New International Version 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. New Living Translation Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. English Standard Version Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 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. Berean Literal Bible Now there were prophets and teachers in Antioch being there in the church: Both Barnabas and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. New American Standard Bible Now there were prophets and teachers at Antioch, in the church that was there: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. NASB 1995 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. NASB 1977 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Legacy Standard Bible Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Amplified Bible Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets [who spoke a new message of God to the people] and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod [Antipas] the tetrarch, and Saul. Berean Annotated Bible Now in the church {ekklēsian} at Antioch there were prophets and teachers {didaskaloi}: Barnabas (son of encouragement), Simeon called Niger, Lucius (light) of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod (heroic) the tetrarch), and Saul (asked for). Christian Standard Bible Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Holman Christian Standard Bible In the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. American Standard Version Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, 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. Contemporary English Version The church at Antioch had several prophets and teachers. They were Barnabas, Simeon, also called Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen, who was Herod's close friend, and Saul. English Revised Version Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Barnabas, Simeon (called the Black), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (a close friend of Herod since childhood), and Saul were prophets and teachers in the church in Antioch. Good News Translation In the church at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon (called the Black), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (who had been brought up with Governor Herod ), and Saul. International Standard Version Now Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius from Cyrene, Manaen, who grew up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. NET Bible Now there were these prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen (a close friend of Herod the tetrarch from childhood) and Saul. New Heart English Bible Now in the church that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Webster's Bible Translation 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, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Weymouth New Testament Now there were in Antioch, in the Church there--as Prophets and teachers--barnabas, Symeon surnamed 'the black,' Lucius the Cyrenaean, Manaen (who was Herod the Tetrarch's foster-brother) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow in the church at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. World English Bible Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd there were certain in Antioch, in the assembly there, prophets and teachers: both Barnabas, and Simeon who is called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen also—Herod the tetrarch’s foster-brother—and Saul; Berean Literal Bible Now there were prophets and teachers in Antioch being there in the church: Both Barnabas and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Young's Literal Translation And there were certain in Antioch, in the assembly there, prophets and teachers; both Barnabas, and Simeon who is called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen also -- Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother -- and Saul; Smith's Literal Translation And certain prophets and teachers were in the church being in Antioch; as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNOW there were in the church which was at Antioch, prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas, and Simon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Catholic Public Domain Version Now there were, in the Church at Antioch, prophets and teachers, among whom were Barnabas, and Simon, who was called the Black, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. New American Bible Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. New Revised Standard Version Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the ruler, and Saul. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNOW there were in the church at An’ti-och prophets and teachers; Bar’na-bas, and Simeon who was called Ni’ger, and Lu’cius from the city of Cy-rene, and Man’a-el, who was the son of the man who brought up Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But there were Prophets in the Church of Antiakia and Teachers: BarNaba and Shimeon who is called Niger, Luqius, who is from the city Qorina, Manael, son of the rearers of Herodus the Tetrarch, and Shaul. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentNow there were certain prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch; Barnabas, and Simeon, who is called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Godbey New Testament And there were prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch; Barnabas, and Symeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manahem, the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Haweis New Testament NOW there were at Antioch, according to the established church, prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger the black, and Lucius a Cyrenian, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch’s foster-brother, and Saul. Mace New Testament Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Weymouth New Testament Now there were in Antioch, in the Church there--as Prophets and teachers--barnabas, Symeon surnamed 'the black,' Lucius the Cyrenaean, Manaen (who was Herod the Tetrarch's foster-brother) Worrell New Testament Now there were in Antioch, in the assembly which was there, prophets and teachers; both Barnabas and Symeon who is called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen, the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Worsley New Testament Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers, as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen who had been educated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Paul's First Missionary Journey1Now 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. 2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”… Cross References Now in the church at Antioch Acts 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Acts 11:22 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. Galatians 2:11 When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. there were prophets and teachers: Acts 11:27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 1 Corinthians 12:28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues. Ephesians 4:11 And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, Barnabas, Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, Acts 9:27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. Simeon called Niger, Mark 15:21 Now Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and the soldiers forced him to carry the cross of Jesus. Luke 23:26 As the soldiers led Him away, they seized Simon of Cyrene on his way in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry behind Jesus. Acts 8:27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, Lucius of Cyrene, Acts 11:20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. Acts 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, Romans 16:21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen. Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), Luke 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, Treasury of Scripture 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. Cir. Acts 11:22-24 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 14:26,27 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled… prophets. Acts 11:25-27 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: … Acts 15:35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. Romans 12:6,7 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; … Barnabas. 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 11:22-26,30 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 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Lucius. Acts 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. which, etc. Matthew 14:1-10 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, … Luke 3:1,19,20 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, … Luke 13:31,32 The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee… and Saul. Acts 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, Jump to Previous Antioch Assembly Barnabas Black Church Cyrenaean Cyrene Cyre'ne Cyrenian Herod Lucius Member Prophets Relation Saul Simeon Surnamed Symeon Teachers TetrarchJump to Next Antioch Assembly Barnabas Black Church Cyrenaean Cyrene Cyre'ne Cyrenian Herod Lucius Member Prophets Relation Saul Simeon Surnamed Symeon Teachers TetrarchActs 13 1. Paul and Barnabas are chosen to go to the Gentiles.6. Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 13. Paul preaches at Antioch that Jesus is Christ. 42. The Gentiles believe; 44. but the Jews talked abusively against Paul, 46. whereupon they turn to the Gentiles, of whom many believe. 50. The Jews raise a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, who go to Iconium. Now in the church at Antioch Antioch was a leading city of Roman Syria and a strategic center for commerce, government, and culture. Its church had become a major base for Gentile ministry after believers scattered by persecution preached there, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:19–26). From this congregation the gospel would be sent outward through organized missionary work. Act 11:26 and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch.… there were prophets and teachers: The Antioch church possessed recognized leaders who ministered God’s word through revelation, exhortation, instruction, and doctrinal formation. Prophets strengthened and directed the church under the Holy Spirit’s leading, while teachers grounded believers in the apostolic gospel. Their presence shows a congregation marked by spiritual maturity and equipped for service beyond its own city. Act 11:27 In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem… Barnabas, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, was known for generosity, discernment, and encouragement. He had welcomed Saul when others feared him, sought Saul for ministry in Antioch, and helped establish the church through faithful teaching (Acts 4:36–37; 9:26–27; 11:22–26). His leadership united pastoral care with missionary vision. Act 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called… Simeon called Niger, Simeon bore a Latin surname meaning “black,” possibly indicating a dark complexion or African background. Whatever his ethnic heritage, he stood among the church’s leaders as a fellow servant of Christ. Antioch’s leadership displayed the reconciling power of the gospel among believers from differing peoples and social backgrounds. Mrk 15:21 Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus,… Lucius of Cyrene, Lucius came from Cyrene in North Africa, a city with a substantial Jewish population. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene had been among those who first preached the Lord Jesus to Greeks in Antioch (Acts 11:20). His presence reflects the wide reach of the gospel and the part played by believers from beyond Judea in the church’s growth. Act 11:20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene… Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), Manaen had been raised alongside, or closely associated with, Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee. Herod Antipas had ordered John the Baptist’s death and later mocked Jesus during His trial (Mark 6:17–28; Luke 23:7–11). Manaen’s place among Christ’s servants demonstrates that God’s grace reaches people connected with privilege and political power as surely as those from ordinary backgrounds. Luk 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar… and Saul. Saul had once violently opposed the church, but the risen Christ transformed him into a chosen witness to Jews and Gentiles alike (Acts 9:1–22; 22:21). After years of preparation, teaching, and service in Antioch, he stood ready for the missionary calling that would carry the gospel throughout the Roman world. Act 9:1-2 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats… Persons / Places / Events 1. AntiochA significant city in early Christianity, Antioch was a major center for the spread of the Gospel and the location where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). 2. Barnabas A Levite from Cyprus, known for his encouragement and generosity. He played a crucial role in the early church and in mentoring Saul (Paul). 3. Simeon called Niger Likely a man of African descent, his nickname "Niger" means "black" in Latin, indicating his possible ethnic background. 4. Lucius of Cyrene A leader in the church, possibly one of the men from Cyrene who helped spread the Gospel to Antioch (Acts 11:20). 5. Manaen Described as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, indicating a connection to the political elite, yet he chose to follow Christ. 6. Saul Later known as Paul, a former persecutor of Christians who became one of the most influential apostles and missionaries. Teaching Points Diversity in LeadershipThe church at Antioch exemplifies diversity, with leaders from various backgrounds and ethnicities. This reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel and the unity found in Christ. Role of Prophets and Teachers The presence of prophets and teachers highlights the importance of these spiritual gifts in guiding and edifying the church. Believers should seek to identify and develop their spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body of Christ. God's Sovereignty in Choosing Leaders The diverse backgrounds of these leaders demonstrate that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or social standing, for His purposes. This encourages believers to trust in God's calling and equipping. Mentorship and Discipleship Barnabas's role in mentoring Saul underscores the importance of discipleship in the church. Mature believers should invest in the spiritual growth of others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 13:1?2. How does Acts 13:1 illustrate the importance of diverse leadership in the church? 3. What role does fasting and prayer play in decision-making according to Acts 13:1? 4. How can we apply the example of Barnabas and Saul in our ministries today? 5. What does Acts 13:1 teach about the Holy Spirit's guidance in church missions? 6. How does Acts 13:1 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? 7. Who were the prophets and teachers mentioned in Acts 13:1, and what were their roles? 8. How does Acts 13:1 reflect the diversity of the early Christian church? 9. What significance does the church at Antioch hold in the context of Acts 13:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 13? What Does Acts 13:1 Mean Now in the church at Antioch“Now in the church at Antioch…” (Acts 13:1) • Antioch in Syria had become a vibrant, multi-ethnic hub for the gospel since disciples fled persecution (Acts 11:19-21). • It was here that believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26), underlining the city’s importance as a launching pad for worldwide mission (Acts 1:8 fulfilled). • The phrase reminds us that the local church—not a political institution or social club—is God’s chosen base for training and sending. there were prophets and teachers: “…there were prophets and teachers:” (Acts 13:1) • Prophets received and declared direct revelation (cf. Acts 11:27-28); teachers explained and applied Scripture (cf. Ephesians 4:11-12). • God graciously supplied both gifts so truth could be proclaimed and then rooted in everyday life (1 Corinthians 12:28). • The plural wording highlights shared leadership, protecting the flock and modeling humility (1 Peter 5:1-3). Barnabas “Barnabas…” (Acts 13:1) • Nicknamed “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37), he sold property to aid believers, embodying generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). • He vouched for Saul when others feared him (Acts 9:26-27), showing grace toward unlikely converts. • His calming leadership steadied the growing Antioch church (Acts 11:22-24). Simeon called Niger “…Simeon called Niger…” (Acts 13:1) • “Niger” (“black”) implies African heritage, reflecting the gospel’s reach across ethnic lines (Galatians 3:28). • Simeon may be the “Simon of Cyrene” who carried Jesus’ cross (Luke 23:26), illustrating how personal encounters with Christ lead to lasting service. • His presence in leadership affirms the church’s unity in diversity (Revelation 7:9). Lucius of Cyrene “…Lucius of Cyrene…” (Acts 13:1) • From North Africa, he likely helped preach to Greeks when Antioch first heard the gospel (Acts 11:20). • His name reappears in Romans 16:21, suggesting long-term involvement with Paul’s ministry. • Cyrene’s mention connects the dots from Pentecost’s multinational crowd to sustained mission work (Acts 2:10). Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) “…Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch)…” (Acts 13:1) • “Brought up with” means foster brother or close companion of Herod Antipas, the ruler who beheaded John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-28). • Manaen’s conversion shows the gospel’s power to reach palace insiders as well as fishermen (1 Timothy 2:4). • His background would have given him insight into the political realm, useful for navigating opposition (Acts 4:26-29). and Saul “…and Saul.” (Acts 13:1) • Former persecutor turned preacher (Acts 9:1-22), now listed among leaders, proving radical grace (1 Timothy 1:12-16). • His inclusion signals a forthcoming shift: Saul (Paul) will soon head out on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). • Side-by-side with diverse brothers, Saul models teamwork in ministry (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). summary Acts 13:1 paints a living portrait of a Spirit-filled church—diverse in culture, united in Christ, rich in prophetic and teaching gifts, and ready to obey the Great Commission. From Antioch’s bustling streets, God assembled encouragers, scholars, cross-bearers, palace insiders, and former persecutors to launch a movement that would reach the ends of the earth. The verse reminds us that when the local church embraces every redeemed background and every God-given gift, the Lord positions His people for world-changing mission. XIII.(1) Now there were in the church that was at Antioch.—The fulness of detail in this narrative suggests the inference that the writer was himself at Antioch at this period. Certain prophets and teachers.—The two were not necessarily identical, though the higher gift of prophecy commonly included the lower gift of teaching. The former implies a more direct message from God, coming from the Holy Ghost; the latter a more systematic instruction, in which reason and reflection bore their part. Simeon that was called Niger.—The name seems to indicate the swarth-complexion of Africa; but nothing more is known of him. The epithet was given to him, probably, to distinguish him from the many others of the same name, possibly, in particular, from Simon of Cyrene. (See Note on Acts 11:20.) Lucius of Cyrene.—Probably one of the company of “men of Cyprus and Cyrene” (Acts 11:20) who had been among the first evangelists of Antioch. On the ground that Cyrene was famous for its School of Medicine, some writers have identified him with the author of the Acts, but the two names Lucius and Lucas are radically distinct, the latter being contracted for Lucanus. Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch.—Literally, the foster-brother of Herod. Here we enter on a name that has historical associations of some interest. In the early youth of Herod the Great, his future greatness had been foretold by an Essene prophet of the name of Menahem or Manaen (Jos. Ant. xv. 10, § 5). When the prediction was fulfilled, he sought to show honour to the prophet. The identity of name makes it probable that the man who now meets us was the son, or grandson, of the Essene, and that Herod had had him brought up with Antipas as a mark of his favour. Both Antipas and Archelaus were educated at Rome, and Manaen may therefore have accompanied them thither. By what steps he was led to believe in Jesus as the Christ, we can only conjecture; but it seems probable that the austere type of life, so closely resembling that of the Essenes, which was presented by the Baptist, may have impressed him, as he was living in the court of his early companion, and that, through him, he may have been led on to the higher truth, and, in due time, after the Day of Pentecost, have become a sharer in the prophetic gift. The fact that Herod the Great had adorned the city of Antioch with a long and stately colonnade may, perhaps, have given him a certain degree of influence there. And Saul.—The position of Saul’s name at the end of the list seems to indicate that it was copied from one which had been made before he had become the most prominent of the whole company of the prophets. Verse 1. - At Antioch., in the Church that was there for in the Church that was at Antioch, A.V.; prophets, etc., for certain prophets, etc., A.V. and T.R.; Barnabas, etc., for as Barnabas, etc., A.V.; Symeon for Simeon, A.V.; the foster-brother of for which had been brought up with, A.V. At Antioch, in the Church, etc. Κτὰ τὴν οϋσαν ἐκκλησίαν rather means "the existing Church," just as at αἱ οϋσαι ἐξουσίαι means "the existing powers," "the powers that be," in Romans 13:1, A.V. and T.R. The then Church seems mere the meaning than the Church there. Luke writes from the standpoint of many years later. Prophets were a regular part of the ministry of the then Church (see Acts 11:27; Acts 21:9, 10; Romans 12:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28; 1 Corinthians 13:2, etc.; 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3, etc., 1 Corinthians 14:22, 24, 31, 32: Ephesians 4:11. See also note on Acts 4:26). Teachers (διδάσκαλοι) are coupled with prophets, as here, in 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29; Ephesians 4:11. The teachers would appear to differ from the prophets in that they were not under the ecstatic influence of the Holy Spirit, and did not utter exhortations or prophecies in a poetic strain, but were expounders of Christian truth, under the teaching of the Spirit. What they spoke was called a διδαχή (1 Corinthians 14:26), and their function was διδασκαλία, as Romans 12:7, where διδασκαλία is reckoned among the χαρίσματα, the gifts of the Holy Ghost. It was forbidden to women to teach (διδάσκειν: 1 Timothy 2:12), though they might prophesy (Acts 21:9). It is thought by Meyer, Alford, and others that the position of the particles τε attaching the two following names to Barnabas in the first place, and one name following to Manaen in the second, indicates that Barnabas, Symeon, and Lucius were prophets, and Manaen and Saul teachers. Lucius has by some been falsely identified with St. Luke. The foster-brother; σύντροφος may equally mean a foster-brother, one nursed at the same time at the same breast, which would indicate that Manaen's mother was wet-nurse to Herod the tetrarch; or a playmate, which would indicate that he had been sodalis to Herod. It is only found here in the New Testament, but is used by Xenophon, Plutarch, etc., and in 1 Macc. 1:7; 2 Macc. 9:29. In this chapter and onwards the scene of the great drama of Christianity is transferred from Jerusalem to Antioch. The first part, which has hitherto been played by Peter and John and James, is now taken up by Barnabas and Saul, soon, however, to be classed as Paul and Barnabas.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Inκατὰ (kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. church ἐκκλησίαν (ekklēsian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. at ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Antioch Ἀντιοχείᾳ (Antiocheia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 490: From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria. there were Ἦσαν (Ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. prophets προφῆται (prophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. teachers: διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. Barnabas, Βαρνάβας (Barnabas) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 921: Of Chaldee origin; son of Nabas; Barnabas, an Israelite. Simeon Συμεὼν (Symeōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4826: Simeon or Simon. From the same as Simon; Symeon, the name of five Israelites. called καλούμενος (kaloumenos) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'. Niger, Νίγερ (Niger) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3526: Niger, a proper name. Of Latin origin; black; Niger, a Christian. Lucius Λούκιος (Loukios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3066: Of Latin origin; illuminative; Lucius, a Christian. of ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Cyrene, Κυρηναῖος (Kyrēnaios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2956: Belonging to Cyrene, a Cyrenaean. From Kurene; i.e. Cyrenaean, i.e. Inhabitant of Cyrene. Manaen Μαναήν (Manaēn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3127: Manaen, a Christian. (a childhood companion σύντροφος (syntrophos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4939: One brought up with, a foster brother, an intimate friend. From sun and trophos; a fellow-nursling, i.e. Comrade. of Herod Ἡρῴδου (Hērōdou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2264: Compound of heros and eidos; heroic; Herod, the name of four Jewish kings. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. tetrarch), τετραάρχου (tetraarchou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 5076: A tetrarch, ruler over a fourth part of a region. From tessares and archo; the ruler of a fourth part of a country. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. Saul. Σαῦλος (Saulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4569: Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. Additonal Resources Acts 13:1 Blue Letter BibleActs 13:1 Bible Gateway Acts 13:1 Bible.com Acts 13:1 NIV |
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