The answer is: Prophet

Acts 21:10

Agabus is a fascinating figure in the Bible and serves as a perfect illustration of how deeply intertwined prophecy and divine guidance are in the early Christian church. This man pops up in Acts 21, where he delivers a dramatic prophecy—warning the Apostle Paul about what was to come in Jerusalem. It’s intriguing how his prediction involved binding Paul’s hands and feet with a belt to symbolize the suffering that awaited him, drawing everyone’s attention to the intensity of the situation.

What makes Agabus particularly interesting is that he's one of the only prophets mentioned by name in the New Testament, aside from the bold emphasis on prophetic activity throughout the earlier Jewish traditions. He really embodies the role of a messenger, echoing that duty laid out in Amos 3:7, which proclaims that the Lord does nothing without revealing His secrets to His prophets.

Moreover, this was during a tumultuous time as early Christians faced persecution — with prophecy often serving as comfort or a warning amidst such crises. Trivia note: Did you know that in ancient Israel, prophetic acts were sometimes very dramatic to signify important messages? Agabus’ actions struck a chord with the early believers, reminding them of the gravity of their faith and opportunities for endurance.

Isn’t it striking how prophets in the Bible often carved out a unique—and sometimes risky—path compared to the more structured roles we might see today? Agabus’ story serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of faith and courage woven throughout Scripture.