Acts 28:20 – “For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is speaking to the Jewish leaders in Rome, explaining why he has come to them. He wants them to understand that his imprisonment is not because he has committed a crime but because of “the hope of Israel.”

The phrase “hope of Israel” refers to the Messiah—the One whom God promised to send to save His people. Paul is making it clear that he has not abandoned his Jewish roots. On the contrary, he believes that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Israel had been waiting for.

Paul is in chains, not because he has broken the law, but because he has been faithful in preaching about Jesus. He wants the Jewish leaders to see that his faith in Christ is not a rejection of Judaism but its fulfillment.

Historical Context

Paul had been arrested in Jerusalem after being accused by Jewish leaders of stirring up rebellion and teaching against the Law of Moses (Acts 21:27-28). Even though the Roman authorities found no legal reason to hold him, the Jewish opposition was so strong that Paul had to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11).

Now in Rome, under house arrest, Paul calls the Jewish leaders together to explain his situation. He does not want them to think that he has come to accuse the Jewish people. Instead, he wants to show them that his message is directly connected to their long-awaited hope.

At this time, many Jews in Rome would have been uncertain about Paul’s teachings. Some may have heard of Christianity but viewed it as a dangerous movement. By speaking with them personally, Paul hopes to clear up misunderstandings and point them to Jesus as the Messiah.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel. Paul calls Him “the hope of Israel” because Jesus is the long-awaited Savior spoken of in the Old Testament.

It also highlights the cost of following Jesus. Paul was willing to endure imprisonment for the sake of sharing the gospel. His chains were not a sign of failure but of faithfulness.

Additionally, this verse shows that Christianity is not a break from the promises of God to Israel but the fulfillment of those promises. Paul did not see his faith in Jesus as abandoning his Jewish heritage but as the natural completion of God’s plan.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of Paul’s speech to the Jewish leaders in Rome. The phrase “I have asked to see you and talk with you” shows that Paul is taking the initiative to share his message. Even though he is a prisoner, he is still focused on his mission.

The phrase “hope of Israel” is central to this verse. Paul is not merely defending himself—he is making a bold statement about the identity of Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel had been waiting for a Messiah, and Paul is declaring that Jesus is the One they had been hoping for.

The words “I am bound with this chain” add an emotional weight to the verse. Paul’s imprisonment is a direct result of his faithfulness to the gospel. This echoes the theme found throughout the book of Acts—that suffering is often a part of following Jesus.

Biblical Cross-References

• Jeremiah 14:8 – Calls God “the hope of Israel” and its Savior in times of trouble.
• Luke 2:25-26 – Simeon, a devout Jew, was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” and recognized Jesus as the fulfillment of that hope.
• Acts 23:6 – Paul declares that he is on trial because of “the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”
• Romans 15:12-13 – Paul connects the hope of Israel to Jesus, saying that in Him, both Jews and Gentiles find hope.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that following Jesus comes with a cost. Paul was willing to suffer imprisonment because he believed in the truth of the gospel. Today, Christians may not face literal chains, but they may encounter opposition, rejection, or hardship for standing firm in their faith.

It also encourages believers to remain faithful in sharing the gospel, even in difficult situations. Paul did not let his imprisonment stop him from speaking about Jesus. Likewise, Christians today should look for opportunities to share their faith, no matter the circumstances.

Finally, this verse reassures believers that their hope is secure in Christ. Just as Paul clung to the “hope of Israel,” Christians today can hold fast to the hope of eternal life in Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in how He remained faithful to His promises. The “hope of Israel” was not just a distant dream—it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This shows that God keeps His word and does not abandon His people.

God’s love is also seen in how He sustained Paul through his trials. Even in chains, Paul was not alone. God gave him the strength to continue his mission, proving that His love is constant, even in suffering.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s statement about “the hope of Israel” directly points to Jesus. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel had been waiting for the Messiah—the One who would save them. Jesus fulfilled this role through His life, death, and resurrection.

Several passages show this connection:

• Isaiah 9:6-7 – Prophesies about a child who will reign on David’s throne and bring everlasting peace.
• Matthew 5:17 – Jesus states that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it.
• John 11:25-26 – Jesus declares that He is the resurrection and the life, the ultimate hope for both Jews and Gentiles.
• 1 Peter 1:3 – Describes Jesus as giving believers a “living hope” through His resurrection.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the “hope of Israel”?
2. Have you ever faced opposition for your faith? How did you respond?
3. How can Paul’s example encourage you to be bold in sharing the gospel?
4. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life, even in difficult times?
5. How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s promises in the Bible?

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Just as Paul was willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, believers today are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in the hope that Jesus provides.