Acts 11:20
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.
Acts 11:20 (KJV)
Context
Acts 11:20 sits within the account of the early church’s expansion beyond Jerusalem. The preceding verse explains that believers scattered by the persecution following Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, at first speaking the word only to Jews. Among these scattered believers were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, Jewish diaspora communities where Greek was commonly spoken. Their background likely made them more comfortable reaching beyond their usual audience.
Antioch, where they arrived, was a major city in the Roman Empire, located in present-day Turkey. It was a cosmopolitan center with a large population of both Jews and Gentiles, making it a natural place for the gospel to cross cultural boundaries.
Meaning
The men from Cyprus and Cyrene “spake unto the Grecians,” a term that can refer to Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles. In this context, it points to a broader audience than the Jewish community alone. Their message was simple and direct: they preached “the Lord Jesus,” announcing His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation available through faith in Him.
This was a significant step. These were not apostles but ordinary believers who had experienced the transforming power of the gospel and took the initiative to share it across cultural lines. Their action set the stage for a flourishing Gentile community in Antioch, where many believed and turned to the Lord.
Biblical connections
The growth in Antioch soon reached the church in Jerusalem, prompting them to send Barnabas to encourage and support the new believers (Acts 11:22). Later, it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). This verse, then, marks a pivotal moment when the gospel began to move decisively toward the Gentile world.
Application
Acts 11:20 reminds us that the gospel is for everyone, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. It also challenges us to follow the example of these believers, who did not wait for official appointment but shared the message of Jesus wherever they went. Their willingness to cross boundaries reminds us that the transformative power of the gospel is meant to be shared with all people.
Reflection
Consider the people in your own life who may be like the Grecians—those who have not yet heard or embraced the good news of Jesus. How can you, like the men from Cyprus and Cyrene, take a simple step of faith to speak about the Lord Jesus to someone different from you?
