Acts 26:6 – “And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul makes a crucial point in his defense before King Agrippa—he is not on trial because he has abandoned his Jewish faith, but because he believes in the very hope that God had promised to the Jewish people long ago.
The phrase “hope in what God has promised” refers to the promise of a Messiah and the resurrection of the dead, which had been part of Jewish belief for centuries. Paul argues that his faith in Jesus is not a rejection of Judaism but the fulfillment of everything the Jewish people had been waiting for.
This is an important shift in Paul’s defense. Instead of making this trial about himself, he focuses on God’s promises. He is making it clear that the real issue at hand is not his personal actions but the truth of the gospel.
Historical Context
Paul is standing trial because the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem accused him of causing trouble by preaching about Jesus. The irony is that Paul is not preaching a new religion—he is proclaiming that God’s ancient promises have come true in Jesus.
The hope Paul speaks of is rooted in the Old Testament. The Jewish people had long awaited the coming of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead. Many Jews, especially the Pharisees, believed in resurrection (Daniel 12:2), but they rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Paul, a former Pharisee, now sees Jesus as the fulfillment of these hopes.
His trial before Agrippa is not just a legal battle—it is a spiritual confrontation. Paul is standing as a witness to the truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the faithfulness of God. The promises He made to Abraham, Moses, and David were not empty words—He fulfilled them in Jesus. Paul’s confidence in these promises shows that God’s word can be trusted.
It also reinforces the central message of Christianity: faith in Jesus is not a rejection of God’s past work but the fulfillment of it. Many people mistakenly believe that Christianity is separate from the Old Testament, but Paul argues that the gospel is the continuation of God’s redemptive plan.
Another key theological point is the resurrection. Paul often spoke about the resurrection as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise (1 Corinthians 15:12-22). The resurrection of Jesus is proof that God’s promises are real, and it gives hope for eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Literary Analysis
Paul’s words here serve as a turning point in his speech. Instead of focusing on defending himself personally, he shifts to defending the truth of the gospel. This change in focus shows that Paul is less concerned with his own freedom and more concerned with proclaiming the truth.
The phrase “hope in what God has promised” is significant because it connects the past with the present. Paul is tying his message to the long history of God’s dealings with Israel, showing that his faith is not something new but deeply rooted in the promises of God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 12:1-3 – God’s promise to Abraham that through his descendants, all nations would be blessed.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-13 – God’s promise to David of a lasting kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
- Daniel 12:2 – A prophecy about the resurrection of the dead, which Paul references.
- Acts 23:6 – Paul previously declared that he was on trial because of his hope in the resurrection.
- 1 Corinthians 15:12-22 – Paul’s teaching on the resurrection as central to the Christian faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that our faith is built on God’s promises. Just as Paul stood firm in his hope, we too can trust that what God has promised will come to pass.
It also challenges us to be bold in sharing our faith. Paul was not ashamed to stand on trial for believing in God’s promises, and we should not be ashamed to stand for the truth of Jesus, even when others oppose us.
Additionally, this verse encourages us to remember the big picture. Paul’s hope was not in temporary things but in God’s eternal plan. As Christians, we should focus on what truly matters—God’s promises, His faithfulness, and the hope we have in Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in how He keeps His promises. He did not forget His people or abandon His plan—He fulfilled it in Jesus. This verse is a reminder that God is faithful and that His love is not just for one generation but for all who trust in Him.
It also shows God’s patience. Even though many people rejected Jesus, God continued to give opportunities for people to hear the truth. Paul’s trial was one of those opportunities—Agrippa and those listening had a chance to hear the message of salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Paul’s entire defense is centered on Jesus. He is saying that his belief in Jesus is not a rejection of Judaism but its fulfillment. Jesus is the Messiah that Israel had been waiting for, the One who brings salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
Jesus Himself spoke about fulfilling the promises of God (Luke 24:27). He told His followers that everything written about Him in the Law and the Prophets was coming true. Paul’s message is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching—he is declaring that God’s promises have been fulfilled through Christ.
The resurrection is also key. Jesus rose from the dead as proof that God’s promises are real (Romans 1:4). Paul’s hope was rooted in this fact—if Jesus had not risen, then God’s promises would be empty. But because He did rise, we can trust that everything God has promised will come true.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some of the promises of God that give you hope?
- How does Paul’s example challenge you to stand firm in your faith, even when facing opposition?
- In what ways do we sometimes forget that Christianity is built on the fulfillment of God’s promises in the Old Testament?
- How does belief in the resurrection strengthen our faith in God’s promises?
- How can you share the hope of God’s promises with someone who is struggling?
Paul’s words in Acts 26:6 remind us that our faith is not based on human ideas but on the unshakable promises of God. We can stand firm, just as he did, knowing that God is faithful and that His promises are fulfilled in Jesus Christ.