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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comFausset Bible Dictionary: Manaen
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Menahem, consoler (). One of the teachers and prophets at Antioch when Saul and Barnabas were "separated" to missionary work, A.D. 44 (-3). Brought up with Herod Antipas, who beheaded John Baptist. Of the six named, four were to stay at Antioch, two to itinerate. Home work is no excuse for neglecting Christ's missionary command; missionary work is no plea for neglecting home duties. It was common for persons of rank to associate other children with their own, to share their studies and amusements, and thereby to promote emulation. Herod adopted the usage from the Romans, whom he was fond of imitating.
Or the Greek (suntrofos) may mean "foster brother," Mahaen's mother being thus Herod's nurse. As Archelaus was brought up with Herod Antipas at Rome, and Mahaen is mentioned in this relation with Antipas alone, perhaps "foster brother" is the true sense; he may have been brought up with Antipas also. Herod the Great favored highly a Manaen an Essene, who in early life foretold Herod's royal greatness (Josephus, Ant. 15:10, sec. 5); possibly our Mahaen was son of that Manaen and adopted by Herod the Great, and made a companion to one of his sons. Chuza, another connecting link between Christ and Herod Antipas.) (See CHUZA.) Mahaen probably personally knew and was a secret disciple of the Lord. How naturally Herod turned to his "servants" for information as to Christ ()!