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.
Original Language Analysis
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 21
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἵτινες
which
G3748
οἵτινες
which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
10 of 21
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
εἰσελθόντες
when they were come
G1525
εἰσελθόντες
when they were come
Strong's:
G1525
Word #:
11 of 21
to enter (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
15 of 21
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching
G2097
εὐαγγελιζόμενοι
preaching
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
18 of 21
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 13:1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.Matthew 27:32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.Acts 6:9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.Acts 2:10Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
Historical Context
Antioch was the Roman Empire's third-largest city with a diverse, cosmopolitan population. That Cypriot and Cyrenian believers preached to Gentiles there circa AD 40-42 established Antioch as the first predominantly Gentile church, later becoming Paul's missionary base.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use ordinary, unnamed believers to accomplish extraordinary purposes?
- What enabled these believers to cross cultural barriers to preach to Gentiles?
- Why is proclaiming Jesus as both Lord and Savior essential to gospel preaching?
Analysis & Commentary
Some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene 'spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus' in Antioch. These unnamed believers pioneered Gentile evangelism, likely emboldened by Peter's Caesarean mission. Their message centered on 'the Lord Jesus' - emphasizing both Jesus' identity as Lord and Savior. Reformed theology celebrates how ordinary believers (not apostles) initiated the Gentile mission in Antioch. God uses whom He wills to accomplish His purposes, not merely prominent leaders but also unnamed faithful witnesses.