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.

ACTS 13:1KJV
Know the Bible

Acts 13:1 (KJV)

What does Acts 13:1 mean?

Acts 13:1 lists several leaders—prophets and teachers—who were part of the church in Antioch, naming Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who grew up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. This verse highlights the diversity and leadership present in the early Christian community at Antioch.

The book of Acts, written by Luke, is describing the church in Antioch, a major city where followers of Jesus were first called Christians. The verse names five specific men who played important roles in teaching and guiding the community. The mention of their backgrounds shows that the early church included people from different regions and social standings, including someone raised with a ruler like Herod.

The Greek behind Acts 13:1

  • The word for "church" is ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), which means an assembly or gathering, not just a building. Here, it refers to the community of believers in Antioch.
  • The term "prophets" is προφῆται (prophētai), meaning those who spoke messages from God, often offering guidance or encouragement.
  • The word "teachers" is διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi), meaning instructors or those who explained and taught the faith. The presence of both prophets and teachers shows the church valued both inspiration and instruction.
  • The phrase "brought up with" is συντροφεύς (syntropheus), which means someone raised or educated alongside another, in this case, Manaen with Herod. This detail suggests Manaen had a privileged upbringing, highlighting the social range within the church.

Why Acts 13:1 matters

  • Acts 13:1 shows that the early church leadership was made up of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and social classes, reflecting the inclusive nature of the Christian message.
  • The verse sets the stage for the missionary journeys that follow, showing that the church in Antioch was a key center for sending out leaders like Saul (Paul) and Barnabas.
  • By naming these leaders, Acts emphasizes the importance of both teaching and prophecy in guiding the early Christian community, not just one form of leadership.

Where else these words appear

“Lucius” Greek G3066 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 16:21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

“tetrarch” Greek G5076 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,
  • Luke 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,
  • Luke 9:7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

“Cyrene” Greek G2956 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.
  • Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

“Simeon” Greek G4826 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • Luke 3:30 Which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Jonan, which was the son of Eliakim,
  • 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: