The Hope of the Resurrection

Acts 26:1–8 (NASB95) 

1Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: 2“In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; 3especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4“So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. 6“And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers; 7the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King, I am being accused by Jews. 8“Why is it considered incredible among you people if God does raise the dead? 

Paul begins his defense before King Agrippa by focusing on the central hope of the Jewish faith: the resurrection of the dead. He respectfully acknowledges Agrippa’s familiarity with Jewish customs and beliefs, using this as a foundation to explain that his message about Jesus is not a departure from Judaism but its fulfillment. Paul emphasizes that he is being judged for believing in the promise God made to their ancestors—a promise that all twelve tribes of Israel hoped to see fulfilled. He challenges Agrippa and the audience to consider why it should be deemed incredible that God raises the dead. By framing his defense around the resurrection, Paul not only defends himself but also boldly proclaims the Gospel, pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises. This moment highlights Paul’s unwavering commitment to the truth and his ability to use every opportunity to share the hope of salvation. 

Paul’s defense reminds us of the importance of grounding our faith in the hope of the resurrection and boldly sharing this truth with others. His example challenges us to seize every opportunity to proclaim the Gospel, even in difficult or intimidating circumstances. As the modern church, we are called to stand firm in the hope of eternal life through Jesus and to share this message with a world that desperately needs it. Let us trust in God’s promises and boldly testify to the life-changing power of the resurrection, knowing that this hope is the foundation of our faith and the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.