The Greeks Converted in Antioch

,
, ,

1. Name / Role

The Greeks Converted in Antioch

2. Category

God-Fearing Outsiders or Messianic Witnesses

3. Time Period / Biblical Context

These converts appear in Acts 11:19–26, following the persecution of believers after Stephen’s martyrdom. Their conversion marks a major development in the expansion of the gospel—from preaching to Jews only, to intentional evangelism of Gentiles in Antioch, a leading Hellenistic city in Syria.

4. Origin / Background

These Greeks were likely Hellenistic Gentiles, not Jewish proselytes, residing in Antioch, the third-largest city in the Roman Empire. Antioch was a multicultural, cosmopolitan hub known for commerce, learning, and diverse religious practices. The believers who preached to them were unnamed men from Cyprus and Cyrene, not the apostles—indicating grassroots evangelism.

5. Primary Role / Function

They serve as the first large-scale group of Gentiles to turn to Christ en masse, resulting in the establishment of the first multicultural Christian community. The church in Antioch became the base of Paul’s missionary journeys, and it was here that believers were first called “Christians.”

6. Key Characteristics / Traits

  • Gentile, non-Jewish background
  • Receptive to the gospel message
  • Formed a vibrant, missional community
  • Taught by Barnabas and Saul (Paul)
  • Helped shift Christianity into a global, non-ethnic movement

7. Symbolism / Spiritual Significance

The Greeks of Antioch represent the church’s intentional shift from Jewish roots to global outreach. Their conversion demonstrates that faith in Christ unites across cultural boundaries and that ordinary believers—not just apostles—can be effective evangelists. The birth of the Antioch church symbolises Christianity’s growing independence from Judaism, both theologically and geographically.

8. Notable Figures / Examples

  • Unnamed Evangelists – Men from Cyprus and Cyrene who preached to the Greeks
  • The Greek Converts – First Gentile congregation formed through intentional outreach
  • Barnabas – Sent from Jerusalem to strengthen and encourage them
  • Saul (Paul) – Brought by Barnabas to help teach and lead
  • Agabus and Other Prophets – Visited Antioch and built prophetic identity

9. Related Bible References

  • Acts 11:19–26 – Evangelism to the Greeks and founding of the Antioch church
  • Acts 13:1–3 – Missionaries sent out from Antioch
  • Acts 15:22–35 – Antioch’s role in the debate over Gentile inclusion
  • Galatians 2:11–14 – Paul’s confrontation with Peter at Antioch
  • Isaiah 49:6 – Light to the Gentiles
  • Ephesians 2:11–22 – Gentiles brought near by the blood of Christ

10. Summary / Reflection

The Greeks Converted in Antioch stand as pioneers of a Gentile Christian identity, formed not by law but by grace, and not by ancestry but by faith. Their conversion proves that the gospel is not bound by ethnicity or tradition, but is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. From their vibrant community came missionaries, doctrine, and a new name—“Christian”—reflecting their unity in Christ. They exemplify how the gospel, when faithfully shared by ordinary people, can transform cities and reshape history.

Home