Bible Figure
Lucius of Cyrene
Lucius of Cyrene was one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch when the Holy Spirit directed the congregation to set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work.
Biography
Acts 13 names Lucius of Cyrene among the prophets and teachers serving the diverse church at Antioch, alongside Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Manaen, and Saul. While these leaders were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit commanded that Barnabas and Saul be set apart for the work to which He had called them. After further fasting and prayer, the leaders laid hands on the two missionaries and sent them out. Scripture supplies no further certain biography of Lucius. A Lucius sends greetings in Romans 16:21, but the text does not establish that he is the same person.
Biblical Significance
Lucius belongs to the leadership setting from which the first major missionary journey in Acts was launched. His presence also reflects the international character of the Antioch church and the role of worship, fasting, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's direction in Christian mission.