Acts 21:10

And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

And {G1161} as we {G2257} tarried {G1961} there many {G4119} days {G2250}, there came down {G2718} from {G575} Judaea {G2449} a certain {G5100} prophet {G4396}, named {G3686} Agabus {G13}.

While we were staying there, a prophet named Agav came down from Y’hudah

After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

And as we tarried there some days, there came down from Judæa a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Acts 21:10 introduces a significant moment in the Apostle Paul's journey towards Jerusalem, featuring the arrival of a well-known prophet. This verse highlights the role of divine communication and the challenges Paul faced as he pursued God's will.

Context

At this point in the book of Acts, Paul and his companions, including Luke, are in Caesarea, having arrived from Tyre and Ptolemais. They had already received warnings from disciples in Tyre, who, "through the Spirit," urged Paul not to proceed to Jerusalem. Despite these promptings, Paul remained steadfast in his determination. Their stay in Caesarea, lasting "many days," provided a brief period of rest and fellowship before the dramatic events that would unfold. It is during this time that Agabus, a prophet from Judaea, makes his crucial appearance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foresight and Prophecy: The verse underscores God's active involvement in the lives of His servants by providing foreknowledge of future events. Agabus's arrival signifies that God is giving Paul specific insight into the trials awaiting him, serving as both a warning and a preparation.
  • Paul's Unwavering Resolve: Even with previous warnings and the impending prophecy from Agabus, Paul's commitment to go to Jerusalem remains firm. This illustrates his deep conviction that he is following God's specific call, demonstrating a profound obedience and willingness to face bonds and afflictions for the Gospel.
  • The Role of Prophets in the Early Church: Agabus's presence highlights the continued function of prophets as divine messengers within the early Christian community, providing guidance, warnings, and confirmation of God's will.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prophet" (Greek: prophētēs) in this context refers to an individual who speaks by divine inspiration, conveying God's message. This often includes foretelling future events, as Agabus did here and previously in Acts 11:28 regarding a widespread famine. Agabus acts as a direct channel for the Holy Spirit's communication, delivering a specific and impactful prophecy to Paul.

Reflection and Application

Acts 21:10 offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  • Discerning Guidance: We are reminded that God communicates with His people, sometimes through direct prophetic words, but also through wisdom, counsel, and the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. It calls us to be attentive and discerning to God's voice in our lives.
  • Responding to Warnings: The narrative prompts us to consider how we respond to warnings, especially when they point to difficult paths. Paul's example shows a commitment to God's ultimate purpose, even when it involves personal suffering. Our response should be one of prayerful consideration and submission to God's greater plan.
  • Commitment to God's Will: Paul's steadfastness in the face of danger is a powerful example of living out a calling. It encourages us to pursue God's will with faithfulness, understanding that following Christ may involve hardship, but is ultimately for His glory and our eternal good.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 11:28

    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 21:4

    And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

  • Acts 20:16

    For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

  • Acts 21:7

    And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

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