Act 11:19 | NET2full | STEP | Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia , Cyprus , and Antioch , speaking the message to no one but Jews .

‏ Acts 11:19

Activity in the Church at Antioch

19 Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen ^{▼▼sn The phrase over Stephen means in connection with Stephen’s death. See Acts 8:1b-3.} went as far as ^{▼▼tn Or “finally reached.” The translations “went as far as” and “finally reached” for διῆλθον (diēlthon) in this verse are given in L&N 15.17.} Phoenicia, ^{▼▼sn Phoenicia was an area along the Mediterranean coast north of Palestine.} Cyprus, ^{▼▼tn Grk “and Cyprus,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.} ^{▼▼sn Cyprus was a large island in the Mediterranean off the south coast of Asia Minor.} and Antioch, ^{▼▼sn Antioch was a city in Syria (not Antioch in Pisidia). This was probably the third largest city in the Greco-Roman world (Alexandria in Egypt was the second largest, and Rome the largest) and was the seat of government in Syria. Five miles away was a major temple to Artemis, Apollo, and Astarte, major pagan deities.} speaking the message ^{▼▼tn Grk “word.”} to no one but Jews.