Where did the believers scattered by the persecution around Stephen travel, and what were they doing?
They traveled as far as Phenis, to the island of Cyprus, and up to Antioch in Syria. They were preaching the Word, which at that time was the Old Testament, since no New Testament was yet written. They preached to Jews only, not Gentiles.
Les explains that those scattered by the persecution that arose around Stephen, which was caused by Saul, traveled as far as Phenis, out to the island of Cyprus, and up to Antioch in Syria. They went everywhere preaching the Word. Since no New Testament had yet been written, the Word they had was the Old Testament. They preached only to Jews, not Gentiles. This was long after Pentecost, about seven years, and they were still adhering to Jesus' commandment in Matthew to go not in the way of a Gentile but only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Les notes this helps explain why the Lord later emphasized a change of direction to Ananias regarding Saul in Acts chapter 9.
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
More Questions
Who caused the persecution that scattered the believers from Jerusalem?
The persecution that scattered the believers 'around Stephen' was caused by Saul.