What does Acts 11:19 mean?

Explanation

Acts 11:19 refers to the early Christian community's response to the persecution that began with the stoning of Stephen, as recorded in Acts 8.

The verse highlights that due to this persecution, believers were dispersed from Jerusalem.

The areas mentioned, Phenice (or Phoenicia), Cyprus, and Antioch, reflect the geographical spread of the early Christian message, indicating a movement towards Hellenistic regions.

Notably, the preaching initially targets Jewish populations exclusively, reflecting the early Christian movement's roots in Judaism and the gradual process by which the Gospel began to be shared with Gentiles.

Historical Context

The book of Acts is attributed to Luke and is seen as a continuation of the Gospel of Luke.

Acts 11:19 occurs within the narrative's broader historical arc, which covers the establishment and spread of the early Christian church following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

During this period, the movement was predominantly Jewish, and the early disciples had not fully embraced preaching to Gentiles.

The persecution mentioned here is traditionally associated with the one instigated by King Herod Agrippa I, who sought to suppress the burgeoning Christian movement in Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse shows the providential use of persecution to foster the spread of Christianity beyond its ethnic and geographical origins.

Some interpret this scattering as fulfilling Jesus' command to be his witnesses "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

It also marks the beginning phase of a critical theological transition, as it preludes the inclusion of the Gentiles into what had been a predominantly Jewish community of believers.

Practical Applications

Acts 11:19 may serve to remind contemporary believers that difficult circumstances and opposition can be used to spread their faith.

Moreover, it can encourage inclusivity and outreach beyond one's immediate community or cultural group. It demonstrates the importance of adapting to change and being open to the ways unexpected events can lead to positive outcomes.

Cross-References

• Acts 8:1 - "And Saul was consenting unto his death.

And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."

• Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
• Acts 11:20-21 - "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.

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

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text of Acts 11:19 include:

• "they which were scattered abroad" (διασπαρέντες): referring to those who were dispersed or spread out, commonly used for scattering seed in agricultural contexts, figuratively representing the spread of the Gospel.
• "preaching" (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι): from the root word "euaggelizo," meaning to announce good news or to evangelize; indicates the sharing of the Christian message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The early Christian movement, as mentioned in Acts, can be compared to other religious or philosophical movements that spread during times of hardship or migration.

For example, the Jewish diaspora led to the spread of Jewish communities across the Mediterranean, similar to how Christian communities started to develop.

Many religious and philosophical ideas have historically used diaspora or persecution as catalysts for growth and dissemination.

Scientific Perspectives

The scattering of populations, either through persecution or other migratory pressures, is a subject of study in anthropology and human geography.

Such movements have significant sociocultural impacts, leading to the exchange of ideas and the creation of new cultural syntheses.

This scientific perspective provides a context for understanding how a new religious movement like early Christianity could rapidly expand geographically and culturally.

Commentaries

Modern Biblical scholars and commentators focus on several key aspects of Acts 11:19: the significance of the named regions, the pattern of evangelism starting with Jews before moving to Gentiles, and the role of persecution in the spread of Christianity.

Some emphasize the providential nature of the scattering, suggesting that God used this means to fulfill divine purposes for church growth.

Others explore the sociological factors involved in the early Christian mission and the dynamics of initial resistance toward Gentile inclusion in what was a Jewish sect.