Acts 11:20 - But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
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What does "Acts 11:20" mean?
Acts 11:20 describes a pivotal moment in the early Church's expansion. Let's break it down:
"But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene..." This refers to Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem due to persecution after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1). Cyprus and Cyrene (modern-day Libya) had significant Jewish populations, so these men likely had connections there. The "them" refers back to the displaced believers mentioned earlier in Acts 11.
"...who, when they had come to Antioch..." Antioch (modern-day Antakya, Turkey) was a major city in the Roman Empire, the third largest behind Rome and Alexandria. It was a cosmopolitan hub with a large Jewish community and a diverse Gentile population. The move to Antioch was significant because it exposed these Jewish Christians to a new audience.
"...spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus." This is the crucial part.
Hellenists: This term usually refers to Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles who had adopted Greek language, culture, and customs. It's important to note the difference between "Hellenists" and "Hebrews." In the context of Acts, Hebrews were Aramaic-speaking Jews who held more strictly to traditional Jewish customs. Hellenists were often more open to outside influences. Some scholars argue it could be referring to Greek-speaking non-Jews (Gentiles) who were sympathetic to Judaism.
Preaching the Lord Jesus: This means they were proclaiming the Gospel – the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. They were sharing the message that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, who had died and risen again to offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Significance of the Verse:
Breaking Down Barriers: This verse marks a significant shift in the early Church's mission. Previously, the Gospel was primarily preached to Jews in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. This verse indicates that Jewish Christians are beginning to share their faith with a wider, Greek-speaking audience, including those who may not have been Jewish.
Antioch as a Center of Mission: This verse sets the stage for Antioch becoming a major center of Christian activity and a launching point for missionary endeavors. It highlights how the church in Antioch had a more diverse population than Jerusalem.
Early Gentile Conversion: While the verse doesn't explicitly say these Hellenists were Gentiles, it suggests that the message was being communicated to a broader audience beyond traditional Jewish circles. This is important as it begins to pave the way for the later inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, as detailed in the rest of Acts 11 and beyond.
In summary, Acts 11:20 is a foundational verse demonstrating the Gospel's expansion beyond its initial Jewish context. It showcases the courage of Jewish Christians who, despite facing persecution, were driven to share their faith with a more diverse audience in Antioch, contributing to the growth and spread of Christianity.
Acts 11:20 - But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
What does "Acts 11:20" mean?
Acts 11:20 describes a pivotal moment in the early Church's expansion. Let's break it down:
"But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene..." This refers to Jewish Christians who had fled Jerusalem due to persecution after the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1). Cyprus and Cyrene (modern-day Libya) had significant Jewish populations, so these men likely had connections there. The "them" refers back to the displaced believers mentioned earlier in Acts 11.
"...who, when they had come to Antioch..." Antioch (modern-day Antakya, Turkey) was a major city in the Roman Empire, the third largest behind Rome and Alexandria. It was a cosmopolitan hub with a large Jewish community and a diverse Gentile population. The move to Antioch was significant because it exposed these Jewish Christians to a new audience.
"...spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus." This is the crucial part.
Hellenists: This term usually refers to Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles who had adopted Greek language, culture, and customs. It's important to note the difference between "Hellenists" and "Hebrews." In the context of Acts, Hebrews were Aramaic-speaking Jews who held more strictly to traditional Jewish customs. Hellenists were often more open to outside influences. Some scholars argue it could be referring to Greek-speaking non-Jews (Gentiles) who were sympathetic to Judaism.
Preaching the Lord Jesus: This means they were proclaiming the Gospel – the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. They were sharing the message that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, who had died and risen again to offer forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Significance of the Verse:
Breaking Down Barriers: This verse marks a significant shift in the early Church's mission. Previously, the Gospel was primarily preached to Jews in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. This verse indicates that Jewish Christians are beginning to share their faith with a wider, Greek-speaking audience, including those who may not have been Jewish.
Antioch as a Center of Mission: This verse sets the stage for Antioch becoming a major center of Christian activity and a launching point for missionary endeavors. It highlights how the church in Antioch had a more diverse population than Jerusalem.
Early Gentile Conversion: While the verse doesn't explicitly say these Hellenists were Gentiles, it suggests that the message was being communicated to a broader audience beyond traditional Jewish circles. This is important as it begins to pave the way for the later inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, as detailed in the rest of Acts 11 and beyond.
In summary, Acts 11:20 is a foundational verse demonstrating the Gospel's expansion beyond its initial Jewish context. It showcases the courage of Jewish Christians who, despite facing persecution, were driven to share their faith with a more diverse audience in Antioch, contributing to the growth and spread of Christianity.