to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul emphasizes that the entire "twelve tribes" — not just a remnant — are united in this fervent, constant worship and hope for God's promise. His accusation stems from proclaiming this ancient, shared hope has actually been fulfilled in Jesus.
to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa and other dignitaries, explaining his conversion and ministry. He’s emphasizing that his message is rooted in the ancient promises God made to the Jewish people, particularly the hope of a future resurrection and eternal life. He highlights that this very hope, which all faithful Jews share, is the reason he is being accused by his own countrymen.
Paul speaks of a promise that the entire nation of Israel hoped to attain. What exactly was this promise, and why did it unite all twelve tribes?
When Paul mentions the "promise" here, he's not just referring to the future coming of the Messiah. It's a broader concept that encompasses the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham and the patriarchs.
A Multi-faceted Hope
This comprehensive hope was the anchor for faithful Israelites, shaping their devotion and their longing for God's intervention.
Paul describes the twelve tribes "earnestly serving God day and night." What does this intense devotion look like, and how does it relate to their hope?
The phrase "serving God day and night" isn't just about religious rituals; it speaks to a deep-seated, continuous commitment. This was the hallmark of those who truly held onto the promise.
Ask a follow-up
A Life of Earnest Devotion
Paul states he is accused by Jews specifically "for this hope's sake." Why was this core belief so offensive to some Jews?
It seems counterintuitive that a hope shared by all of Israel would lead to accusations against Paul. The issue wasn't the hope itself, but Paul's assertion about its fulfillment.
The Offense of Fulfillment
Understand the original words
phulē · Greek Noun
Referring to the twelve tribes of Israel as a collective covenant people who look forward to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
latreuō · Greek Verb
The active practice of religious devotion, often involving sacrificial service and intense dedication to God.
Paul is appealing to a shared, ancient hope rooted in God's promises to Israel's patriarchs—a hope for resurrection and eternal life—that he believes Jesus has fulfilled. His accusation stems from Jewish leaders' rejection of this fulfillment, highlighting a deep theological divide within Judaism itself.
c. 722 BC
Assyrian Exile of Northern Tribes
The Neo-Assyrian Empire conquers the Kingdom of Israel and deports a significant portion of its population, leading to the 'lost' ten tribes. However, many remained or were later reabsorbed into the general Jewish populace.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile of Southern Tribes
The Neo-Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling most of the remaining tribes of Judah and Benjamin. This event deeply shapes Jewish identity and longing for restoration.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While many return, the sense of exile and hope for complete restoration persists.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth lives, teaches, and performs miracles, proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom of God. His followers believe he is the Messiah, fulfilling ancient promises.
c. AD 30-36
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, and his followers believe he was resurrected, a central event that becomes the core of their faith and the reason for their hope.
c. AD 33 - AD 57— this verse
Paul's Ministry and Accusations
Paul preaches the gospel of Jesus' resurrection and the hope of eternal life, facing increasing opposition and accusations from Jewish leaders who view his message as heresy.
c. AD 60
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima, where he has opportunities to defend himself before various Roman officials and Jewish royalty, including King Agrippa II.
Paul speaks of our salvation being by hope, and if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it with patience, mirroring the earnest expectation of the twelve tribes mentioned in Acts.
Hebrews 11:1This passage defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, which aligns with the 'hope' Paul refers to that the twelve tribes earnestly pursued.
1 Peter 1:3Peter addresses the 'twelve tribes scattered abroad,' emphasizing a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reinforcing the idea of a shared, enduring hope across Israel.
Luke 2:25Simeon, a devout and righteous man, was waiting for the consolation of Israel, representing the earnest, day-and-night worship and hope of the devout among the twelve tribes for the Messiah.
John 4:23-24Jesus speaks of true worshipers worshipping the Father in spirit and truth, highlighting that the earnest, 'night and day' service of the twelve tribes was ultimately about genuine heart worship, not just outward ritual.
ellicottActs 26:7: "Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews."
(7) Our twelve tribes. —The noun is strictly a neuter adjective: our twelve-tribed nation. It will be noted that St. Paul, like St. James ( James 1:1 ), assumes the twelve tribes to be all alike sharers in the same hope of Israel, and ignores the legend, so often repeated and revived, that the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of I…
gillActs 26:7: "Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews."
Unto which promise,.... Of the Messiah, and salvation by him; and of the resurrection of the dead and eternal glory, as following upon it: our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night hope to come; and enjoy the Messiah, and all blessings along with him; and the happy state of the resurrection and eternal life: the people…
Paul emphasizes that the entire "twelve tribes" — not just a remnant — are united in this fervent, constant worship and hope for God's promise. His accusation stems from proclaiming this ancient, shared hope has actually been fulfilled in Jesus.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa and other dignitaries, explaining his conversion and ministry. He’s emphasizing that his message is rooted in the ancient promises God made to the Jewish people, particularly the hope of a future resurrection and eternal life. He highlights that this very hope, which all faithful Jews share, is the reason he is being accused by his own countrymen.
Paul is defending himself before King Agrippa and other dignitaries, explaining his conversion and ministry. He’s emphasizing that his message is rooted in the ancient promises God made to the Jewish people, particularly the hope of a future resurrection and eternal life. He highlights that this very hope, which all faithful Jews share, is the reason he is being accused by his own countrymen.
"to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king!" — Paul emphasizes that the entire "twelve tribes" — not just a remnant — are united in this fervent, constant worship and hope for God's promise. His accusation stems from proclaiming this ancient, s…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026