And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

ACTS 21:10KJV
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Acts 21:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:10 mean?

Acts 21:10 describes how, after Paul and his companions had stayed for many days in a certain place, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea to visit them. This verse sets the scene for an important encounter between Paul and Agabus, who is known for delivering messages from God.

In this part of the story, the author (Luke) is narrating what happened as Paul was traveling toward Jerusalem. The group had paused in the city of Caesarea, staying with Philip the evangelist. The arrival of Agabus, a recognized prophet, signals that something significant is about to be revealed, especially since Agabus had previously appeared in Acts as a messenger of prophecy.

The Greek behind Acts 21:10

  • The word προφήτης (prophētēs, "prophet") is used here, highlighting that Agabus was recognized as someone who spoke messages from God, which adds weight to what he is about to say.
  • The phrase κατέβη (katebē, "came down") is often used in the New Testament to describe travel from Jerusalem or Judea to other areas, reflecting the region’s higher elevation and its spiritual importance in the narrative.
  • The name Ἄγαβος (Agabos, "Agabus") is mentioned specifically, connecting this event to his earlier appearance in Acts 11:28, where he also delivered a prophetic message.

Why Acts 21:10 matters

  • This verse introduces Agabus, whose prophetic message in the following verses will play a key role in preparing Paul and his companions for what lies ahead in Jerusalem.
  • By noting that Agabus came from Judea, the verse connects the events in Caesarea to the spiritual center of the early church, emphasizing the seriousness of the message about to be delivered.
  • The mention of "many days" spent in Caesarea shows that Paul was not in a hurry, allowing time for significant encounters like this one, which would shape his understanding of what awaited him.

Where else these words appear

“Agabus” Greek G13 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 11:28 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.

“down” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

“tarried” Greek G1961 · used in 18 verses

  • John 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.

“Judaea” Greek G2449 · used in 44 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
  • Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.