Acts 21:10
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιμενόντων
tarried
G1961
ἐπιμενόντων
tarried
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
ἡμέρας
days
G2250
ἡμέρας
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
πλείους
there many
G4119
πλείους
there many
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
5 of 13
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
κατῆλθέν
there came down
G2718
κατῆλθέν
there came down
Strong's:
G2718
Word #:
6 of 13
to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰουδαίας
Judaea
G2449
Ἰουδαίας
Judaea
Strong's:
G2449
Word #:
10 of 13
the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine
προφήτης
prophet
G4396
προφήτης
prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
11 of 13
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
Historical Context
Agabus had previously prophesied the famine during Claudius's reign (Acts 11:27-28). Prophets in the early church served as Spirit-inspired messengers who both predicted future events and exhorted believers toward faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God sometimes warn us of coming difficulties while still calling us forward?
- What role should prophetic warnings play in your decision-making process?
Analysis & Commentary
Agabus, previously mentioned in Acts 11:28, appears again with prophetic warning. His arrival 'from Judaea' brought intelligence about the Jerusalem situation and impending danger. God's repeated warnings through multiple prophets demonstrated His loving concern for Paul, even while Paul's apostolic calling required him to proceed despite the risks.