Agabus
Agabus was an early Christian prophet from Syria mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He is best remembered for his prophetic pronouncements, including predicting a famine and warning Paul the Apostle of his impending arrest in Jerusalem. Traditionally, he is considered one of the Seventy Disciples.
- Feast Day
- 13 February
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Syria
Key Facts
- ›Agabus was a prophet from Syria and an early follower of Christianity.
- ›He predicted a severe famine during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
- ›Agabus warned Paul the Apostle of his capture in Jerusalem by binding himself with Paul's belt.
- ›He is traditionally believed to have been one of the seventy-two disciples commissioned to preach the gospel.
- ›According to tradition, he was martyred in Antioch by stoning.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on February 13 in the Catholic Church and March 8 by Eastern Christians.
Agabas
About Agabus
Agabus was an early Christian figure from Syria, prominently featured in the New Testament's Acts of the Apostles as a prophet. He is traditionally counted among the seventy disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, who were commissioned to spread the Christian message.
Biblical Accounts
The Book of Acts records two significant prophecies attributed to Agabus. In Acts 11:27-28, he is described as part of a group of prophets who traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. There, Agabus foretold a severe famine that would afflict the Roman world during the reign of Emperor Claudius.
Later, in Acts 21:10-12, Agabus encountered the Apostle Paul in Caesarea Maritima around AD 58. He prophesied Paul's impending arrest in Jerusalem, demonstrating this by binding his own hands and feet with Paul's belt. Agabus declared that the Jews in Jerusalem would bind the owner of the belt and hand him over to the Gentiles. Despite this warning, Paul was determined to continue his journey to Jerusalem.
Traditional Accounts and Veneration
Extrabiblical tradition suggests Agabus was a resident of Jerusalem and was present with the apostles on the day of Pentecost. He is said to have traveled to many countries, teaching and converting people. According to tradition, his evangelistic activities led to his arrest by the Jews of Jerusalem, who tortured him, placed a rope around his neck, and stoned him to death outside the city. Jesuit theologian Anthony Maas suggests he was martyred in Antioch.
Agabus is venerated in several Christian traditions. The Catholic Church observes his feast day on February 13, while Eastern Christians celebrate it on March 8. The name Agabus is believed to derive from the Aramaic word Ḥagab, meaning "Grasshopper."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Agabus?
Agabus was an early Christian prophet from Syria mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He is recognized for his prophetic gifts and his role as a follower of Jesus.
What is Agabus best known for?
He is chiefly remembered for two significant prophecies: predicting a widespread famine during the reign of Emperor Claudius, and warning Paul the Apostle about his impending arrest in Jerusalem by symbolically binding himself with Paul's belt.
What does Agabus' name mean?
The name Agabus is derived from the Aramaic word 'Ḥagab', meaning 'Grasshopper'. This may have been a nickname or a pseudonym.
What happened to Agabus according to tradition?
Tradition holds that Agabus traveled to many countries, teaching and converting people. He is said to have been arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem, severely beaten, and stoned to death outside the city, with some traditions stating he was martyred in Antioch.
When is Agabus' feast day celebrated?
The Catholic Church lists his feast day on February 13, while Eastern Christians celebrate it on March 8.
Related Saints
Anna the Prophetess
Anna the Prophetess was an elderly woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem. She is remembered for her devout worship and her acknowledgment of Jesus as the awaited redeemer of Jerusalem.
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was a Jewish preacher active in the early first century AD, revered as a major religious figure in Christianity, Islam, and other faiths. He is chiefly remembered as the precursor to Jesus, whom he baptized, and for his prophetic preaching and ascetic lifestyle.
Barnabas
Barnabas was a prominent Christian disciple, identified as an apostle, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle. He is remembered for his role in the early spread of Christianity, particularly among Gentiles, and for his participation in the Council of Jerusalem. Christian tradition holds him as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.