The physician Luke wrote how, “the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark”, and in chapter thirteen and verse one of the book of Acts Luke shared how, “there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers” where we read:
Now 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.
The verse begins, “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;” Luke began with the words, “Now there were in the church” which means “moreover there existed within the assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting” “that was at Antioch” or “that existing in Antioch which means driven against and was the Capital of Syria, situated on the river Orontes, founded by Seleucus Nicanor in 300 B.C. and named in honor of his father, Antiochus” “certain prophets” which means “particular men who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman who solemnly declared to men what they received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “and teachers” or “and instructors or masters”. Luke shared how the “assembly of believers in Jesus” located in “Antioch” had “prophets and teachers” within it.
The verse continues, “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.” Luke added the words, “as Barnabas” which means “among which was Barnabas whose name means son of rest and was the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus who was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul”, “and Simeon” or “and Simeon whose name means harkening” “that was called Niger” which means “who was named and known as Niger which means black”, “and Lucius of Cyrene” or “and Lucius which means light: bright or white who was a native of Cyrene”, “and Manaen” which refers to “the man whose name means comforter”, “which had been brought up” or “who was a comrade or companion of one's childhood or youth” “with Herod” which means “alongside Herod whose name means heroic and the name of a royal family that flourished among the Jews in the times of Christ and the Apostles. Herod the Great was the son of Antipater of Idumaea” “the tetrarch” or “the governor of the fourth part of a region”, “and Saul” which means “and Saul whose name means desired and was the Jewish name for Paul”. Luke shared how, “Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul” were among the “prophets and teachers” who assembled in “Antioch”.
When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how five men were among the “prophets and teachers” in the church in “Antioch”. Among them were “Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul”, and each of these men were used in spreading the “gospel of Jesus Christ”. God loves people, and He employs believers in His Son Jesus to share His willingness to forgive people of their sins and grant them everlasting life when they believe and trust in Him. Everyone who yields their life to Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” aligns with God's plan of salvation and may be used in His Kingdom to spread His “good news”.
Next time Luke shares how, “the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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