Acts 26:6
And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just defending himself; he's framing the entire conflict around the hope embedded in God's promises to their ancestors. He’s asserting that believing in Jesus' resurrection isn't a new, radical departure, but the very fulfillment of the ancient Jewish hope for a Messiah and eternal life.
Paul is addressing King Agrippa, explaining the core reason for his imprisonment by the Jews. He emphasizes that his current trial stems from his belief in a future hope, specifically God's ancient promise made to their ancestors, which he connects to the resurrection of the dead. This hope, he explains, is the very thing the Jews accuse him of and is central to his faith in Jesus.
What does it mean to have 'hope' in a biblical sense? Paul isn't just wishing for something; he's standing on solid ground.
Paul uses the word 'hope' to describe a confident expectation based on God's promises. It's not a vague longing, but a certainty rooted in God's faithfulness. This hope encompasses the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead, fulfilling the ancient promises made to Abraham and the patriarchs.
Paul links his present trial to promises made long ago. How does that ancient covenant speak to his situation and to us?
Paul masterfully connects his current predicament to the history of God's covenant with Israel. He reminds King Agrippa and the Roman governor that the very 'promise made by God to our fathers' is the core issue.
Understand the original words
elpis · Greek Noun
A confident expectation and trust in God’s future promises, particularly the resurrection and the fulfillment of the Messianic kingdom.
epaggelia · Greek Noun
A solemn declaration or commitment given by God to His people, often referring to the promise of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel.
Paul's defense highlights that Christianity is not a new religion but the fulfillment of the hope rooted in God's ancient promises to Israel, particularly the promise of the Messiah and the resurrection, a truth understood by devout Jews but rejected by many religious leaders.
c. 2000 BC
God's Promises to Abraham
God made foundational promises to Abraham, including the land of Canaan and a lineage through whom all nations would be blessed. These promises set the stage for Israel's hope.
c. 1400-1000 BC
Exodus and Law Given
The Exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai were pivotal events that shaped Israel's identity and their understanding of God's covenant promises.
c. 700s BC
Prophetic Promises of Restoration
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke of future restoration, a Messiah, and the resurrection of the dead, expanding on God's promises to the fathers.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life, Ministry, and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth lived, taught, died, and was resurrected, which Paul and the early believers saw as the fulfillment of God's ancient promises.
This is the first 'promise' given after the Fall, hinting at a future Redeemer who would crush the serpent's head, setting the stage for all subsequent hopes rooted in God's faithfulness.
Isaiah 7:14This prophecy directly points to the coming Messiah, a fulfillment of God's promise to the fathers, and is a cornerstone of the hope Paul proclaims.
Luke 24:44-47Jesus himself explains how the Old Testament Scriptures, including the promises made to the fathers, pointed to his suffering, resurrection, and the proclamation of repentance for forgiveness of sins.
Romans 4:13-17Paul explains that the law was given much later than the promise to Abraham, emphasizing that the inheritance and hope come through faith in God's promise, not through adherence to the law, which aligns with Paul's defense in Acts.
Hebrews 11:1This chapter defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' directly reflecting the nature of the 'hope' Paul stands trial for—a hope grounded in God's promises to the patriarchs.
ellicottActs 26:6: "And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:"
(6) For the hope of the promise made of God. The words include the whole expectation of a divine kingdom of which the Christ was to be the head, as well as the specific belief in a resurrection of the dead. Unto our fathers.—Some of the better MSS. have simply, “to the fathers.” The Received text is, perhaps, more in harmony with St. Paul’s usual manner of identifying himself with those to whom…
gillActs 26:6: "And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:"
And now I stand, and am judged,.... Before the Roman governor, and in the presence of Agrippa: for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers; either for the hope of righteousness, life, and salvation, by the Messiah; who was promised to the Jewish fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and others; see Genesis 22:18 or for the hope of the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life; of whi…
Paul isn't just defending himself; he's framing the entire conflict around the hope embedded in God's promises to their ancestors. He’s asserting that believing in Jesus' resurrection isn't a new, radical departure, but the very fulfillment of the ancient Jewish hope for a Messiah and eternal life.
Paul is addressing King Agrippa, explaining the core reason for his imprisonment by the Jews. He emphasizes that his current trial stems from his belief in a future hope, specifically God's ancient promise made to their ancestors, which he connects to the resurrection of the dead. This hope, he explains, is the very thing the Jews accuse him of and is central to his faith in Jesus.
Paul is addressing King Agrippa, explaining the core reason for his imprisonment by the Jews. He emphasizes that his current trial stems from his belief in a future hope, specifically God's ancient promise made to their ancestors, which he connects to the resurrection of the dead. This hope, he explains, is the very thing the Jews accuse him of and is central to his faith in Jesus.
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c. AD 30s-50s
Early Spread of the Gospel
The apostles, including Paul, preached the resurrection of Jesus and the hope of eternal life, facing increasing opposition from Jewish leaders.
c. AD 58
Paul's Arrest and Imprisonment
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being accused by Jewish crowds of defiling the Temple and inciting rebellion, leading to his imprisonment.
c. AD 60— this verse
Paul's Defense Before Agrippa
Paul stands on trial before King Agrippa II and Festus, where he explains his conversion and defense of the Christian faith, centered on the hope of Israel's promises.
"And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers," — Paul isn't just defending himself; he's framing the entire conflict around the hope embedded in God's promises to their ancestors. He’s asserting that believing in Jesus' resurrection isn't a new,…
