Simeon Called Niger
A person in the Bible. Also called Simeon Niger, Simeon that was called Niger, Symeon Niger.
| Classification | Biblical figure |
|---|---|
| Era | First-century early church |
| Related Figures | Barnabas, Saul (Paul), Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen |
| Biblical References | Acts 13:1 |
Simeon called Niger is an early church figure named in Acts 13:1 as one of the "prophets and teachers" of the church at Antioch in Syria.
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. Notes on Korean Protestant practice. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Perspective
Includes notes on Korean Protestant practice; other traditions are noted where they differ.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Biblical Record
Acts 13:1 names five men as the "prophets and teachers" in the church at Antioch: "Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." This verse is the only place in Scripture where his name appears. Nothing is recorded about his origins, his life, or his later activities.
According to Acts 13:2-3, as these men ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit told them to set apart Barnabas and Saul. The church then fasted and prayed, laid their hands on the two men, and sent them away. The flow of the narrative suggests that Simeon was among the leaders who took part in this commissioning. This sending marks the beginning of what is known as Paul's first missionary journey.
Significance Within Scripture
Simeon appears as one of the prophets and teachers who led the church at Antioch. The list also includes Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus; Lucius of Cyrene; Manaen, who was closely connected with the Herodian royal family; and Saul of Tarsus. For this reason, many commentators regard the list as evidence that people of diverse backgrounds led a single church together. About Simeon himself, the text states only his name and his role.
Interpretations and Issues
- The meaning of "Niger": "Niger" is a Latin word meaning "black." On this basis, some interpreters suggest that he had dark skin or was of African origin. However, the idea that the nickname refers to his origin or appearance is conjecture; the text does not explain why he bore it.
- Identification with Simon of Cyrene: Some identify him with Simon of Cyrene, who bore the cross of Jesus (Mark 15:21), pointing out that Lucius of Cyrene appears in the same list. This view is speculation that Scripture does not confirm, and many scholars do not regard the two as the same person.
- Distinction from others named Simeon: He is distinct from others who bear the same name, such as Simeon (son of Jacob), the Simeon who received the infant Jesus in the temple, and the apostle Peter (Simon).
Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this figure is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.
In Korean Protestant churches, Simeon is rarely treated as a subject in his own right. He is mentioned mainly as one of the leaders on the list in sermons and Bible studies that present the church at Antioch as a model of a missionary-sending church.
Where Simeon Called Niger appears
One passage in the King James Version. Each opens in the Bible with a way back to this article.
See also 8
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