### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Loúkios**, represented by `{{G3066}}`, is a personal name of Latin origin meaning **illuminative**. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. This name identifies Lucius, a Christian who was an active figure in the early church, known for his leadership and his association with the Apostle Paul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3066}}` is used to identify a specific individual within the leadership of the early church. He is first mentioned as one of the **prophets** `{{G4396}}` and **teachers** `{{G1320}}` in the **church** `{{G1577}}` at Antioch, where he is distinguished as "Lucius of Cyrene" [[Acts 13:1]]. Later, Lucius is named alongside Jason and Sosipater as one of Paul's **kinsmen** `{{G4773}}` who sends greetings to the believers in Rome [[Romans 16:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the identity and role of Lucius:
* `{{G2956}}` **Kyrēnaîos** (of Cyrene): This descriptor specifies his origin as an **inhabitant of Cyrene** [[Acts 13:1]], a city in modern-day Libya, highlighting the geographical diversity of the early church leadership.
* `{{G1320}}` **didáskalos** (teacher): Lucius is explicitly named among the **teachers** at the church in Antioch, indicating he held a position of instruction and authority within the community [[Acts 13:1]].
* `{{G4904}}` **synergós** (workfellow): In his greetings, Lucius is listed immediately after Timotheus, who is called a **workfellow** or co-laborer, connecting Lucius to the collaborative ministry surrounding Paul [[Romans 16:21]].
* `{{G4773}}` **syngenḗs** (kinsmen): This term, meaning a **relative** or **fellow countryman**, describes his relationship to Paul, emphasizing a close bond shared by those united in the gospel work [[Romans 16:21]].
### Theological Significance
The brief mentions of `{{G3066}}` carry significant weight in understanding the nature of the early church.
* **Diverse Leadership:** The list of leaders in Antioch includes individuals from various backgrounds: Lucius **of Cyrene** `{{G2956}}`, Simeon called **Niger** `{{G3526}}`, and Manaen, who was **brought up with Herod** `{{G2264}}` the tetrarch. This demonstrates that leadership was not limited to a single ethnic or social group [[Acts 13:1]].
* **The Church at Antioch:** Lucius was part of the foundational leadership at Antioch, a pivotal center for early Christianity from which the first missionary journeys were launched [[Acts 13:1]].
* **Gospel Partnership:** His inclusion in the greetings in Romans shows the deep sense of fellowship and partnership that defined the apostolic teams. By sending his **salute** `{{G782}}`, Lucius affirms his connection to Paul's ministry and the wider body of Christ [[Romans 16:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3066}}` identifies Lucius, a notable but seldom-mentioned figure in the New Testament. Though his appearances are few, they paint a picture of a respected leader from North Africa who served as a prophet and teacher in the diverse and influential church at Antioch. His identification as a kinsman and workfellow of Paul further underscores the themes of collaboration, fellowship, and the breaking down of cultural barriers that characterized the spread of the early Christian faith.
TRV