Nicanor is a figure mentioned in the context of the early Christian church and the Maccabean revolt, appearing in both the New Testament and the Apocrypha. His name, of Greek origin, means "victorious man."

Nicanor in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Nicanor is listed among the seven men chosen by the early church to serve as deacons. This selection is recorded in the Book of Acts, where the apostles sought to address the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles instructed the disciples to choose seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task. Acts 6:5 states: "This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism."

Nicanor's role as one of the seven deacons highlights the early church's commitment to service and the equitable treatment of all its members, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. Although little else is known about Nicanor's life or ministry, his inclusion in this group underscores the importance of administrative and charitable functions within the church.

Nicanor in the Apocrypha

In the Apocryphal books, Nicanor is a prominent military figure during the Maccabean revolt, a period of Jewish history marked by the struggle for independence from Seleucid rule. He is depicted as a general under the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes and later under Demetrius I.

Nicanor first appears in 1 Maccabees 3:38, where he is appointed by Lysias, a regent of the Seleucid Empire, to lead a campaign against the Jewish forces led by Judas Maccabeus. Nicanor, along with Gorgias and Ptolemy, was tasked with quelling the Jewish rebellion and restoring Seleucid control over Judea.

In 2 Maccabees 8:9, Nicanor is again mentioned as a general sent by Demetrius I to defeat Judas Maccabeus. Despite his military prowess, Nicanor's efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. The Jewish forces, under the leadership of Judas, achieved a significant victory over Nicanor's army, which is celebrated annually in the Jewish festival of Nicanor's Day, observed on the 13th of Adar.

Nicanor's defeat is recounted in 1 Maccabees 7:43-50 and 2 Maccabees 15:28-36, where it is described as a divine vindication of the Jewish people and their faith. The victory over Nicanor is seen as a testament to God's providence and protection over Israel, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention in the affairs of His chosen people.

Theological Significance

Nicanor's presence in both the New Testament and the Apocrypha provides a multifaceted view of his character and the historical context in which he lived. In the New Testament, he represents the spirit of service and the early church's efforts to maintain unity and care for its members. In the Apocrypha, he serves as a symbol of the external threats faced by the Jewish people and the divine deliverance they experienced.

The accounts of Nicanor in these texts highlight the ongoing struggle between the forces of oppression and the faithful remnant of God's people. His account serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and the belief in God's ultimate victory over evil.Nica'nor (1 Occurrence)

Acts 6:5
And the thing was pleasing before all the multitude, and they did choose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch,
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Nica'nor (1 Occurrence)
Nica'nor. Nicanor, Nica'nor. Nice . Multi-Version Concordance Nica'nor
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