Who was Lucius?
Lucius was one of the early prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, mentioned briefly in Acts 13:1. Though little is said about him in Scripture, his name appears in a key passage that highlights the multicultural and Spirit-led leadership of the early church. His Greek name, Λούκιος (Loucios), was common in the Roman world and is a derivative of the Latin “Lucius,” meaning “light” or “illumination.” This name may symbolize spiritual insight and enlightenment, fitting for a man listed among prophetic leaders.
Biblical Reference
Lucius is mentioned in Acts 13:1 (NIV):
“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.”
Lucius is also possibly the same person mentioned in Romans 16:21, where Paul says:
“Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews, greet you.”
If this is the same Lucius, it would indicate that he was not only a prophetic leader in Antioch but also had close ties with Paul and the broader mission to the Gentiles.
Lucius of Cyrene
The passage in Acts specifically identifies Lucius as being “of Cyrene,” a city located in modern-day Libya, North Africa. Cyrene had a sizable Jewish population, and many of its Jewish inhabitants were part of the Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jewish community. This detail connects Lucius to a broader movement of diaspora Jews who embraced the gospel and played pivotal roles in spreading it beyond Jerusalem.
Notably, Acts 11:20 states that some men from Cyprus and Cyrene were among the first to preach to Greeks in Antioch. While Lucius is not named there, it’s possible that he was among them, helping establish what would become one of the most influential churches in the early Christian movement.
Ministry in Antioch
Lucius is listed among a distinguished group of prophets and teachers in Antioch—a church known for its doctrinal strength and missionary zeal. This group was instrumental in the sending out of Paul and Barnabas for the first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3). Though Lucius is not mentioned again in Acts, his inclusion in this foundational group speaks to his spiritual maturity, leadership, and possibly prophetic gifting.
His role at Antioch reveals how the Holy Spirit brought together diverse backgrounds—Jewish, African, aristocratic, and former Pharisees—into one united body advancing the gospel. The mention of Lucius, Simeon, and Manaen shows a deliberate highlighting of God’s kingdom breaking racial, social, and political barriers.
Connection to Jesus and the Gospel
Though Lucius does not directly appear in any interaction with Jesus during His earthly ministry, his life and service are a direct continuation of Jesus‘ commission. The church at Antioch, where Lucius served, was a fulfillment of Christ’s promise in Acts 1:8—that the gospel would go from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Lucius’ contribution to the church at Antioch helped launch the first organized missionary efforts to the Gentiles. His presence signifies the gospel’s expansion from a Jewish context into a global movement, demonstrating that the light of Christ was shining among the nations (John 8:12; Isaiah 49:6).
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Diversity in the Body of Christ
Lucius, a North African, served alongside Jews from Cyprus and aristocrats from Galilee. The Antioch church was a model of racial and cultural unity within the body of Christ (Galatians 3:28).
2. Prophetic Leadership and the Holy Spirit
Lucius was among those who received and acted on the Holy Spirit’s leading. Acts 13 highlights how God speaks through a variety of people to accomplish His redemptive mission.
3. Missional Faithfulness
Though Lucius is not a central biblical figure, his faithful service contributed to one of the most pivotal missionary movements in church history. He exemplifies the importance of unsung heroes in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22).
4. The Global Reach of the Gospel
Lucius reminds us that the gospel was never intended to be limited to one ethnicity or nation. From Cyrene to Antioch to the ends of the earth, God uses people from every nation to proclaim Christ.
Reflection Questions
- How does the multicultural leadership of the church in Antioch encourage us to pursue unity in diversity within our local church today?
- What does Lucius’ quiet but crucial role teach us about serving faithfully, even when not in the spotlight?
- In what ways are we responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading like the leaders in Antioch did?
- How can we contribute to sending and supporting gospel mission like the early church?
- Are we willing to be used by God in unexpected places, like Lucius was in Antioch, for the advancement of the gospel?
Lucius may only appear briefly in the pages of Scripture, but his life testifies to the far-reaching light of the gospel and the strategic role of Spirit-empowered leadership in advancing Christ’s kingdom.