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.

ACTS 28:20KJV
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Acts 28:20 (KJV)

What does Acts 28:20 mean?

Acts 28:20 records Paul explaining to Jewish leaders in Rome that he has called them together to speak with them because he is imprisoned for "the hope of Israel." Paul is saying that his chains are a result of his belief in what Israel has hoped for—the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Paul is speaking to local Jewish leaders after arriving in Rome as a prisoner. He wants them to know that his arrest and journey to Rome are not because he opposes the Jewish people, but because of his hope in what God promised to Israel. By mentioning "the hope of Israel," Paul points to the resurrection and the Messiah, central themes in his message throughout Acts.

The Greek behind Acts 28:20

  • ἐλπίς (elpis, "hope"): This word means confident expectation, not just wishful thinking. Here, it refers to the long-awaited fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, especially regarding the Messiah and resurrection.
  • Ἰσραήλ (Israel): Paul specifically ties his suffering to the hope of Israel, showing he sees his faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish hope, not a break from it.
  • ἅλυσις (halysis, "chain"): Paul uses this word for his physical chains, making his suffering for this hope very concrete and personal.

Why Acts 28:20 matters

  • Acts 28:20 clarifies that Paul's imprisonment is not for a crime, but for his faith in God's promises to Israel, helping readers understand the real reason for his suffering.
  • This verse connects Paul's message in Rome to the whole story of Acts, showing continuity between the Jewish hope and the Christian message.
  • By addressing Jewish leaders first, Paul demonstrates respect and a desire for unity, not division, between Jewish tradition and the message about Jesus.

Where else these words appear

“with” Greek G4354 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

“with” Greek G4029 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
  • Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
  • Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

“chain” Greek G254 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
  • Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

“cause” Greek G156 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  • John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
  • Acts 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: