New Testament
Acts 11:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they came to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks as well, preaching the Lord Jesus.
Compare translations
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.
What Acts 11:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a significant moment in the early church. Some men from Cyprus and Cyrene traveled to Antioch, a bustling city filled with diverse cultures. They took the bold step of sharing their message about Jesus with the Greeks, who were not part of their usual audience. This act of inclusivity highlights the expanding reach of the Christian message beyond its Jewish roots. By preaching to the Greeks, they demonstrated that the message of Jesus was for everyone, regardless of background. Their willingness to engage with different cultures shows the importance of breaking barriers and reaching out to others. This moment marks a pivotal point in the spread of Christianity, emphasizing that faith is universal and meant for all people. It encourages us to share our beliefs with those who may be different from us, fostering understanding and connection in a diverse world. The actions of these men remind us that sharing our faith can lead to transformative experiences for both the speaker and the listener.
How to apply Acts 11:20 to your life
Consider how you can reach out to people from different backgrounds in your life. Look for opportunities to share your experiences and beliefs with others. Remember, your story can resonate with someone who feels different or excluded, creating connections that matter. Embrace diversity in your conversations and relationships, fostering understanding and acceptance. Your voice can make a difference in someone's life today.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter

Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 11:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 11:20
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 11:20 mean?
Acts 11:20 describes how some men from Cyprus and Cyrene preached about Jesus to Greeks in Antioch. This shows the early church's commitment to sharing the Christian message with diverse groups, emphasizing that the faith is for everyone, not just Jews.
What is the significance of preaching to Greeks in Acts 11:20?
Preaching to Greeks in Acts 11:20 highlights the early church's expansion beyond Jewish communities. It signifies a pivotal moment where the message of Jesus was shared with all people, promoting inclusivity and breaking cultural barriers.
Who were the men from Cyprus and Cyrene in Acts 11:20?
The men from Cyprus and Cyrene mentioned in Acts 11:20 were early Christian believers who took the initiative to share their faith with Greeks in Antioch. Their actions reflect the growing diversity within the early church.
What does 'preaching the Lord Jesus' mean in Acts 11:20?
'Preaching the Lord Jesus' in Acts 11:20 refers to sharing the message and teachings of Jesus Christ. It indicates the act of proclaiming His significance and inviting others to follow Him, which was central to the early Christian mission.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.