We had been there for several days is a transition from the preceding statements concerning Philip to the introduction of the prophet Agabus.

For Agabus see 11.28. Nothing more is known about him other than what is mentioned there and in this verse. Although, in reference to Agabus, the term “prophet” certainly would seem to imply foretelling the future, it is important to avoid a term which simply would suggest “diviner” or “fortuneteller.” One can probably most legitimately employ for “prophet” in this context the same type of expression as is used in many other places in the New Testament, namely, “one who spoke on behalf of God.” (See 15.15.)

As far as the Roman administration was concerned, Caesarea was the capital of the province of Judea; however, since Caesarea was a Gentile city, it was not considered by the Jews as a part of their country in the popular sense of the word. It is quite likely, as some commentators point out, that Luke at this point equates Judea with the city of Jerusalem.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .