4402. Prochoros
Lexical Summary
Prochoros: Prochorus

Original Word: Πρόχορος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Prochoros
Pronunciation: PRO-kho-ros
Phonetic Spelling: (prokh'-or-os)
KJV: Prochorus
NASB: Prochorus
Word Origin: [from G4253 (πρό - before) and G5525 (χορός - dancing)]

1. before the dance
2. Prochorus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Prochorus.

From pro and choros; before the dance; Prochorus, a Christian -- Prochorus.

see GREEK pro

see GREEK choros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from pro and choros
Definition
Prochorus, a Christian at Jer.
NASB Translation
Prochorus (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 4402: Πρόχορος

Πρόχορος (Προχορου, (literally, 'leader of the dance')), Prochorus, one of the seven 'deacons' of the church at Jerusalem: Acts 6:5.

Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Setting

Prochorus appears in Acts 6:5 as one of the seven men chosen by “the whole congregation” to oversee the daily distribution to widows in the Jerusalem assembly. “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus …” (Acts 6:5). His selection follows a complaint by Hellenistic Jews that their widows were being overlooked (Acts 6:1). The apostles’ solution reveals an early pattern of delegating practical responsibilities so they could remain devoted to “prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

Role in Church Ministry

1. Servant Leadership: The seven were appointed to a hands-on ministry—literally “serving tables” (Acts 6:2)—modeling Christ’s teaching that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26).
2. Spirit-filled Administration: The criteria were clear—“men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Administrative function did not excuse spiritual shallowness; the same Spirit who empowered the apostles empowered these servants.
3. Promoting Unity: All seven names are Greek, suggesting the church deliberately affirmed Hellenistic believers to heal ethnic tension. Prochorus thus stands as a symbol of unity across cultural lines within the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16).

Character Qualities Inferred from the Text

• Good reputation—trustworthy in daily dealings (Proverbs 22:1; 1 Timothy 3:10).
• Full of the Spirit—yielded to God’s direction (Romans 8:14).
• Wise—able to administer resources fairly (Proverbs 2:6).

Historical Traditions

Early church writers relate several traditions, though none are canonical:
• Companion of John the Apostle, sometimes depicted as John’s amanuensis on Patmos.
• First Bishop of Nicomedia or, in another stream, Bishop of Beroea in Macedonia.
• Martyrdom at Antioch, reportedly burned alive for the gospel.
• Some later manuscripts credit him with recording the apocryphal “Acts of John.”

While these accounts cannot be verified from Scripture, they reflect an early memory of Prochorus as a lifelong minister and, potentially, a martyr.

Theological Significance

1. Diaconal Prototype: Although the noun “deacon” (diakonos) is not used in Acts 6, the passage lays the groundwork for the office later formalized (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8–13). Prochorus therefore serves as an archetype for deacons whose ministry upholds both Word and deed in the church.
2. Spiritual Equality: The congregation, apostles, and Spirit all converge in the appointment, illustrating that administrative ministry is not secondary; it is Spirit-empowered service essential to gospel advance (Acts 6:7).
3. Missional Impact: By resolving internal conflict, the Jerusalem church avoided distraction, and “the word of God continued to spread” (Acts 6:7). Prochorus contributed to an environment where evangelism flourished.

Lessons for Today

• Faithful service in practical matters advances the Great Commission.
• Culturally inclusive leadership fosters unity and strengthens witness.
• Spirit-filled character is the primary credential for any ministry role.

Prochorus, though mentioned only once in Scripture, provides a timeless example of humble, Spirit-led service that reinforces the church’s mandate to care for both spiritual and physical needs while maintaining doctrinal fidelity.

Forms and Transliterations
Προχορον Πρόχορον προχωρημάτων Prochoron Próchoron
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 6:5 N-AMS
GRK: Φίλιππον καὶ Πρόχορον καὶ Νικάνορα
NAS: and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor,
KJV: Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor,
INT: Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor

Strong's Greek 4402
1 Occurrence


Πρόχορον — 1 Occ.

4401
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