Agabus

Saint Agabus (Greek: Ἄγαβος) or Saint Agabo was an early follower of Christianity mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a prophet. He is traditionally remembered as one of the Seventy Disciples described in Luke 10:1-24.

According to Acts 11:27-28, he was one of a group of prophets who came to Antioch from Jerusalem. While there he predicted a severe famine that the author says came under the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius; this is identified with events that happened in AD 45, which were mentioned by the non-Christian Roman writers Suetonius and Tacitus as well; according to Josephus, the famine was so bad in Jerusalem that many people died in that city.

Acts 21:10-12 records that many years later, in 58, Agabus met Paul of Tarsus at Caesarea Maritima and warned him of his coming capture; he bound his own hands and feet with Paul's belt to demonstrate what the Jews would do if he continued his journey to Jerusalem, though Paul would not be persuaded.

Agabus is revered as a saint in most branches of Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on February 13, while the Eastern Christianity celebrates it on March 8. According to tradition he died a martyr in Antioch.

References

• "Agabus" at the Catholic Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 10, 2006.