Simeon Niger is a figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is noted as one of the prophets and teachers in the early Christian church at Antioch. The reference to Simeon Niger is found in Acts 13:1, which states: "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."

Name and Identity

The name "Simeon" is a common Jewish name, derived from the Hebrew name "Shimon," meaning "he has heard." The additional designation "Niger" is a Latin term meaning "black" or "dark." This descriptor has led to various interpretations regarding Simeon's background. Some scholars suggest that "Niger" could indicate his skin color, possibly identifying him as a person of African descent. Others propose that it might simply be a nickname or a distinguishing feature among the group of leaders in Antioch.

Role in the Early Church

Simeon Niger is listed among a group of prominent leaders in the church at Antioch, a significant center for early Christianity. This church was known for its diversity and missionary zeal. The presence of prophets and teachers like Simeon indicates the dynamic and spiritually vibrant nature of the Antiochene church. These leaders played a crucial role in guiding the community and discerning the direction of the church's mission.

Context in Acts 13

The mention of Simeon Niger occurs in a passage that highlights the multicultural and multiethnic composition of the early church leadership. Alongside Simeon, the passage lists Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus; Lucius of Cyrene, possibly from North Africa; Manaen, who had connections to the Herodian dynasty; and Saul, later known as Paul, a Jew from Tarsus. This diverse group reflects the inclusive nature of the early Christian movement, which transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Significance

While Simeon Niger is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, his inclusion in this list underscores the importance of the Antioch church as a hub for early Christian activity and mission. The church at Antioch was instrumental in sending out Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, as described later in Acts 13. The leadership of individuals like Simeon Niger contributed to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities to the Gentile world.

Theological Implications

Simeon Niger's presence in the early church leadership highlights the fulfillment of the prophetic vision of a diverse and inclusive people of God. The early church's embrace of individuals from various backgrounds serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which breaks down barriers and unites believers in Christ. Simeon Niger's role as a prophet and teacher signifies the active work of the Holy Spirit in equipping and empowering leaders for the mission of the church.

In summary, Simeon Niger stands as a representative of the diverse and Spirit-led leadership that characterized the early Christian community, particularly in the influential church at Antioch. His mention in Acts 13:1, though brief, points to the broader narrative of the church's expansion and the inclusive nature of the Gospel message.Simeon Niger

SIMEON (NIGER)

ni'-jer): The King James Version in Acts 13:1, the Revised Version (British and American) "Symeon" (which see).

Simeon Niger

(Acts 13:1) [NIGER]

To the Regions Beyond
... Barnabas was a Cypriote, Simeon's byname of Niger ('Black') was probably given because
of his dark complexion, which was probably caused by his birth in warmer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/to the regions beyond.htm

Acts XIII
... (1) "Now there were in the Church in Antioch certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas
and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen, foster ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

The Death which Gives Life
... Perhaps, too, he is the 'Simeon called Niger' (bronzed by the hot African sun) who
was a prophet of Antioch, and stands by the side of a Cyrenian (Acts 13:1 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the death which gives life.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... "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 ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... "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 ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... says the evangelist, "there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets
and teachers, as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Acts xii. 18, 19
... was Mark." (v.25.) "Now there were in the Church that was at Antioch, certain prophets
and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvii acts xii 18.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... instances of double names among the Jews of that time, as Hillel and Pollio, Cephas
and Peter, John and Mark, Barsabbas and Justus, Simeon and Niger, Silas and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

Paul and his Praying
... "Now there were in the Church which was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers,
as Barnabas and Simeon, that was called Niger; and Lucius of Cyrene, and ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiii paul and his praying.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... "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, . ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

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