### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Antiocheús**, represented by `{{G491}}`, is a geographical identifier for **an Antiochian or inhabitant of Antiochia**. It is a highly specific term that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking a singular but noteworthy reference within the narrative of the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G491}}` is found in [[Acts 6:5]], during a pivotal moment in the formation of the early Christian community. The verse records that a proposal to address the needs of the congregation "pleased the whole multitude" [[Acts 6:5]]. In response, the people **chose** `{{G1586}}` seven men to serve. The last of these men, Nicolas, is uniquely identified as a "proselyte of **Antioch**" [[Acts 6:5]], connecting this specific place to the expanding leadership of the church.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context help clarify the significance of this event:
* `{{G1586}}` **eklégomai** (to select): This word describes the action taken by the multitude. The community did not appoint randomly but actively **chose** these seven men for service [[Acts 6:5]].
* `{{G4339}}` **prosḗlytos** (an acceder (convert) to Judaism): This term is crucial as it describes Nicolas's background. He was not a native Jew but a convert, a **proselyte** from Antioch who was embraced by the Jerusalem church [[Acts 6:5]].
* `{{G3532}}` **Nikólaos** (Nicolaüs): This is the name of the man identified as the **Antiocheús**. The choice of **Nicolas** `{{G3532}}` is significant because he was a proselyte chosen for a position of trust [[Acts 6:5]].
* `{{G4128}}` **plēthos** (a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace): This word emphasizes that the decision to select these men was agreeable to the entire **multitude**, indicating a unified community action [[Acts 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{G491}}` is a simple geographical marker, its context in [[Acts 6:5]] carries significant theological weight about the nature of the early church.
* **Inclusivity of the Church:** The selection of Nicolas, a "proselyte of Antioch" [[Acts 6:5]], demonstrates that leadership and service were not limited to Jews by birth. It shows the church's early inclusion of converts from other regions.
* **Spiritual Qualifications for Service:** The primary criteria for the men chosen were spiritual qualities. Stephen was described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost" [[Acts 6:5]], establishing that spiritual maturity, rather than origin, was the qualification for ministry.
* **Community and Order:** The event marks an important step in the organization of the church, where the **multitude** `{{G4128}}` collectively chose leaders, showing a structured approach to meeting the community's needs that pleased everyone.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G491}}` **Antiocheús** is far more than a simple geographical label. While it appears only once, its specific use to identify Nicolas in [[Acts 6:5]] provides a powerful illustration of the early church's character. It highlights a community that valued spiritual fullness over ethnic or geographic origin and was already extending roles of responsibility to converts from beyond Judea.
TRV