And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. (28) And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29) Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: (30) Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The Prophets here spoken of, according to the original word made use of to call them by, were men divinely warned. Probably they were certain eminent disciples, who though not called to the Apostolic office, yet acted under them in the ministry of the word. We read of different orders in the Church, 1 Corinthians 12:28. And in relation to the purport of their prophecy, in the expectation of dearth; this seems to have been in great grace and mercy, given them from the Lord. Many such things have taken place from the watchful care of the Lord, in various ages, even down to modern times of the Church. And it is a truth which ought to be always kept in view: the Lord is as much a God of providence, as He is the God of grace, to his people. That sweet promise, concerning the Spirit of truth, shewing his Church things to come; may be, and ought to be, applied to all cases of his redeemed, in all their warfare, John 16:13. This famine gave occasion for the exercise of the love, and alms-giving of the Church. Thus the Lord overrules circumstances of seeming evil to real good; and in the diversities of character, and station, affords opportunity for calling into exercise, the various graces of the Holy Spirit.