Acts 11:27-30
Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 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). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read "prophets" and immediately think of fortune-telling, but the primary role of these New Testament prophets was actually teaching and inspired utterance, with foretelling future events being a specific, though important, function. This verse highlights that the church leadership in Jerusalem, comprised of these gifted individuals, recognized and validated the burgeoning Gentile ministry in Antioch, showing a remarkable unity and shared mission.
News of the Gentile conversions at Antioch reached Jerusalem, prompting prophets—inspired teachers, some with the gift of foretelling—to travel from the mother church to this burgeoning, diverse community. One of these prophets, Agabus, would soon predict a widespread famine, prompting a generous response from the believers in Antioch to aid their suffering brethren in Judea.
When we hear 'prophet,' our minds often jump to predicting the future. But in the early church, their role was much broader, impacting the very fabric of community life.
The prophets mentioned in Acts weren't just fortune-tellers. While some, like Agabus, did foretell future events (Acts 11:28), their primary function was often teaching and building up the church.
Gifted Teachers
They were a recognized order in the church, ranked just below apostles (1 Corinthians 12:28). Their gift involved expounding scripture, encouraging believers, and speaking God's message. Think of them as inspired teachers and communicators, vital for the growth and health of the early Christian communities.
Affirming the Gentiles
In this specific instance, prophets coming from Jerusalem to Antioch served as a divine endorsement of the Gentiles joining the church. Their presence validated the incredible work God was doing, bridging the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers.
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Antioch was more than just a city where Gentiles were flocking to faith. It became a vibrant center that even sent help back to its spiritual roots.
The arrival of prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch highlights a beautiful flow of spiritual life and practical support.
Receiving the Gospel
Initially, the believers in Antioch were receiving the gospel, largely through the ministry of Barnabas and Saul, and seeing Gentiles come to faith in large numbers. This was a groundbreaking development.
Sending Support
But what's remarkable is that this same church, empowered by the gospel, later demonstrated incredible generosity. When a famine struck Judea, the believers in Antioch, prompted by the prophecy of Agabus, collected a significant offering to send back to the needy brethren in Jerusalem (Acts 11:29-30).
This action wasn't just charity; it was an act of profound thankfulness, recognizing that they had received spiritual riches from Jerusalem and were now able to offer material support in return.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
Individuals inspired by God to proclaim His message, reveal His will, or foresee future events under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers, guides the church, and empowers testimony and supernatural revelation.
diakonia · Greek Noun
An act of showing mercy or providing aid; in a biblical context, it refers to material assistance given to those in need, especially fellow believers suffering from hardship.
presbyteros · Greek Noun
Spiritual leaders appointed to oversee the governance, doctrine, and pastoral care of a local church congregation.
The movement of prophets between Jerusalem and Antioch highlights the early church's interconnectedness and the validation of Gentile inclusion within the broader Christian community.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit empowers the apostles and the early church in Jerusalem, leading to rapid growth and the spread of the gospel.
c. AD 34-40
Persecution and Scattering of Believers
Following Stephen's martyrdom, believers are scattered from Jerusalem, carrying the gospel to new regions, including Antioch.
c. AD 45-47
First Famine under Claudius
A widespread famine impacts the Roman Empire, including Judea, prompting relief efforts from other churches.
c. AD 47— this verse
Prophets Arrive in Antioch
Inspired teachers from Jerusalem visit Antioch, a significant center for Gentile believers, offering guidance and insight.
c. AD 47-48
Antioch Sends Relief to Jerusalem
Responding to the famine, the Antioch church, led by Barnabas and Saul, collects and sends aid to the suffering believers in Judea.
This passage lists prophets as a specific gift given to the church, highlighting their importance and role alongside apostles, underscoring the significance of their presence in Antioch.
Ephesians 4:11Here, prophets are again mentioned as a key leadership gift within the church, reinforcing that these individuals were divinely appointed to build up the body of Christ.
Acts 21:10This verse shows another instance of a prophet (Agabus again!) delivering a message from the Holy Spirit, demonstrating a consistent pattern of prophetic ministry in the early church that directly impacted events.
1 Corinthians 14:3This passage explains the purpose of prophecy, stating that it is for strengthening, encouraging, and comforting people, which aligns with the role these prophets played in Antioch.
ellicottActs 11:27: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch."
(27) Came prophets from Jerusalem. —The mission thus described was obviously a further sanction given by the Church at Jerusalem to the work that Saul and Barnabas were carrying on at Antioch. If we adopt the view suggested in the Note on Luke 10:1 , that the Seventy were the representatives of the prophetic order, and were symbolically significant of the conversion of the Gentiles, it will seem probable that those who n…
jfbActs 11:27-30: "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch."
Ac 11:27-30. By Occasion of a Famine Barnabas and Saul Return to Jerusalem with a Contribution for the Relief of Their Suffering Brethren.27. came prophets from Jerusalem—inspired teachers, a class we shall afterwards frequently meet with, who sometimes, but not necessarily, foretold future events. They are classed next to apostles (1Co 12:28, 29; Eph 4:11).
It's easy to read "prophets" and immediately think of fortune-telling, but the primary role of these New Testament prophets was actually teaching and inspired utterance, with foretelling future events being a specific, though important, function. This verse highlights that the church leadership in Jerusalem, comprised of these gifted individuals, recognized and validated the burgeoning Gentile ministry in Antioch, showing a remarkable unity and shared mission.
News of the Gentile conversions at Antioch reached Jerusalem, prompting prophets—inspired teachers, some with the gift of foretelling—to travel from the mother church to this burgeoning, diverse community. One of these prophets, Agabus, would soon predict a widespread famine, prompting a generous response from the believers in Antioch to aid their suffering brethren in Judea.
News of the Gentile conversions at Antioch reached Jerusalem, prompting prophets—inspired teachers, some with the gift of foretelling—to travel from the mother church to this burgeoning, diverse community. One of these prophets, Agabus, would soon predict a widespread famine, prompting a generous response from the believers in Antioch to aid their suffering brethren in Judea.
"Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 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). So the discip…" — It's easy to read "prophets" and immediately think of fortune-telling, but the primary role of these New Testament prophets was actually teaching and inspired utterance, with foretelling future event…
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