Acts - A Famine is Declared

We learned that the first followers of the way were called Christians

Barnabas and Saul are teaching in Antioch

Now, we are going to have this little passage that seemingly comes out of nowhere…

Acts 11:27–28 NRSVue

At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world, and this took place during the reign of Claudius.

Couple of things to consider:

We have prophets during the New Testament, but not like a biblical prophet

A specific time is given

Over all the world (specifically the whole, entire inhabited world, excluding the underworld or heavenly realm)

We are going to explore these in reverse order:

Over all the world

Does this mean India? Japan? Northern Europe? The Americas?

Probably not. It refers to the known world for the biblical authors

But, it was a widespread area

During the reign of Claudius (Ruled 44-54 CE)

Historical records beyond scripture note crop failures across the Roman Empire

Severe flooding in Judea during 46-48 CE

Drove up grain prices and created a genuine hardship

This was likely a specific one in 46 CE (~10-15 years after Christ)

It is recorded by the historian Josephus (multiple ones between 44-49 CE)

Under Claudius, the lowest Nile flood ever noted occurred creating a severe famine

What did biblical prophets tend to announce with a famine?

In the Hebrew scriptures, famines are often associated with national judgment against the people

In other ANE religious thought, famines are associated with angry gods, also against human transgressions

Other times it is just capricious

In Rome…

Disasters were breaches in the relationship with the gods

Neglect of religious ceremonies, etc.

To restore it

Rites, prayers, vows, gifts, and public supplications

To blame…

During the second century, Romans blamed Christians for incurring divine wrath through their refusal to participate in traditional religious practices

For Hebrews and Romans…

God is bringing judgment

And what is changing…

Christians are expanding across the empire since Passover

It’s been happening for at least a decade

You can imagine the potential confusion among the religious

But, there is an important question…

What is a person faithful to God to do during a famine?

Do you abide by the judgment of God and let people suffer as they deserve?

Or do you help the people suffering because of God’s judgment

Acts 11:29–30 NRSVue

The disciples determined that, according to their ability, each would send relief to the brothers and sisters living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Queen Helena of Adiabene, a wealthy Jewish convert settled in Jerusalem, brought wheat from Egypt and figs from Cyprus to distribute to the hungry during the famine

What is interesting about her is the reminder of the Widow of Zarephath with Elijah

Her generosity to Elijah was rewarded with a jar of flour that did not empty

The biggest famine story in scripture is that of Joseph

7 good years of high harvest production, where the people were taxed their grain

7 bad years of famine where the people had to purchase grain which was taxed from them

By the time it is done…Pharaoh owns every piece of property and every Egyptian is enslaved to Pharaoh

I posit this is here to show us the way God wants his people to respond

Each gives as they are able

Acts - A Famine is Declared