Acts 13:1

Nowe there were in the Church that was at Antioch, certaine Prophets and teachers: as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had bene brought vp with Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13:1 (KJV)

Acts 13:1 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Acts. It introduces a group of leaders in the Antioch church and sets the scene for the first missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, who was then known as Saul. The verse underscores both the diversity and the unity of the early Christian community.

Antioch: The events occur in the church at Antioch, a major city of the Roman Empire located in what is now modern‑Turkey. Antioch served as a vital hub for the spread of the gospel, providing a base from which missionaries could be sent to the surrounding regions.

Prophets and Teachers: The passage lists several individuals identified as prophets and teachers. In the New Testament context, prophets were those who received divine revelation and communicated God’s message, while teachers were entrusted with instructing believers and strengthening their faith.

Barnabas: Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” was a leading figure in the early church. He is noted for his supportive character, for introducing Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem, and for later accompanying Paul on his missionary journeys.

Simeon called Niger: Simeon is described as “called Niger,” a designation that may suggest African descent, though Scripture does not state this explicitly. His presence highlights the ethnic variety within the early church, showing that the gospel crossed cultural boundaries.

Lucius of Cyrene: Lucius is identified as being from Cyrene, a city in present‑day Libya. This further illustrates the multicultural composition of the community.

Manaen: Manaen is noted as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, likely Herod Antipas. His background demonstrates that even those with connections to political authority were part of the fledgling Christian fellowship.

The verse therefore offers a vivid picture of a church composed of people from different regions, cultures, and social backgrounds, united in worship and service. It also serves as the launching point for Paul and Barnabas’s missionary work, which would carry the gospel to many nations.