Acts 2 10

Acts 2:10 kjv

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

Acts 2:10 nkjv

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

Acts 2:10 niv

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome

Acts 2:10 esv

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome,

Acts 2:10 nlt

Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome

Acts 2 verses

Acts 2 10 Meaning

Acts 2:10 is part of Luke's detailed list of various regions from which Jews and proselytes had come to Jerusalem for the Feast of Pentecost. It continues to enumerate diverse geographical locations—Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and Rome—emphasizing the wide-ranging origins of the attendees. This verse underscores the miraculous universality of the Holy Spirit's initial outpouring, as people from all these distant lands heard the Gospel preached in their own languages, showcasing the immediate global impact of Christianity from its inception.

Acts 2 10 Context

Acts chapter 2 records the pivotal event of Pentecost, fifty days after the Passover, when the promised Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples in Jerusalem. This fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) resulted in the disciples miraculously speaking in other tongues, declaring the mighty works of God. The surrounding verses (Acts 2:9-11) provide an extensive list of the diverse geographical regions from which pilgrims—Jews by birth and proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism)—had come to Jerusalem for this significant festival. This census of nationalities highlights the immediate, global reach of the Gospel message and the Holy Spirit's unifying power, beginning in the very heart of Judaism, before extending "to the end of the earth" as commissioned in Acts 1:8.

Acts 2 10 Word analysis

• Phrygia (Greek: Phrygia): An ancient region in the central-western part of Anatolia (modern Turkey), known for its distinct cultural identity. Its inclusion shows the geographical sweep towards Asia Minor.
• and Pamphylia (Greek: kai Pamphulia): A smaller coastal region in the southern part of Asia Minor, directly south of Phrygia. Paul and Barnabas visited Pamphylia during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13).
• Egypt (Greek: Aigyptos): A powerful ancient kingdom in North Africa, with a historically significant and large Jewish diaspora population, particularly in Alexandria. This marks the inclusion of North Africa in the diverse crowd.
• and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene (Greek: kai ta merē tēs Libyēs tēs kata Kyrēnēn): "Parts of Libya according to Cyrene." This specifies the region of North Africa west of Egypt. Cyrene (modern Shahhat, Libya) was a prominent Greek city with a substantial Jewish community. Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross, hailed from this region (Mk 15:21). Jews from Cyrene also featured in debates with Stephen (Acts 6:9).
• and visitors from Rome (Greek: hoi epidēmountes Rhomaioi): Literally, "the sojourning Romans" or "the residents from Rome." These were likely Jewish residents of Rome, or proselytes from Rome, who had traveled to Jerusalem for the festival. This is a profound mention as it signifies a direct link to the eventual development of the Roman church, highlighting the early geographical reach of those impacted by the Pentecost event, even to the capital of the Roman Empire.
• both Jews and proselytes (Greek: Ioudaioi te kai prosēlýtoi): This critical phrase distinguishes between two categories present:
  • Jews (Ioudaioi): Those born ethnically Jewish.
  • proselytes (prosēlýtoi): Gentiles who had fully converted to Judaism, embracing circumcision, baptism, and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Their inclusion is highly significant as it demonstrates that the Holy Spirit's empowering message extended beyond ethnic Jews to those who had already embraced the God of Israel, laying a crucial groundwork for the future inclusion of uncircumcised Gentiles (as seen later in Acts). They acted as a bridge, illustrating the universal appeal of God's redemptive plan beyond the confines of Jewish ethnicity alone.

Acts 2 10 Bonus section

The extensive listing of nationalities in Acts 2:9-11 (including this verse) is not merely a descriptive detail; it is deeply symbolic.

• Reversal of Babel: This multi-ethnic, multi-lingual understanding of one message powerfully contrasts with the Tower of Babel (Gen 11), where human rebellion led to linguistic confusion and dispersal. Pentecost brings unity through the Spirit and understanding across tongues, foreshadowing God's plan to unite all humanity in Christ.
• Foreboding the Gentile Mission: The specific mention of "proselytes" is crucial. While full Gentile inclusion comes later with Cornelius (Acts 10), the presence and Spirit-reception of proselytes demonstrate that the Spirit's activity was not exclusively for born-Jews. They represented the Gentile world that had already sought the God of Israel, preparing the way for the later expansion of the Gospel to those who had no prior connection to Judaism.
• God's Preparatory Work: The widespread Jewish diaspora, scattered throughout these regions, was part of God's sovereign plan, establishing pockets of monotheistic belief and Messianic expectation that served as fertile ground for the reception of the Gospel once the Holy Spirit empowered the witnesses. These pilgrims returned to their homes as initial carriers of the Christian message.
• Historical Accuracy: Luke's meticulous detailing of these regions reflects accurate geographical and historical understanding of the Jewish diaspora within the Roman Empire, lending credibility to his account.

Acts 2 10 Commentary

Acts 2:10 extends the geographic scope of those present at Pentecost, meticulously listed by Luke, covering the western reaches of Asia Minor, significant parts of North Africa, and finally the heart of the Roman Empire. This diverse roster of pilgrims, comprising both native-born Jews and Gentile converts (proselytes), highlights the universal nature of the Holy Spirit's outpouring and the immediate, broad appeal of the nascent Gospel message. The miraculous ability of the apostles to speak in diverse tongues meant that people from these varied backgrounds understood "in their own language" (Acts 2:8) the mighty works of God. This not only authenticated the divine origin of the event but also immediately prefigured the Great Commission (Acts 1:8), demonstrating that the Gospel would transcend ethnic, linguistic, and geographical barriers, setting the stage for a worldwide church rooted in unity amidst profound diversity, directly reversing the confusion of Babel (Gen 11).