWH (Adonai in substitution), signifying Jesus's divine authority and sovereignty. For Gentiles, it resonated with the concept of a divine ruler or a revered master, elevating Jesus beyond a mere prophet or teacher to a position of ultimate authority and worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene,":** This opening clause identifies the origins of these pioneering evangelists. Cyprus and Cyrene were regions with significant Jewish populations, many of whom were Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews. These men, having been part of the scattered believers from Jerusalem, brought with them a background that likely made them more open to cross-cultural engagement.
* **"which, when they were come to Antioch,":** This specifies their destination – Antioch in Syria. As a major metropolitan center, Antioch was a melting pot of cultures and religions, providing an ideal environment for the Gospel to spread beyond its initial Jewish confines. Their arrival in this strategic city was providential, setting the stage for a new phase of missionary activity.
* **"spake unto the Grecians,":** This is the pivotal phrase. Unlike other scattered believers who "spake unto the Jews only" ([Acts 11:19](/acts/11-19 "Acts 11:19 - Preaching to Jews Only")), these men deliberately engaged the non-Jewish population. This action represents a courageous and Spirit-led step, pushing the boundaries of early Christian evangelism and demonstrating a nascent understanding of the Gospel's universal scope.
* **"preaching the Lord Jesus.":** This final clause defines the content of their message. Their proclamation was centered entirely on "the Lord Jesus," emphasizing His identity as the authoritative and sovereign Christ. This simple yet profound message, focusing on Jesus's person, death, and resurrection, proved powerful enough to bring many to faith, leading to significant growth in the Antiochian church.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Acts 11:20 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. **Narrative Progression** is evident as this verse marks a crucial turning point in Luke's account of the early church's expansion, shifting from an almost exclusively Jewish focus to an intentional Gentile outreach. This progression is highlighted by the **Contrast** drawn between the believers who "spake unto the Jews only" in the preceding verse and these men who "spake unto the Grecians." This juxtaposition emphasizes the novelty and importance of their actions. Furthermore, Antioch itself functions as a **Symbolism** of the burgeoning Gentile mission, becoming the first major multi-ethnic Christian community and later the primary sending church for apostles like Paul. The concise phrasing "preaching the Lord Jesus" also exemplifies **Conciseness** and **Focus**, distilling the essence of the Gospel message into its most potent form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 11:20 is a profound theological statement on the universal nature of God's redemptive plan and the inclusive scope of the Gospel. It demonstrates that the Holy Spirit was actively leading the church to transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries, revealing God's desire for all people to come to repentance and faith. This spontaneous outreach by ordinary believers underscores the priesthood of all believers and the Spirit's empowerment for evangelism, regardless of formal apostolic appointment. The success of their simple message, "preaching the Lord Jesus," reaffirms the inherent power of the Gospel itself to transform lives and build the church, irrespective of the preacher's status. This event in Antioch foreshadows the global mission that would characterize the church's future, rooted in God's impartial love for humanity.

* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 11:20 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today that the call to share the Gospel is not reserved for a select few, but for all who follow Christ. Just as the men from Cyprus and Cyrene, ordinary believers, stepped out in faith to cross significant cultural and ethnic barriers, we too are called to overcome our own comfort zones and prejudices to share the good news of Jesus with those around us, regardless of their background. This verse encourages us to be bold, inclusive, and Spirit-led in our evangelism, recognizing that God can use anyone who is willing to be an instrument in His hands. It also underscores the simplicity and power of the core message: focusing on the person, work, and resurrection of "the Lord Jesus" is sufficient to draw people to salvation. Our mission remains to proclaim Christ, trusting in the Holy Spirit to bring about conviction and conversion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or social barriers might I be inadvertently placing on the Gospel in my own life or community?**
* **How can I, as an "ordinary believer," be more intentional and bold in "preaching the Lord Jesus" to those who are different from me?**
* **In what ways does my understanding of God's love reflect the expansive, barrier-breaking nature seen in Acts 11:20?**

### FAQ
**Who were the 'Grecians' mentioned in Acts 11:20, and why is their identity significant?**

Answer: The identity of the "Grecians" (Greek: *Hellēnistḗs*, G1675) in Acts 11:20 is a point of scholarly discussion, but the prevailing interpretation, supported by the immediate literary context, is that they were non-Jewish Gentiles. While the term *Hellenistēs* in other contexts (e.g., [Acts 6:1](/acts/6-1 "Acts 6:1 - The Dispute of the Hellenists")) typically refers to Greek-speaking Jews, Acts 11:19 explicitly states that other scattered believers "spake unto the Jews only." The contrast in verse 20, where men from Cyprus and Cyrene "spake unto the Grecians," strongly implies a new, intentional outreach to non-Jews. This distinction is highly significant because it marks the first recorded instance of believers, acting on their own initiative and seemingly without direct apostolic instruction, deliberately evangelizing Gentiles. This spontaneous outreach to Gentiles in Antioch laid the foundation for the church's future as a multi-ethnic, global movement, demonstrating the Holy Spirit's leading in expanding the Gospel beyond its original Jewish confines.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 11:20 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal scope of Jesus's redemptive work and His ultimate Lordship over all creation. The spontaneous outreach to "Grecians" in Antioch is a direct outworking of Christ's commission to make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) and His declaration that He has "other sheep that are not of this fold" whom He "must bring" ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")). The "preaching the Lord Jesus" to Gentiles underscores that Jesus's atoning sacrifice on the cross was not limited to one people group but was for "the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The very fact that Gentiles could now receive the Holy Spirit and be incorporated into God's family without first becoming Jewish proselytes is a testament to Christ's finished work, which broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the events in Antioch are a vibrant demonstration of Christ's sovereign power to draw all people to Himself, fulfilling His purpose to gather a redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation, all united under His glorious Lordship ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Matthew 27:32

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

Acts 6:9

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 2:10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;