Acts 21:10-11
While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text specifies "many days" during their stay, but commentators note the Greek implies a longer than usual or unexpectedly extended time, suggesting Paul's journey was quicker than anticipated, leaving ample room for this significant encounter. Agabus, the prophet from Antioch years earlier, reappears, emphasizing a divine orchestration of events and a continuity in God's prophetic guidance.
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there, a prophet named Agabus, whom Paul had met years earlier in Antioch, arrives from Judea. Agabus uses a dramatic prophetic sign to foretell that Paul will be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles when he visits Jerusalem.
A prophet named Agabus arrives, and he's not a stranger. He has a history with the early church and a specific, dramatic message for Paul.
Agabus is a significant figure in the early church, appearing earlier in Acts (Acts 11:28). There, he accurately predicted a widespread famine during the reign of Emperor Claudius. This established his credibility as a genuine prophet.
Now, he appears again in Caesarea. The text notes Paul and his companions "tarried there many days" before Agabus arrived. This delay in Paul's journey might have been divine providence, allowing time for Agabus to come with his crucial message. The context suggests Agabus came specifically to deliver a warning to Paul, based on events unfolding in Jerusalem.
Agabus doesn't just speak; he acts. His dramatic demonstration vividly portrays the future awaiting Paul, demanding a response.
The prophecy Agabus delivers goes beyond mere words. He takes Paul's own belt and uses it to bind his hands and feet (Acts 21:11). This powerful, symbolic action mirrors the way Old Testament prophets often acted out their messages to make them unforgettable and deeply impactful.
This wasn't just a passive prediction; it was an active demonstration. Agabus is acting as an instrument, not just reporting what the Holy Spirit says, but embodying the message. This visual and physical prophecy makes the danger Paul faces incredibly real and personal.
Paul receives a stark warning about his future, yet his response reveals an unwavering commitment to God's will, even in suffering.
The prophecy from Agabus is clear: Paul will be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles. This is a direct warning of imprisonment and danger.
However, Paul's reaction is not one of fear or evasion. Instead, he is moved by the tears and pleas of his companions who want to protect him. He asks, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 21:13).
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.
Pneuma Hagion · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, who inspired the prophets, indwells believers, and guides the Church in truth and mission. In this context, He functions as the prophetic voice revealing future events to God's people.
ethnos · Greek Noun
A designation for the non-Jewish nations of the world; in this context, it refers specifically to the Roman imperial authorities who controlled Jerusalem.
Agabus, previously known for predicting a famine, reappears years later to warn Paul of his impending capture. This second prophecy, delivered with dramatic symbolism, underscores the danger Paul faced and highlights his unwavering commitment to God's will, even when it meant suffering.
c. AD 44
Agabus predicts famine
The prophet Agabus accurately foretells a widespread famine throughout the Roman world. This event leads to the church in Antioch collecting aid for believers in Judea.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's journey to Jerusalem
Paul is on his third missionary journey, concluding his work in Greece and heading towards Jerusalem with a collection for the poor saints there.
c. AD 56— this verse
Agabus predicts Paul's capture
While Paul and his companions are staying in Caesarea, the prophet Agabus arrives and dramatically foretells Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, binding his own feet and hands with Paul's belt.
c. AD 56
Paul's resolve to go to Jerusalem
Despite the dire prophecy and the tearful pleas of his friends and the believers in Caesarea, Paul is determined to go to Jerusalem, ready to face imprisonment and even death for the Lord Jesus.
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 specifies "many days" during their stay, but commentators note the Greek implies a longer than usual or unexpectedly extended time, suggesting Paul's journey was quicker than anticipated, leaving ample room for this significant encounter. Agabus, the prophet from Antioch years earlier, reappears, emphasizing a divine orchestration of events and a continuity in God's prophetic guidance.
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there, a prophet named Agabus, whom Paul had met years earlier in Antioch, arrives from Judea. Agabus uses a dramatic prophetic sign to foretell that Paul will be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles when he visits Jerusalem.
Paul and his companions have arrived in Caesarea and are staying with Philip the evangelist. While they are there, a prophet named Agabus, whom Paul had met years earlier in Antioch, arrives from Judea. Agabus uses a dramatic prophetic sign to foretell that Paul will be arrested and handed over to the Gentiles when he visits Jerusalem.
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This demonstrates Paul's incredible faith and courage. He understands that suffering and even death are part of God's plan for him and for the spread of the gospel. His readiness to face these trials shows a profound trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, even when the path ahead is painful.
c. AD 56
Paul arrives in Jerusalem
Paul and his companions finally arrive in Jerusalem, where they are warmly welcomed by the brethren but soon face escalating tension and opposition.
c. AD 56
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem
False accusations lead to Paul being seized by a mob in the temple and subsequently arrested by the Roman guards to prevent him from being killed.
"While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the…" — The text specifies "many days" during their stay, but commentators note the Greek implies a longer than usual or unexpectedly extended time, suggesting Paul's journey was quicker than anticipated…
