King James Version

What Does Acts 11:19 Mean?

Acts 11:19 in the King James Version says “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cypr... — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Acts 11:19 · KJV


Context

17

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

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.

21

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After Stephen's martyrdom, scattered believers 'travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.' Persecution scattered the church, but they continued preaching despite danger. Initially they preached only to Jews, not yet grasping the full scope of the Gentile mission. From a Reformed perspective, God used persecution (intended by Satan to destroy the church) to spread the gospel geographically. Even the believers' initial limitation to Jewish audiences served God's purposes in progressive revelation of the Gentile mission.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This scattering (Acts 8:1) occurred circa AD 33-35. Believers reached Phoenicia (Lebanese coast), Cyprus (Barnabas's homeland), and Antioch (major Syrian city). This geographical expansion fulfilled Jesus' prediction (Acts 1:8) that persecution would push the gospel outward.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God use persecution and suffering to advance His gospel purposes?
  2. Why did early believers initially preach only to Jews despite the Great Commission?
  3. What does progressive revelation teach about God's patience with our limited understanding?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Οἱ1 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν2 of 26
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

οὖν3 of 26

Now

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

διασπαρέντες4 of 26

they which were scattered abroad

G1289

to sow throughout, i.e., (figuratively) distribute in foreign lands

ἀπὸ5 of 26

upon

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς6 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θλίψεως7 of 26

the persecution

G2347

pressure (literally or figuratively)

τῆς8 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γενομένης9 of 26

that arose

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐπὶ10 of 26

about

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

Στεφάνῳ11 of 26

Stephen

G4736

stephanus, a christian

διῆλθον12 of 26

travelled

G1330

to traverse (literally)

ἕως13 of 26

as far as

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

Φοινίκης14 of 26

Phenice

G5403

palm-country; phoenice (or phoenicia), a region of palestine

καὶ15 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Κύπρου16 of 26

Cyprus

G2954

cyprus, an island in the mediterranean

καὶ17 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀντιοχείας18 of 26

Antioch

G490

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

μηδενὶ19 of 26

to none

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

λαλοῦντες20 of 26

preaching

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

τὸν21 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λόγον22 of 26

the word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

εἰ23 of 26
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ24 of 26
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μόνον25 of 26

only

G3440

merely

Ἰουδαίοις26 of 26

unto the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 11:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 11:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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