New International VersionFor this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
New Living TranslationI asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”
English Standard VersionFor this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”
Berean Standard BibleSo for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore for this cause I have called to see you and to speak to you. For because of the hope of Israel, I have around me this chain."
King James BibleFor 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.
New King James VersionFor this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
New American Standard BibleFor this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”
NASB 1995“For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”
NASB 1977“For this reason therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”
Legacy Standard BibleFor this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.”
Amplified BibleFor this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel (the Messiah, the resurrection) that I am bound with this chain.”
Christian Standard BibleFor this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”
American Standard VersionFor this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Contemporary English VersionI am bound by these chains because of what we people of Israel hope for. This is why I have called you here to talk about this hope of ours.
English Revised VersionFor this cause therefore did I entreat you to see and to speak with me: for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThat's why I asked to see you and speak with you. I'm wearing these chains because of what Israel hopes for."
Good News TranslationThat is why I asked to see you and talk with you. As a matter of fact, I am bound in chains like this for the sake of him for whom the people of Israel hope."
International Standard VersionThat's why I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the hope of Israel that I'm wearing this chain."
NET BibleSo for this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for I am bound with this chain because of the hope of Israel."
New Heart English BibleFor this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
Webster's Bible TranslationFor 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.
Weymouth New TestamentFor these reasons, then, I have invited you here, that I might see you and speak to you; for it is for the sake of Him who is the hope of Israel that this chain hangs upon me." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
World English BibleFor this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor this cause, therefore, I called for you to see and to speak with [you], for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Berean Literal BibleTherefore for this cause I have called to see you and to speak to you. For because of the hope of Israel, I have around me this chain."
Young's Literal Translation for this cause, therefore, I called for you to see and to speak with you, for because of the hope of Israel with this chain I am bound.'
Smith's Literal TranslationFor this cause therefore I besought to see you, and to speak: for, for the hope of Israel am I surrounded by this chain. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor this cause therefore I desired to see you, and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, because of this, I requested to see you and to speak to you. For it is because of the hope of Israel that I am encircled with this chain.”
New American BibleThis is the reason, then, I have requested to see you and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear these chains.”
New Revised Standard VersionFor this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the sake of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThis is the reason I begged you to come, for I wish to see you and to relate these things to you; because it is for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“Therefore, I begged of you to come and to see you and relate to you these things, because for the hope of Israel I am bound in this chain.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor this reason, I called for you, that I might see you and speak to you; for on account of the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.
Godbey New Testament
Then for this cause I have called you, to see you, and talk to you: for on account of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Haweis New Testament
For this cause therefore have I invited you hither, to see and to converse with you; for on account of the hope of Israel am I bound with this chain.
Mace New Testament
for this reason I desir'd to see and talk with you; it being for the expectation of Israel that I am subject to this chain."
Weymouth New Testament
For these reasons, then, I have invited you here, that I might see you and speak to you; for it is for the sake of Him who is the hope of Israel that this chain hangs upon me."
Worrell New Testament
For this cause, therefore, I called for you, to see and to speak with you: for, on account of the hope of Israel, I am encompassed with this chain."
Worsley New Testament
For this reason therefore I desired to see and to speak to you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul Preaches at Rome… 19But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, even though I have no charge to bring against my nation. 20SoforthisreasonI have calledto seeyouandspeak with you.It isbecause ofthehopeof Israelthat I am bound withthischain.”21The leaders replied, “We have not received any letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the brothers from there reported or even mentioned anything bad about you.…
Cross References Acts 26:6-7And now I stand on trial because of my hope in the promise that God made to our fathers, / the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.
Acts 23:6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”
Acts 24:15and I have the same hope in God that they themselves cherish, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
Acts 13:32-33And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’
Romans 11:28Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs.
Romans 15:8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,
Luke 2:25-32Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. / The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. / Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. And when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what was customary under the Law, ...
Romans 4:13-16For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. / For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless, / because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. ...
Galatians 3:16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.
Hebrews 6:13-15When God made His promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself, / saying, “I will surely bless you and multiply your descendants.” / And so Abraham, after waiting patiently, obtained the promise.
Genesis 12:1-3Then the LORD said to Abram, “Leave your country, your kindred, and your father’s household, and go to the land I will show you. / I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. / I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 22:16-18saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son, / I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will possess the gates of their enemies. / And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”
Genesis 26:3-5Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham. / I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, / because Abraham listened to My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”
Genesis 28:13-14And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.
Isaiah 9:6-7For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.
Treasury of Scripture 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. this cause. Acts 28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Menand brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Acts 10:29,33 Therefore came Iunto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? … for the. Acts 23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Menand brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Acts 24:15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. See on Acts 26:6,7 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: … this chain. Acts 28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. Acts 26:29 And 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 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Jump to Previous AccountBoundCauseChainChainsEntreatHangsHopeInvitedIsraelReasonReasonsRequestedSakeSpeakTalkWearingJump to Next AccountBoundCauseChainChainsEntreatHangsHopeInvitedIsraelReasonReasonsRequestedSakeSpeakTalkWearingActs 28 1.Paul, after his shipwreck, is kindly entertained on Malta.5.The snake on his hand hurts him not.8.He heals many diseases in the island.11.They depart toward Rome.17.He declares to the Jews the cause of his coming.24.After his preaching some were persuaded, and some believed not.30.Yet he preaches there two years.So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you.Paul, under house arrest in Rome, reaches out to the Jewish leaders to explain his situation. This reflects his consistent strategy of engaging with Jews first in every city he visits ( Acts 17:2). His approach underscores the importance of dialogue and witness, even in adversity. The setting in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, highlights the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling Acts 1:8. It is because of the hope of Israel
The "hope of Israel" refers to the messianic expectation rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul identifies Jesus as the fulfillment of this hope, aligning with prophecies such asIsaiah 9:6-7 andJeremiah 23:5-6. This hope encompasses the resurrection, a central theme in Paul's preaching (Acts 23:6). The phrase connects to the promise made to the patriarchs, emphasizing continuity between the Old and New Testaments. that I am bound with this chain.
Paul's imprisonment is a direct result of his proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, which was controversial among Jewish leaders. The "chain" symbolizes both his physical captivity and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel. This imagery resonates withEphesians 6:20, where Paul describes himself as an "ambassador in chains." His suffering is seen as part of his apostolic mission, echoing Jesus' own path of suffering and redemption. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleA key figure in the early Christian church, Paul is the speaker in this verse. He is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial before Caesar. 2. Jewish Leaders in RomePaul is addressing the Jewish leaders in Rome, explaining why he is imprisoned and seeking to clarify any misunderstandings about his mission and message. 3. RomeThe capital of the Roman Empire, where Paul is under house arrest. Rome represents both the center of political power and a significant mission field for the spread of the Gospel. 4. The Hope of IsraelThis phrase refers to the messianic hope rooted in Jewish tradition, which Paul identifies with Jesus Christ. It is central to Paul's message and mission. 5. Paul's ChainsSymbolic of his imprisonment, these chains represent both his physical bondage and his spiritual commitment to the Gospel. Teaching Points Understanding the Hope of IsraelThe "hope of Israel" is not just a nationalistic or political hope but a spiritual one fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Believers today are called to understand and share this hope with others. Witnessing in AdversityPaul's example of witnessing even while in chains challenges us to share our faith regardless of our circumstances. Our limitations can become platforms for God's message. Unity in the GospelPaul seeks to clarify misunderstandings with the Jewish leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity and clear communication within the body of Christ. Faithfulness in TrialsPaul's steadfastness in his mission, despite his imprisonment, encourages believers to remain faithful in their own trials, trusting in God's greater purpose. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 28:20?
2.Why did Paul say he was "bound with this chain" in Acts 28:20?
3.How does Paul's imprisonment reflect his commitment to the gospel message?
4.What Old Testament prophecies connect to Paul's hope for Israel in Acts 28:20?
5.How can we remain steadfast in faith despite personal trials like Paul?
6.In what ways can we share the hope of Israel in our community?
7.Why did Paul refer to "the hope of Israel" in Acts 28:20?
8.How does Acts 28:20 relate to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?
9.What is the significance of Paul's imprisonment mentioned in Acts 28:20?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 28?
11.Who is the author of Ephesians?
12.Proverbs 10:25 says the righteous remain firm in the storm--why then do natural disasters often strike believers and nonbelievers alike?
13.Why does Judges 7 seemingly contradict other biblical passages that emphasize the need for adequate numbers in battle (e.g., 1 Chronicles 21:1-5)?
14.Is the concept of God logical?What Does Acts 28:20 Mean So for this reasonPaul is in Rome under house arrest (Acts 28:16). Earlier he explained to the Roman Jews that, though the Roman authorities found no basis for execution, Jewish opposition forced him to appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:17-19). • He’s making clear that the only motive behind this meeting is gospel proclamation, not self-defense. • Similar clarifying statements appear inActs 23:1; 24:10-16; 26:19-23, where Paul repeatedly explains his actions as obedience to God’s call.
I have called to see youPaul summons the local Jewish leaders rather than waiting for them to come. • This demonstrates initiative and respect—he still sees himself as part of Israel (Romans 9:1-4). • He follows the pattern of going “to the Jew first” (Acts 13:46;Romans 1:16). • Even chained, he uses every opening to share Christ, echoing2 Timothy 4:2, “be ready in season and out of season”.
and speak with youConversation, not confrontation, is Paul’s aim. • He wants dialogue regarding the gospel, much like he reasoned in synagogues throughout Acts (17:2-3, 17). • This reflects1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer…with gentleness and respect”. • His willingness to “explain and declare” (Acts 28:23) shows confidence that Scripture, rightly presented, convinces hearts.
It is because of the hope of IsraelThe “hope” centers on the promised Messiah and the resurrection (Acts 26:6-8;Jeremiah 14:8). • Paul sees Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel’s prophetic hope (Luke 24:25-27;Acts 13:32-33). • Resurrection is key: “I stand on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead” (Acts 23:6). • This hope is not abandoned but realized in Christ (Acts 24:14-15;Titus 2:13).
that I am bound with this chainPaul’s physical chain highlights the ironic contrast: Israel’s own hope has led to his imprisonment. • He wears the chain as Christ’s ambassador (Ephesians 6:20), turning suffering into testimony (Philippians 1:12-14). • The chain underscores the cost of faithfully preaching the gospel (2 Timothy 2:9). • Yet the gospel remains “unhindered” (Acts 28:31), proving that no earthly restraint can silence God’s word.
summaryActs 28:20 shows Paul explaining that his captivity is not for political sedition but for proclaiming Israel’s long-awaited hope—Jesus the risen Messiah. He initiates respectful dialogue with Jewish leaders to make that truth plain, demonstrating that even chains serve the gospel’s advance and affirming God’s faithfulness to every promise in Scripture. (20) For the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.--The mention of "chain" in the singular agrees with the fact stated in Acts 28:30, that he was entrusted to the keeping of a single soldier. There is a certain touch of pathos in this appeal to his sufferings as a prisoner. (Comp. Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1; Ephesians 6:20.) The hope for which he suffered was two-fold: (1) the expectation of the Messiah as bringing in a kingdom of heaven, which was cherished by every Israelite; (2) the hope of a resurrection from the dead, which he proclaimed as attested by the resurrection which proved ( Romans 1:3-4) that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. (See Notes on Acts 26:6-7.) . . . Verse 20. - DidIentreat you to see and to speak with me for have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you, A.V.; for because of for because that for, A.V. To see and to speak with me. Meyer, followed by Alford, rightly prefers the rendering of the A.V. and the margin of the R.V. Παρακαλέω is here in its primary sense of calling any one to come to you, and the two infinitives express the object for which he called them, viz. to see and speak with them. Because of the hope of Israel (see Acts 23:6; Acts 24:14, 15, 21; Acts 26:6, 22, 23). I am bound with this chain ( περικεῖμαι). In Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2 the millstone 'hangs about' ( περικεῖται) the neck. But here and Hebrews 5:2 the construction is different, and the subject and the object are reversed. Instead of the chain encompassing Paul, Paul is said to be bound with the chain. (For the chain, see ver. 16, note, and Acts 24:23.) The force of this saying seems to be this, "I have asked you to come to me because this chain which binds me is not a token of a renegade Israelite who has come to Rome to accuse his nation before the heathen master, but of a faithful Israelite, who has endured bondage rather than forsake the hope of his fathers."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Soοὖν(oun)Conjunction
Strong's 3767:Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.forδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.thisταύτην(tautēn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.reasonαἰτίαν(aitian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 156:From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.I have calledπαρεκάλεσα(parekalesa)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3870:From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.to seeἰδεῖν(idein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.youὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.speak with [you].προσλαλῆσαι(proslalēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4354:To speak to, converse with. From pros and laleo; to talk to, i.e. Converse with.[It is]γὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.because ofἕνεκεν(heneken)Preposition
Strong's 1752:Or heneken hen'-ek-en or heineken hi'-nek-en; of uncertain affinity; on account of.theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.hopeἐλπίδος(elpidos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1680:Hope, expectation, trust, confidence. From a primary elpo; expectation or confidence.of IsraelἸσραὴλ(Israēl)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474:Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.[that] I am bound withπερίκειμαι(perikeimai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4029:From peri and keimai; to lie all around, i.e. Inclose, encircle, hamper.thisταύτην(tautēn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.chain.”ἅλυσιν(halysin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 254:A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.
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NT Apostles: Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore I asked (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
