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Acts 13

Acts 13:1

Paul’s First Missionary Journey Begins · Acts 13:1–3
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Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
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.
Latin
Erant autem in ecclesia quæ erat Antiochiæ, prophetæ et doctores, in quibus Barnabas, et Simon qui vocabatur Niger, et Lucius Cyrenensis, et Manahen, qui erat Herodis Tetrarchæ collactaneus, et Saulus.

Interlinear

Greek
English
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.

Notes

Acts 13:1

  • prophets and teachers: See “The Gift of Prophecy” Theme Note; also see 1 Corinthians 12:28–29; Ephesians 4:11.

  • The name Simeon suggests a Jewish background (see Genesis 29:33; Luke 2:25; 3:30). He is also called Niger (which means "the black mane"). This suggests that he was probably African.

  • Lucius is a Latin name. He came from Cyrene, the capital of Libya in North Africa. He was probably one of the preachers from Cyrene who brought the Christian message to Antioch (Acts 11:20).

  • Manaen grew up with King Herod Antipas. He was probably Luke’s source for understanding Antipas’s thoughts and actions (see Luke 9:7–9).

  • Barnabas and Saul play important roles in the following story.

Acts 13:1–3

prophets and teachers: these leaders of the church at Antioch spent a lot of time in worship and prayer. They had an intense desire to do the Lord's will, and they fasted to spiritually prepare themselves to receive guidance from God. As they prayed, the Holy Spirit spoke to them.

The church set apart Barnabas and Saul, recognizing God's clear call for them to do a special work in his name. The inner journey these Christians took to pray and listen to God matched their outer journey of service. Their service included proclaiming the Christian faith and performing works of healing and salvation.

Events

Parallels

Acts 15:36–41 Acts 18:23–28

People

Barnabas: A Levite from Cyprus who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys Herod: Tetrarch of Galilee during Jesus' ministry Lucius: Prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch Manaen: Prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles Simeon: Prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch

Places

Antioch: A major city where the gospel spread to Gentiles Cyrene: City in North Africa; home of early Christians

Glossary

Antioch of Syria Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Cyrene, Cyrenians Elder Galatia Jerusalem Council Judaizers Lucius Manaen Niger Paul the Apostle Prophecy Simeon (Person) Symeon Teacher Tetrarch Travel

Topics

Antioch: A City of Syria: The Congregation In Barnabas: A Prophet Barnabas: Goes with Paul to Seleucia Christian Minister: Teachers of Schools Church: Government of, Mosaic and Christian Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Antioch Cyrene: Simon and Lucius Belonged To Lucius: A Christian at Antioch Manaen: An Associate of Herod in his Youth, and a Christian Teacher Ministers: Faithful: Simeon Niger: The Surname of Simeon Simeon: A Disciple: Also Called Niger