Acts 26:6

6 How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!

Acts 26:6 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 26:6

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 ) ( 49:10 ) or for the hope of the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life; of which there are various testimonies in the writings of the Old Testament, committed to the people of the Jews. ( Job 19:26 Job 19:27 ) ( Isaiah 26:19 ) ( Daniel 12:2 ) and others; and both these senses may be very well joined together, for it was for asserting that the promised Messiah was come, and that Jesus of Nazareth was he; that he was risen from the dead, and that all the dead will be raised by him; and that life and righteousness, salvation, and everlasting glory and happiness, are only by him; for asserting these things, I say, the apostle was now a prisoner, and stood at the bar of a Roman judge, being accused by the Jews.

Acts 26:6 In-Context

4 "So then! All Jews know how I lived my life from my youth on, both in my own country and in Yerushalayim.
5 They have known me for a long time; and if they are willing, they can testify that I have followed the strictest party in our religion - that is, I have lived as a Parush.
6 How ironic it is that I stand on trial here because of my hope in the promise made to our fathers!
7 It is the fulfillment of this very promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they resolutely carry on their acts of worship night and day; yet it is in connection with this hope, your Majesty, that I am being accused by Jews!
8 Why do you people consider it incredible that God raises the dead?
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.