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.
Οἱ | Those |
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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μὲν | indeed |
Parse: Particle Root: μέν Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed. |
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διασπαρέντες | having been scattered |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: διασπείρω Sense: to scatter abroad, disperse. |
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θλίψεως | tribulation |
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: θλῖψις Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure. |
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τῆς | - |
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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γενομένης | having taken place |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: γίνομαι Sense: to become, i. |
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ἐπὶ | over |
Parse: Preposition Root: ἐπί Sense: upon, on, at, by, before. |
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Στεφάνῳ | Stephen |
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: Στέφανοσ1 Sense: one of the seven deacons in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr. |
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διῆλθον | passed through |
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural Root: διέρχομαι Sense: to go through, pass through. |
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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. |
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Κύπρου | Cyprus |
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: Κύπρος Sense: a very fertile and delightful island of the Mediterranean, lying between Cilicia and Syria. |
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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. |
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μηδενὶ | to no one |
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Singular Root: μηδείς Sense: nobody, no one, nothing. |
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λαλοῦντες | speaking |
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Plural Root: ἀπολαλέω Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound. |
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λόγον | word |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: λόγος Sense: of speech. |
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μόνον | only |
Parse: Adverb Root: μόνον Sense: only, alone, but. |
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Ἰουδαίοις | to Jews |
Parse: Adjective, Dative Masculine Plural Root: Ἰουδαῖος Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race. |
Greek Commentary for Acts 11:19
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]
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]
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
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
“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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]