Now 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, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Here followeth an history, not only worthy to be remembered, but also very profitable to be known, how Paul was appointed the teacher of the Gentiles; for his calling was, as it were, a key whereby God opened to us the kingdom of heaven.
Antioch's church had an abundance of prophets and teachers, men divinely inspired for special occasions and appointed to teach Scripture and open Christ's doctrine in their assemblies. Barnabas named first as likely the eldest; Saul last, the youngest, though he would later become first. These were the prophets and scribes Christ promised to send, every way qualified for the Christian church's service.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 13:1-3
CHAPTER 13 Verse 1. The church that was at Antioch. . Certain prophets. . And teachers. Teachers are several times mentioned in the New Testament as an order of ministers, . Their precise rank and duty are not known. It is probable that those here mentioned as prophets were the same persons as the teachers. They might discharge both offices, predicting future events, and instructing the people. As Barnabas.