Acts 11:28

One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.)

Study Bible

One of them, named Agabus
Agabus is introduced as a prophet among the early Christians. His name, of Hebrew origin, means "locust," which could symbolize his role in bringing a message of impending hardship. Agabus is mentioned again in Acts 21:10, where he prophesies about Paul's imprisonment. His presence in the early church highlights the continuation of prophetic ministry from the Old Testament into the New Testament era, emphasizing the continuity of God's communication with His people.

stood up and predicted
The act of standing up signifies authority and the importance of the message being delivered. The Greek word for "predicted" is "ēnēngen," which implies a revelation or a bringing forth of knowledge that was previously hidden. This underscores the role of prophets as vessels through whom God reveals His plans and purposes, reminding believers of the divine guidance available through the Holy Spirit.

through the Spirit
This phrase emphasizes that Agabus's prophecy was not of human origin but was inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "pneuma" for "Spirit" is the same used for the Holy Spirit throughout the New Testament, indicating the divine source of the prophecy. This highlights the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit for direction and insight, a practice that continues to be vital for believers today.

a great famine
The prophecy of a "great famine" is significant as it foretells a natural disaster that would affect many. Historically, famines were common in the ancient world and often seen as acts of divine judgment or opportunities for God's people to demonstrate faith and compassion. The Greek word "limos" for "famine" suggests a severe scarcity of food, which would have had profound social and economic implications.

would sweep across the entire Roman world
The phrase "entire Roman world" refers to the widespread nature of the famine, affecting the vast territories under Roman control. The Greek term "oikoumenē" is used, which can mean the inhabited earth or the Roman Empire specifically. This highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the potential for widespread impact from such events, reminding believers of the global nature of God's work and the church's mission.

(This happened during the reign of Claudius.)
The historical note about the reign of Claudius provides a timeframe for the prophecy's fulfillment, grounding the biblical narrative in real-world events. Claudius reigned from AD 41 to 54, and historical records, including those by Roman historians like Suetonius and Tacitus, confirm several famines during his rule. This historical accuracy reinforces the reliability of biblical prophecy and the sovereignty of God over history, encouraging believers to trust in His providence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Agabus
A prophet in the early Christian church who, through the Holy Spirit, predicted a significant famine. His role highlights the presence and function of prophecy in the early church.

2. The Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who empowers believers and provides revelation, as seen in Agabus's prophecy.

3. The Roman World
Refers to the vast territories under Roman rule during the first century, indicating the widespread impact of the predicted famine.

4. Famine
A severe shortage of food that was prophesied to affect the Roman Empire, emphasizing the need for the church to respond to physical needs.

5. Reign of Claudius
The time period during which the famine occurred, providing a historical context for the prophecy's fulfillment.

Teaching Points

The Role of Prophecy in the Church
Prophecy serves as a means for God to communicate His will and prepare His people for future events. It is vital to discern and respond to prophetic messages with wisdom and action.

The Church's Response to Physical Needs
The early church's response to the famine, as seen later in Acts, demonstrates the importance of practical care and support within the Christian community.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Even in times of crisis, such as a famine, believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, knowing that He is aware of and orchestrates all events.

The Importance of Historical Context
Understanding the historical context, such as the reign of Claudius, helps us see the fulfillment of prophecy and God's hand in history.

The Interconnectedness of the Body of Christ
The prophecy of a famine and the subsequent response highlight the interconnectedness and mutual support within the body of Christ, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy of Agabus in Acts 11:28 demonstrate the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church?

2. In what ways can the church today prepare for and respond to physical needs in the community, as the early church did in response to the famine?

3. How does understanding the historical context of the Roman Empire during Claudius's reign enhance our comprehension of this passage?

4. What are some modern examples of prophecy or forewarning that the church should be attentive to, and how should we discern their validity?

5. How can we, as individuals and as a church, cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty during times of crisis or uncertainty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 41
Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dreams and the subsequent preparation for famine in Egypt parallels Agabus's prophecy, showing God's provision through forewarning.

Matthew 24:7
Jesus speaks of famines as part of the signs of the end times, connecting the physical realities of the world with spiritual truths.

1 Corinthians 12:10
Discusses the gift of prophecy within the church, which is exemplified by Agabus's role in Acts 11:28.