In brief
Simeon called Niger and Lucius of Cyrene were among the prophets and teachers of the church of Antioch, around AD 45. Together with Barnabas, Manaen and Saul, they were serving the Lord and fasting when the Holy Spirit asked for Barnabas and Saul to be set apart. After praying, they laid hands on them and sent them off. These little-known leaders stand at the origin of Paul's first missionary journey.
What does the name Simeon Niger and Lucius of Cyrene mean?
Simeon is a Hebrew name that the Bible connects with the verb to hear (Genesis 29:33). Niger is a Latin nickname meaning black, perhaps related to his complexion or African origin, though the text does not explain it. Lucius is a Latin given name, and Cyrene was a city of North Africa, in present-day Libya.
The story of Simeon Niger and Lucius of Cyrene
A church with varied leaders
Acts 13:1The church of Antioch has prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. These men come from very different backgrounds, from Cyprus, Africa, the court of Herod or Tarsus, and serve together in one church.
Service, fasting and the voice of the Spirit
Acts 13:2While they are serving the Lord in their ministry and fasting, the Holy Spirit speaks, asking them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which he has called them. It is in their shared seeking of God that the missionary call is heard.
Sending out the missionaries
Acts 13:3-4After fasting and praying once more, Simeon, Lucius and the others lay hands on Barnabas and Saul and send them off. They agree to part with two of their best teachers. Sent out by the Holy Spirit, the two men go down to Seleucia and sail for Cyprus.
Test your knowledge
What Simeon Niger and Lucius of Cyrene teaches us
- God uses little-known servants to accomplish great things.
- Diversity of background enriches service in the church of Christ.
- Fasting and prayer prepare the church to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
- A healthy church is willing to send out its best workers for the mission.
- Mission is the business of the whole church, which prays and sends.
Key verses
The only verse that names Simeon Niger and Lucius of Cyrene. It presents a team of leaders from varied backgrounds, united in the service of prophets and teachers within the church of Antioch.
The Holy Spirit speaks to men busy serving the Lord and fasting. The call to mission is born in worship and shared availability, not in a human plan.
The laying on of hands expresses the agreement of the church and its blessing. Simeon and Lucius thus take part in sending Paul, without going themselves, supporting the mission through prayer.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Why was Simeon called Niger?
Niger is a Latin word meaning black. The nickname probably served to distinguish him from other men named Simeon. It is often linked to his complexion or an African origin, but the Bible does not explain it, and this interpretation should remain a hypothesis.
What does the name Lucius of Cyrene mean?
Lucius is a Latin given name common in the Roman Empire, generally linked to the word light. Of Cyrene indicates his origin: a city of North Africa, in present-day Libya. Acts 11:20 mentions men of Cyrene who proclaimed Jesus to the Greeks at Antioch.
Where can I find Simeon Niger and Lucius of Cyrene in the Bible?
They are named in the book of Acts, chapter 13, verse 1, among the prophets and teachers of the church of Antioch. Verses 2 to 4 tell how, with the other leaders, they sent Barnabas and Saul on mission.