Acts 11:19

Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews.

Study Bible

Meanwhile those scattered
The Greek word for "scattered" is "διασπαρέντες" (diasparentes), which conveys the idea of sowing seeds. This scattering was not merely a dispersion but a divine strategy for spreading the Gospel. The early Christians, though facing persecution, were like seeds planted in various regions, ready to bear fruit. This scattering reflects God's sovereignty, using even persecution to fulfill His purposes.

by the persecution that began with Stephen
The term "persecution" comes from the Greek "διωγμός" (diogmos), indicating a pursuit or chase. The martyrdom of Stephen, as recorded in Acts 7, marked a significant turning point for the early church. Stephen's bold witness and subsequent death ignited a wave of hostility against Christians, yet it also served as a catalyst for the spread of the Gospel. This persecution, though tragic, was used by God to propel the message of Christ beyond Jerusalem.

traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch
The mention of "Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch" highlights the geographical expansion of the early church. Phoenicia, a coastal region known for its trade and commerce, provided a strategic location for the dissemination of the Gospel. Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, was the home of Barnabas (Acts 4:36) and a significant early Christian center. Antioch, in particular, would become a pivotal hub for missionary activity and the first place where believers were called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). This expansion underscores the fulfillment of Jesus' command in Acts 1:8 to be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth."

speaking the message only to Jews
The phrase "speaking the message" is derived from the Greek "λαλοῦντες τὸν λόγον" (lalountes ton logon), meaning to communicate or proclaim the Word. Initially, the early Christians focused their evangelistic efforts on the Jewish population, consistent with the pattern seen in Jesus' ministry and the early chapters of Acts. This focus on Jews first aligns with the theological understanding that the Gospel was to be proclaimed "first to the Jew, then to the Gentile" (Romans 1:16). However, this verse sets the stage for the subsequent inclusion of Gentiles, as the narrative in Acts unfolds.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Stephen
A deacon in the early church whose martyrdom marked the beginning of a significant persecution against Christians in Jerusalem. His death is a pivotal event that led to the scattering of believers.

2. Phoenicia
A region along the eastern Mediterranean coast, known for its cities like Tyre and Sidon. It was a significant area for trade and cultural exchange.

3. Cyprus
An island in the eastern Mediterranean, which was an early center for Christian missionary activity. Barnabas, a key figure in the early church, was from Cyprus.

4. Antioch
A major city in ancient Syria, known for its diverse population and as a significant center for early Christianity. It became a hub for missionary activity and the place where believers were first called "Christians."

5. Persecution
The systematic oppression and harassment of Christians, which began with Stephen's martyrdom. This persecution led to the dispersion of believers, spreading the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Persecution
Persecution, though difficult, is used by God to fulfill His purposes. The scattering of believers led to the spread of the gospel to new regions.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The early Christians remained faithful to their mission despite persecution. We are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even in challenging circumstances.

Strategic Locations for Ministry
The spread of the gospel to key locations like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch highlights the importance of strategic planning in ministry. We should consider how we can reach influential areas in our context.

Cultural and Ethnic Barriers
Initially, the gospel was shared only with Jews. This challenges us to examine our own biases and to be intentional about reaching all people, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did the persecution following Stephen's death contribute to the spread of the gospel, and what does this teach us about God's ability to use difficult circumstances for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we remain faithful to our mission as Christians when facing adversity or persecution in our own lives?

3. Why do you think the early Christians initially spoke the word only to Jews, and how can we apply this understanding to our efforts in sharing the gospel today?

4. How can we identify and reach strategic locations or communities in our own context to effectively spread the gospel?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge or opposition in your faith journey. How did God use that experience to grow your faith or expand your ministry opportunities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 8:1-4
Describes the initial scattering of believers following Stephen's death, emphasizing how persecution led to the spread of the gospel.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, is being fulfilled as the scattered believers spread the gospel.

Isaiah 49:6
Prophecy about being a light to the Gentiles, which begins to unfold as the gospel reaches new regions.