In those daysThis phrase situates the events within the early years of the Christian church, a time of rapid growth and expansion following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. It reflects a period when the Holy Spirit was actively guiding the apostles and early believers in spreading the Gospel.
some prophets
Prophets in the early church were individuals endowed with the gift of prophecy, a spiritual gift mentioned in1 Corinthians 12:10. They played a crucial role in guiding and edifying the church, often providing divine insight and revelation. The presence of prophets indicates the active work of the Holy Spirit in the early church, as seen inEphesians 4:11, where prophets are listed among the gifts given to the church.
came down from Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the center of the early Christian church and the location of the first church council (Acts 15). The phrase "came down" reflects the geographical reality that Jerusalem is situated on a hill, and travel from there to other locations was often described as "going down." Jerusalem held significant spiritual and historical importance as the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected, and where the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost (Acts 2).
to Antioch
Antioch was a major city in ancient Syria and became a significant center for early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). The church in Antioch was known for its diversity and missionary zeal, serving as a launching point for Paul's missionary journeys. The city's strategic location and diverse population made it an ideal place for the spread of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ProphetsIndividuals endowed with the gift of prophecy, a spiritual gift mentioned in the New Testament, who were instrumental in guiding the early church.
2.
JerusalemThe central hub of early Christianity and the location of the first church council. It was the starting point for many missionary journeys and a place of significant spiritual authority.
3.
AntiochA major city in ancient Syria, known for being a vibrant center of early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called "Christians" (
Acts 11:26).
4.
AgabusAlthough not mentioned directly in this verse, he is one of the prophets who came to Antioch and is later noted for predicting a severe famine (
Acts 11:28).
5.
FamineThe event predicted by Agabus, which had significant implications for the early church, prompting a relief effort from the believers in Antioch to those in Judea.
Teaching Points
The Role of Prophets in the ChurchProphets were vital in the early church for guidance and revelation. Their presence in Antioch underscores the importance of spiritual gifts in church leadership and decision-making.
The Importance of Spiritual CentersAntioch serves as a model for modern churches as a hub of teaching, prophecy, and mission work. Churches today can learn from Antioch's example of being a center for spiritual growth and outreach.
Responding to Prophetic MessagesThe church's response to Agabus's prophecy about the famine demonstrates the importance of taking prophetic messages seriously and acting in faith and charity.
Unity and Support Among BelieversThe relief effort from Antioch to Judea illustrates the early church's commitment to unity and mutual support, a principle that remains crucial for the global church today.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 11:27?
2.How does Acts 11:27 illustrate the role of prophets in the early church?
3.What can we learn from the prophets' actions in Acts 11:27 for today?
4.How does Acts 11:27 connect with Old Testament prophecy fulfillment?
5.How should we respond to prophetic messages in our current Christian communities?
6.What does Acts 11:27 teach about God's provision and guidance through prophecy?
7.What role do prophets play in the New Testament, as seen in Acts 11:27?
8.How does Acts 11:27 support the concept of divine revelation in Christianity?
9.Why were prophets sent from Jerusalem to Antioch according to Acts 11:27?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 11?
11.Could the historical and cultural context behind Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 9 undermine its universal application today?
12.Who was Agabus in the Bible?
13.What defines the Global Church?
14.Do apostles and prophets exist in today's church?What Does Acts 11:27 Mean
In those days- Acts anchors this moment in real history, just as it does with the census ofLuke 2:2 or the famine ofActs 11:28.
- By saying “those days,” Luke links the arrival of the prophets to the gospel’s spread described inActs 11:19-26, where “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
-Galatians 4:4 reminds us that God’s timetable is perfect; every movement—including this prophetic visit—unfolds “when the time had fully come.”
some prophets- Prophets were already active in the church (Acts 13:1;1 Corinthians 12:28). They spoke forth God’s word and sometimes foretold future events, as Agabus will do in the next verse.
-Ephesians 4:11 lists prophets alongside apostles, pastors, teachers, and evangelists—gifts Christ gives “to equip the saints.” Their presence in Antioch underscores God’s ongoing care for this young congregation.
- The plural “some” shows that the prophetic ministry was not isolated to one star figure; God distributed gifts broadly (1 Corinthians 14:29-31).
came down- Luke’s phrase is literal: Jerusalem sits on higher terrain than Antioch. Travelers always “go down” from Jerusalem (Luke 10:30).
- Spiritually, the movement suggests purposeful mission. Like Philip “went down to Samaria and proclaimed Christ” (Acts 8:5), these prophets leave their familiar base to serve others.
-Romans 10:15 echoes the beauty of such steps: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
from Jerusalem- Jerusalem is the church’s birthplace (Acts 2). Teaching that originates there carries apostolic weight (Acts 15:2).
-Isaiah 2:3 foresaw that “the law will go out from Zion,” and Acts shows that happening; leaving Jerusalem, prophets spread the Word to Gentile regions.
- Their departure also fulfillsActs 1:8, Jesus’ command to be witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
to Antioch- Antioch had become a vibrant, multi-ethnic center for the gospel (Acts 11:20-21).
- Sending prophets there demonstrates God’s investment in grounding new believers solidly in truth (Colossians 2:6-7).
- Antioch will soon launch Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3), so this prophetic visit strengthens a church poised for global impact.
summaryActs 11:27 shows God orchestrating timely, authoritative ministry. During a strategic season, He dispatches multiple prophets from the Jerusalem mother church to Antioch, a burgeoning mission hub. Their journey testifies to the unity of the body, the reliability of prophetic gifting, and the steady advance of the gospel from its Jerusalem roots to the wider world, exactly as Jesus promised.
(27)
Came prophets from Jerusalem.--The mission thus described was obviously a further sanction given by the Church at Jerusalem to the work that Saul and Barnabas were carrying on at Antioch. If we adopt the view suggested in the Note on
Luke 10:1, that the Seventy were the representatives of the prophetic order, and were symbolically significant of the conversion of the Gentiles, it will seem probable that those who now came to Antioch belonged to that body, and rejoiced in what they found there as fulfilling the idea of their own commission.
Verse 27. -
Now for
and, A.V.;
there came down for
came, A.V. (see
Acts 18:22).
Prophets; a recognized order in the Church at that time (
Acts 2:17, 18`13:1; 20:23; 21:9, 10;
1 Corinthians 12:28, 29;
Ephesians 4:11). The news of the accession of the Gentiles to the Church of Antioch would naturally lead to such prophets being either sent by the Church of Jerusalem or coming of their own accord.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
InἘν(En)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.thoseταύταις(tautais)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.daysἡμέραις(hēmerais)Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2250:A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.[some] prophetsπροφῆται(prophētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4396:From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.came downκατῆλθον(katēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2718:From kata and erchomai; to come down.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.JerusalemἹεροσολύμων(Hierosolymōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414:The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolymatoεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.Antioch.Ἀντιόχειαν(Antiocheian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 490:From Antiochus; Antiochia, a place in Syria.
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NT Apostles: Acts 11:27 Now in these days prophets came down (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
