McClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Niger

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McClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Niger


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( Íßãåñ , i.e. Lat. niger, or black) is the additional or distinctive name given to the Symeon ( Óõìåώí ) who was one of the teachers and prophets in the Church of Antioch (Act_13:1). He is not known except in that passage. The name was a common one among the Romans; and the conjecture that he was an African proselyte, and was called Niger on account of his complexion, is unnecessary as well as destitute otherwise of any support. His name, Symeon, shows that he was a Jew by birth; and, as in other similar cases (e.g. Saul, Paul — Silas, Silvanus), he may be supposed to have taken the other name as more convenient in his intercourse with foreigners. He is mentioned second among the five who officiated at Antioch, and perhaps we may infer that he had some pre-eminence among them in point of activity and influence. It is impossible to decide (though Meyer makes the attempt) who of the number were prophets ( ðñïöῆôáé ), and who were teachers ( äéäÜóêáëïé ). SEE SIMEON.