📖 Biblical Definition
Simeon called Niger was one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1) — the first multi-ethnic congregation in Christian history and the launching point of Paul’s missionary journeys. The five named teachers are remarkably diverse: Barnabas (Cypriot Jew), Simeon Niger (Hebrew name with Latin nickname), Lucius of Cyrene (North African), Manaen (foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul of Tarsus. Simeon’s double name (Hebrew given-name plus Latin Niger, meaning "black") suggests he may have been a dark-skinned African Jew, and some scholars have proposed identifying him with Simon of Cyrene who carried Christ’s cross. The Antioch leadership cohort models the church Christ is building from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
One of the five teachers and prophets at Antioch named in Acts 13:1; his epithet Niger (black) suggests African origin.
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Acts 13:1 lists the Antioch leadership: Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen... and Saul.
Some scholars identify him with Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21) or with one of his sons, Alexander or Rufus — the New Testament does not say. What is certain: the Antioch teaching team was deliberately multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, and Simeon Niger was one of its anchors.
📖 Key Scripture
Acts 13:1 — "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, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul."
Acts 13:2 — "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
Acts 11:20 — "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus."
Galatians 3:28 — "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern church-history teaching often skips the Antioch roster; Acts 13:1 names the first multi-ethnic apostolic team and we do not learn it.
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The Antioch leadership was a Jew (Saul), a Cypriot (Barnabas), a Cyrenian (Lucius), an aristocratic insider (Manaen), and Simeon called Niger — almost certainly a black African or African-connected man. This is the team from which the first Gentile mission was sent.
The kingdom of God was visibly multi-ethnic from its first apostolic moment. We are not building toward integration; we are recovering it.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
His Hebrew name is one of the most common in Israel; his Latin epithet locates his ethnicity.
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Hebrew Shimon — from shama, to hear.
Latin Niger — black; almost certainly an ethnic descriptor, distinguishing him from other Simeons in the Antioch congregation.
Usage
"The first apostolic team was multi-ethnic; learn the names."
"Acts 13:1 is not background — it is the model."
"Simeon called Niger anchored Antioch's teaching."