Acts 26:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
Unto
G1519
εἰς
Unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέραν
God day
G2250
ἡμέραν
God day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
10 of 22
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
λατρεῦον
serving
G3000
λατρεῦον
serving
Strong's:
G3000
Word #:
11 of 22
to minister (to god), i.e., render religious homage
καταντῆσαι
to come
G2658
καταντῆσαι
to come
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
13 of 22
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
περὶ
For
G4012
περὶ
For
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
14 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἧς
which
G3739
ἧς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐλπίδος
hope's sake
G1680
ἐλπίδος
hope's sake
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
16 of 22
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
ἐγκαλοῦμαι
I am accused
G1458
ἐγκαλοῦμαι
I am accused
Strong's:
G1458
Word #:
17 of 22
to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
20 of 22
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
Cross References
James 1:1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.1 Timothy 5:5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.1 Thessalonians 3:10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?Philippians 3:11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.Matthew 19:28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Luke 22:30That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.Ezra 6:17And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
Paul spoke these words circa AD 59-60 before Herod Agrippa II (great-grandson of Herod the Great) and the Roman governor Festus in Caesarea. Agrippa was considered an expert in Jewish customs (26:3), making him an ideal audience for Paul's argument. The "twelve tribes" language was still meaningful despite the northern kingdom's exile—pious Jews maintained tribal identity and awaited national restoration.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's defense challenge the false dichotomy between Christianity and faithful Judaism?
- What does it mean that the resurrection hope was central to ancient Jewish worship "day and night"—and should it be equally central to yours?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come—Paul identifies himself with Israel's messianic hope, using dodekaphylon (δωδεκάφυλον, "twelve tribes") to emphasize the continuity between Israel and the church. The word en ekteneia (ἐν ἐκτενείᾳ, "instantly/earnestly") describes intense, continuous worship—the same root used of Jesus praying in agony (Luke 22:44). Paul's point is devastating: he is accused of believing what faithful Jews have always believed—resurrection and Messiah.
For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews—The Greek peri hēs elpidos (περὶ ἧς ἐλπίδος, "concerning which hope") is emphatic. Paul faces persecution not for abandoning Judaism but for fulfilling it. The irony is sharp: those who claim to serve the God of Abraham now prosecute the one who proclaims Abraham's promises fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16). This echoes Stephen's accusation that the religious establishment always resists the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:51).