Prochorus Πρόχορος
One of the seven deacons in Jerusalem
Who is Prochorus in the Bible?
Prochorus was one of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to serve as a deacon, as recorded in Acts 6:5. He was selected along with Stephen, Philip, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas to oversee the daily distribution of food and aid to widows in the church (Acts 6:1-3). These seven men were chosen because they had good reputations, were full of the Holy Spirit, and possessed wisdom to handle this important practical ministry. After the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them, the deacons took on this responsibility, freeing the apostles to focus on prayer and teaching the word. Prochorus's role exemplifies the early church's commitment to caring for vulnerable members while maintaining the distinction between spiritual leadership and practical service.
Biography
Prochorus was one of the seven men chosen by the early church in Jerusalem to serve as deacons, as recorded in Act.6.5. The need for these seven men arose when the Greek-speaking Jewish Christians complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food (Act.6.1). To address this issue, the apostles instructed the church to select seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to oversee this task (Act.6.2-3). Prochorus was among those chosen, along with Stephen, Philip, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. The apostles prayed and laid their hands on these seven men, appointing them to this ministry (Act.6.6). The selection of these deacons allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word, while ensuring that the practical needs of the community were met. Beyond this initial mention, no further details are provided about Prochorus' specific activities or his later life and ministry.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentActs 1 verse
- Acts 6:5
"This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Πρόχορος |
Prochorus
e is Greek, and he may have been a Hellenist. According to tradition he became bishop of Nicomedia and died a martyr at Antioch.