Acts 11 28

Acts 11:28 kjv

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 11:28 nkjv

Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Acts 11:28 niv

One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)

Acts 11:28 esv

And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius).

Acts 11:28 nlt

One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)

Acts 11 verses

Acts 11 28 Meaning

The verse describes a prophet named Agabus who foretold a great famine that would affect the entire world ("all the world," which in this context refers to the Roman Empire). This prediction was given in the city of Antioch and served as a warning to the early Christians there.

Acts 11 28 Context

This chapter follows the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, particularly the establishment of a Christian community in Antioch (Acts 11:19-26). It highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the early church. The mention of Agabus, a prophet, underscores the presence of spiritual gifts within the church. This specific prophecy about a famine directly leads to the disciples in Antioch making a generous contribution to help the believers in Judea who were suffering. This act demonstrates Christian love and unity across different regions and ethnic groups, reinforcing the broader theme of the gospel's universal reach.

Acts 11 28 Word Analysis

• And (kai - και): A conjunction, connecting phrases or clauses, often indicating sequence or addition.
• in (en - εν): A preposition denoting location or sphere.
• the: Definite article.
• day (hemera - ημερα): Day, period of light, or a specific appointed time.
• Agabus (Agabos - Αγαβος): A proper name, meaning "grasshopper" or "he-who-falls." Refers to the prophet.
• signified (semaino - σημαινω): To give a sign, to indicate, to portend. Suggests a symbolic or prophetic communication.
• by (dia - δια): A preposition often indicating agency or means.
• the: Definite article.
• Spirit (pneuma - πνευμα): Spirit, wind, or breath. Refers to the Holy Spirit.
• that: Conjunction introducing a subordinate clause.
• there (eme­llo - μελλω): Used to indicate future tense or something that is about to happen.
• should (an - αν): Particle often used with conditional or future statements.
• be (eimi - ειμι): To be, to exist.
• a (mi - μιας): A feminine indefinite article, singular.
• great (megas - μεγας): Great, large, significant.
• famine (limos - λιμος): Famine, starvation.
• throughout (hologomenes - οικουμενης): Pertaining to the entire inhabited world, the Roman Empire at that time.
• all (pas - πας): All, every.
• the: Definite article.
• world (oikoumenē - οικουμενη): Inhabited world, Roman Empire.
• this (houtos - ουτος): This (referring to the specific famine).
• came (ginomai - γινομαι): To become, to happen, to occur.
• to: Preposition indicating direction.
• pass: Verb.
• in: Preposition.
• the: Definite article.
• days (hemerai - ημεραι): Days, periods of time.

Group Analysis:

• "signified by the Spirit" (sēmainō dia tou pneumatos): Emphasizes divine inspiration for Agabus's prophecy. The Holy Spirit is the direct source of this foreknowledge.
• "a great famine throughout all the world" (limon megalēn epi holēn tēn oikoumenēn): Indicates the widespread and severe nature of the impending disaster. "Oikoumenē" refers to the known civilized world under Roman rule.
• "this should come to pass in the days of...": Links the prophecy directly to a specific future timeframe.

Acts 11 28 Bonus Section

The prophecy by Agabus highlights the role of Old Testament prophets like Elijah and Elisha, who also received divine insight into famines and provision (1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 4:42-44). This connection reinforces the continuity of God's prophetic voice through His people. The magnitude of the famine being "throughout all the world" suggests a major historical event, and historians link it to a documented famine that affected Judea around AD 44-48, during the reign of Claudius Caesar. This timely forecast enabled the church in Antioch to prepare and extend tangible aid, fulfilling the spirit of Christ's teachings on loving one's neighbor and the importance of selfless giving for the well-being of the community of faith. The act of giving was not merely financial; it was an expression of shared spiritual identity and solidarity in Christ.

Acts 11 28 Commentary

Agabus's prophecy serves a crucial narrative purpose in Acts. It not only showcases the supernatural gifts within the early church, demonstrating God's active involvement, but also acts as a catalyst for practical compassion and inter-community support. The famine foretold would test the believers' faith and their commitment to one another. The response from the Antiochian church—a well-organized relief effort led by Barnabas and Saul (Paul)—exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit: love, generosity, and unity. This event solidifies the bond between Jewish and Gentile believers, showing that the gospel transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, and that believers are called to care for one another, especially during times of hardship. The proactive giving demonstrates a mature understanding of Christian responsibility and love for the brethren, echoing Christ's command to love one another.