27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 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. 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Commentary
Vs. 27-28 27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 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.
Though Antioch was rapidly growing as a church, it was Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and certain brethren had remained. Now there are many reasons for this, not the least of which was loyalty to the Lord and each other, and the city and place that He had chosen to make His Name abide long ago. And so, this they did in the face of grave hostility from their native countrymen, from which they had now become alienated. That said, there was always an interchange of people coming from Jerusalem and going to Antioch and vice versa. And so, we read in these days that there were prophets who came from Jerusalem to Antioch (Vs. 27). Now one of them named Agabus who after coming to Antioch 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 (vs. 28). Thus the mans word was from the mouth of God because it happened.
Vs. 29-30 29 Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. 30 This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now when the disciples at Antioch heard of this, they each according to their ability determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea (vs. 29). Thus, their concern for their brethren in Jerusalem and Judea was not just lip service, but rather everyone whether they had a little or a lot determined in their own heart to support their brethren in need and to give to them as they were able. And so, they were living up to their designation as Christians, because no one who sees a brother or sister in need and shuts up their heart from them has the love of God abiding in them (1 John 3:17). Now in sending the relief to the elders at Jerusalem who were to distribute it, they sent it by the hands of Barnabas and Paul, the two men who had become most endeared and trusted to them, who were also known to those at Jerusalem, as they had already proven themselves worthy and capable of accomplishing such an important mission.
Scripture Quotations
New King James (1982):Thomas Nelson.
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