Acts 13:1

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Acts 13:1 KJV Commentary: The Launchpad of Missions at Antioch

Context

Acts 13:1 marks a pivotal moment in the book of Acts, signaling a shift from the Gospel's expansion primarily within Jerusalem and Judea to its outreach to the wider Gentile world. The setting is the vibrant church in Antioch, a significant early Christian center in Syria. This church was known for its diverse membership and robust spiritual life, having been established by believers scattered after Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 11:19-21). It was in Antioch that followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26), highlighting its prominence and influence. This verse introduces the key leaders who would soon play a crucial role in the church's missionary endeavors.

Key Themes

  • Diverse Leadership: The list of leaders—Barnabas, Simeon (Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, and Saul—showcases the incredible diversity within the early church at Antioch. Their varied backgrounds, including Jewish, African (Simeon Niger), Cypriot (Barnabas), Cyrenian (Lucius), and even one from the royal court (Manaen), underscore the Gospel's power to unite people from all walks of life under Christ.
  • Spiritual Authority and Gifts: These men are identified as "prophets and teachers," indicating their roles in receiving and communicating divine revelation, and in instructing believers in the faith. This highlights the importance of spiritual gifts in guiding and building up the early church.
  • Preparation for Mission: This verse sets the stage for the Holy Spirit's direct command to send Barnabas and Saul on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). The strength and spiritual maturity of this diverse leadership team were essential for the significant missionary thrust that was about to begin.

Linguistic Insights

  • The name "Niger" associated with Simeon is a Latin word meaning "black," suggesting he may have been of African descent, possibly from North Africa. This detail further emphasizes the church's multicultural composition.
  • Manaen is described as "brought up with Herod the tetrarch." The Greek word is syntrophos (σύντροφος), which can mean a foster-brother, a companion from childhood, or someone educated with. This connection to the Herodian court is remarkable, demonstrating that the Gospel had penetrated even into the highest and most unexpected social circles.

Practical Application

Acts 13:1 offers valuable lessons for the church today:

  • Embrace Diversity: The Antioch church's strength came partly from its diverse leadership. Modern churches should strive for leadership that reflects the varied backgrounds and experiences of their congregations and communities.
  • Value Spiritual Gifts: Recognizing and nurturing the gifts of prophecy and teaching, along with other spiritual gifts, is crucial for the healthy growth and guidance of the church.
  • Be Mission-Minded: The church at Antioch served as a launching pad for global missions. This verse reminds believers that a primary purpose of the church is to be a sending force, equipped and ready to carry the Gospel message to the world, just as Barnabas and Saul were sent forth (Acts 13:4).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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