Ἄγαβος – Pronunciation Guide: ah-GAH-bos (emphasis on second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G13: Agabus was a respected Christian prophet in the early church who appears twice in the book of Acts, known for delivering specific prophetic messages about future events, particularly concerning a widespread famine and the apostle Paul’s fate in Jerusalem.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• Origin: Possibly Hebrew/Aramaic roots
• Etymology: Likely derived from Hebrew חָגָב (hagab) meaning “locust”

Morphology:

• Nominative: Ἄγαβος (Agabos) – The prophet
• Genitive: Ἀγάβου (Agabou) – Of Agabus
• Dative: Ἀγάβῳ (Agabō) – To/for Agabus
• Accusative: Ἄγαβον (Agabon) – Direct object form

Word Origin & History

The name Agabus appears to have Semitic origins, possibly derived from the Hebrew word for locust. This connection is particularly interesting given the prophetic nature of his ministry, as locusts often served as powerful symbols in biblical prophecy, particularly in the Old Testament prophetic literature.

The name’s etymology might also suggest a connection to the concept of abundance or plague, both themes that emerge in his recorded prophecies. While not a common name in the ancient world, its unique character adds to the distinctive nature of this early Christian prophet.

Biblical Usage

Agabus appears at two crucial junctures in the book of Acts. His first appearance comes in Acts 11:27-28, where he prophesies a severe famine that would affect the entire Roman world. This prophecy led to one of the first recorded instances of organized Christian charitable giving between churches.

His second and more dramatic appearance occurs in Acts 21:10-11, where he delivers a vivid symbolic prophecy about Paul’s impending imprisonment in Jerusalem.

Key Passages:

• Acts 11:27-28 – Prophecy of the great famine
• Acts 21:10-11 – Symbolic prophecy of Paul’s imprisonment

Cultural Insights

Agabus’s prophetic style, particularly his use of symbolic actions in Acts 21, reflects the dramatic tradition of Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. His taking of Paul’s belt and binding his own hands and feet would have immediately resonated with Jewish Christians familiar with similar prophetic demonstrations in their scriptural tradition.

Theological Significance

Agabus represents the continuation of the prophetic tradition into the New Testament church, demonstrating that the gift of prophecy remained active after Pentecost. His ministry validates the New Testament teaching about spiritual gifts and their role in building up the body of Christ.

His appearances in Acts also highlight the sovereignty of God in directing His church through prophetic revelation, particularly in times of crisis or significant transition. The accuracy of his predictions reinforces the reliability of genuine prophetic ministry in the early church.

Personal Application

Agabus’s ministry reminds us that God still speaks to His church through various means, including prophetic gifts. However, it’s crucial to note that his prophecies were specific, verifiable, and aligned with existing Scripture. This provides a model for evaluating prophetic claims today.

Related Words

• προφήτης (prophētēs) – prophet – See G4396
• προφητεύω (prophēteuō) – to prophesy – See G4395
• πνεῦμα (pneuma) – spirit – See G4151

Did you Know?

• Agabus is one of only a few named prophets in the New Testament church
• His prophecy about the famine was fulfilled during the reign of Emperor Claudius (AD 41-54)
• He demonstrated remarkable accuracy in both recorded prophecies, with specific details that came to pass exactly as predicted

Remember This

“Agabus stands as a testament to God’s continued guidance of His church through Spirit-empowered prophecy, combining both warning and wisdom for the building up of the body of Christ.”