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.

ACTS 26:7KJV
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Acts 26:7 (KJV)

What does Acts 26:7 mean?

Acts 26:7 describes how all twelve tribes of Israel have been faithfully serving God day and night, hoping to receive the promise God made to their ancestors. Paul explains to King Agrippa that it is because of this hope—the same hope held by the Jewish people—that he is being accused by other Jews.

Paul is speaking before King Agrippa, defending himself against accusations from Jewish leaders. He points out that his faith and actions are rooted in the same hope that unites all of Israel: the fulfillment of God’s promise. By mentioning the twelve tribes and their constant service to God, Paul connects his message to the shared heritage and expectation of the Jewish people.

The Greek behind Acts 26:7

  • "instantly" (ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ, en ekteneia): The Greek here suggests earnestness or intense devotion, highlighting the tribes' continual and eager service to God.
  • "serving" (λατρεύω, latreuō): This word often refers to religious service or worship, underlining that the tribes’ hope is expressed through active, ongoing devotion.
  • "hope" (ἐλπίζω, elpizō): The Greek term carries the sense of confident expectation, not just wishful thinking, showing that the tribes are looking forward to something God has promised with assurance.
  • "accused" (ἐγκαλέω, egkaleō): This word means to bring charges or accusations, emphasizing Paul’s point that he is on trial for holding to the very hope that all Jews share.

Why Acts 26:7 matters

  • Acts 26:7 clarifies that Paul’s message about Jesus is not a break from Jewish tradition, but a continuation of the hope long held by Israel.
  • The verse highlights the unity of the twelve tribes in their longing for God’s promise, showing that Paul’s faith is deeply rooted in Jewish identity and expectation.
  • By addressing King Agrippa and referencing the shared hope, Paul appeals to common ground, making his defense relatable and showing respect for Jewish beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“accused” Greek G1458 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 19:38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
  • Acts 23:28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:
  • Acts 26:2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

“Agrippa” Greek G67 · used in 12 verses

  • Acts 25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
  • Acts 25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
  • Acts 26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

“come” Greek G2658 · used in 13 verses

  • Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
  • Acts 21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

“serving” Greek G3000 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
  • Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
  • Hebrews 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;