Ellen Chat Conversation

No, "Niger" in Acts 13:1 is not the same as the offensive racial slur. Niger was simply the Latin word for "black" and was used as a descriptive surname or nickname for Simeon, one of the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch. Ellen White references this biblical passage multiple times when discussing the ordination and commissioning of Paul and Barnabas. She writes: "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, ... and Saul" (AA 160.2). The name appears in the context of listing the spiritual leaders present when the Holy Spirit called Paul and Barnabas to missionary work. In the ancient Roman world, "Niger" was a common Latin surname meaning "black" or "dark," likely referring to someone's complexion or hair color. It was used respectfully as a distinguishing name, similar to how we might say "John the tall" or "Mary the red-haired" today. Simeon Niger was clearly a respected leader in the early church, mentioned alongside other prophets and teachers who were instrumental in the spread of the gospel. The modern offensive slur has a completely different etymology and historical context, arising centuries later during the era of slavery and racial oppression. The biblical use of "Niger" as a Latin surname has no connection to that later derogatory term. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What does Ellen White say about the early church's diversity and inclusion of people from different backgrounds? • How did Ellen White describe the work among different ethnic groups, particularly in her counsel about ministry to African Americans? • What was the significance of the ordination ceremony described in Acts 13 for Paul and Barnabas's missionary work? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=In+Acts%2C+was+Niger+the+same+as+nigger%3F)