KJV: 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.
YLT: and one of them, by name Agabus, having stood up, did signify through the Spirit a great dearth is about to be throughout all the world -- which also came to pass in the time of Claudius Caesar --
Darby: and one from among them, by name Agabus, rose up and signified by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine over all the inhabited earth, which also came to pass under Claudius.
ASV: And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius.
| ἀναστὰς | Having risen up |
|
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: ἀναπηδάω Sense: to cause to rise up, raise up. |
|
| δὲ | now |
|
Parse: Conjunction Root: δέ Sense: but, moreover, and, etc. |
|
| εἷς | one |
|
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: εἷς Sense: one. |
|
| ὀνόματι | named |
|
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular Root: ὄνομα Sense: name: univ. |
|
| Ἅγαβος | Agabus |
|
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular Root: Ἅγαβος Sense: a Christian prophet. |
|
| ἐσήμανεν | he signified |
|
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular Root: σημαίνω Sense: to give a sign, to signify, indicate. |
|
| Πνεύματος | Spirit [that] |
|
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular Root: πνεῦμα Sense: a movement of air (a gentle blast. |
|
| λιμὸν | a famine |
|
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: λιμός Sense: scarcity of harvest, famine. |
|
| μεγάλην | great |
|
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: μέγας Sense: great. |
|
| μέλλειν | is about |
|
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active Root: μέλλω Sense: to be about. |
|
| ἔσεσθαι | to be |
|
Parse: Verb, Future Infinitive Middle Root: εἰμί Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. |
|
| ἐφ’ | over |
|
Parse: Preposition Root: ἐπί Sense: upon, on, at, by, before. |
|
| οἰκουμένην | world |
|
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: οἰκουμένη Sense: the inhabited earth. |
|
| ἐγένετο | came to pass |
|
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular Root: γίνομαι Sense: to become, i. |
|
| ἐπὶ | under |
|
Parse: Preposition Root: ἐπί Sense: upon, on, at, by, before. |
|
| Κλαυδίου | Claudius |
|
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: Κλαύδιος Sense: C. |
|
Greek Commentary for Acts 11:28
Imperfect active in Westcott and Hort, but aorist active εσημανεν esēmānen in the margin. The verb is an old one from σημα sēma Here Agabus (also in Acts 21:10) does predict a famine through the Holy Spirit. [source]
Μελλω Mellō occurs either with the present infinitive (Acts 16:27), the aorist infinitive (Acts 12:6), or the future as here and Acts 24:15; Acts 27:10. Over all the world (επ ολην την οικουμενην eph' holēn tēn oikoumenēn). Over all the inhabited earth (γην gēn understood). Probably a common hyperbole for the Roman empire as in Luke 2:1. Josephus (Ant. VIII. 13, 4) appears to restrict it to Palestine. In the days of Claudius He was Roman Emperor a.d. 41-44. The Roman writers (Suetonius, Dio Cassius, Tacitus) all tell of dearths (assiduae sterilitates) during the brief reign of Claudius who was preceded by Caligula and followed by Nero. [source]
Over all the inhabited earth Probably a common hyperbole for the Roman empire as in Luke 2:1. Josephus (Ant. VIII. 13, 4) appears to restrict it to Palestine. [source]
He was Roman Emperor a.d. 41-44. The Roman writers (Suetonius, Dio Cassius, Tacitus) all tell of dearths (assiduae sterilitates) during the brief reign of Claudius who was preceded by Caligula and followed by Nero. [source]
See on Luke 2:1. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 11:28
During the reign of Claudius, a.d. 41-54:, four famines are recorded: One at Rome, a.d. 41,42; one in Judaea, a.d. 44; one in Greece, a.d. 50; and again at Rome, a.d. 52, when the people rose in rebellion and threatened the life of the emperor. Tacitus says that it was accompanied by frequent earthquakes, which levelled houses. The famine in Judaea was probably the one prophesied by Agabus, Acts 11:28. Of the year 65 a.d., Tacitus says: “This year, disgraced by so many deeds of horror, was further distinguished by the gods with storms and sicknesses. Campania was devastated by a hurricane which overthrew buildings, trees, and the fruits of the soil in every direction, even to the gates of the city, within which a pestilence thinned all ranks of the population, with no atmospheric disturbance that the eye could trace. The houses were choked with dead, the roads with funerals: neither sex nor age escaped. Slaves and freemen perished equally amid the wailings of their wives and children, who were often hurried to the pyre by which they had sat in tears, and consumed together with them. The deaths of knights and senators, promiscuous as they were, deserved the less to be lamented, inasmuch as, falling by the common lot of mortality, they seemed to anticipate the prince's cruelty” (“Annals,” xvi., 10-13). [source]
Already there were outbreaks against the Jews in Alexandria, at Seleucia with the slaughter of more than fifty thousand, at Jamnia, and elsewhere. Caligula, Claudius, Nero will threaten war before it finally comes with the destruction of the city and temple by Titus in a.d. 70. Vincent notes that between this prophecy by Jesus in a.d. 30 (or 29) and the destruction of Jerusalem there was an earthquake in Crete (a.d. 46 or 47), at Rome (a.d. 51), at Apamaia in Phrygia (a.d. 60), at Campania (a.d. 63). He notes also four famines during the reign of Claudius a.d. 41-54. One of them was in Judea in a.d. 44 and is alluded to in Acts 11:28. Tacitus (Annals xvi. 10-13) describes the hurricanes and storms in Campania in a.d. 65. [source]
Lit., the inhabited (land )The phrase was originally used by the Greeks to denote the land inhabited by themselves, in contrast with barbarian countries; afterward, when the Greeks became subject to the Romans, the entire Roman world; still later, for the whole inhabited world. In the New Testament this latter is the more common usage, though, in some cases, this is conceived in the mould of the Roman empire, as in this passage, Acts 11:28; Acts 19:27. Christ uses it in the announcement that the Gospel shall be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14); and Paul in the prediction of a general judgment (Acts 17:31). Once it is used of the world to come (Hebrews 2:5). [source]
Literally, the inhabited (land, γην gēn). Inhabited by the Greeks, then by the Romans, then the whole world (Roman world, the world ruled by Rome). So Acts 11:28; Acts 17:6.Should be enrolled (απογραπεσται apographesthai). It was a census, not a taxing, though taxing generally followed and was based on the census. This word is very old and common. It means to write or copy off for the public records, to register. [source]
(land, γην gēn). Inhabited by the Greeks, then by the Romans, then the whole world (Roman world, the world ruled by Rome). So Acts 11:28; Acts 17:6.Should be enrolled (απογραπεσται apographesthai). It was a census, not a taxing, though taxing generally followed and was based on the census. This word is very old and common. It means to write or copy off for the public records, to register. [source]
, γην gēn). Inhabited by the Greeks, then by the Romans, then the whole world (Roman world, the world ruled by Rome). So Acts 11:28; Acts 17:6.Should be enrolled (απογραπεσται apographesthai). It was a census, not a taxing, though taxing generally followed and was based on the census. This word is very old and common. It means to write or copy off for the public records, to register. [source]
Held in honour, prized, precious, dear (Luke 14:8; 1 Peter 2:4; Philemon 2:29), common Greek word. Even though a slave he was dear to him.Was sick (αυτωι εντιμος kakōs echōn). Having it bad. Common idiom. See note on Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:16; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31, etc. Matthew 8:6 notes that the slave was a paralytic.And at the point of death Imperfect active of ημελλεν τελευταιν mellō (note double augment μελλω ē) which is used either with the present infinitive as here, the aorist (Revelation 3:16), or even the future because of the future idea in η mellō (Acts 11:28; Acts 24:15). He was about to die. [source]
Imperfect active of ημελλεν τελευταιν mellō (note double augment μελλω ē) which is used either with the present infinitive as here, the aorist (Revelation 3:16), or even the future because of the future idea in η mellō (Acts 11:28; Acts 24:15). He was about to die. [source]
All prophets were teachers, but not all teachers were prophets who were for-speakers of God, sometimes fore-speakers like Agabus in Acts 11:28. The double use of τε te here makes three prophets (Barnabas, Symeon, Lucius) and two teachers (Manaen and Saul). Barnabas heads the list (Acts 11:22) and Saul comes last. Symeon Niger may be the Simon of Cyrene who carried the Saviour‘s cross. Lucius of Cyrene was probably one of the original evangelists (Acts 11:20). The name is one of the forms of Luke, but it is certainly not Luke the Physician. Manaen shows how the gospel was reaching some of the higher classes (home of Herod Antipas). Foster-brother (συντροπος suntrophos). Old word for nourished with or brought up with one collactaneus (Vulgate). These are clearly the outstanding men in the great Greek church in Antioch. [source]
Not in the old writers, but in lxx and Koiné. Literally, reputation, exposure, censure, rejection after examination, and so disrepute. Their business of making gods would lose caste as the liquor trade (still called the trade in England) has done in our day. They felt this keenly and so Demetrius names it first. They felt it in their pockets. Of the great goddess Artemis (της μεγαλης τεας Αρτεμιδος tēs megalēs theas Artemidos). She was generally known as the Great (η Μεγαλη hē Megalē). An inscription found at Ephesus calls her “the greatest god” (η μεγιστη τεος hē megistē theos). The priests were eunuchs and there were virgin priestesses and a lower order of slaves known as temple-sweepers (νεωκοροι neōkoroi Acts 19:35). They had wild orgiastic exercises that were disgraceful with their Corybantic processions and revelries. Be made of no account Be reckoned as nothing, first aorist passive infinitive of λογιζομαι logizomai and εις eis Should even be deposed of her magnificence (μελλειν τε και καταιρεισται της μεγαλειοτητος αυτης mellein te kai kathaireisthai tēs megaleiotētos autēs). Note the present infinitive after μελλειν mellein ablative case (so best MSS.) after καταιρεω kathaireō to take down, to depose, to deprive of. The word μεγαλειοτης megaleiotēs occurs also in Luke 9:43 (the majesty of God) and in 2 Peter 1:16 of the transfiguration of Christ. It is already in the lxx and Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 363) thinks that the word runs parallel with terms used in the emperor-cult. All Asia and the world ολη ̔ἠ Ασια και ̔ἠ οικουμενη holē ‛hē' Asia kai ‛hē' oikoumenā See note on Acts 11:28 for same use of οικουμενη oikoumenā An exaggeration, to be sure, but Pausanias says that no deity was more widely worshipped. Temples of Artemis have been found in Spain and Gaul. Multitudo errantium non efficit veritatem (Bengel). Even today heathenism has more followers than Christianity. To think that all this splendour was being set at naught by one man and a despised Jew at that! [source]
ολη ̔ἠ Ασια και ̔ἠ οικουμενη holē ‛hē' Asia kai ‛hē' oikoumenā See note on Acts 11:28 for same use of οικουμενη oikoumenā An exaggeration, to be sure, but Pausanias says that no deity was more widely worshipped. Temples of Artemis have been found in Spain and Gaul. Multitudo errantium non efficit veritatem (Bengel). Even today heathenism has more followers than Christianity. To think that all this splendour was being set at naught by one man and a despised Jew at that! [source]
More days (than we expected), accusative of time. A certain prophet named Agabus (προπητης ονοματι Αγαβος prophētēs onomati Agabos). A prophet like the daughters of Philip, mentioned already in connection with the famine predicted by him (Acts 11:28), but apparently not a man of prominence like Barnabas, and so no allusion to that former prophecy. [source]
A prophet like the daughters of Philip, mentioned already in connection with the famine predicted by him (Acts 11:28), but apparently not a man of prominence like Barnabas, and so no allusion to that former prophecy. [source]
Be reckoned as nothing, first aorist passive infinitive of λογιζομαι logizomai and εις eis Should even be deposed of her magnificence (μελλειν τε και καταιρεισται της μεγαλειοτητος αυτης mellein te kai kathaireisthai tēs megaleiotētos autēs). Note the present infinitive after μελλειν mellein ablative case (so best MSS.) after καταιρεω kathaireō to take down, to depose, to deprive of. The word μεγαλειοτης megaleiotēs occurs also in Luke 9:43 (the majesty of God) and in 2 Peter 1:16 of the transfiguration of Christ. It is already in the lxx and Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, p. 363) thinks that the word runs parallel with terms used in the emperor-cult. All Asia and the world ολη ̔ἠ Ασια και ̔ἠ οικουμενη holē ‛hē' Asia kai ‛hē' oikoumenā See note on Acts 11:28 for same use of οικουμενη oikoumenā An exaggeration, to be sure, but Pausanias says that no deity was more widely worshipped. Temples of Artemis have been found in Spain and Gaul. Multitudo errantium non efficit veritatem (Bengel). Even today heathenism has more followers than Christianity. To think that all this splendour was being set at naught by one man and a despised Jew at that! [source]
From σῆμα asign. Hence, literally, give a sign or token. The verb occurs outside of John's writings only in Acts 11:28; Acts 25:27. See John 12:33; John 18:32; John 21:19. This is its only occurrence in Revelation. The word is appropriate to the symbolic character of the revelation, and so in John 12:33, where Christ predicts the mode of His death in a figure. Compare sign, Revelation 12:1. [source]
The Greek word is transcribed in Apocalypse. The word occurs only once in the Gospels, Luke 2:32, where to lighten should be rendered for revelation. It is used there of our Lord, as a light to dispel the darkness under which the heathen were veiled. It occurs thirteen times in Paul's writings, and three times in first Peter. It is used in the following senses: (a.) The unveiling of something hidden, which gives light and knowledge to those who behold it. See Luke 2:32(above). Christianity itself is the revelation of a mystery (Romans 16:25). The participation of the Gentiles in the privileges of the new covenant was made known by revelation (Ephesians 3:3). Paul received the Gospel which he preached by revelation (Galatians 1:12), and went up to Jerusalem by revelation (Galatians 2:2). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (b.) Christian insight into spiritual truth. Paul asks for Christians the spirit of revelation (Ephesians 1:17). Peculiar manifestations of the general gift of revelation are given in Christian assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:26). Special revelations are granted to Paul (2 Corinthians 12:1, 2 Corinthians 12:7). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (c.) The second coming of the Lord (1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7) in which His glory shall be revealed (1 Peter 4:13), His righteous judgment made known (Romans 2:5), and His children revealed in full majesty (Romans 8:19). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The kindred verb ἀποκαλύπτω is used in similar connections. Following the categories given above,-DIVIDER- (a.) Galatians 1:16; Galatians 3:23; Ephesians 3:5; 1 Peter 1:12. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (b.) Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27; Matthew 16:17; Luke 10:21, Luke 10:22; 1 Corinthians 2:10; 1 Corinthians 14:30; Philemon 3:15. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- (c.) Matthew 10:26; Luke 2:35; Luke 12:2; Luke 17:30; Romans 1:17, Romans 1:18; Romans 8:18; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 5:1. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The word is compounded with ἀπό fromand καλύπτω tocover. Hence, to remove the cover from anything; to unveil. So of Balaam, the Lord opened or unveiled his eyes ( ἀπεκάλυψεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς : Numbers 22:31, Sept.). So Boaz to Naomi's kinsman: “I thought to advertise thee:” Rev., “disclose it unto thee” ( ἀποκαλύψω τὸ οὖς σου : Rth 4:4 , Sept.). Lit., I will uncover thine ear. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The noun ἀποκάλυψις revelationoccurs only once in the Septuagint (1 Samuel 20:30), in the physical sense of uncovering. The verb is found in the Septuagint in Daniel 2:19, Daniel 2:22, Daniel 2:28. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In classical Greek, the verb is used by Herodotus (i., 119) of uncovering the head; and by Plato: thus, “reveal ( ἀποκαλύψας ) to me the power of Rhetoric” (“Gorgias,” 460): “Uncover your chest and back” (“Protagoras,” 352). Both the verb and the noun occur in Plutarch; the latter of uncovering the body, of waters, and of an error. The religious sense, however, is unknown to heathenism. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The following words should be compared with this: Ὀπτασία avision (Luke 1:22; Acts 26:19; 2 Corinthians 12:1). Ὅραμα avision (Matthew 17:9; Acts 9:10; Acts 16:9). Ὅρασις avision (Acts 2:17; Revelation 9:17. Of visible form, Revelation 4:3). These three cannot be accurately distinguished. They all denote the thing seen or shown, without anything to show whether it is understood or not. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- As distinguished from these, ἀποκάλυψις includes, along with the thing shown or seen, its interpretation or unveiling. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ἐπιφάνεια appearing(hence our epiphany ), is used in profane Greek of the appearance of a higher power in order to aid men. In the New Testament by Paul only, and always of the second appearing of Christ in glory, except in 2 Timothy 1:10, where it signifies His first appearing in the flesh. See 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:14; Titus 2:13. As distinguished from this, ἀπολάλυψις is the more comprehensive word. An apocalypse may include several ἐπιφάνειαι appearingsThe appearings are the media of the revealings. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Φανέρωσις manifestationonly twice in the New Testament; 1 Corinthians 12:7; 2 Corinthians 4:2. The kindred verb φανερόω tomake manifest, is of frequent occurrence. See on John 21:1. It is not easy, if possible, to show that this word has a less dignified sense than ἀποκάλυψις . The verb φανερόω is used of both the first and the second appearing of our Lord (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:2; 1 Peter 1:20; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 5:4). See also John 2:11; John 21:1. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Some distinguish between φανέρωσις as an external manifestation, to the senses, but single and isolated; while ἀποκάλυψις is an inward and abiding disclosure. According to these, the Apocalypse or unveiling, precedes and produces the φανέρωσις or manifestation. The Apocalypse contemplates the thing revealed; the manifestation, the persons to whom it is revealed. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The Revelation here is the unveiling of the divine mysteries.Of Jesus ChristNot the manifestation or disclosure of Jesus Christ, but the revelation given by Him.To shew ( δεῖξαι )Frequent in Revelation (Revelation 4:1; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9; Revelation 22:1). Construe with ἔδωκεν gavegave him to shew. Compare “I will give him to sit” (Revelation 3:21): “It was given to hurt” (Revelation 7:2): “It was given him to do;” (A.V. “had power to do;” Revelation 13:14).Servants ( δούλοις )Properly, bond-servants. See on Matthew 20:26; see on Mark 9:35.Must ( δεῖ )As the decree of the absolute and infallible God.Shortly come to pass ( γενέσθαι ἐν τάχει )For the phrase ἐν τάχει shortlysee Luke 18:8, where yet long delay is implied. Expressions like this must be understood, not according to human measurement of time, but rather as in 2 Peter 3:8. The idea is, before long, as time is computed by God. The aorist infinitive γενέσθαι is not begin to come to pass, but denotes a complete fulfilment: must shortly come to pass in their entirety. He sent ( ἀποστείλας )See on Matthew 10:2, Matthew 10:16.Signified ( ἐσήμανεν )From σῆμα asign. Hence, literally, give a sign or token. The verb occurs outside of John's writings only in Acts 11:28; Acts 25:27. See John 12:33; John 18:32; John 21:19. This is its only occurrence in Revelation. The word is appropriate to the symbolic character of the revelation, and so in John 12:33, where Christ predicts the mode of His death in a figure. Compare sign, Revelation 12:1.Angel ( ἀγγέλου )Strictly, a messenger. See Matthew 11:10; Luke 8:24; Luke 9:52. Compare the mediating angel in the visions of Daniel and Zechariah (Daniel 8:15, Daniel 8:16; Daniel 9:21; Daniel 10:10; Zechariah 1:19). See on John 1:51.ServantDesignating the prophetic office. See Isaiah 59:5; Amos 3:7; compare Revelation 19:10; Revelation 22:9.JohnJohn does not name himself in the Gospel or in the Epistles. Here “we are dealing with prophecy, and prophecy requires the guarantee of the individual who is inspired to utter it” (Milligan). Compare Daniel 8:1; Daniel 9:2. [source]
Hort takes it as objective genitive (revelation about Jesus Christ), but Swete rightly argues for the subjective genitive because of the next clause.Gave him (εδωκεν αυτοι edōken autoi). It is the Son who received the revelation from the Father, as is usual (John 5:20-23 f., John 5:26, etc.).To shew First aorist active infinitive of δεικνυμι deiknumi purpose of God in giving the revelation to Christ.Unto his servants (τοις δουλοις αυτου tois doulois autou). Believers in general and not just to officials. Dative case. God‘s servants (or Christ‘s).Must shortly come to pass Second aorist middle infinitive of γινομαι ginomai with δει dei See this same adjunct “Having sent” (first aorist active participle of αποστελλω apostellō Matthew 10:16 and again in Revelation 22:6 of God sending his angel) “signified” (first aorist active indicative of σημαινω sēmainō from σημα sēma sign or token, for which see John 12:33; Acts 11:28). See Revelation 12:1 for σημειον sēmeion though σημαινω sēmainō (only here in the Apocalypse) suits admirably the symbolic character of the book.By his angel Christ‘s angel as Christ is the subject of the verb εσημανεν esēmanen as in Revelation 22:16 Christ sends his angel, though in Revelation 22:6 God sends.Unto his servant John (τωι δουλωι αυτου Ιωανει tōi doulōi autou Iōanei). Dative case. John gives his name here, though not in Gospel or Epistles, because “prophecy requires the guarantee of the individual who is inspired to utter it” (Milligan). “The genesis of the Apocalypse has now been traced from its origin in the Mind of God to the moment when it reached its human interpreter” (Swete). “Jesus is the medium of all revelation” (Moffatt). [source]
“Having sent” (first aorist active participle of αποστελλω apostellō Matthew 10:16 and again in Revelation 22:6 of God sending his angel) “signified” (first aorist active indicative of σημαινω sēmainō from σημα sēma sign or token, for which see John 12:33; Acts 11:28). See Revelation 12:1 for σημειον sēmeion though σημαινω sēmainō (only here in the Apocalypse) suits admirably the symbolic character of the book. [source]
First aorist active infinitive of δεικνυμι deiknumi purpose of God in giving the revelation to Christ.Unto his servants (τοις δουλοις αυτου tois doulois autou). Believers in general and not just to officials. Dative case. God‘s servants (or Christ‘s).Must shortly come to pass Second aorist middle infinitive of γινομαι ginomai with δει dei See this same adjunct “Having sent” (first aorist active participle of αποστελλω apostellō Matthew 10:16 and again in Revelation 22:6 of God sending his angel) “signified” (first aorist active indicative of σημαινω sēmainō from σημα sēma sign or token, for which see John 12:33; Acts 11:28). See Revelation 12:1 for σημειον sēmeion though σημαινω sēmainō (only here in the Apocalypse) suits admirably the symbolic character of the book.By his angel Christ‘s angel as Christ is the subject of the verb εσημανεν esēmanen as in Revelation 22:16 Christ sends his angel, though in Revelation 22:6 God sends.Unto his servant John (τωι δουλωι αυτου Ιωανει tōi doulōi autou Iōanei). Dative case. John gives his name here, though not in Gospel or Epistles, because “prophecy requires the guarantee of the individual who is inspired to utter it” (Milligan). “The genesis of the Apocalypse has now been traced from its origin in the Mind of God to the moment when it reached its human interpreter” (Swete). “Jesus is the medium of all revelation” (Moffatt). [source]
Second aorist middle infinitive of γινομαι ginomai with δει dei See this same adjunct “Having sent” (first aorist active participle of αποστελλω apostellō Matthew 10:16 and again in Revelation 22:6 of God sending his angel) “signified” (first aorist active indicative of σημαινω sēmainō from σημα sēma sign or token, for which see John 12:33; Acts 11:28). See Revelation 12:1 for σημειον sēmeion though σημαινω sēmainō (only here in the Apocalypse) suits admirably the symbolic character of the book.By his angel Christ‘s angel as Christ is the subject of the verb εσημανεν esēmanen as in Revelation 22:16 Christ sends his angel, though in Revelation 22:6 God sends.Unto his servant John (τωι δουλωι αυτου Ιωανει tōi doulōi autou Iōanei). Dative case. John gives his name here, though not in Gospel or Epistles, because “prophecy requires the guarantee of the individual who is inspired to utter it” (Milligan). “The genesis of the Apocalypse has now been traced from its origin in the Mind of God to the moment when it reached its human interpreter” (Swete). “Jesus is the medium of all revelation” (Moffatt). [source]