Agabus isn’t a well-known name in the Bible, but he played an important role in the early church. He was a prophet who delivered serious messages that impacted the direction of God’s people. Agabus appears in the Book of Acts, and his words carried great weight among believers.
Here are 10 interesting facts about Agabus, along with Bible verse references.
1. Agabus Was a Prophet
Agabus is one of the few people in the New Testament clearly called a prophet. The early church respected him as someone who spoke for God.
Acts 11:27-28 (NIV)
“During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.”
2. He Predicted a Great Famine
Agabus warned the church about a famine that would hit the Roman Empire. This famine came during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Acts 11:28 (NIV)
“The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.”
His prophecy helped the church prepare ahead of time, showing that God was guiding His people through Agabus.
3. His Prophecies Were Spirit-Led
Agabus didn’t guess or assume the future—he spoke by the Holy Spirit. His words were confirmed by actual events, proving he was a true prophet.
2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
4. He Was Active in Antioch and Judea
Agabus traveled to where the believers were gathered. He wasn’t tied to one place—he went where the message was needed.
Acts 11:27
“Some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.”
His ministry had a wide reach and connected different parts of the early church.
5. He Gave a Dramatized Prophecy
Agabus once gave a visual prophecy using Paul’s belt. He tied his own hands and feet to show how Paul would be bound by the Jews.
Acts 21:11 (NIV)
“He took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, ‘The Holy Spirit says, “In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.”’”
6. His Warning Didn’t Stop Paul
Even though Agabus warned Paul of danger, Paul was still ready to suffer for Christ. Agabus’s role wasn’t to control Paul, but to prepare him.
Acts 21:13 (NIV)
“Then Paul answered, ‘Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”
7. He Is Not to Be Confused With Other Biblical Characters
Agabus is a unique figure in Scripture. He is not the same as Barnabas, Ananias, or other early church leaders. He only appears in Acts, but his impact is memorable.
| Biblical Character | Role | Confused With Agabus? |
|---|---|---|
| Barnabas | Encourager, missionary | Sometimes mistaken due to similar names |
| Ananias (Acts 9) | Healed Paul’s sight | No relation to Agabus |
| Agabus | Prophet | Unique and distinct |
8. He Is a Model of Courage
Agabus gave hard messages. Warning of famine and Paul’s imprisonment wasn’t easy, but he obeyed God. He showed that prophets must speak the truth, even when it’s difficult.
Jeremiah 1:7 (NIV)
“You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.”
9. His Name Means “Locust”
The name Agabus may come from a root word that means “locust.” In the Bible, locusts often symbolize judgment. This fits with the serious warnings Agabus delivered.
Joel 1:4 (NIV)
“What the locust swarm has left the great locusts have eaten.”
While the connection may not be intentional, it’s a symbolic link worth noting.
10. His Prophetic Words Strengthened the Church
Both of Agabus’s prophecies led to action. The church sent aid to Judea during the famine. Paul prepared himself for hardship. Agabus helped God’s people grow stronger in faith.
1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV)
“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
