Acts 13 1

Acts 13:1 kjv

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 13:1 nkjv

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.

Acts 13:1 niv

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.

Acts 13:1 esv

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.

Acts 13:1 nlt

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.

Acts 13 verses

Acts 13 1 Meaning

Acts 13:1 introduces key leaders in the burgeoning church at Antioch, specifying their roles as prophets and teachers. It lists five individuals by name: Barnabas, Simeon (called Niger), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who grew up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. This verse highlights the diverse spiritual gifting and backgrounds within the Antioch leadership, setting the stage for a pivotal shift in the early church's mission from primarily Jerusalem-centric to a broader outreach to the Gentile world.

Acts 13 1 Context

Acts chapter 13 marks a significant transition in the Book of Acts. Prior to this, much of the narrative centered around Jerusalem and the initial expansion of the gospel primarily among Jews, with some early outreach to Gentiles (e.g., Cornelius in Acts 10). Acts 13 opens after a period of intense growth in the multi-ethnic church at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26), the martyrdom of James, and Peter's miraculous escape from prison (Acts 12). Barnabas and Saul have recently returned to Antioch from Jerusalem, having delivered relief aid. This verse shifts the focus squarely onto Antioch as the new epicenter of missionary activity. The specific naming of the church leaders, with their diverse backgrounds, emphasizes the spiritual strength and global composition of the Antioch church, which is about to launch the first major missionary journey into the Gentile world, beginning a new chapter in the spread of the Gospel guided by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 13 1 Word analysis

• Now (de/δὲ): A common Greek conjunction signaling a transition. Here, it indicates a move from the Jerusalem-focused events and persecution described in chapter 12 to a new, major development originating from Antioch, marking a fresh beginning in the narrative.
• there were (ēn/ἦν): The imperfect tense of 'to be,' suggesting an ongoing state or established presence. These individuals were not new or temporary additions; they were part of the regular, recognized leadership structure of the church in Antioch.
• in the church (en tē ekklēsia/ἐν τῇ ἐκκλησίᾳ):
  • Ekklēsia: From ek (out of) and kaleo (to call), meaning a called-out assembly. In the Greek world, it referred to an assembly of citizens; in the Septuagint, it denoted Israel as God's assembly. Here, it signifies the assembly of believers in Christ.
  • The use emphasizes the corporate, gathered body of believers, highlighting the communal context of ministry.
• that was at Antioch (tē ouse en Antiocheia/τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ):
  • Antioch: A prominent Hellenistic city in Syria, third largest in the Roman Empire. Its strategic location made it a perfect launching point for missions into Asia Minor and beyond. Its church was notable for its rapid growth and the welcoming of Gentiles, becoming the place where believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26).
  • Specifies the exact church, distinguishing it as the source of this new missionary endeavor.
• certain (tines/τινὲς): An indefinite pronoun, indicating a selection from the larger body of believers, referring to specific, recognized individuals within the church leadership.
• prophets and teachers (prophētai kai didaskaloi/προφῆται καὶ διδάσκαλοι):
  • Prophets (prophētai/προφῆται): Individuals inspired by the Holy Spirit to receive and speak divine revelation, guidance, and foresight for the church. This gift was foundational in the early church (1 Cor 12:28, Eph 4:11).
  • Teachers (didaskaloi/διδάσκαλοι): Those gifted in expounding and applying Scripture, explaining Christian doctrine, and instructing believers. This gift emphasized systematic theological instruction and discipleship.
  • This dual designation indicates a mature church, guided by both direct divine insight and grounded instruction in the faith.
• as (te/τε): A particle used to introduce an enumeration or to add details, functioning like "namely" or "that is."
• Barnabas (Barnabas/Βαρνάβας): Meaning "son of encouragement." A Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36-37), highly respected, who was crucial in authenticating Saul's conversion and bringing him into ministry at Antioch. He exemplifies spiritual maturity and mentorship.
• Simeon that was called Niger (Symōn ho kaloumenos Niger/Συμεὼν ὁ καλούμενος Νίγερ):
  • Simeon: A common Jewish name.
  • Niger (Latin, niger): Means "black" or "dark-skinned." This epithet likely refers to his physical appearance or possibly indicates African heritage, demonstrating the diverse ethnic composition of the Antioch leadership and the gospel's universal appeal.
• Lucius of Cyrene (Loukios ho Kyrēnaios/Λούκιος ὁ Κυρηναῖος):
  • Lucius: A Roman praenomen (first name).
  • Cyrene: A city in North Africa (modern Libya), home to many Jews and some early Christians (Acts 11:20). His origin further emphasizes the geographic and ethnic diversity of the Antioch church leaders.
• and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch (kai Manaēn te hō suntrophos Hērōdē tou tetrarchou/καὶ Μαναὴv te hō suntrephomenō Hērōdē tou tetrarchou):
  • Manaen: A Hellenized Jewish name.
  • Brought up with (suntrophos/σύντροφος): Literally "fed with" or "reared with," indicating a close companion or foster-brother, sharing childhood with someone of high status.
  • Herod the tetrarch (Hērōdē tou tetrarchou/Ἡρῴδῃ τοῦ τετράρχου): Refers to Herod Antipas, who ruled Galilee and Perea, executed John the Baptist, and examined Jesus. Manaen's past connection highlights the transformative power of the gospel, reaching into the highest levels of society and calling individuals away from earthly power to service for Christ.
• and Saul (kai Saulos/καὶ Σαῦλος): The former persecutor of the church, converted on the road to Damascus, now a prominent teacher and soon to be the greatest apostle to the Gentiles. His inclusion foreshadows his central role in the unfolding narrative.

Acts 13 1 Bonus section

• Strategic Location of Antioch: Antioch's position at a crossroads of trade and culture, connected by land routes to Asia Minor and by sea to the Mediterranean, made it an ideal center for outward missionary thrusts. Luke, as a meticulous historian, underscores the importance of this geographical and spiritual launching point.
• Juxtaposition with Jerusalem: While Jerusalem was the "mother church" and initially the hub of apostolic activity, Antioch's church leadership, as described in this verse, clearly demonstrates a mature, self-sustaining, and outward-looking Christian community capable of independent missionary enterprise. It signifies the gospel's ability to decentralize and spread dynamically beyond its origins.
• Symbol of Gospel's Universality: The mixed background of the leadership (Jew, possibly African, royal connection, and former persecutor) vividly illustrates that the call to ministry is not bound by ethnicity, social status, or past mistakes but by divine calling and spiritual giftedness. It reinforces the universal nature of the church.
• Leadership Model: The "prophets and teachers" title suggests a dual leadership function: those who speak from God (prophets) and those who explain God's word (teachers). This model points to a balanced leadership, ensuring both divine guidance and doctrinal fidelity in the early church.

Acts 13 1 Commentary

Acts 13:1 offers a critical snapshot of the early church in Antioch, highlighting its robust leadership and spiritual vibrancy. The listing of five distinct individuals, identified as both prophets (those who spoke divine revelations) and teachers (those who instructed in doctrine), signifies a church grounded in both dynamic spiritual gifting and sound theological teaching. The diversity among these leaders is striking: Barnabas, the Levite from Cyprus known for encouragement; Simeon, possibly an African brother; Lucius, from North Africa; Manaen, a man from the royal court of Herod, and finally, Saul, the converted persecutor now transformed into an apostle. This cross-cultural, cross-socioeconomic leadership team demonstrates the unifying power of the Gospel, which transcends ethnic, social, and personal backgrounds. Antioch, thus, emerges as a strategic and spiritually mature hub, equipped by God and comprised of men with varied life experiences, perfectly poised to spearhead the evangelization of the Gentile world. This verse acts as a prologue to the first missionary journey, demonstrating that God prepares His vessels and locations with purpose and intentionality for His expanding kingdom.