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Nicanor

Nicanor is a masculine given name of Greek origin, from Nikanōr, generally interpreted as “conqueror” or “victor.” The name appears in ancient Greek and Hellenistic contexts and was borne by several individuals who figure in Jewish, early Christian, and biblical history.

One notable bearer is Nicanor, listed as one of the seven deacons chosen in the early Christian

In the Hellenistic and Judaean sphere, Nicanor is recorded as a Seleucid general who opposed Judas Maccabeus

The Nicanor Gate is a later tradition associated with a gate in the Outer Court of the

Overall, Nicanor appears in religious and historical texts as a name associated with early Christian leadership

church
in
Jerusalem.
He
is
mentioned
in
the
Acts
of
the
Apostles
(Acts
6:5)
among
the
men
selected
to
assist
with
the
distribution
to
widows.
The
biblical
text
provides
only
a
brief
note
about
him,
describing
him
as
a
man
of
good
repute,
full
of
faith
and
the
Holy
Spirit,
with
no
further
details
about
his
life
or
death.
during
the
Maccabean
Revolt.
According
to
1
Maccabees,
he
was
killed
at
Adasa
in
a
conflict
that
is
presented
as
a
turning
point
in
the
struggle
against
Seleucid
authority.
The
episode
reflects
the
cross-cultural
presence
of
the
name
in
the
period.
Temple
in
Jerusalem.
It
is
said
to
have
been
named
after
a
donor
named
Nicanor
who
contributed
to
the
Temple
precincts,
and
the
name
has
persisted
in
historical
and
religious
references
to
the
Temple
complex.
and
with
notable
figures
in
Judaean
resistance
to
Seleucid
rule.