Acts 11:27-30 27Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28And standing up, one of them named Agabus indicated by the Spirit that a great famine was about to happen over all the world, which happened during Claudius. 29So the disciples determined, just as each one prospered, to send assistance to the brothers living in Judea. 30And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
The next short story illustrates how God was moving in the church in Antioch and one of the reasons they were called Christians. The church had become well known, so much so that prophets came from Jerusalem to participate in the ministry there. Prophecy was an important part of early church life. Peter’s sermon on Pentecost in 2:17-21 pointed out the fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 and how the Holy Spirit would enable young and old, males and females to prophecy. Early Christian prophecy focused on the proclamation of the good news of Jesus, especially to outsiders (see 1 Corinthians 14). Some prophecy was predictive, as this story illustrates.
In this case, a prophet named Agabus predicted a worldwide famine. Such a famine did take place during the reign of the emperor Claudius between A.D. 46-48. It affected much of the Roman Empire, including Judea. The difference between human imagination and genuine prophecy is the filling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Agabus was attuned to the Spirit’s leadership and was able to discern and warn about the famine. The Spirit gives specific directions in many places in Acts.
The reason for this story comes in verses 29-30. When this prophecy became known to the Christians in Antioch, they took it upon themselves to take up a freewill offering to help the believers in Judea, where the famine would be severe. Four qualities stand out about this offering. First, they made a decision about what to do. Instead of ignoring the prophecy or treating it as someone’s imagination, they recognized God’s voice through Agabus.
Second, each person gave according to his or her ability. Not everyone has great finances or wealth. Even those who have little can give. What matters is the attitude of the heart. These believers felt strong compassion for others in need and gave from what little or much they had.
Third, they sent what was needed most to help with the famine. The word assistance, offering, relief, or help (diakonian) is often translated in the New Testament as “ministry.” This church extended their ministry to Judea through their offering.
Fourth, they sent reliable people whom they could hold accountable for getting the assistance to where it was needed. They sent their pastors and leaders, Barnabas and Saul, to take this important, and likely large offering to Judea to help.
The church in Antioch provides a good model of compassion. Their vision was not stuck on themselves or even their immediate community but was global. The collective effort of believers joined together can make a big difference in the world.
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