Acts 11:20

"They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only."

Key Reflection

This passage highlights the initial limited outreach of the early Christians, primarily to Jewish communities despite facing persecution. It sets the stage for the broader missionary efforts that would later expand beyond Jews to include Gentiles, as seen in the subsequent narrative.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 20. Were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. Were natives of Cyprus and Cyrene. Cyrene was a province and city of Libya in Africa. It is at present called Cairoan, and is situated in the kingdom of Barca. In Cyprus, the Greek language was spoken; and from the vicinity of Cyrene to Alexandria, it is probable that the Greek language was spoken there also. From this circumstance it might have happened that they were led more particularly to address the Grecians who were in Antioch. It is possible, however, that they might have heard of the vision which Peter saw, and felt themselves called on to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. Spake unto the Grecian. prov touv ellhnistav To the Hellenists.

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