Acts 2:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

{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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 2:10 continues the meticulous catalog of diverse nationalities and geographical origins represented among the multitude gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. This verse specifically names inhabitants and visitors from Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the regions of Libya around Cyrene, alongside "strangers of Rome," emphasizing the truly international composition of the crowd. The explicit mention of both "Jews and proselytes" further underscores the broad spiritual and ethnic spectrum of those who were about to witness the miraculous outpouring of the Holy Spirit and hear the Gospel proclaimed in their native tongues.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the detailed geographical list found in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "Acts 2:9-11 - The Multitude from Every Nation"). It immediately follows the initial description of the Holy Spirit's dramatic descent upon the disciples in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost"), which enabled them to speak in other tongues. The astonishing phenomenon of Galileans speaking in the native languages of these foreign visitors (as highlighted in [Acts 2:7-8](/acts/2-7-8 "Acts 2:7-8 - Amazement at the Tongues")) prompts the crowd's amazement and sets the stage for Peter's powerful, Spirit-anointed sermon in [Acts 2:14-40](/acts/2-14-40 "Acts 2:14-40 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost"). This comprehensive list of nations serves to illustrate the immediate, widespread impact of the Pentecost event and the universal scope of the Gospel's initial proclamation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, requiring all Jewish males to come to Jerusalem. This explains the presence of Jews from the Diaspora—those living outside of Judea—who had traveled great distances to observe the festival. "Proselytes" were Gentiles who had fully converted to Judaism, embracing circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law, and they too would participate in these pilgrimages. The regions listed in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "Acts 2:9-11 - Nations Present at Pentecost") represent a vast geographical expanse, from Mesopotamia and Parthia in the east to Rome in the west, and from Asia Minor in the north to Egypt and Libya in the south. This gathering of diverse peoples, united by their shared Jewish faith or conversion, created a unique opportunity for the Gospel to immediately reach the far corners of the known world as these individuals would return home carrying the news of what they had witnessed.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of nationalities in this passage, including those in [Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Acts 2:10 - Nations Present at Pentecost"), powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **global reach of the Gospel**, demonstrating God's intention from the very beginning that His message of salvation would transcend ethnic and geographical boundaries, fulfilling the promise of the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") given by Jesus. Secondly, it showcases **divine orchestration**, as the presence of such a diverse, international audience was not coincidental but providentially arranged to ensure the rapid dissemination of the news about Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit's outpouring back to their respective home regions. Finally, it illustrates the theme of **diversity and unity** within the nascent church; despite their varied backgrounds, these individuals were united by the miraculous experience of hearing the wonders of God in their own languages, foreshadowing the Spirit's power to break down barriers and forge a new community in Christ, as envisioned in passages like [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **strangers (Greek, _epidēméō'_):** This term, derived from a compound meaning "to make oneself at home" or "to reside," specifically refers to those who are "dwelling" in a foreign country or are "sojourners." In the context of Acts 2:10, it denotes visitors or temporary residents in Jerusalem who were not native to the city but had traveled from Rome for the Pentecost festival. Their presence highlights the transient nature of the crowd and the potential for the message to be carried back to their distant homelands.
* **Jews (Greek, _Ioudaîos'_):** This term refers to individuals belonging to the tribe of Judah or, more broadly, to the Jewish people, an ethnic and religious group descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In this context, it distinguishes those who were ethnically Jewish, whether born in Judea or in the Diaspora, from those who had converted to Judaism. Their presence signifies the initial focus of the Gospel on God's covenant people.
* **proselytes (Greek, _prosḗlytos'_):** Derived from a word meaning "an arriver from a foreign region," this term specifically denotes a Gentile who had converted to Judaism. Such conversion typically involved circumcision for males, baptism, and a commitment to observe the Mosaic Law. Their inclusion in the list is highly significant, indicating that the audience for the Pentecost message was not exclusively ethnically Jewish but also included those who had formally embraced the Jewish faith, broadening the scope of the early church's reach beyond the circumcised community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Phrygia, and Pamphylia,"**: These refer to Roman provinces located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Phrygia was an inland region known for its ancient culture, while Pamphylia was a coastal region in the south. Their mention indicates the presence of Jewish communities from these areas, who would have traveled to Jerusalem for the feast.
* **"in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene,"**: This clause points to the significant Jewish populations in North Africa. Egypt, particularly Alexandria, was home to a large and influential Jewish diaspora. Libya, especially the region around Cyrene (a major Greek city on the North African coast), also had a substantial Jewish presence, as evidenced by figures like Simon of Cyrene in the Gospels.
* **"and strangers of Rome,"**: This phrase refers to temporary residents or visitors from the imperial capital, Rome. The presence of Jews and proselytes from Rome is particularly noteworthy, as they would likely be among the first to carry the Christian message back to the heart of the Roman Empire, laying the groundwork for the influential church that would eventually be established there.
* **"Jews and proselytes,"**: This concluding phrase acts as a summary and clarification, emphasizing that the diverse individuals from all the listed regions comprised both ethnic Jews (those born into Judaism) and Gentile converts to Judaism. This distinction highlights the broad and inclusive nature of the initial audience for the Holy Spirit's outpouring and the apostles' proclamation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Acts 2:10, as part of the broader list in [Acts 2:9-11](/acts/2-9-11 "Acts 2:9-11 - The Multitude from Every Nation"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This detailed listing of geographical locations and demographic groups (Jews and proselytes) serves to underscore the vast and diverse nature of the audience present at Pentecost. It is not merely a dry list but a powerful rhetorical tool emphasizing the global scope of God's redemptive plan and the immediate, widespread impact of the Holy Spirit's arrival. The specific naming of regions like Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya, and Rome, along with the categories of "Jews and proselytes," creates a vivid mental map for the reader, illustrating the truly international reach of the early church's foundational event. This **Geographical Specificity** lends credibility and historical weight to the narrative, demonstrating that the events were not confined to a small local gathering but had implications for the entire known world. Furthermore, the explicit distinction between "Jews" and "proselytes" highlights the theme of **Inclusivity**, showing that from its very inception, the Christian message was intended for both those born into the covenant and those who had joined it, foreshadowing the later full inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 2:10, by meticulously listing the diverse origins of the Pentecost crowd, profoundly illustrates God's universal redemptive purpose. The gathering of "Jews and proselytes" from across the known world for a Jewish festival becomes the providential stage for the Holy Spirit's outpouring, signaling that the Gospel is not confined to one people or place but is intended for all humanity. This event is a powerful demonstration of God's desire to gather people from "every nation, tribe, people and language" (as seen in Revelation) into His kingdom, transcending the barriers of human division. It foreshadows the global missionary movement that would characterize the early church and continues to drive the church's mission today, reminding believers that the good news of Jesus Christ is for everyone, regardless of their background or origin.

* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission and Witness")
* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Nations Flow to Zion")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The diverse crowd at Pentecost, as detailed in Acts 2:10, serves as a profound reminder of the universal nature of God's love and the Gospel's reach. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate cultural, ethnic, or national boundaries and embrace the vast tapestry of humanity for whom Christ died. Just as the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to communicate across linguistic barriers, we are called to creatively and intentionally bridge divides to share the transformative message of Jesus. This passage compels us to consider how our churches reflect this divine diversity and how we are actively participating in God's global mission, whether through local outreach to different communities or supporting international efforts. It underscores that the church, in its truest form, is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural family united by the Spirit, reflecting the very heart of God for all peoples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of the crowd at Pentecost challenge my own understanding of who the Gospel is for?**
* **In what ways can I, or my church, better reflect the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural vision of God's kingdom seen in Acts 2?**
* **What practical steps can I take to engage with or support the spread of the Gospel to people from different backgrounds or nations?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "Jews and proselytes" being mentioned together?**

Answer: The joint mention of "Jews and proselytes" is highly significant because it highlights the immediate breadth of the audience for the Pentecost event. "Jews" refers to those who were ethnically Jewish, whether from Judea or the Diaspora. "Proselytes" refers to Gentiles who had fully converted to Judaism, including undergoing circumcision (for males) and adhering to Jewish law. Their presence together signifies that the Holy Spirit's outpouring and the apostles' message were not exclusively for those born Jewish but also for those who had formally embraced the Jewish faith. This foreshadows the later inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles into the Christian church, demonstrating that the new covenant in Christ would transcend ethnic boundaries from its very inception, as seen in the later ministry of Peter to Cornelius in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 2:10, with its vivid depiction of a global gathering, points profoundly to Christ as the fulfillment of God's universal redemptive plan. The confusion of languages at Babel ([Genesis 11:1-9](/genesis/11-1-9 "Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel")) resulted in the scattering of humanity; Pentecost, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, begins the reversal of this curse, uniting diverse peoples through a common language of divine praise and understanding of the Gospel. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), creating one new humanity. The presence of "Jews and proselytes" from every nation at Pentecost demonstrates the immediate impact of Christ's finished work: the Spirit, poured out by the ascended Lord, empowers His disciples to fulfill the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission") to make disciples of "all nations." Thus, the scene in [Acts 2:10](/acts/2-10 "Acts 2:10 - Nations Present at Pentecost") is a powerful testament to Christ's reign, initiating the gathering of His church from every corner of the earth, a community united not by ethnicity or geography, but by faith in Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")).

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

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.