Acts 13:1
What does Acts 13:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 13:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 13:1 means
This verse introduces the spiritual leadership of the Antioch church, highlighting a diverse group of prophets and teachers. Among them are Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus; Symeon, possibly an African; Lucius of Cyrene, who likely brought the gospel to Antioch; Manaen, a foster-brother of the tetrarch Herod Antipas, indicating the gospel's reach into high places; and Saul, who would become Paul. This mix of backgrounds underscores the multi-ethnic character of the early church in Antioch, a fitting launching pad for global missions. These men were entrusted with guiding the believers, teaching them the Word, and seeking God's will.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now there were at Antioch, in the church that wasthere, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now there were at Antioch, in the church that wasthere, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now there were at Antioch, in the church there, prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon who was named Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, a relation of Herod the king, and Saul.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there were certain in Antioch, in the assembly there, prophets and teachers; both Barnabas, and Simeon who is called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen also--Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother--and Saul;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now there were in the church which was at Antioch prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas and Simon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manahen who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now there were in Antioch, in the assembly which was [there], prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen, foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Context
Acts 13 opens by shifting the narrative focus from Jerusalem to Antioch, a thriving center of Gentile Christianity. This verse establishes the leadership within this pivotal church, setting the stage for a major turning point in the history of the early church. The next verse reveals the Holy Spirit's direct command for two of these leaders to embark on a missionary journey, demonstrating how this diverse spiritual team was actively engaged in worship and obedience, preparing them for the divine call.
v.1This passage
v.2And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 9:1
But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
- Romans 12:6
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
- Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Cæsar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judæa, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituræa and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
- Acts 15:32
And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, divers kinds of tongues.
- Acts 11:22
And the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch:
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