Acts 2:10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Παμφυλίαν
Pamphylia
G3828
Παμφυλίαν
Pamphylia
Strong's:
G3828
Word #:
4 of 21
every-tribal, i.e., heterogeneous (g5561 being implied); pamphylia, a region of asia minor
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέρη
in the parts
G3313
μέρη
in the parts
Strong's:
G3313
Word #:
8 of 21
a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
about
G2596
κατὰ
about
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 21
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιδημοῦντες
strangers
G1927
ἐπιδημοῦντες
strangers
Strong's:
G1927
Word #:
16 of 21
to make oneself at home, i.e., (by extension) to reside (in a foreign country)
Cross References
Acts 16:6Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,Zechariah 8:20Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:Zechariah 8:23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.Acts 18:23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.Acts 13:13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.Acts 15:38But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.Acts 13:43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
Historical Context
Phrygia housed significant Jewish settlements from Persian period deportations. Pamphylia's port city Perga would later host Paul's ministry (Acts 13:13). Egypt's Alexandria contained the empire's largest Jewish population - where the Septuagint was translated. Cyrene produced Simon who carried Christ's cross (Mark 15:21) and was home to early Christian teachers (Acts 11:20).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's redemptive use of Israel's exile and scattering illustrate Romans 8:28's promise?
- What painful 'scatterings' in your life might God be using for His greater purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The mention of 'Phrygia, and Pamphylia' alongside Egypt and 'parts of Libya about Cyrene' traces the dispersion from both Assyrian captivity (722 BC) and Babylonian exile (586 BC). These geographic markers demonstrate how God used Israel's judgment and scattering to position witnesses throughout the world for this redemptive moment. What Satan meant for destruction, God orchestrated for global evangelization.