Acts 11

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

What does Acts 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 11:28 describes a prophetic revelation received by a Christian prophet named Agabus. He predicts through the Holy Spirit that a severe famine will affect the entire Roman world.

This verse highlights the role of prophets within the early Christian communities as conduits of God's messages, often involving forewarnings of future events.

The prophecy is said to have been fulfilled during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius, thus providing a certain validation of Agabus's prophetic gift and reinforcing the credibility of the Christian faith.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is set in the First Century AD and is the fifth book of the New Testament.

It focuses on the early days of the Christian church and its expansion.

The famine Agabus predicted likely refers to a series of food shortages that struck various parts of the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD).

These famines were documented by several historical sources, including the Roman historians Tacitus and Suetonius.

Theological Insights

This verse encapsulates several theological insights:

It demonstrates that prophecy was an active spiritual gift in the early Church.
The fulfillment of the prophecy would serve to confirm the authority of Christian prophets and the reliability of their messages.
By predicting this event through the Holy Spirit, the narrative connects the Christian faith to divine foreknowledge and oversight of human history.

Practical Applications

From a contemporary Christian viewpoint, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of community and preparation.

The early church's response to the prophecy was one of practical support and solidarity.

Believers today might take this as an example to plan and assist those in need, both within their communities and beyond, in the face of predicted hardships.

Cross-References

Acts 21:10-11 - Another instance of Agabus prophesying about the Apostle Paul's future.
Genesis 41:25-32 - Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, predicting seven years of famine.
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Paul discusses the generosity of the Macedonian churches, possibly related to relief efforts during this famine.

Language Study

In the original Greek, key words in this verse are:

"Agabus" (Ἅγαβος), likely of Hebrew origin, which may mean "locust."
"Signified" (σημαίνω), implying to give a sign or an indication of something.
"Dearth" (λιμός), meaning famine or a scarcity of food.
"Throughout all the world" (καθ' ὅλην τὴν οἰκουμένην), likely referring to the Roman Empire, known as the "oikoumene" or the inhabited world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Famine predictions are common in various religious and mythological traditions.

The biblical Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis parallels Agabus's prophecy in forecasting a widespread famine.

Such prophecies often serve to establish the authority and divine connection of the prophet within a cultural narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, famines can often be attributed to a range of causes including climate variations, crop failures, political instability, and economic factors.

Understanding these can contribute to a historical analysis of the events described in Acts and how they fit into the broader environmental and geopolitical contexts of the period.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have various interpretations of Acts 11:28:

Some view Agabus as one of the New Testament's recognized prophets who played a crucial role in guiding the early churches.
Regarding the famine, scholars correlate the Acts account with extra-biblical historical records of famines during Claudius's reign, acknowledging Luke's historical accuracy.
Others discuss the church's response, highlighting it as an exemplary model for Christian charity and action in response to a prophesied crisis.

Acts 11

Acts 11

What does Acts 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 11:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?