Devine Scripture

Acts 28:20

What does Acts 28:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 28:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 28:20 means

Paul explains why he sought this meeting: he is bound with a chain for the hope of Israel. That hope centers on God’s promises—the coming Messiah, the kingdom, and the resurrection—realized in Jesus. His imprisonment is not for political sedition but for fidelity to God’s redemptive plan foretold in Scripture. By naming it the hope of Israel, Paul invites the leaders to see continuity between their Scriptures and the gospel he proclaims. The chain on his wrist testifies that the message of Jesus, not any crime, is the true cause of his suffering. He seeks to frame the conversation around promise and fulfillment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But for this reason I sent for you, to see and have talk with you: for because of the hope of Israel I am in these chains.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for this cause, therefore, I called for you to see and to speak with <FI>you<Fi> , for because of the hope of Israel with this chain I am bound.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For 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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For this cause therefore I have called you to [me] to see and to speak to you; for on account of the hope of Israel I have this chain about me.

Context

With verses 17–19 clearing the legal background, verse 20 shifts to the theological heart: Paul’s chains relate to Israel’s hope. The leaders’ reaction in verse 21 notes no prior hostile reports, and verse 22 expresses a desire to hear more about this sect, which is widely spoken against. This leads directly to verse 23, where a large gathering assembles at Paul’s lodging for a day-long exposition about the kingdom and Jesus from the Law and the Prophets.

v.19But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had aught whereof to accuse my nation.

v.20This passage

v.21And they said unto him, We neither received letters from Judæa concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren come hither and report or speak any harm of thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 1:13

    so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest;

  • Acts 10:29

    wherefore also I came without gainsaying, when I was sent for. I ask therefore with what intent ye sent for me.

  • Ephesians 3:1

    For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,—

  • Ephesians 4:1

    I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,

  • Philemon 1:13

    whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

  • Acts 24:15

    having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.

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