In brief
Manaen is one of the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch. Luke notes that he was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, the ruler who had John the Baptist beheaded. With Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene and Saul, he serves the Lord and fasts when the Holy Spirit asks for Barnabas and Saul to be set apart. We remember that the gospel reaches every layer of society.
What does the name Manaen mean?
Manaen is the Greek form of the Hebrew Menahem, a name generally linked to the idea of “comforter.” The Bible does not explain it. Depending on the translation, the name is spelled Manaen or Manahen (Acts 13:1).
The story of Manaen
A leader at Antioch
Acts 13:1In the church at Antioch there are prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen and Saul. Luke adds that Manaen was “the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch.” This man tied to the court now serves Jesus Christ within a team of very varied backgrounds.
Serving the Lord
Acts 13:2While these men serve the Lord and fast, the Holy Spirit speaks: “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Manaen is among those who hear this call and receive it in prayer and fasting.
The sending out
Acts 13:3-4After fasting and praying, the leaders lay their hands on Barnabas and Saul and send them away. Sent out by the Holy Spirit, the two go down to Seleucia, then sail to Cyprus. The text implies that Manaen, with the other leaders, took part in this sending, which opens Paul’s first missionary journey.
What Manaen teaches us
- The gospel reaches every social class, from those close to the court to the humblest.
- A healthy church is built with leaders of different backgrounds, united in serving the Lord.
- Fasting and prayer prepare the church to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
- Those who send out missionaries have a real share in God’s work.
Key verses
Luke names five leaders with very different paths. Manaen, raised with a prince of Herod’s family, stands beside Saul, a former persecutor, and men from Cyprus or Cyrene.
The missionary call is born in a time of worship and fasting. Manaen and his companions listen to the Holy Spirit and send out Barnabas and Saul with prayer.
Bible verses to meditate on
Sermons about Manaen
Frequently asked questions
Why does Luke note that Manaen was raised with Herod?
Luke does not give his reason. This detail shows at least that the gospel had reached a man close to Herod the tetrarch, who had John the Baptist beheaded and mocked Jesus. It underlines the diversity of the leaders of the church at Antioch.
What does the name Manaen mean?
Manaen is the Greek form of the Hebrew Menahem, a name generally understood as “comforter.” The Bible does not comment on it. English translations spell it Manaen or Manahen, depending on the version.
Where is Manaen’s story found in the Bible?
Manaen is mentioned only once, in Acts 13:1. The context, Acts 13:1-4, tells how the prophets and teachers of Antioch, of whom he is one, set apart Barnabas and Saul for the mission under the Holy Spirit’s guidance.