King James Version

What Does Acts 11:28 Mean?

Acts 11:28 in the King James Version says “And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout al... — study this verse from Acts chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 11:28 · KJV


Context

26

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. with: or, in the church

27

And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

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.

29

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

30

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Agabus's prophecy and its fulfillment demonstrate continuing prophetic ministry while establishing historical context for church's relief efforts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Agabus (reappears in Acts 21:10) exercised New Testament prophetic ministry. Great dearth (famine) occurred approximately 46-48 CE during Claudius's reign (41-54 CE). Historical sources (Josephus, Tacitus, Suetonius) confirm multiple famines during this period. Throughout all world means Roman Empire. The fulfilled prophecy validated Agabus's gift while prompting church's charitable response across ethnic lines—Gentile Christians helping Jewish believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does New Testament prophecy function in church life?
  2. What role does fulfilled prophecy play in validating spiritual gifts?
  3. In what ways should prophetic warnings prompt practical preparation?
  4. How does cross-ethnic charity demonstrate gospel's reconciling power?
  5. What distinguishes genuine prophecy from false predictions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ἀναστὰς1 of 25

there stood up

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἷς3 of 25

one

G1520

one

ἐξ4 of 25

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν5 of 25

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὀνόματι6 of 25

named

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

Ἄγαβος,7 of 25

Agabus

G13

agabus, an israelite

ἐσήμανεν8 of 25

and signified

G4591

to indicate

διὰ9 of 25

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ10 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματος11 of 25

the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

λιμὸν12 of 25

dearth

G3042

a scarcity of food

μέγαν13 of 25

great

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

μέλλειν14 of 25

that there should be

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἔσεσθαι15 of 25
G2071

will be

ἐπὶ16 of 25

in the days of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὅλην17 of 25

all

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν18 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκουμένην19 of 25

the world

G3625

land, i.e., the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the roman empire

ὅστις20 of 25

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

καὶ21 of 25
G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγένετο22 of 25

came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἐπὶ23 of 25

in the days of

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

Κλαυδίου24 of 25

Claudius

G2804

claudius, the name of two romans

Καίσαρος25 of 25

Caesar

G2541

caesar, a title of the roman emperor


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 11:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 11:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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