New Testament
Acts 11:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
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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.
What Acts 11:19 means
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
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Keep studying Acts 11:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
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.
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