4402. Prochoros

Lexical Summary

Prochoros: Prochorus

Original Word: Πρόχορος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Prochoros
Pronunciation: PRO-kho-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (prokh'-or-os)
KJV: Prochorus
NASB: Prochorus
Word Origin: [from G4253 (πρό - before) and G5525 (χορός - dancing)]

1. before the dance
2. Prochorus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Prochorus.

From pro and choros; before the dance; Prochorus, a Christian -- Prochorus.

see GREEK pro

see GREEK choros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pro and choros
Definition
Prochorus, a Christian at Jer.
NASB Translation
Prochorus (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4402: Πρόχορος

Πρόχορος (Προχορου, ὁ (literally, 'leader of the dance')), Prochorus, one of the seven 'deacons' of the church at Jerusalem: Acts 6:5.

Topical Lexicon

Scriptural Setting

Prochorus appears in Acts 6:5 as one of the seven men chosen by “the whole congregation” to oversee the daily distribution to widows in the Jerusalem assembly. “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus …” (Acts 6:5). His selection follows a complaint by Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked (Acts 6:1). The apostles’ solution reveals an early pattern of delegating practical responsibilities so they could remain devoted to “prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Role in Church Ministry

1. Servant Leadership: The seven were appointed to a hands-on ministry—literally “serving tables” (Acts 6:2)—modeling Christ’s teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
2. Spirit-filled Administration: The criteria were clear—“men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Administrative function did not excuse spiritual shallowness; the same Spirit who empowered the apostles empowered these servants.
3. Promoting Unity: All seven names are Greek, suggesting the church deliberately affirmed Hellenistic believers to heal ethnic tension. Prochorus thus stands as a symbol of unity across cultural lines within the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16).

Character Qualities Inferred from the Text

• Good reputation—trustworthy in daily dealings (Proverbs 22:1; 1 Timothy 3:10).
• Full of the Spirit—yielded to God’s direction (Romans 8:14).
• Wise—able to administer resources fairly (Proverbs 2:6).

Historical Traditions

Early church writers relate several traditions, though none are canonical:
• Companion of John the Apostle, sometimes depicted as John’s amanuensis on Patmos.
• First Bishop of Nicomedia or, in another stream, Bishop of Beroea in Macedonia.
• Martyrdom at Antioch, reportedly burned alive for the gospel.
• Some later manuscripts credit him with recording the apocryphal “Acts of John.”

While these accounts cannot be verified from Scripture, they reflect an early memory of Prochorus as a lifelong minister and, potentially, a martyr.

Theological Significance

1. Diaconal Prototype: Although the noun “deacon” (diakonos) is not used in Acts 6, the passage lays the groundwork for the office later formalized (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8–13). Prochorus therefore serves as an archetype for deacons whose ministry upholds both Word and deed in the church.
2. Spiritual Equality: The congregation, apostles, and Spirit all converge in the appointment, illustrating that administrative ministry is not secondary; it is Spirit-empowered service essential to gospel advance (Acts 6:7).
3. Missional Impact: By resolving internal conflict, the Jerusalem church avoided distraction, and “the word of God continued to spread” (Acts 6:7). Prochorus contributed to an environment where evangelism flourished.

Lessons for Today

• Faithful service in practical matters advances the Great Commission.
• Culturally inclusive leadership fosters unity and strengthens witness.
• Spirit-filled character is the primary credential for any ministry role.

Prochorus, though mentioned only once in Scripture, provides a timeless example of humble, Spirit-led service that reinforces the church’s mandate to care for both spiritual and physical needs while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.

Forms and Transliterations

Προχορον Πρόχορον προχωρημάτων Prochoron Próchoron

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 6:5 N-AMS
GRK: Φίλιππον καὶ Πρόχορον καὶ Νικάνορα
NAS: and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor,
KJV: Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor,
INT: Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor

Strong's Greek 4402
1 Occurrence

Πρόχορον — 1 Occ.