Acts 13:1

KJV

¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} there were {G2258} in {G2596} the church {G1577} that was {G5607} at {G1722} Antioch {G490} certain {G5100} prophets {G4396} and {G2532} teachers {G1320}; as {G5037} Barnabas {G921}, and {G2532} Simeon {G4826} that was called {G2564} Niger {G3526}, and {G2532} Lucius {G3066} of Cyrene {G2956}, and {G5037} Manaen {G3127}, which had been brought up {G4939} with Herod {G2264} the tetrarch {G5076}, and {G2532} Saul {G4569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the Antioch congregation were prophets and teachers — Bar-Nabba, Shim‘on (known as “the Black”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Menachem (who had been brought up with Herod the governor) and Sha’ul.

Berean Standard Bible

Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

American Standard Version

Now there were at Antioch, in the church that wasthere, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 13:1 introduces the diverse and gifted leadership of the church in Antioch, a pivotal early Christian center. This verse lists key figures—Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who was raised with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul—who served as prophets and teachers. It sets the stage for the church's burgeoning missionary endeavors, highlighting the spiritual maturity and multicultural composition that would enable it to become a launching pad for the Gospel's expansion to the Gentile world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 13:1 marks a significant transition within the book of Acts. Chapters 1-12 primarily focused on the Gospel's spread from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria, with Peter as a central figure and the initial outreach to Gentiles exemplified by Cornelius's conversion in [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius"). Chapter 12 concludes with Herod Agrippa I's persecution of the church and his subsequent death, underscoring divine protection and judgment. Acts 13 then shifts the narrative focus to Antioch, a thriving Gentile-inclusive church that becomes the new center for missionary activity, with Paul (Saul) emerging as the primary apostle to the Gentiles. This verse serves as an introduction to the key individuals whom the Holy Spirit will soon commission for the first missionary journey, effectively launching the church's global mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Antioch in Syria was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire, a major commercial and cultural hub. Its diverse population, including significant Jewish and Greek communities, made it fertile ground for the Gospel. After Stephen's martyrdom, believers scattered from Jerusalem and established a vibrant Christian community in Antioch, where both Jews and Gentiles were welcomed into the church, leading to the designation of followers as "Christians" for the first time ([Acts 11:19-26](/acts/11-19-26 "Acts 11:19-26 - The Church in Antioch")). The presence of leaders from various backgrounds—Barnabas (Cypriot Jew), Simeon (possibly African), Lucius (Cyrenian), Manaen (from the Herodian court), and Saul (a Jew from Tarsus)—reflects Antioch's cosmopolitan nature and the Gospel's power to transcend ethnic and social barriers. The mention of Manaen's connection to Herod the tetrarch is particularly striking, demonstrating the Gospel's reach into unexpected and influential spheres.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully introduces several foundational themes that will unfold throughout the remainder of Acts. Firstly, **Diverse Leadership** is paramount, illustrating that God uses individuals from all walks of life—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, educated and uneducated—to advance His kingdom. This diversity is not merely incidental but foundational to the church's universal mission. Secondly, the identification of these leaders as "prophets and teachers" underscores the importance of **Spiritual Authority and Gifts** in the early church. These roles were crucial for receiving divine revelation, instructing believers, and guiding the community's direction, as seen when the Holy Spirit speaks through them in [Acts 13:2](/acts/13-2 "Acts 13:2 - The Holy Spirit's Call to Mission"). Thirdly, the entire verse functions as a setup for **Preparation for Mission**. The strength, spiritual maturity, and varied backgrounds of these leaders were essential for the significant missionary thrust that was about to begin, signifying Antioch's role as the strategic launchpad for the evangelization of the wider Roman world, fulfilling the mandate of [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** G1577. From a compound of `ἐκ` (out) and a derivative of `καλέω` (to call), meaning "a calling out." This term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically in the New Testament, a religious congregation. In the context of Acts 13:1, it signifies the Christian community in Antioch, emphasizing its identity as a group of people "called out" by God for His purposes. It highlights their distinctiveness as God's gathered assembly.
* **prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** G4396. From a compound of `πρό` (before, forth) and `φημί` (to speak), meaning "a foreteller" or "an inspired speaker." In the early church, prophets were individuals who received and communicated divine revelation, often speaking God's direct message to the community, providing guidance, encouragement, or warning. Their role was crucial for the spiritual health and direction of the church, complementing the teachers.
* **brought up (Greek, _sýntrophos'_):** G4939. From `σύν` (with) and `τροφός` (nursling/nourisher), meaning "a fellow-nursling" or "comrade." This term indicates a close relationship, often implying someone raised or educated together, like a foster-brother or childhood companion. The detail that Manaen was `sýntrophos` with Herod the tetrarch is significant, showing the Gospel's penetration into high social strata and highlighting the diverse backgrounds united within the Antioch church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the setting as the church in Antioch and identifies the primary roles of its leaders. The phrase "prophets and teachers" indicates a dual function: some individuals possessed the gift of prophecy (receiving and speaking God's direct word), while others excelled in teaching (systematically instructing believers in Christian doctrine and ethics). This combination underscores the spiritual vitality and instructional depth present in this early Christian community, setting the stage for their significant role in the expansion of the Gospel.
* **"as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.":** This second clause provides a specific enumeration of five key leaders within the Antioch church. The list is notable for its diversity: Barnabas (a Levite from Cyprus, known for his encouragement), Simeon (whose Latin name "Niger" suggests African descent, possibly from Cyrene or North Africa), Lucius (from Cyrene, North Africa), Manaen (whose intimate connection to Herod's royal court highlights the Gospel's reach across social classes), and Saul (the former persecutor, now a prominent apostle). This roster vividly illustrates the multicultural and socio-economically varied composition of the early church's leadership, emphasizing the unifying power of the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is prominently used, as Luke meticulously lists the five key leaders, providing a clear roster of the individuals central to the upcoming missionary endeavors. This list serves not only to identify but also to emphasize the collective strength and diversity of the leadership. The careful naming of each individual, often with a brief descriptive tag (e.g., "Simeon that was called Niger," "Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch"), functions as **Character Introduction**. These brief biographical notes add depth and intrigue, hinting at their unique backgrounds and the breadth of the Gospel's reach. Furthermore, the verse employs **Foreshadowing** by introducing these specific individuals just before the Holy Spirit's direct command to send Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey. This detailed introduction prepares the reader for the monumental work these men are about to undertake, building anticipation for the global expansion of the Christian faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 13:1 profoundly illustrates the Holy Spirit's sovereign orchestration in preparing and commissioning the church for its global mission. The Spirit not only calls individuals to faith but also gifts them for specific roles within the body of Christ, such as prophets and teachers, to build up and guide the community. The diverse composition of Antioch's leadership underscores the universal nature of God's call, demonstrating that the Gospel transcends all human-made barriers—ethnic, social, and economic—uniting a diverse people under Christ. This verse highlights that a healthy, Spirit-led church, characterized by sound teaching and prophetic guidance, is the divine instrument for advancing God's kingdom, serving as a launchpad for evangelism and discipleship to the ends of the earth.

* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church's Equipping")
* [1 Corinthians 12:28](/1_corinthians/12-28 "1 Corinthians 12:28 - God's Appointed Gifts in the Church")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 13:1 offers a powerful blueprint for the contemporary church, emphasizing the critical importance of Spirit-led, diverse leadership for effective ministry and mission. Just as the church in Antioch flourished under the guidance of prophets and teachers from varied backgrounds, so too should modern congregations strive to identify, affirm, and empower leaders who reflect the rich tapestry of their communities and the global body of Christ. This verse challenges us to look beyond conventional qualifications and embrace the unique gifts and experiences that individuals from all walks of life bring to the table. It reminds us that the church's health and missional effectiveness are deeply tied to its willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit, to value spiritual gifts, and to cultivate an environment where diverse voices can contribute to the collective wisdom and direction. Ultimately, Acts 13:1 calls us to be a church that is not only spiritually mature but also outwardly focused, ready to be sent by God to share the transformative power of the Gospel with a world in need, just as Antioch became a sending church for Barnabas and Saul.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of the leadership in Antioch challenge our assumptions about who God calls into ministry today?**
* **In what ways can our church better identify and affirm the spiritual gifts of prophecy and teaching among its members?**
* **What practical steps can our community take to become more intentionally "mission-minded" and a "sending church" like Antioch?**

### FAQ
**Why was the church in Antioch so important for early Christian missions?**
Answer: The church in Antioch was strategically important for several reasons. Geographically, it was a major Roman city, a hub of trade and culture, making it an ideal base for outward expansion. Theologically, it was the first major church outside Jerusalem to embrace a significant number of Gentiles, fostering a truly multicultural community where Jewish and Gentile believers worshipped together. This inclusive environment, coupled with strong spiritual leadership (prophets and teachers), allowed it to become the "launchpad" for the first missionary journeys, particularly those of Paul and Barnabas, shifting the focus of the Gospel's spread from primarily Jewish audiences to the wider Gentile world, as seen in [Acts 13:2-3](/acts/13-2-3 "Acts 13:2-3 - The Sending of Barnabas and Saul").

**Who were the specific leaders mentioned in Acts 13:1, and what do their backgrounds tell us about the early church?**
Answer: The verse names five leaders: Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul. Their backgrounds are remarkably diverse: Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus; Simeon's name "Niger" (Latin for "black") suggests African descent; Lucius was from Cyrene (North Africa); Manaen had a unique connection, having been "brought up with Herod the tetrarch," indicating a background in the royal court; and Saul (Paul) was a highly educated Jew from Tarsus, formerly a persecutor of Christians. This diverse group—spanning different ethnicities, social classes, and previous affiliations—powerfully illustrates the unifying and transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating that Christ breaks down all barriers ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and calls people from every walk of life into His service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 13:1, though not directly prophesying Christ, profoundly illustrates the outworking of His universal mission through His body, the church. The diverse leadership at Antioch—comprising individuals from various ethnic and social backgrounds—is a tangible manifestation of Christ's reconciling work, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, as described in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciliation"). These "prophets and teachers" were empowered by the same Holy Spirit that Christ promised would come to guide His disciples into all truth and empower them for witness ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth") and [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). The very existence and function of this multicultural, Spirit-filled church at Antioch, serving as the launchpad for global missions, directly fulfills Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). In sending Barnabas and Saul, the church was participating in Christ's ongoing work of gathering His elect from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, ultimately pointing to the Lamb of God who is worthy to receive glory and honor from all creation ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 15:35

Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Acts 11:22

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Acts 11:27

¶ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Acts 13:9

Then Saul, (who also [is called] Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

Luke 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,