Tuesday Devo
Scripture:
Acts 11
19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus.
19 Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen’s death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus.
Commentary:
11:19 The persecution that arose over Stephen (see 8:1, 4) caused believers to be scattered and led to the spread of the word among Jews in various outlying regions. Phoenicia was in the area of present-day Lebanon, its primary cities being Tyre, Sidon, and Ptolemais. (For Christian communities there, see 21:3–7.) Cyprus was 100 miles (161 km) off the coast. The primary language of these areas was Greek, as it was for Antioch (modern Antakya), the largest city of the area and capital of the Roman province of Syria, with a population of a half million or more. Only Rome and Alexandria were larger in ancient times. At Antioch, an island bearing a palace and a hippodrome stood in the middle of the Orontes River. Bridges connected the island to the main city. In the first century the main city contained an aqueduct, baths, two theaters, temples (e.g., to Artemis and to Herakles), the Pantheon, and the Kaisareion (a basilica dedicated to the imperial cult). Prior to Paul’s arrival, an earthquake in 37 b.c. had devastated Antioch, but the emperor Gaius (Caligula) helped rebuild it. Antioch periodically hosted Olympic-style games. Its great colonnaded and marble-paved road had been sponsored in part by Herod the Great. speaking the word to no one except Jews. These people had not yet heard about the events of 10:1–11:18.
11:20 men of Cyprus and Cyrene. They were Diaspora Jews, natives of the nearby island of Cyprus and of the northern African region of Cyrene (see note on 13:1). There is ample archaeological evidence of Jewish inhabitants in these areas. Hellenists here means not just people from Greece but Greek-speaking Gentiles who lived in Antioch. (See notes on 6:1 [where “Hellenists” are Greek-speaking Jewish Christians] and 9:29 [where “Hellenists” are Greek-speaking Jews].) Some of the Greek-speaking Jewish Christians who settled in Antioch began witnessing to the Gentiles.
11:20 men of Cyprus and Cyrene. They were Diaspora Jews, natives of the nearby island of Cyprus and of the northern African region of Cyrene (see note on 13:1). There is ample archaeological evidence of Jewish inhabitants in these areas. Hellenists here means not just people from Greece but Greek-speaking Gentiles who lived in Antioch. (See notes on 6:1 [where “Hellenists” are Greek-speaking Jewish Christians] and 9:29 [where “Hellenists” are Greek-speaking Jews].) Some of the Greek-speaking Jewish Christians who settled in Antioch began witnessing to the Gentiles.
Questions:
- In verse 19, we see that “they” preached the word of God, both to Jews and Gentiles. Who are “they?” They weren’t apostles. They were just regular old Christians that had said YES to Jesus. This is another piece of evidence of a true Christian: they were determined to SHARE. A true christian knows that they have the best news ever and they want to share it with as many people as possible. The gospel literally means “good news.” What do you do with good news? You share it! When was the last time you shared the good news of the gospel with someone?
- We are to share, not just because it’s good news, but because Jesus commanded it. In Matthew 28 Jesus told his followers to go to the ends of the earth and make disciples, to teach people to obey. It is the job of every Christian to share the gospel, not just pastors. The Christians in Antioch didn’t wait for an apostle to show up, they were already doin the work. In fact, according to Ephesians 4, it is the job of the pastor to equip everyone else to go out and do the work of the ministry. A true Christian shares their faith because it’s good news and because Jesus commanded it. Are you ever guilty of expecting someone else to share the gospel to those around you? What if you are in their lives for this very reason? If you don’t tell them, who will?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would have the boldness to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus.
- That God would give you opportunities to share with those around you that are far from Him.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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