19 So then [since they were unaware of these developments] those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with [the stoning of] Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, without telling the message [of salvation through Christ] to anyone except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming [to them] the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand (the power and presence) of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord [for salvation, accepting and drawing near to Jesus as Messiah and Savior]. 

Acts 11:19-21 (AMP) 中文

In the mean time

Good news spread about Peter’s ministry to the Gentiles. Even the more legalistic Jewish believers in Christ in Jerusalem accepted that the Gospel was not just for Jews but for Gentiles as well. But this new revelation of the Gospel’s breadth of application did not reach everywhere. 

Church in Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch

We read today that believers in Cyprus, Phoenicia and Antioch hadn’t heard about the Gentiles being welcomed into the family of God. As a result, these believers who left Jerusalem due to the persecution that started with Stephen’s martyrdom were only telling other Jews about Jesus and leading them to faith.

Even more gentiles believe

But the work of the Holy Spirit continued despite this lack of knowledge. He prompted (we can assume) a few that went to Antioch to preach to the gentiles there. And they did. The hand of the Lord was with them. And “a great number” turned to the Lord in faith. 

Even more gentiles were believing – beyond those in Caesarea. This was just the beginning of an explosion of gentiles coming to faith in Christ which would soon exceed the Jews doing so.

RЯeflection

• Isn’t God’s work amazing! He will accomplish His will – with or without us! Better to get on His “bandwagon” and do the good works He planned in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). We also get the blessing. How will you seek His will today?