Prophet Agabus

“One of them, named Agabus, stood up and indicated by the Spirit that there would definitely be a severe famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius.” (1) The leader among the prophets was a man named Agabus. He delivered two prophecies recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, with this being the first (second prophecy is found in Acts 21:10-11). (2) He issued a warning to prepare for a great famine that was about to strike the world. (a) He “indicated by the Spirit.” It is the work of the Holy Spirit to give revelation from God to a prophet. (b) “The world” refers to the Roman world at that time, meaning that a great famine would occur throughout the Roman Empire. (c) The Antioch church was likely a financially prosperous church, while the Jerusalem church was poor (in the early days, people sold their possessions and shared them, but this method eventually led to the depletion of resources). (3) Agabus’ prophecy was a message from God given to the Antioch church. If this prophecy had not been fulfilled, Agabus would have been a false prophet. (4) Agabus’ prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Emperor Claudius. (a) Claudius reigned from AD 44 to 54. (b) The famine began in the very year that Agabus had prophesied. (c) The Jewish historian Josephus recorded that several famines struck between AD 44 and 49. He specifically mentioned that the famine in AD 46 was particularly severe.

Preparation of the Antioch believers

“And to the extent that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers and sisters living in Judea.” (1) The believers of the Antioch church responded immediately. They decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. The “relief” refers to financial aid. (2) Preparation began before the famine arrived. Everyone gave according to their ability, meaning they organized their efforts collectively. (3) Theologically, the “dividing wall” between Jews and Gentiles had already been removed. However, knowing this truth and acting on it are two different matters. Paul wrote, “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances” (Eph. 2:14-15a). Jewish and Gentile believers were made into “one new person.” This is the biblical understanding of the church.