The Meaning of Acts 11:19 Explained

Acts 11:19

KJV: 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.

YLT: Those, indeed, therefore, having been scattered abroad, from the tribulation that came after Stephen, went through unto Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none except to Jews only;

Darby: They then who had been scattered abroad through the tribulation that took place on the occasion of Stephen, passed through the country to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one but to Jews alone.

ASV: They therefore that were scattered abroad upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Jews.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Acts 11:19 Mean?

Study Notes

Phenice
Phoenicia.

Verse Meaning

Luke"s reference back to the persecution resulting from Stephen"s martyrdom ( Acts 7:60) is significant. It suggests that he was now beginning to record another mission of the Christians that ran parallel logically and chronologically to the one he had just described in Acts 8:4 to Acts 11:18. [1]
Luke had already pointed out that as a result of Stephen"s execution the gospel had spread throughout Judea and Samaria ( Acts 8:4). Now we learn that it was that event that also led to its being taken to the uttermost parts of the earth. While Philip went to Samaria, other refugees went to the country of Phoenicia north of Caesarea, the island of Cyprus (cf. Acts 4:36; Acts 21:16), and the city of Antioch. Those disciples, who were Jews, were evangelizing other Jews exclusively.

Context Summary

Acts 11:19-30 - Knitting Together The Church
The development of God's plan is still further disclosed in the events recorded in this section, which describe the same phenomenon of Gentile conversion, but in different circumstances. In this case, it was not an Apostle that was God's chosen instrument, but a few unknown and unrecognized disciples, who were fleeing north from persecution, and had reached the gay, volatile city of Antioch. The hand of the Lord was with them, as it certainly had been with Peter, and large numbers of converts were gathered into a church. In this instance, also, the mother church felt bound to make inquiry, so they sent forth Barnabas, Acts 11:22.
Barnabas was a good man, and his unaffected piety enabled him to recognize at once that this movement was of God. All the signs of true conversion were present. He saw undoubted evidence of the grace of God, and pleaded with the new converts for tenacity and constancy. The secret of perseverance is in the phrase to cleave unto the Lord, Acts 11:23. In addition to the other beautiful traits of his character, we must add the spirit of tender brotherhood that carried Barnabas to Tarsus to find Saul. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 11

1  Peter, being accused for preaching to the Gentiles,
5  makes his defense;
18  which is accepted
19  The gospel being spread in Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch,
22  Barnabas is sent to confirm them
26  The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch
27  They send relief to the brothers in Judea in time of famine

Greek Commentary for Acts 11:19

They therefore that were scattered abroad [οι μεν ουν διασπαρεντες]
Precisely the same words used in Acts 8:4 about those scattered by Saul (which see) and a direct reference to it is made by the next words, “upon the tribulation that arose about Stephen” As a result of (απο — apo), in the case of (επι — epi) Stephen. From that event Luke followed Saul through his conversion and back to Jerusalem and to Tarsus. Then he showed the activity of Peter outside of Jerusalem as a result of the cessation of the persecution from the conversion of Saul with the Gentile Pentecost in Caesarea and the outcome in Jerusalem. Now Luke starts over again from the same persecution by Saul and runs a new line of events up to Antioch parallel to the other, probably partly following. [source]
Except to Jews only [ει μη μονον Ιουδαιοις]
Clearly these disciples did not know anything about the events in Caesarea and at first their flight preceded that time. But it was a wonderful episode, the eager and loyal preaching of the fleeing disciples. The culmination in Antioch was probably after the report of Peter about Caesarea. This Antioch by the Orontes was founded 300 b.c. by Seleucus Nicator and was one of five cities so named by the Seleucides. It became the metropolis of Syria though the Arabs held Damascus first. Antioch ranked next to Rome and Alexandria in size, wealth, power, and vice. There were many Jews in the cosmopolitan population of half a million. It was destined to supplant Jerusalem as the centre of Christian activity. [source]
They which were scattered abroad [οἱ διασπαρέντες]
On the technical expression, the dispersion, see on 1 Peter 1:1. Not so used here. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 11:19

Acts 11:20 The Greeks [Ἕλληνας]
Some, however, read Ἑλληνιστὰς , the Grecian Jews. See on Acts 6:1. The express object of the narrative has been to describe the admission of Gentiles into the church. There would have been nothing remarkable in these men preaching to Hellenists who had long before been received into the church, and formed a large part of the church at Jerusalem. It is better to follow the rendering of A. V. and Rev., though the other reading has the stronger MS. evidence. Note, also, the contrast with the statement in Acts 11:19, to the Jews only. There is no contrast between Jews and Hellenists, since Hellenists are included in the general term Jews. [source]
Acts 11:20 Unto the Greeks also [και προς τους ελληνας]
This is undoubtedly the correct reading in spite of Hellenists Hellenists were merely one kind of Jews in contrast with those who spoke Aramaic (Acts 6:1-15). It is true that the case of Cornelius was first in importance, but it is not clear that it was before the work in Antioch. Probably the report of the work among the Greeks in Antioch reached Jerusalem after Peter‘s defence in 11:1-18. That explains the calm tone about it and also why Barnabas and not Peter was sent to investigate. Peter and John (Acts 8) had condoned Philip‘s work in Samaria and Peter was the agent in the work among the Romans in Caesarea. His position was now well-known and his services discounted for this new crisis. These Greeks in Antioch were apparently in part pure heathen and not “God-fearers” like Cornelius. A man of wisdom was called for. These preachers were themselves Hellenists (Acts 11:19) and open to the lessons from their environment without a vision such as Peter had at Joppa. “It was a departure of startling boldness” (Furneaux) by laymen outside of the circle of official leaders. [source]
Acts 11:22 Of the church which was in Jerusalem [της εκκλησιας της εν Ιερουσαλημ]
Not yet was the term “church” applied to the group of disciples in Antioch as it is in Acts 11:26; Acts 13:1. They sent forth (εχαπεστειλαν — exapesteilan). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb εχαποστελλω — eẋapȯstellō to send out and away. The choice of Barnabas was eminently wise. He already had a position of leadership in Jerusalem because of his generosity (Acts 4:36.) and his championship of Saul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). He was originally from Cyprus and probably had personal friends among some of the leaders in this new movement. He was to investigate the work of the travelling preachers (Acts 11:19) all the way to Antioch (εως Αντιοχειας — heōs Antiocheias). [source]
Acts 11:22 They sent forth [εχαπεστειλαν]
First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb εχαποστελλω — eẋapȯstellō to send out and away. The choice of Barnabas was eminently wise. He already had a position of leadership in Jerusalem because of his generosity (Acts 4:36.) and his championship of Saul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). He was originally from Cyprus and probably had personal friends among some of the leaders in this new movement. He was to investigate the work of the travelling preachers (Acts 11:19) all the way to Antioch (εως Αντιοχειας — heōs Antiocheias). [source]
Acts 15:3 They therefore [οι μεν ουν]
Luke‘s favourite method of resumptive narrative as we have seen (Acts 11:19, etc.), demonstrative οι — hoi with μεν — men (indeed) and ουν — oun (therefore). [source]
Acts 2:41 They then [οι μεν ουν]
A common phrase in Acts either without antithesis as in Acts 1:6; Acts 5:41; Acts 8:4, Acts 8:25; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:19; Acts 16:5; or with it as here, Acts 8:25; Acts 13:4; Acts 14:3; Acts 17:17; Acts 23:31; Acts 25:4. Ουν — Oun connects with what precedes as the result of Peter‘s sermon while μεν — men points forward to what is to follow. [source]
Acts 21:4 Having found [ανευροντες]
Second aorist active participle of ανευρισκω — aneuriskō to seek for, to find by searching There was a church here, but it was a large city and the number of members may not have been large. Probably some of those that fled from Jerusalem who came to Phoenicia (Acts 11:19) started the work here. Paul went also through Phoenicia on the way to the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15:3). As at Troas and Miletus, so here Paul‘s indefatigible energy shows itself with characteristic zeal. [source]
Acts 21:7 Saluted [ασπασαμενοι]
Here greeting as in Acts 21:19 rather than farewell as in Acts 20:1. The stay was short, one day (ημεραν μιαν — hēmeran mian accusative), but “the brethren” Paul and his party found easily. Possibly the scattered brethren (Acts 11:19) founded the church here or Philip may have done it. [source]
Acts 26:12 Whereupon [εν οις]
“In which things” (affairs of persecution), “on which errand.” Cf. Acts 24:18. Paul made them leave Palestine (Acts 11:19) and followed them beyond it (Acts 9:2). [source]
Acts 27:3 Refresh himself [επιμελειας τυχειν]
Second aorist active infinitive of τυγχανω — tugchanō (to obtain) with the genitive επιμελειας — epimeleias old word from επιμελης — epimelēs careful, only here in the N.T. Whether it was mere hospitality we do not know. It may have been medical attention required because of Paul‘s long confinement. This is Paul‘s first visit to Sidon, but Christians were already in Phoenicia (Acts 11:19) and so Paul had “friends” here. [source]
Acts 8:1 Were all scattered abroad [παντες διεσπαρησαν]
Second aorist passive indicative of διασπειρω — diaspeirō to scatter like grain, to disperse, old word, in the N.T. only in Acts 8:1, Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19. Except the apostles (πλην των αποστολων — plēn tōn apostolōn). Preposition πλην — plēn (adverb from πλεον — pleon more) with the ablative often in Luke. It remains a bit of a puzzle why the Pharisees spared the apostles. Was it due to the advice of Gamaliel in Acts 5:34-40 ? Or was it the courage of the apostles? Or was it a combination of both with the popularity of the apostles in addition? [source]
Acts 8:4 They therefore [οι μεν ουν]
Demonstrative οι — hoi as often (Acts 1:6, etc.) though it will make sense as the article with the participle διασπαρεντες — diasparentes The general statement is made here by μεν — men and a particular instance Now they were pushed out by Saul and began as a result to carry out the Great Commission for world conquest, that is those “scattered abroad” This verb means disperse, to sow in separate or scattered places (δια — dia) and so to drive people hither and thither. Old and very common verb, especially in the lxx, but in the N.T. only in Acts 8:1, Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19. [source]
Acts 21:7 From Tyre [απο Τυρου]
Page takes (Hackett also) with κατηντησαμεν — katēntēsamen (we arrived) rather than with “τον πλουν — ton ploun ” (the voyage) and with good reason: “And we, having (thereby) finished the voyage, arrived from Tyre at Ptolemais.” Ptolemais is the modern Acre, called Accho in Judges 1:31. The harbour is the best on the coast of Palestine and is surrounded by mountains. It is about thirty miles south of Tyre. It was never taken by Israel and was considered a Philistine town and the Greeks counted it a Phoenician city. It was the key to the road down the coast between Syria and Egypt and had successively the rule of the Ptolemies, Syrians, Romans. Saluted (ασπασαμενοι — aspasamenoi). Here greeting as in Acts 21:19 rather than farewell as in Acts 20:1. The stay was short, one day (ημεραν μιαν — hēmeran mian accusative), but “the brethren” Paul and his party found easily. Possibly the scattered brethren (Acts 11:19) founded the church here or Philip may have done it. [source]
Acts 27:3 We touched [κατηχτημεν]
First aorist passive of καταγω — katagō the usual term for “coming down” from the seas as αναγω — anagō above (and Acts 27:4) is for “going up” to sea. So it looks to sailors. Sidon was 67 miles from Caesarea, the rival of Tyre, with a splendid harbour. The ship stopped here for trade. Treated Paul kindly (πιλαντρωπως τωι Παυλωι χρησαμενος — philanthrōpōs tōi Paulōi chrēsamenos). “Using (χρησαμενος — chrēsamenos first aorist middle participle of χραομαι — chraomai to use) Paul (instrumental case used with this verb) kindly” (πιλαντρωπως — philanthrōpōs “philanthropically,” adverb from πιλαντρωπος — phil̇anthrōpos love of mankind). He was kindly to Paul throughout the voyage (Acts 27:43; Acts 28:16), taking a personal interest in his welfare. Refresh himself Second aorist active infinitive of τυγχανω — tugchanō (to obtain) with the genitive επιμελειας — epimeleias old word from επιμελης — epimelēs careful, only here in the N.T. Whether it was mere hospitality we do not know. It may have been medical attention required because of Paul‘s long confinement. This is Paul‘s first visit to Sidon, but Christians were already in Phoenicia (Acts 11:19) and so Paul had “friends” here. [source]
Acts 8:1 On that day [en ekeinēi tēi hēmerāi)]
On that definite day, that same day as in Acts 2:41. A great persecution (diōgmos megas). It was at first persecution from the Sadducees, but this attack on Stephen was from the Pharisees so that both parties are now united in a general persecution that deserves the adjective “great.” See Matthew 13:21 for the old word διωγμος — diōgmos from διωκω — diōkō to chase, hunt, pursue, persecute. Were all scattered abroad Second aorist passive indicative of διασπειρω — diaspeirō to scatter like grain, to disperse, old word, in the N.T. only in Acts 8:1, Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19. Except the apostles (πλην των αποστολων — plēn tōn apostolōn). Preposition πλην — plēn (adverb from πλεον — pleon more) with the ablative often in Luke. It remains a bit of a puzzle why the Pharisees spared the apostles. Was it due to the advice of Gamaliel in Acts 5:34-40 ? Or was it the courage of the apostles? Or was it a combination of both with the popularity of the apostles in addition? [source]
Acts 8:4 Went about [διηλτον]
Constative second aorist active of διερχομαι — dierchomai to go through (from place to place, δια — dia). Old and common verb, frequent for missionary journeys in the Acts (Acts 5:40; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:32; Acts 11:19; Acts 13:6). Preaching the word (ευαγγελιζομενοι τον λογον — euaggelizomenoi ton logon). Evangelizing or gospelizing the word (the truth about Christ). In Acts 11:19 Luke explains more fully the extent of the labours of these new preachers of the gospel. They were emergency preachers, not ordained clergymen, but men stirred to activity by the zeal of Saul against them. The blood of the martyrs (Stephen) was already becoming the seed of the church. “The violent dispersion of these earnest disciples resulted in a rapid diffusion of the gospel” (Alvah Hovey). [source]
Acts 8:4 Preaching the word [ευαγγελιζομενοι τον λογον]
Evangelizing or gospelizing the word (the truth about Christ). In Acts 11:19 Luke explains more fully the extent of the labours of these new preachers of the gospel. They were emergency preachers, not ordained clergymen, but men stirred to activity by the zeal of Saul against them. The blood of the martyrs (Stephen) was already becoming the seed of the church. “The violent dispersion of these earnest disciples resulted in a rapid diffusion of the gospel” (Alvah Hovey). [source]
Galatians 6:6 In the word [τὸν λόγον]
The gospel. Usually in Paul with some qualifying word, as of God. Comp. Acts 4:4; Acts 8:4; Acts 11:19; Acts 14:25; Acts 16:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Colossians 4:3. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 11:19 mean?

Those indeed therefore having been scattered by the tribulation - having taken place over Stephen passed through to Phoenicia and Cyprus Antioch to no one speaking the word if not only to Jews
Οἱ μὲν οὖν διασπαρέντες ἀπὸ τῆς θλίψεως τῆς γενομένης ἐπὶ Στεφάνῳ διῆλθον ἕως Φοινίκης καὶ Κύπρου Ἀντιοχείας μηδενὶ λαλοῦντες τὸν λόγον εἰ μὴ μόνον Ἰουδαίοις

Οἱ  Those 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
μὲν  indeed 
Parse: Particle
Root: μέν  
Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
διασπαρέντες  having  been  scattered 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: διασπείρω  
Sense: to scatter abroad, disperse.
θλίψεως  tribulation 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: θλῖψις  
Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
γενομένης  having  taken  place 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
ἐπὶ  over 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
Στεφάνῳ  Stephen 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: Στέφανοσ1  
Sense: one of the seven deacons in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr.
διῆλθον  passed  through 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: διέρχομαι  
Sense: to go through, pass through.
Φοινίκης  Phoenicia 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Φοινίκη  
Sense: a territory of the province of Syria, situated on the coast of the Mediterranean between the river Eleutherus and the promontory of Carmel, some 30 miles (50 km) long and 3 (5 km) broad.
Κύπρου  Cyprus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Κύπρος  
Sense: a very fertile and delightful island of the Mediterranean, lying between Cilicia and Syria.
Ἀντιοχείας  Antioch 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Ἀντιόχεια  
Sense: Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.
μηδενὶ  to  no  one 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: μηδείς 
Sense: nobody, no one, nothing.
λαλοῦντες  speaking 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπολαλέω 
Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound.
λόγον  word 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
μόνον  only 
Parse: Adverb
Root: μόνον  
Sense: only, alone, but.
Ἰουδαίοις  to  Jews 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: Ἰουδαῖος  
Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race.