Acts 2:10

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

{G5037} Phrygia {G5435}, and {G5037}{G2532} Pamphylia {G3828}, in Egypt {G125}, and {G2532} in the parts {G3313} of Libya {G3033} about {G2596} Cyrene {G2957}, and {G2532} strangers {G1927} of Rome {G4514},{G5037} Jews {G2453} and {G5037}{G2532} proselytes {G4339},

Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome;

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome,

in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Acts 2:10 continues the remarkable list of diverse nationalities present in Jerusalem during the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, all of whom were witnessing the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and hearing the apostles speak in their native tongues. This verse specifically names people from Phrygia and Pamphylia (regions in modern-day central and southern Turkey), Egypt, and the parts of Libya about Cyrene (North Africa), along with strangers of Rome. The inclusion of "Jews and proselytes" further emphasizes the broad scope of the audience.

Context

This verse is a crucial part of the narrative immediately following the initial filling of the disciples with the Holy Spirit. As the apostles began speaking in various languages, a vast crowd gathered, astonished that they could understand the Galileans. Acts 2:9-11 provides a comprehensive list of these regions, highlighting the global reach of the early church's first public demonstration of divine power. This sets the stage for Peter's powerful sermon, which would lead to thousands of conversions.

Key Themes

  • Global Reach of the Gospel: The diverse origins of the listeners underscore God's intention for the Gospel to be proclaimed to "all nations." This event foreshadows the Great Commission given by Jesus.
  • Divine Orchestration: The presence of people from such distant lands was not accidental but divinely arranged, ensuring the rapid dissemination of the news about Jesus Christ back to their home regions.
  • Diversity and Unity: Despite their varied backgrounds, these individuals were united by their shared experience of hearing the wonders of God in their own languages. This illustrates the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, breaking down linguistic and geographical barriers.

Linguistic Insights

The term "proselytes" is significant. While "Jews" refers to ethnic Jews, "proselytes" refers to Gentiles who had fully converted to Judaism, including circumcision and adherence to Jewish law. Their presence indicates that the message of Pentecost was not exclusively for those born Jewish, but also for those who had embraced the Jewish faith, broadening the initial audience even further and paving the way for the later inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles into the church.

Geographical Significance

  • Phrygia and Pamphylia: These Roman provinces in Asia Minor were later significant areas for Paul's missionary journeys (e.g., Acts 13:13-14:28).
  • Egypt and Libya about Cyrene: These North African regions had large Jewish populations. Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross, was from this area (Matthew 27:32).
  • Strangers of Rome: The presence of visitors from the imperial capital is particularly noteworthy. These individuals would likely be among the first to carry the Christian message back to Rome, setting the groundwork for the influential church that would eventually be established there.

Practical Application

Acts 2:10 reminds us of the universal nature of God's invitation. The Gospel is for everyone, regardless of their nationality, language, or background. It challenges believers today to embrace diversity within the church and to actively participate in spreading the good news across cultural and geographical boundaries, recognizing that God desires all people to hear and respond to His truth. The early church's birth demonstrates that in Christ, there is no distinction between peoples, only a shared identity as children of God.

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.

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • Acts 16:6

    ¶ Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

  • Acts 13:43

    Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

  • Acts 13:13

    Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

  • Acts 15:38

    But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Acts 18:23

    And after he had spent some time [there], he departed, and went over [all] the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

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