And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul isn't just defending his belief in Jesus; he's framing it as the ultimate fulfillment of a promise God made to their own ancestors. This shows he's not introducing a new religion, but faithfully upholding the ancient hope shared by all true Israelites.
And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul stands before King Agrippa, facing accusations from the Jewish leaders. He begins his defense by reminding Agrippa of his own Jewish heritage and strict Pharisaical upbringing, then pivots to explain that his current predicament stems from his unwavering hope in God's ancient promise to their ancestors. This promise, Paul asserts, encompasses the resurrection of the dead and the coming of the Messiah, which is precisely what his accusers deny.
Paul stands on trial, but what is the real accusation? It's not about a crime, but a deep-seated belief.
Paul declares that he is standing on trial 'for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.' This isn't just about a personal belief; it's the very foundation of his faith and the reason for the conflict with the Jewish leaders.
The promise to the fathers wasn't just about a king; it included a fundamental truth that divided people then and now.
While the 'promise' encompasses the Messiah's coming, a crucial element Paul highlights is the resurrection of the dead. This was a core tenet of the Pharisees' belief, yet a point of rejection for the Sadducees and, ultimately, for many Jewish leaders opposing Paul.
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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 hinges on the ancient promise made to Israel's fathers, a promise he connects directly to the resurrection of Jesus – the very hope that led to his accusation and imprisonment.
c. 2000 BC
God's Covenant Promises to Abraham
God establishes foundational promises with Abraham, including blessings and the lineage through which a Redeemer would come, a core part of the 'hope' Paul speaks of.
c. 1400 BC - 400 BC
Old Testament Law and Prophets
The Law is given and the Prophets speak of God's promises, often hinting at a future Messiah and resurrection, shaping the 'hope' of Israel.
c. 150 BC - AD 30
Rise of Pharisaic Judaism
The Pharisee sect, emphasizing resurrection and divine promises, becomes influential. Paul's early life is marked by his zealous adherence to this group.
c. AD 30-33
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The central event: Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, fulfilling the Messianic promises and providing the ultimate ground for the hope of resurrection.
c. AD 33 - AD 58
Paul's Persecution and Conversion
Paul actively persecutes the early church, believing they are blaspheming by claiming Jesus is the Messiah and has risen. His conversion dramatically shifts his stance.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in Jerusalem after a riot. His Jewish accusers claim he is profaning the Temple and the Law, but his core offense is preaching the resurrection of Jesus.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment and Appeals
Paul is imprisoned and eventually appeals to Caesar, leading to his defense before King Agrippa in Caesarea, the setting for Acts 26.
This is the earliest promise of a Redeemer given to humanity, directly connecting to the 'promise made by God to our fathers' that Paul references as the foundation of his hope.
Isaiah 53:10This prophetic passage speaks of the suffering servant's future offspring and length of days, underscoring the messianic and resurrection hope inherent in the promises given to the patriarchs.
Romans 4:13Paul here explicitly links the promise to Abraham and his descendants, including the inheritance of the world, showing how the 'hope' Paul defends is rooted in God's ancient covenant.
Acts 23:6In a similar defense before the Sanhedrin, Paul states his trial is concerning the 'hope and resurrection of the dead,' directly echoing the core message of his defense to Agrippa.
Hebrews 11:1This chapter defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which perfectly encapsulates the nature of the hope Paul proclaims, grounded in God's promises to ancient figures.
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 his belief in Jesus; he's framing it as the ultimate fulfillment of a promise God made to their own ancestors. This shows he's not introducing a new religion, but faithfully upholding the ancient hope shared by all true Israelites.
Paul stands before King Agrippa, facing accusations from the Jewish leaders. He begins his defense by reminding Agrippa of his own Jewish heritage and strict Pharisaical upbringing, then pivots to explain that his current predicament stems from his unwavering hope in God's ancient promise to their ancestors. This promise, Paul asserts, encompasses the resurrection of the dead and the coming of the Messiah, which is precisely what his accusers deny.
Paul stands before King Agrippa, facing accusations from the Jewish leaders. He begins his defense by reminding Agrippa of his own Jewish heritage and strict Pharisaical upbringing, then pivots to explain that his current predicament stems from his unwavering hope in God's ancient promise to their ancestors. This promise, Paul asserts, encompasses the resurrection of the dead and the coming of the Messiah, which is precisely what his accusers deny.
"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 his belief in Jesus; he's framing it as the ultimate fulfillment of a promise God made to their own ancestors. This shows he's not introducing a new religion, but faithful…
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Last reviewed October 2026