Reference: Manaen
Hastings
One of the Christian prophets and teachers at Antioch, and 'foster-brother' of Herod Antipas (Ac 13:1). Although individual non-official Christians prophesied (Ac 2:17 f., Ac 21:9; 1Co 14:31), yet there was in NT a class of official prophets (Eph 2:20; 3:5; Re 18:20, perhaps 1Th 2:15); and so in the Didache (c. a.d. 120?) the prophets formed an official class above the local ministry. Manaen was clearly an official at Antioch. The phrase 'foster-brother of Herod' is thought by Deissmann to be a mere title of honour, like 'the king's friend' in 1Ch 27:33, but more probably represents a literal fact. An older Manaen had been befriended by Herod the Great as having foretold his advancement; this one might be his grandson, brought up with Antipas. Another instance of the circle of Herod being reached by Christianity is Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward (Lu 8:3); and Antipas himself was touched by the Baptist's preaching (Mr 6:20).
A. J. Maclean.