Manaen Μαναήν
Prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch.
Who is Manaen in the Bible?
Manaen was a prophet and teacher in the early Christian church at Antioch, mentioned in Acts 13:1 alongside Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Saul (later known as Paul). He is notably described as having been raised with Herod the tetrarch, Herod Antipas, suggesting he had connections to the Herodian royal family despite his commitment to Christianity. As one of the church's leaders at Antioch, Manaen participated in worship, instruction, and spiritual guidance during a formative period of early Christianity among Gentile believers. His presence among the prophets and teachers at Antioch demonstrates how the gospel reached even those with high social standing and royal connections in first-century Palestine.
Biography
Manaen was a prophet and teacher in the early Christian church at Antioch. He is mentioned alongside other prominent figures such as Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, and Saul (later known as Paul). Manaen is described as having been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, indicating that he may have had a connection to the Herodian royal family. As a prophet and teacher, Manaen played a role in the worship, instruction, and leadership of the church at Antioch (Act.13.1).
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentActs 1 verse
- 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."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Μαναήν |
Manaen
n the recently rounded Gentile church at Antioch, at the time when Barnabas and Saul were "separated" by Divine call for their missionary service. He is further described as "the foster-brother (suntrophos) of Herod the tetrarch" (i.e. Herod Antipas (see HEROD)). He was probably brought up and educated with this Herod and his brother Archelaus. An earlier glimpse of Christian influence in Herod's court is afforded by Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuzas, among the holy women who ministered to Jesus (Lu 8:3). Manaen may have been related to the older Manaen, the Essene, who, Josephus tells us, foretold the greatness of Herod the Great, and was afterward treated by Herod as his friend (Ant., XV, x, 5). His position in the church at Antioch was evidently an influential one, whether he himself ranked among the "prophets," or perhaps only among the "teachers."
James Orr
(1) A place to which certain Benjamites, victims, apparently, of intra-tribal jealousy, were carried captive (1Ch 8:6). Of this town the