Acts 13:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἦσαν

G2258

there were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ

G1161

Now

but, and, etc

τινες

G5100

certain

some or any person or object

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἀντιοχείᾳ

G490

Antioch

antioch (antiochia), a place in syria

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οὖσαν

G5607

that was

being

ἐκκλησίαν

G1577

the church

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

#10

προφῆται

G4396

prophets

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

#11

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#12

διδάσκαλοι

G1320

teachers

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

#13

ὅ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#15

Βαρναβᾶς

G921

Barnabas

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

Συμεὼν

G4826

Simeon

symeon (i.e., shimon), the name of five israelites

#18

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

καλούμενος

G2564

that was called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#20

Νίγερ

G3526

Niger

black; niger, a christian

#21

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#22

Λούκιος

G3066

Lucius

illuminative; lucius, a christian

#23

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

Κυρηναῖος

G2956

of Cyrene

i.e., cyrenaean, i.e., inhabitant of cyrene

#25

Μαναήν

G3127

Manaen

manan, a christian

#26

τε

G5037

and

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

#27

Ἡρῴδου

G2264

with Herod

heroic; herod, the name of four jewish kings

#28

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

τετράρχου

G5076

the tetrarch

the ruler of a fourth part of a country ("tetrarch")

#30

σύντροφος

G4939

which had been brought up

a fellow-nursling, i.e., comrade

#31

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#32

Σαῦλος

G4569

Saul

saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Acts chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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People

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Paul