Simeon called Niger

Simeon called Niger (Latin for "black") was one of the five prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch named in Acts 13:1: "Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul." This diverse leadership group included Jewish and Gentile, African and Asian believers. While the Spirit was directing them in worship, he called Barnabas and Saul to be set apart for missionary work.

The epithet "Niger" suggests African origin or dark complexion. Some scholars identify Simeon Niger with Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus's cross (Luke 23:26), noting that Lucius of Cyrene is listed alongside him and that Simon of Cyrene's sons Alexander and Rufus apparently became known figures in the early church (Mark 15:21; Rom. 16:13). The identification is suggestive but cannot be confirmed.