What does Acts 11:20 mean?

Explanation

Acts 11:20 is a verse that describes the evangelistic efforts of early Christian believers, specifically those from Cyprus and Cyrene, after they arrived in Antioch.

The verse highlights that these missionaries spoke to the Hellenists (or Grecians), meaning Greek-speaking non-Jews, to share the message of Jesus Christ.

This verse demonstrates the early church's expansion beyond the confines of Hebrew-speaking Jewish communities, showing a step toward a more universal Christian mission.

Historical Context

During the time when the Book of Acts was written, Antioch was a significant city in the Roman Empire, known for its cosmopolitan nature and diverse population.

It contained a large number of Jews, as well as a variety of other ethnic groups, including Greeks.

After Stephen's martyrdom in Jerusalem, there was a dispersion of Christians to places like Cyprus, Cyrene (in North Africa), and Antioch, as they fled persecution.

This movement facilitated the spread of Christianity beyond its initial Jewish context.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 11:20 shows the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.

This verse is a clear indication of the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the early Christian church, as the message of Jesus is shared with Greek-speaking Gentiles, aligning with the idea that the Gospel is inclusive and meant for all peoples.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire present-day Christians to reach out beyond their cultural comfort zones and share their faith with diverse groups.

It serves as a reminder that Christianity has a global mandate and emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural communication and understanding in religious contexts and beyond.

Cross-References

• 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."
• Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
• Acts 8:4: "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek include:

• "Cyprus" (Κύπρος): An island country in the Mediterranean Sea.
• "Cyrene" (Κυρηναίος): A region in North Africa, present-day Libya.
• "Grecians" (Ἑλληνιστὰς): This term here refers to Hellenists, Greek-speaking non-Jews.
• "preaching" (εὐαγγελιζόμενοι): Sharing good news or Gospel.

Each of these words reflects the geographic and cultural diversity that characterized early Christian evangelism.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing early Christian evangelism to other ancient religions, many such as Judaism were often practiced within cultural or ethnic confines.

In contrast, Christianity's evangelism to the Hellenists is an example of its early intercultural and religious openness, seeking converts regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies in anthropology and sociology can provide insights into how belief systems spread among different cultural groups, akin to the dissemination of Christianity in diverse regions like Antioch.

Modern analyses might examine the factors that contribute to the acceptance of new ideas among various communities.

Commentaries

Commentators on Acts 11:20 often focus on the missionary nature of the early Christian church.

For instance, the Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges comments on the courage of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, unlike others, spoke "to the Greeks also," signaling the inclusive nature of the Gospel from its early days.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes the significance of preaching to the Greeks and emphasizes that this represented a major turning point for the spread of Christianity to the non-Jewish world.