The hope of Israel is the confidence and promise of a Messiah, who is Jesus Christ, serving as prophet, priest, and king.
The hope of Israel refers to the expectation that God would send a Messiah, as foretold in the Scriptures. This hope embodies the promise of a king who would rule righteously, a prophet who would speak God's word, and a priest who would offer the ultimate sacrifice for sin. In Acts 28:20, Paul describes his imprisonment as being for 'the hope of Israel,' which his audience—familiar with Jewish messianic expectations—understood as a reference to Christ. Thus, the hope represents not a mere longing but a confident assurance rooted in God’s faithfulness to His promises.
Scripture References:
Acts 28:20, Psalm 47, Isaiah 61, Micah 7:19, Daniel 9:24, Psalm 130:7, Jeremiah 14:8, Acts 28:17-24, Isaiah 9:6, Titus 2:13, Romans 2:28-29, Romans 9:6, Philippians 3:3, Joel 3:16, Joel 2:32, Acts 2:25-28
Commentary