Bible Figure
Prochorus (deacon)
Prochorus was one of the seven men chosen by the Jerusalem church to help oversee the daily distribution to widows. He was selected from men expected to possess good reputation, wisdom, and fullness of the Spirit.
Biography
Acts 6 names Prochorus among the seven selected after Greek-speaking Jewish believers complained that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. The congregation chose the seven and presented them to the apostles, who prayed and laid hands on them. The biblical text gives no later individual account of Prochorus. Extensive traditions that make him a companion of John, a bishop, or an author belong to later Christian literature and should not be treated as New Testament biography.
Biblical Significance
Prochorus' selection illustrates the early church's determination to address practical injustice responsibly. His role also shows that service involving food and resources was not regarded as spiritually trivial; those entrusted with it were to be people of tested character and spiritual maturity.