Acts 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Acts 11:20 KJV marks a pivotal moment in the early church's expansion, detailing how the Gospel began to spread significantly beyond its Jewish origins to a broader Gentile audience.

Context

Following the persecution that arose after the martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 8:1), believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, initially preaching the word only to Jews. However, a significant shift began to occur. While Peter's encounter with Cornelius (Acts 10) opened the door officially for Gentiles, this verse in Acts 11 shows the organic, Spirit-led evangelism by ordinary believers. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene, Hellenistic Jews or proselytes themselves, arrived in Antioch, a major Roman city and a melting pot of cultures. Instead of limiting their message, they boldly proclaimed Christ to non-Jews, referred to here as "Grecians."

Key Themes

  • Breaking Barriers: This verse signifies a crucial step in the early church's mission—the intentional outreach to Gentiles. It highlights that the Good News was not exclusive to one ethnic group but was intended for all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission.
  • The Power of the Message: The simple act of "preaching the Lord Jesus" was sufficient to draw people to faith, demonstrating the inherent power of the Gospel itself.
  • The Role of Ordinary Believers: The men of Cyprus and Cyrene were not apostles but faithful followers. Their initiative shows that the spread of Christianity was not solely dependent on prominent leaders but on the obedience and boldness of every believer.
  • Antioch as a Missionary Hub: This event laid the groundwork for Antioch to become a significant center for Gentile missions, eventually sending out Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-3).

Linguistic Insights

The term "Grecians" here (Greek: Hellenas) is important. In some other contexts (e.g., Acts 6:1), "Grecians" (Hellenistas) refers to Greek-speaking Jews. However, in Acts 11:20, given the context of the expanding mission and the distinction from those who "spake unto the Jews only" (Acts 11:19), it almost certainly refers to non-Jewish Gentiles. Preaching "the Lord Jesus" emphasized Jesus's divine authority and sovereignty (Greek: Kyrios), a title that resonated with both Jewish messianic expectations and Gentile understanding of a divine ruler, signifying more than just a prophet or teacher but the very Son of God.

Practical Application

Acts 11:20 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us 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 stepped out in faith, we too are called to overcome cultural, social, or ethnic barriers to share the good news of Jesus. The verse also underscores the power of simply "preaching the Lord Jesus"—focusing on His person, work, and resurrection as the core message. It encourages believers to be bold, inclusive, and Spirit-led in their evangelism, recognizing that God can use anyone to spread His kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 13:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 6:9 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 1:24 (3 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 3:8 (3 votes)

    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;