The word nigga is in the bible?

The word nigga is in the Bible, but the spelling is a little different but means the same, one of a darker complexion. This guy named Simeon was called a Niger (nigga) in Acts 13:1. There is nothing wrong with a believer of Christ calling folks “nigga.”

I just paraphrased a conversation on social media. Hmm?

Have I used this word loosely? Yes, Why? Because I believed it was cultural appropriate. Do I still say the word? It’s a rarity, if teasing or playing around.

Am I offended when I hear races other than African Americans say it? Yes, except when the person saying it is culturally ingrained in the African American community.

Why is this word offensive when other culture say it? It’s the derogatory nature and content which it is used. Hmm!

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets [who spoke a new message of God to the people] and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been under the authority of Herod [Antipas] the tetrarch, and Saul,” (Acts 13:1).

Did these prophets call Simeon nigga? Take one moment and think, how does this sound from the mouth of other Prophets and teachers. “Hey Simeon, nigga..., what the Lord saying to you today?” I know it’s commonly spoken by some church leaders.

Folks from the western world might believe it to be discriminatory, and derogatory, placing Simeon in a lower status (a slave) than the others prophets and teachers because his skin was dark. Or, other westerners might see it as brotherly love, and current with the times, which could have been the intent on social media.

If we look at the chapter a little closer there was obviously a transition taking place in the Antioch church. These five prophets and teachers assigned to this church were a diverse group that spoke a message of inclusion.

Barnabas was a Jew, an experienced church leader. Simeon was dark skinned, and called Niger, pronounced (nye-jer or nee-jer), meaning black or swarthy. Simeon was thought to be of Jewish descent “perhaps from an African Jewish community.”

Lucius was a Christian teacher in Antioch and a descendant of North Africa. Manaen was raised under Herod (Antipas), who was part of a Tetrarch, and part ruler of a Roman province. Herod attributed in the execution of John the Baptist. Manaen converted to Christianity. Saul was a Jew who sought, imprisoned, and murdered Christians. He was converted to Christianity.

If we say the word Niger is equivalent to nigger or nigga, as some westerners believe, than we are saying that Simeon was ignorant and unlearned, and was subject to contemptuous insults. Yet he was named a prophet or teacher, called to lead Gods people? Hmm?

Why would God allow his leaders to demoralize the character of another leader because of his skin color?

He wouldn’t because, “There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority],” (Galatians 3:28).

Here is the message these prophets and teachers were to deliver to the people.

“...Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and confidently, saying, “It was necessary that God’s message [of salvation through faith in Christ] be spoken to you [Jews] first. Since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, now we turn to the Gentiles. For that is what the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, So that You may bring [the message of eternal] salvation to the end of the earth,’” (Acts 13:46-47).

The message of inclusion was preached to the Gentiles who were unbelievers and pagan worshipers of false gods. Some of the Jews believed they were superior, above the Gentiles. But Paul, who was chosen to minister to the Gentiles, spoke this, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the same Lord is Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer],” (Romans 10:12).

Mis-interpretation of scripture for self-gratification leaves the main ingredients out... spiritual knowledge and understanding.

“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation],” (Proverbs 4:7).

~SAR~