The early church had a cast of characters that teach us many important things. Some of them were great missionaries, some simple servants who cared for the neglected, and some were simple followers of Christ who were there to pray and seek the Lord together.
In this article we'll take a look at one of the men in the early church whose life gives us insight as to how the Holy Spirit works. His name is Agabus.
Who is Agabus?
The man named Agabus appears twice in the book of Acts, in Acts 11:27-28 and in Acts 21:10-11. In both instances he gave prophecies as he was a prophet from Jerusalem.
Some say that Agabus is probably one of the seventy disciples whom the Lord Jesus had sent out according to Luke 10:1-12. While we will delve into this, it is important for us to know that he is recognized as a prophet from Judea.
What did he do?
Agabus prophesied in the two instances he appears in the book of Acts.
In Acts 11:27-28, we read him prophesying about an upcoming famine.
"And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar."
By the Spirit's enabling, Agabus foretold that there is an upcoming famine that will affect everyone around the world. Because of this, the believers in Antioch were able to send help to the believes in Judea:
"Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul." (Acts 11:29-30)
In Acts 21:10-11, we read him prophesying the terrible things that will happen to the apostle Paul should he proceed to Jerusalem:
"And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'""
The believers, after hearing Agabus' words, sought to discourage Paul from proceeding, but he was bent on going all the more.
"Then Paul answered, "What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."" (Acts 21:13)
We later read in the book of Acts how Paul suffered persecution from the Jews, how he ended up in prison, and later, how he ended up in Rome.
What can we learn from him?
Agabus' short appearances give us proof of how the Holy Spirit works.
- First, we see that the Holy Spirit knows the future.
- Second, we see that the Holy Spirit reveals the future to prophets.
- Third, we see that when the Holy Spirit's message is received, it causes believers to respond.
- Fourth, not all prophetic utterances are pleasant to hear.
- Fifth, the Holy Spirit is very personal and works with people surrendered to God.
There are also a few more things we learn from Agabus:
- Prophets continued to exist after John the Baptist (contrary to what others claim).
- It takes boldness to speak bold declarations (especially unpleasant ones).
- Prophets are mere men who listen to the Spirit of God.
In closing
Friends, Agabus might have had a short appearance, but he's proof that the Lord is working among His people.
