Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Reference:The term "Niger" is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. The reference is found in
Acts 13:1: "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."
Context and Significance:The mention of Niger occurs in the context of the early Christian church at Antioch, a significant center for the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities. Antioch was a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and the church there reflected this diversity. The leaders of the church included individuals from various backgrounds, highlighting the inclusive nature of the early Christian movement.
Simeon Called Niger:Simeon, also known as Niger, is one of the prophets and teachers listed in
Acts 13:1. The name "Niger" is of Latin origin, meaning "black." This has led to the interpretation that Simeon may have been of African descent or had a dark complexion. His inclusion among the leaders at Antioch underscores the ethnic diversity present in the early church and the breaking down of racial and cultural barriers through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Role in the Early Church:While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Simeon's life or ministry, his mention alongside prominent figures such as Barnabas and Saul (Paul) suggests that he was a respected leader within the church. The church at Antioch was instrumental in the missionary efforts of the early Christians, and it was from this community that Paul and Barnabas were sent out on their first missionary journey (
Acts 13:2-3).
Theological Implications:The presence of Simeon called Niger in the leadership of the Antioch church serves as a testament to the universality of the Christian message. It reflects the fulfillment of the Great Commission, as the gospel transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries, reaching people of all nations and backgrounds. This inclusivity is a foundational aspect of Christian theology, emphasizing that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Historical and Cultural Considerations:The early church's diversity, as exemplified by figures like Simeon Niger, challenges modern readers to consider the importance of unity and inclusivity within the body of Christ. The church at Antioch serves as a model for embracing diversity while maintaining doctrinal purity and commitment to the teachings of Christ.
In summary, Simeon called Niger is a significant yet briefly mentioned figure in the New Testament, representing the diverse and inclusive nature of the early Christian church. His role in the church at Antioch highlights the breaking down of racial and cultural barriers through the gospel, a theme that continues to resonate within Christian theology and practice today.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Nigerblack
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Niger(black) is the additional or distinctive name given to the Simeon who was one of the teachers and prophets in the church at Antioch. (Acts 13:1)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Black, a surname of Simeon (
Acts 13:1). He was probably so called from his dark complexion.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SIMEON (NIGER)ni'-jer): The King James Version inActs 13:1, the Revised Version (British and American) "Symeon" (which see).
NIGER
ni'-jer (Niger).
SeeSIMEON, (5).
Greek
3526.Niger --Niger, a Christian... 3525, 3526.
Niger. 3527 .
Niger, a Christian. Part of Speech: Proper
Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration:
Niger Phonetic Spelling
...Library
A Great Slaughter About Ascalon. Vespasian Comes to Ptolemais.
... This excursion was led on by three men, who were the chief of them all, both for
strength and sagacity;Niger, called the Persite, Silas of Babylon, and...
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 calledNiger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and...
To the Regions Beyond
... 'Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;
as Barnabas, and Simeon that was calledNiger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen...
How the Zealots when they were Freed from the Idumeans, Slew a...
... Nor didNiger of Peres escape their hands; he had been a man of great valor in their
war with the Romans, but was now drawn through the middle of the city, and...
We are Worshippers of one God, of Whose Existence and Character...
... So, too, treason is falsely laid to our charge, though no one has ever been able
to find followers of Albinus, orNiger, or Cassius, among Christians; while...
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 calledNiger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and...
The Saviour's Last Command.
... pyramids, and to gather relics of ancient literature and decayed magnificence; some
to search out the sources of the Nile and the course of theNiger; some to...
Hymnus Post Cibum
... celer sacellum. Taetrum flagrat enim vapore crasso horror conscius aestuante
culpa offensumque bonumniger repellit. Nec solus pudor...
Acts XIII
... (1) "Now there were in the Church in Antioch certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas
and Simeon calledNiger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen, foster...
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 calledNiger, and Lucius of...
Thesaurus
Niger (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SIMEON (
NIGER).
...NIGER. ni'-jer (
Niger). See
SIMEON, (5). Multi-Version Concordance
Niger (1 Occurrence).
...Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... (4.) SurnamedNiger, ie, "black," perhaps from his dark complexion, a... He is also
calledNiger, which was the Gentile name he had assumed, Symeon being Hebrew....
stingy (1 Occurrence)
Nicop'olis (1 Occurrence)
Nicop'olis. Nicopolis, Nicop'olis.Niger . Multi-Version Concordance
Nicop'olis (1 Occurrence).... (See RSV). Nicopolis, Nicop'olis.Niger . Reference
Lucius (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was calledNiger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the...
Foster (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was calledNiger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the...
Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)
... Acts 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was calledNiger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the...
Manaen (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was calledNiger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the...
Peraea
... It was from Peraea that He was summoned by the sisters at Bethany (John 11:3). Peraea
furnished inNiger one of the bravest men who fought against the Romans...
Symeon (5 Occurrences)
... (2) Symeon, calledNiger, one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch
(Acts 13:1). (3) For Simon Peter, see PETER; compare Acts 15:14....
Resources
Are there any black people mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
