While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text subtly suggests that "many days" in Caesarea might be a bit of an overstatement. The timing of Paul's desire to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, and the subsequent events, imply a shorter stay, perhaps just enough for news to travel and for Agabus to arrive.
While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there for some time, a well-known prophet named Agabus, who had previously predicted a famine, arrives from Judea. Agabus's dramatic prophecy about Paul's future arrest in Jerusalem causes the disciples and Paul's travel companions to plead with him not to go.
A prophet named Agabus shows up in the Book of Acts, but this isn't his first appearance. What does his return tell us about God's ongoing work?
A Prophet's Recurring Role
The New Testament introduces us to prophets who were vital to the early church. Agabus is one such figure. We first meet him in Acts chapter 11, where he accurately predicted a widespread famine during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Now, in Acts 21, Agabus reappears. This signifies that God's prophetic voice wasn't a one-off event; it continued to speak through chosen individuals in the church. His presence here is not random but part of God's plan to prepare Paul and his companions for what lies ahead.
Agabus delivers a stark prophecy about Paul's future. Why would God reveal hardship instead of preventing it?
Forewarning for Fortitude
When Agabus arrives, he doesn't just announce bad news; he dramatically illustrates it by binding Paul's hands and feet with Paul's own belt, declaring that this is what the Holy Spirit says will happen to the owner of the belt in Jerusalem.
This isn't about stopping Paul. The commentaries suggest that Agabus, like other prophets, used symbolic actions to make his message unforgettable and to underscore its divine origin. The purpose of such prophecy wasn't to prevent God's will from unfolding, but to prepare believers, especially Paul, for the trials ahead. It’s a way of saying, 'This is coming, so be strengthened and ready.'
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Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
A person who speaks under the direct inspiration of God; one who communicates God’s will, purpose, or future plans to the community of faith, holding a revelatory office or gift in the early church.
Agabus, a recognized prophet, previously foretold a famine around AD 44. His later warning to Paul in Caesarea about his impending capture in Jerusalem draws upon this established prophetic authority, framing Paul's suffering as divinely ordained.
c. AD 44
Agabus Predicts Famine
The prophet Agabus accurately foretold a widespread famine that would affect the Roman world during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
c. AD 44
Famine Strikes Roman World
The famine Agabus predicted occurs, prompting the church in Antioch to send relief to the believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul embarks on his extensive third missionary journey, strengthening churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece.
c. AD 57
Paul Returns to Jerusalem
After his third journey, Paul decides to travel to Jerusalem, bringing contributions for the poor believers there.
c. AD 57— this verse
Agabus Warns Paul
The prophet Agabus, recognizing Paul's imminent danger, dramatically binds himself with Paul's belt and predicts his capture in Jerusalem.
c. AD 57
Paul Persists Despite Warnings
Despite the tearful pleas of his companions and Agabus's prophecy, Paul resolves to go to Jerusalem, seeing it as God's will.
This verse introduces Agabus for the first time, showing him accurately predicting a famine through the Holy Spirit, establishing his prophetic credibility and setting a pattern for divine communication.
Jeremiah 13:1-11This passage mirrors Agabus's prophetic method by using a symbolic action (hiding a linen waistband) to illustrate a future judgment, demonstrating that such tangible prophecies were a recognized practice in Scripture.
1 Corinthians 14:3Paul's instruction on spiritual gifts highlights that prophecy is given for strengthening, encouraging, and comforting others, which aligns with Agabus's role in preparing Paul for his upcoming trials.
Romans 8:28This verse reminds us that God orchestrates all things for good for those who love Him, providing a theological framework for understanding how even Agabus's warning of suffering fits into God's sovereign plan for Paul.
Acts 20:22-23These verses reveal that Paul was already aware through the Spirit that imprisonment and suffering awaited him in Jerusalem, underscoring that Agabus's prophecy was a confirmation and preparation, not a deterrent.
barnesActs 21:10: "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus."
There came down - See the notes on Acts 15:1 . Named Agabus - See the notes on Acts 11:28.
clarkeActs 21:10: "And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus."
Agabus - See the note on Acts 11:28 .
The text subtly suggests that "many days" in Caesarea might be a bit of an overstatement. The timing of Paul's desire to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, and the subsequent events, imply a shorter stay, perhaps just enough for news to travel and for Agabus to arrive.
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there for some time, a well-known prophet named Agabus, who had previously predicted a famine, arrives from Judea. Agabus's dramatic prophecy about Paul's future arrest in Jerusalem causes the disciples and Paul's travel companions to plead with him not to go.
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there for some time, a well-known prophet named Agabus, who had previously predicted a famine, arrives from Judea. Agabus's dramatic prophecy about Paul's future arrest in Jerusalem causes the disciples and Paul's travel companions to plead with him not to go.
"While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea." — The text subtly suggests that "many days" in Caesarea might be a bit of an overstatement. The timing of Paul's desire to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, and the subsequent events, imply a shorter stay…
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Last reviewed October 2026