Lucius
Summary
A name borne by two or three individuals in the New Testament: a prophet and teacher at Antioch from Cyrene, and a kinsman of Paul who sent greetings to Rome.
☩Lucius of Cyrene
Lucius of Cyrene was one of the prophets and teachers presiding over the church at Antioch when the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Saul for missionary work (Acts 13:1). He appears to have belonged to the band of Cypriotes and Cyrenians who founded the Gentile church at Antioch (Acts 11:20). It is highly probable that he was among the congregation to whom Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, since Cyrenians are specifically mentioned among those present (Acts 2:10). Some early traditions, though uncertain, identify him as having been ordained bishop of Cenchreae by Paul.
☩Kinsman of Paul
A Lucius is mentioned in Romans 16:21 as one of Paul's kinsmen (fellow Jews) who sent greetings to the Roman Christians. Tradition suggests he was consecrated Bishop of Cenchreae by Paul. Whether this Lucius is the same as Lucius of Cyrene remains uncertain. Some commentators have rather absurdly attempted to identify him with Luke the Evangelist, but the names are not identical, and there is no reason Luke would have introduced himself in such an indirect manner.
☩Lucius the Roman Consul
In the Apocrypha, a Roman consul named Lucius is mentioned as having written a letter to Ptolemy Euergetes securing protection for Simon the high priest and the Jews around 139-138 BC (1 Maccabees 15:16ff). While the transcription of the document shows imperfections, most scholars identify this Lucius with Lucius Calpurnius Piso, one of the consuls of that year. The letter assured the Jews of Roman protection, reflecting Rome's policy of forming alliances with the kings of Egypt and the Jews to keep Syria in check.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lucius," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Lucius," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Lucius," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Lucius," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 5.James Orr (ed.), "Lucius (1)," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).