Why is Eliezer of Damascus Important?
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.
Key Facts
Term Name
Eliezer of Damascus
Role
Prophet and Teacher
Born
Unknown
Died
Unknown
Key Takeaways
- Eliezer of Damascus was a prophet and teacher in the Antioch church, listed alongside Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:1.
- His inclusion highlights collaborative leadership in the early Christian church, emphasizing communal ministry.
- Eliezer's story reminds believers that ordinary individuals contribute to God's purposes through humble service.
Who Was Eliezer of Damascus in the Bible?
Eliezer of Damascus is briefly mentioned in Acts 13:1 as one of the prophets and teachers in the Antioch church.
The verse names him alongside Barnabas, Paul, and others, indicating his active participation in the church’s leadership. While details about his specific contributions are limited, his presence underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
Eliezer's Role in the Early Church
Eliezer of Damascus played a significant role in the leadership of the Antioch church, as noted in Acts 13:1, where he is listed among prophets and teachers alongside Paul and Barnabas.
Though the New Testament provides few details about Eliezer’s specific activities, his inclusion in this influential group suggests he contributed to the spiritual guidance and strategic planning of the church. This context likely positioned him to support Paul and Barnabas during their mission, as the Antioch church was a central hub for early Christian outreach. The collaborative structure of the church’s leadership, as seen in Acts 13:1, reflects a communal approach to ministry.
Being listed among prophets and teachers highlights Eliezer’s recognized spiritual authority and teaching role within the early Christian community. Such a designation underscores the value placed on diverse gifts in leadership, even among figures whose names have not endured in broader historical memory.
What We Can Learn From Eliezer of Damascus
Eliezer’s inclusion in Acts 13:1 among key leaders like Barnabas and Paul highlights how God uses ordinary believers in His work.
Though his specific role remains unspecified, his presence underscores humility in service and the value of collaborative leadership, reminding us that all contributions matter in advancing God’s purposes.
Further Reading
Key Scripture Mentions
Acts 13:1
Names Eliezer of Damascus among Antioch's prophets and teachers, including Paul and Barnabas.
Related Concepts
Antioch (Places)
The central hub for early Christian outreach where Eliezer served as a leader.
Paul (Figures)
A key apostle and missionary who worked alongside Eliezer in Antioch.
Collaborative Leadership (Theological Concepts)
Reflects the early church's communal approach to spiritual guidance and mission planning.