26:5 26:5

Acts 26:6

26:7 26:7

Bible Versions

And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
And {G2532} now {G3568} I stand {G2476} and am judged {G2919} for {G1909} the hope {G1680} of the promise {G1860} made {G1096} of {G5259} God {G2316} unto {G4314} our fathers {G3962}:
How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!
And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers,
And now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers;

Context of Acts 26:6

In Acts chapter 26, the Apostle Paul stands before King Agrippa II, Bernice, and Governor Festus, delivering a powerful and personal defense against the charges brought against him by the Jewish leaders. This verse is central to his argument, as he explains that his imprisonment and current judgment are not due to any true crime, but because of his unwavering belief in the fulfillment of God's ancient promises to Israel. Paul, a former zealous Pharisee, frames his conversion and subsequent ministry within the context of Jewish prophetic expectation, particularly concerning the resurrection.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Hope of Resurrection: Paul unequivocally states that the core reason for his being judged is "the hope of the promise." This refers primarily to the resurrection of the dead, a doctrine that was contentious even among Jewish groups (e.g., Sadducees versus Pharisees). For Paul, the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the ultimate proof and firstfruits of this promise, as he explains in 1 Corinthians 15:20.
  • Continuity of God's Promises: Paul emphasizes that his Christian faith is not a departure from Judaism but rather its culmination. The "promise made of God unto our fathers" directly refers to the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning a Messiah, a great nation, and blessings for all families of the earth (Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:18). Paul argues that Jesus Christ, and specifically His resurrection, is the fulfillment of these long-awaited divine assurances.
  • Suffering for the Gospel: Paul's statement "I stand and am judged" highlights the reality of persecution faced by early Christians. He was literally on trial because his proclamation of the resurrected Messiah challenged existing religious and political establishments. His suffering was a direct consequence of his steadfast belief in and preaching of this hope.

Linguistic Insights

The term "hope" (Greek: elpis) in this context is not a wishful desire but a confident expectation and certainty. It's a theological term denoting a sure and steadfast anticipation rooted in God's faithfulness and power. The "promise" (Greek: epangelia) signifies a divine declaration or solemn assurance, emphasizing its origin from God Himself and its binding nature.

Practical Application

Acts 26:6 reminds believers today that our faith is deeply rooted in God's historical promises and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Like Paul, we are called to hold fast to the hope of resurrection and eternal life, even when facing opposition or judgment from the world. This verse encourages us to:

  • Anchor our faith: Understand that the Christian message is not new but the culmination of God's redemptive plan throughout history.
  • Embrace the hope: Live with the confident expectation of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers, which transforms our perspective on life and death.
  • Stand firm in conviction: Be prepared to articulate and defend our faith, recognizing that standing for truth may sometimes lead to criticism or difficulty, echoing Paul's experience in 2 Timothy 3:12.
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 24:15

    And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

  • Titus 2:13

    Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

  • Acts 28:20

    For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see [you], and to speak with [you]: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

  • Romans 15:8

    Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers:

  • Daniel 7:13

    I saw in the night visions, and, behold, [one] like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

  • Daniel 7:14

    And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
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