New Testament

Acts 11:19

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

After Stephen's death, many followers of Jesus were forced to leave their homes due to intense persecution.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 62
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews only.

KJVKing James Version

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

After Stephen's death, many followers of Jesus were forced to leave their homes due to intense persecution. They traveled to places like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. Despite their hardships, they continued to share their faith, but initially, they only spoke to fellow Jews. This shows their commitment to their community and the challenges they faced in spreading their message. Their journey highlights the resilience of believers in tough times. Even when faced with danger, they found ways to connect with others and share what they believed. This moment marks a significant step in the early church's growth, as it began to reach beyond its original boundaries. It reminds us that faith can thrive even in adversity, and that sharing our beliefs can take many forms, often starting within our own circles before expanding outward. The courage of these early believers serves as an inspiration for us today, encouraging us to share our own stories and experiences with those around us.

How to apply Acts 11:19 to your life

When facing challenges, remember that your faith can inspire others. Look for opportunities to share your beliefs with those around you, starting with your community. Even small acts of sharing can lead to greater connections and understanding. Be courageous in your conversations about faith, just like the early believers were during their trials. Your story matters and can make a difference in someone else's life.

Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Acts 11:19 mean?

Acts 11:19 describes how followers of Jesus were scattered due to persecution after Stephen's death. They traveled to places like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, continuing to share their faith, but initially only with other Jews.

What is the significance of the persecution mentioned in Acts 11:19?

The persecution mentioned in Acts 11:19 highlights the challenges faced by early Christians. It serves as a backdrop for their resilience and commitment to spreading their faith despite danger and hardship.

Why did the believers in Acts 11:19 only speak to Jews?

In Acts 11:19, the believers initially spoke only to Jews because they were part of the same cultural and religious community. This reflects their focus on sharing their message within familiar circles before reaching out to others.

What locations are mentioned in Acts 11:19?

Acts 11:19 mentions Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch as the places where the scattered believers traveled. These locations were significant centers for trade and communication in the ancient world.

The Book of Acts
Book Summary

The Book of Acts

Acts 1: The Ascension and the Choosing of Matthias

Jesus shows himself alive to the apostles after his suffering, speaking about the kingdom of God. He commands them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost soon. They ask if he will restore the kingdom to Israel, and he tells them it is not for them to know the times, but they will receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them and will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. As they watch, he is taken up, and a cloud receives him out of their sight. Two men in white apparel tell them that this same Jesus will return in the same way they have seen him go.

Premium

Unlock the full Acts summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Acts — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Acts summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.