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Agabus does not correctly prophesy to Paul. He tells Paul the Jews will bind him and turn him
over to the Romans. However, it is the Jews who tried to kill Paul, and the Romans rescue him
(verses 27-33).

The New Testament prophets are not like those of the Old Testament. They are not stoned for
missing the voice of the Holy Spirit. The anointing on the office of prophet was stronger in the
Old Testament than in the New. The Old Testament prophets wrote Scripture. The New
Testament prophets did not. The Old Testament prophet was replaced by the New Testament
apostle. This is why New Testament prophets were to be judged in church by the other
prophets (1 Corinthians 14:29-32).

21:11 The Issue of Personal Prophecy, PROPHECY. The Bible clearly allows for
personal prophecy. Nathan brought David a confrontive “word” from God (2
Samuel 12:13); Isaiah predicted Hezekiah’s death (Isaiah 38:1); and in this text
Agabus told Paul he faced trouble in Jerusalem. “Personal prophecy” refers to a
prophecy (“word”) the Holy Spirit may prompt one person to give another,
relating to personal matters. Many feel deep reservations about this operation
of the gift of prophecy because sometimes it is abused. True “words” may be
used to manipulate others, or they may be unwisely or hastily applied. This
passage reveals safeguards against abusive uses of personal prophecy, allowing
us to implement this biblical character. First, the “word” will usually not be new
to the mind of the person addressed, but it will confirm something God is
already dealing with him about. From acts 20:22-24 we know Paul was already
sensitive to the issue Agabus raised. Second, the character of the person bringing
the “word” ought to be weighed. Agabus’s credibility is related not to his claim
of having a “word,” but to his record as a trustworthy man of God used in the
exercise of this gift (11:28; 21:10). Third, remember that the prophecy, or
“word,” is not to be considered “controlling.” In other words, such prophecy
should never be perceived as dominating anyone’s free will. Christian living is
never cultish---governed by omens or the council of gurus. Paul did not change
his plans because of Agabus’s prophecy or because of the urging of others
(verses 12-14); he received the “word graciously but continued his plans
nonetheless. Fourth, all prophecy is “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), which means
that as true as that “part” may be, it does not give the whole picture. Agabus’s
“word” was true, and Paul was bound in Jerusalem. But this also occasioned an
opportunity to eventually minister in Rome (acts 23:11). Finally, in the light of a
“word,” we should prayerfully consider the word as Mary did the shepherds
report (Luke 2:19). A hasty response is never required: simply wait on God. We
should then move ahead with trust in God, as Hezekiah did. He had been told
that he would shortly die; but he prayed instead of merely surrendering to the
prophecy, and his life realized its intended length---and shortened by his