Topical Encyclopedia
Prochorus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is recognized as one of the seven men chosen to serve the early Christian community in Jerusalem, a group often referred to as the Seven Deacons. This selection is detailed in
Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles sought to address the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Biblical AccountIn
Acts 6:5 , Prochorus is listed among the seven: "This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism." These men were chosen for their good reputation, wisdom, and being full of the Holy Spirit, qualities deemed necessary to manage the practical affairs of the early church, allowing the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word.
Role and SignificanceProchorus, along with the other six, was appointed to ensure fair distribution and to address the grievances of the Hellenistic Jews, thereby promoting unity within the early church. This appointment highlights the importance of service and administration within the Christian community, emphasizing that such roles are vital for the health and growth of the church body.
Tradition and LegacyWhile the biblical account provides limited information about Prochorus beyond his selection as a deacon, early Christian tradition offers additional insights, though these are not canonical. Some traditions suggest that Prochorus later became a companion of the Apostle John and served as a bishop in Nicomedia. Other accounts, albeit less substantiated, claim he was martyred for his faith.
Theological ImplicationsProchorus' inclusion among the Seven Deacons underscores the early church's commitment to inclusivity and the equitable treatment of all its members, regardless of cultural or ethnic background. His role exemplifies the biblical principle that service to others is a crucial aspect of Christian life, reflecting Christ's own teachings on servanthood.
ConclusionProchorus remains a figure of interest for his role in the nascent Christian community, serving as a model of faithful service and dedication to the needs of others. His account, though brief in the biblical text, continues to inspire discussions on church leadership, service, and the importance of addressing social justice within the faith community.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Prochorushe that presides over the choirs
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Prochorus(leader of the chorus), one of the seven deacons, being the third of the list, and named next after Stephen and Philip. (Acts 6:5)
ATS Bible Dictionary
ProchorusOne of the seen original deacons,Acts 6:5, of whom nothing more is known.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PROCHORUSprok'-o-rus (Prochoros): One of "the seven" chosen by the Christian community in Jerusalem to superintend the dispensing of charity to the widows and other poor (Acts 6:5). The name is Greek, and he may have been a Hellenist. According to tradition he became bishop of Nicomedia and died a martyr at Antioch.
Greek
4402. Prochoros --Prochorus, a Christian at Jer.... Prochoros. 4403 .
Prochorus, a Christian at Jer.
... Word Origin from pro and choros
Definition
Prochorus, a Christian at Jer. NASB Word Usage
Prochorus (1).
...Library
The Johannean Literature.
... Ioannou tou theologouProchorus, who professes to be one of the Seventy Disciples,
one of the Seven Deacons of Jerusalem (Acts 6:5), and a pupil of St....
The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles.
... 7. Philip, who baptized the eunuch. 8.Prochorus, bishop of Nicomedia, who also
was the first that departed, [2029] believing together with his daughters....
Stephen the First Christian Martyr
... the good news." This plan pleased all the disciples; so they chose Stephen, a man
of strong faith and spiritual power, Philip,Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon...
Since the Book of the Acts Tells us that Seven Deacons were...
... And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen a man full of
faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor, and Timon...
Acts VI
... it, (5) "And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor...
Acts v. 34
... they chose," it says (again it is the people (autoi) that choose,) "Stephen, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor...
The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... "And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full
of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor, and...
Thesaurus
Prochorus (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PROCHORUS.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Prochorus (1 Occurrence). Acts 6:5 These words pleased the whole multitude.
...Proch'orus (1 Occurrence)
Proch'orus.Prochorus, Proch'orus. Proclaim . Multi-Version Concordance
Proch'orus (1 Occurrence)....Prochorus, Proch'orus. Proclaim . Reference Bible.
Nicolas (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor...
Nicolaus (1 Occurrence)
... They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,Prochorus,
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; (WEB ASV YLT...
Nica'nor (1 Occurrence)
... the thing was pleasing before all the multitude, and they did choose Stephen, a
man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor...
Nicola'us (1 Occurrence)
... the thing was pleasing before all the multitude, and they did choose Stephen, a
man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, andProchorus, and Nicanor...
Judaism (5 Occurrences)
... They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,Prochorus,
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; (See NIV)....
Group (32 Occurrences)
... They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,Prochorus,
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; (See NIV)....
Ti'mon (1 Occurrence)
... They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,Prochorus,
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; (See RSV)....
Timon (1 Occurrence)
... They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip,Prochorus,
Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; (WEB KJV WEY...
Resources
Who was Prochorus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgNew Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
