Manaen is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. His name appears in Acts 13:1, where he is identified as one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. The Berean Standard Bible states: "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."

Background and Historical Context

Manaen's background is notably linked to Herod the tetrarch, also known as Herod Antipas. The phrase "who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch" suggests that Manaen was a foster brother or close associate of Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus' ministry. Herod Antipas is known for his role in the execution of John the Baptist and his involvement in the trial of Jesus (Luke 23:7-12).

The connection to Herod's household indicates that Manaen had a unique upbringing, likely within a politically influential environment. This association with Herod's court may have provided Manaen with a broad understanding of the political and social dynamics of the time, as well as access to education and resources uncommon for many early Christians.

Role in the Early Church

Manaen's role as a prophet and teacher in the church at Antioch highlights his significance in the early Christian community. Antioch was a major center for the early church, known for its diverse congregation and missionary activity. It was in Antioch that followers of Jesus were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26).

As a prophet and teacher, Manaen would have been responsible for guiding the spiritual growth of the church, interpreting God's will, and instructing believers in the teachings of Jesus. His presence among other prominent leaders such as Barnabas and Saul (later known as Paul) underscores his importance in the leadership and development of the early church.

Theological Significance

Manaen's inclusion in the list of prophets and teachers at Antioch serves as a testament to the diverse backgrounds of early Christian leaders. His upbringing in Herod's court juxtaposed with his role in the church exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel, which transcends social and political boundaries.

Manaen's account also reflects the fulfillment of God's plan to spread the Gospel beyond the Jewish community to the Gentiles. The church at Antioch was instrumental in this mission, and Manaen's leadership would have contributed to the church's outreach and growth.

Legacy

While Manaen is only briefly mentioned in the New Testament, his legacy is preserved through his association with the early church's mission and expansion. His life serves as an example of how individuals from various backgrounds can be called to serve in God's kingdom, demonstrating the inclusivity and reach of the Christian message.Manaen

a comforter; a leader

Manaen

(comforter) is mentioned in (Acts 13:1) as one of the teachers and prophets in the church at Antioch at the time of the appointment of Saul and Barnabas as missionaries to the heathen. He is said to have been brought up with Herod Antipas. He was probably his foster-brother.

Manaen

A foster-brother of Herod Antipas, but unlike him in character and end: Manaen was a minister of Christ at Antioch; Herod was guilty of the blood of both Christ and his forerunner, Acts 13:1. "One shall be taken, and another left."

Consoler, a Christian teacher at Antioch. Nothing else is known of him beyond what is stated in Acts 13:1, where he is spoken of as having been brought up with (Gr. syntrophos; rendered in R.V. "foster brother" of) Herod, i.e., Herod Antipas, the tetrach, who, with his brother Archelaus, was educated at Rome. MANAEN

man'-a-en (Manaen, Greek form of Hebrew name "Menahem," meaning "consoler"): Manaen is mentioned, with Barnabas, Saul and others, in Acts 13:1, as one of the "prophets and teachers" in 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 (Luke 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

3127. Manaen -- Manaen, a Christian
... 3126, 3127. Manaen. 3128 . Manaen, a Christian. Part of Speech: Proper
Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Manaen Phonetic Spelling ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3127.htm - 6k

Acts XIII
... Now there were in the Church in Antioch certain prophets and teachers, Barnabas
and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen, foster-brother of ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiii.htm

To the Regions Beyond
... 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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/to the regions beyond.htm

Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence.
... 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 ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vi claim of missions.htm

Separated unto the Holy Ghost
... 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 ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/separated unto the holy ghost.htm

Miscellaneous Subjects.
... etc. There were certain prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch,
as Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul or Paul. Acts ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xvi miscellaneous subjects.htm

The Ordination of Paul and Barnabas; their Missionary Tour in Asia ...
... 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 ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter v the ordination of.htm

Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists.
... church. Of the prophets the book of Acts names Agabus, Barnabas, Symeon,
Lucius, Manaen, and Saul of Tarsus, Judas and Silas. [703 ...
/.../section 60 apostles prophets evangelists.htm

The Second Miracle at Cana.
... That it was Chuzas (Luke 8:3) or Manaen (Acts 13:1) is mere conjecture], whose son
was sick at Capernaum. [The nouns in this verse are suggestive. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxviii the second miracle at.htm

The Gospel Message in Antioch
... "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, . ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 16 the gospel message.htm

The Nobleman's Son.
... Acts 13:1, names Manaen, "who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch," as a
prominent Christian of Antioch. He may have been the man whose son was healed. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the noblemans son.htm

Manaen (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MANAEN. man'-a-en (Manaen, Greek form of Hebrew
name "Menahem," meaning "consoler"): Manaen is mentioned ...
/m/manaen.htm - 8k

Manage (6 Occurrences)

/m/manage.htm - 8k

Niger (1 Occurrence)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/n/niger.htm - 7k

Lucius (2 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/l/lucius.htm - 9k

Foster (2 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/f/foster.htm - 7k

Tetrarch (5 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/t/tetrarch.htm - 9k

Assembly (371 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/a/assembly.htm - 38k

Cyrene (7 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/c/cyrene.htm - 13k

Bishop (4 Occurrences)
... appears that there were resident prophets at Antioch, men of considerable importance
since their names are recorded, Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius, Manaen and Saul ...
/b/bishop.htm - 40k

Barnabas (33 Occurrences)
... 13:1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster ...
/b/barnabas.htm - 25k

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