Acts 21:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:10 describes a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's journey, as he and his companions sojourned in Caesarea for an extended period. During this time, a prominent prophet named Agabus arrived from Judea, setting the stage for a significant divine revelation concerning Paul's impending trials in Jerusalem. This verse underscores the ongoing role of prophecy in the early church and highlights the divine foresight guiding Paul's mission, even as it pointed towards suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the latter part of Paul's third missionary journey, specifically after his emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders in Miletus ([Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders")). Paul is resolutely heading to Jerusalem, despite repeated warnings from the Holy Spirit and fellow believers. Before arriving in Caesarea, Paul had already received prophetic warnings in Tyre, where disciples, "through the Spirit," urged him not to go to Jerusalem ([Acts 21:4](/acts/21-4 "Warnings in Tyre")). His stay in Caesarea, at the house of Philip the evangelist ([Acts 21:8](/acts/21-8 "Paul Stays with Philip in Caesarea")), serves as a brief interlude before the dramatic events in Jerusalem, providing the setting for Agabus's crucial prophecy. The narrative builds suspense around Paul's unwavering determination in the face of escalating divine warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church operated within a Jewish framework that recognized the office of prophet, albeit with new manifestations under the New Covenant. Prophets like Agabus were individuals gifted by the Holy Spirit to speak God's direct word, often involving foretelling future events or providing divine guidance. Their role was distinct from that of apostles, teachers, or evangelists, yet equally vital for the edification and direction of the nascent Christian community ([Ephesians 4:11](/ephesians/4-11 "Christ's Gifts to the Church")). Caesarea Maritima, where Paul was staying, was a significant Roman port city and the administrative capital of Judea, known for its diverse population and strategic importance. It served as a common transit point for travelers between Judea and the wider Roman world. The presence of a prophet "from Judaea" emphasizes the connection between the Jerusalem church and the broader Christian movement, and the recognized authority of such figures.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Guidance and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His servants by providing prophetic insight into future events. Agabus's arrival is a clear instance of God preparing Paul for what lies ahead, serving as both a warning and a means of strengthening his resolve. Secondly, the verse reinforces **Paul's Unwavering Resolve and Obedience to God's Call**. Despite the accumulating warnings, including the specific prophecy from Agabus that follows this verse, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to go to Jerusalem, believing it is God's specific will for him ([Acts 20:22-24](/acts/20-22-24 "Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")). This illustrates a profound obedience that prioritizes God's mission over personal safety. Lastly, it underscores **The Continuing Role of Prophecy in the Early Church**, showcasing how prophets served as vital divine messengers, providing essential guidance, warnings, and confirmation of God's will to the burgeoning Christian community, much as they had in the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarried (Greek, _epiménō'_):** From *epi* (upon, over) and *menō* (to remain, abide), this word signifies staying over or continuing in a place. It implies a deliberate or extended stay, not merely a brief stop. In this context, "tarried many days" suggests a period of rest, fellowship, and perhaps strategic waiting before the next leg of their journey, allowing time for significant events like Agabus's arrival to unfold. It denotes a settled, prolonged presence.
* **came down (Greek, _katérchomai'_):: ** Composed of *kata* (down) and *erchomai* (to come or go), this verb literally means "to come down" or "to descend." Geographically, Jerusalem (in Judaea) is at a higher elevation than Caesarea, so traveling from Jerusalem to Caesarea would indeed involve a descent. This word accurately describes Agabus's physical journey and also subtly emphasizes the significance of his arrival from the spiritual and administrative center of Judea.
* **prophet (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** Derived from *pro* (before, in front of, or for) and *phēmi* (to speak), a prophet is one who speaks "before" (foretelling) or "for" (speaking on behalf of) God. In the New Testament, a prophet is an inspired speaker who conveys God's message, which can include foretelling future events, but also exhortation, edification, and comfort ([1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "The Purpose of Prophecy")). Agabus is presented as a recognized prophet, whose previous prophecies (e.g., [Acts 11:28](/acts/11-28 "Agabus's Famine Prophecy")) had proven accurate, lending weight to his current message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And as we tarried [there] many days,"**: This opening clause establishes the setting and duration of Paul's stay in Caesarea. The phrase "many days" indicates a significant, unhurried period, allowing for the unfolding of events and the arrival of individuals from other regions. It conveys a sense of patient waiting, perhaps a brief respite, before the next crucial phase of Paul's mission. The inclusion of "we" signifies Luke's presence and eyewitness account, lending credibility to the narrative.
* **"there came down from Judaea"**: This phrase specifies the origin of the arriving individual and implies a journey from the higher elevation of Jerusalem or the Judean highlands to the coastal city of Caesarea. The geographical detail adds realism and context, indicating that Agabus traveled specifically to meet Paul, suggesting the importance of his message.
* **"a certain prophet, named Agabus."**: This final clause introduces the key figure of the verse. Agabus is not a new character in Acts, having previously prophesied a great famine ([Acts 11:27-28](/acts/11-27-28 "Agabus Prophesies a Famine")). His identification as "a certain prophet" confirms his recognized spiritual gift and authority within the early Christian community, immediately signaling that his appearance carries divine significance and that his message will be of utmost importance.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this verse. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Agabus's arrival immediately signals that a significant, likely challenging, event is about to be revealed, building suspense for the subsequent prophecy. The verse also serves as a crucial **Narrative Transition**, shifting the focus from Paul's peaceful stay in Caesarea to the impending trials in Jerusalem. The **Character Introduction** of Agabus, though he is not new to the Acts narrative, re-establishes his role as a divine messenger and prepares the reader for the weighty message he is about to deliver. Luke's use of the "we" passage continues here, reinforcing the **Eyewitness Account** and lending authenticity to the detailed events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:10 is a powerful testament to God's active and ongoing communication with His people, particularly His servants engaged in critical missions. It highlights the divine prerogative to reveal future events, not merely for curiosity, but for preparation, confirmation, and the strengthening of faith. Agabus's appearance underscores the continued operation of spiritual gifts, specifically prophecy, within the early church as a means of divine guidance and warning. This divine foresight, however, does not negate human responsibility or resolve; rather, it often serves to test and affirm the depth of one's commitment to God's will, as seen in Paul's unwavering determination despite repeated warnings of suffering.

* [Acts 11:27-28](/acts/11-27-28 "Agabus's Famine Prophecy")
* [Acts 20:22-24](/acts/20-22-24 "Paul's Resolve to Go to Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 14:3](/1_corinthians/14-3 "The Edifying Purpose of Prophecy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:10 offers profound insights into how God guides His people and how we are to respond to His leading, especially when it points towards difficulty. Paul's journey, marked by both divine affirmation and warnings of suffering, reminds us that God's will is not always comfortable, but it is always purposeful. We are called to cultivate an attentive spirit, discerning God's voice through various means—Scripture, wise counsel, the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes, direct prophetic words. The example of Paul's steadfastness in the face of impending hardship challenges us to examine our own commitment to God's calling. Are we willing to embrace God's plan even when it involves personal cost or discomfort? Our response to divine warnings should not be fear-driven retreat, but prayerful discernment and a renewed commitment to walk in the path God has set before us, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond to warnings or difficult prophecies about your own path or the future of the church?**
* **In what ways does God communicate His will to you today, and how attentive are you to these forms of guidance?**
* **What does Paul's unwavering resolve in the face of impending suffering teach you about commitment to God's calling?**

### FAQ
**Who was Agabus, and what was his significance in the early church?**

Answer: Agabus was a recognized prophet in the early Christian community, mentioned twice in the book of Acts. His significance lay in his divinely inspired ability to foretell future events, which served to guide and prepare the nascent church. His first recorded prophecy, in [Acts 11:27-28](/acts/11-27-28 "Agabus's Famine Prophecy"), accurately predicted a widespread famine during the reign of Claudius, prompting the Antioch church to send relief to believers in Judea. In [Acts 21:10-11](/acts/21-10-11 "Agabus's Prophecy to Paul"), he prophesied Paul's impending arrest and binding in Jerusalem, providing a direct warning to Paul and his companions. These instances demonstrate his authentic prophetic gift and his vital role in conveying God's specific messages to His people, thereby confirming divine foresight and guiding practical responses within the early church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:10, with Agabus's arrival and the impending prophecy of suffering for Paul, powerfully foreshadows the pattern of Christ's own life and the nature of discipleship. Just as Paul was divinely warned of bonds and afflictions yet resolutely pressed on to Jerusalem, so too did Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, knowing full well the suffering that awaited Him there ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")). Christ Himself was the ultimate Prophet, speaking God's truth and revealing the Father's will, even when that revelation pointed to His own sacrificial death ([John 12:27-33](/john/12-27-33 "Jesus Foretells His Death")). The warnings Paul received, culminating in Agabus's specific prophecy, mirror the divine necessity of Christ's suffering for the redemption of humanity, a suffering foretold by Old Testament prophets ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3-5 "The Suffering Servant")). Paul's willingness to embrace suffering for the sake of the Gospel reflects the very heart of Christ's mission and His call to discipleship, where taking up one's cross and following Him often involves hardship for the sake of the kingdom ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me")). Thus, Agabus's prophecy to Paul is not merely a historical anecdote but a profound echo of the Christ-like path of obedience, suffering, and ultimate triumph for God's glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.