Acts 28:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
For
G1223
διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 20
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ταύτην
G3778
ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 20
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
3 of 20
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἰτίαν
cause
G156
αἰτίαν
cause
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
5 of 20
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
παρεκάλεσα
have I called
G3870
παρεκάλεσα
have I called
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
6 of 20
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἰδεῖν
to see
G1492
ἰδεῖν
to see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
8 of 20
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
you and
G2532
καὶ
you and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλπίδος
the hope
G1680
ἐλπίδος
the hope
Strong's:
G1680
Word #:
14 of 20
expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
16 of 20
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 26:29And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.Ephesians 6:20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.2 Timothy 2:9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.Philippians 1:13So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;Acts 23:6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.Acts 24:15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.Acts 21:33Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
Historical Context
The resurrection was central to Pharisaic Judaism, distinguishing them from Sadducees (Acts 23:6-8). Paul argued Christianity was true Judaism because Jesus' resurrection proved Messianic claims, fulfilling prophetic hope.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding Christianity as fulfilled Judaism change your reading of the Old Testament?
- What 'chains' have you experienced for maintaining biblical hope in opposition to religious convention?
Analysis & Commentary
For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain (ἕνεκα τῆς ἐλπίδος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ)—Paul identifies resurrection hope as Judaism's core expectation. The 'hope of Israel' refers to Messianic promises fulfilled in Jesus' resurrection and believers' future bodily resurrection. His literal chain (σειράν—likely the chain connecting him to his guard) symbolized rejection by those whose own Scriptures promised this very hope. Paul's paradox: imprisoned for believing Israel's own hope. This demonstrates how religious institutions can oppose the very truths they claim to uphold.