Prochorus
“Leader of the dance; leader of praise”
Summary
Prochorus was one of the seven men chosen by the early Jerusalem church to supervise the daily distribution of food to widows, listed third after Stephen and Philip.
☩Selection as One of the Seven
When the Hellenist widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, the apostles directed the congregation to select seven men 'of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom' to supervise this ministry (Acts 6:1-6). Prochorus was chosen third on the list, after Stephen and Philip but before Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas. All seven bore Greek names, suggesting they were Hellenists who could better serve the Greek-speaking community. The apostles laid hands on them, setting them apart for service.
☩Later Tradition
Nothing more is recorded of Prochorus in Scripture. According to tradition preserved by Hippolytus, he later became bishop of Nicomedia. In the Byzantine Church calendar, Prochorus and Parmenas are commemorated on July 28th. A work called 'Historia Prochori' purports to contain Prochorus's account of the apostle John's life, but this is considered a later fabrication.
Related Verses1 mention
Acts· 1 verse
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Prochorus," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Prochorus," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Prochorus," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prochorus," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).