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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 26:7 - 26:7
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Our twelve tribes (to dōdekaphulon hēmōn). A word found only here in N.T. and in Christian and Jewish writings, though dōdekamēnon (twelve month) is common in the papyri and dekaphulos (ten tribes) in Herodotus. Paul’s use of this word for the Jewish people, like Jam 1:1 (tais dōdeka phulais, the twelve tribes), shows that Paul had no knowledge of any “lost ten tribes.” There is a certain national pride and sense of unity in spite of the dispersion (Page).
Earnestly (en ekteneiāi). A late word from ekteinō, to stretch out, only here in N.T., but in papyri and inscriptions. Page refers to Simeon and Anna (Luk 2:25-28) as instances of Jews looking for the coming of the Messiah. Note the accusative of nukta kai hēmeran as in Act 20:31.
Hope to attain (elpizei katantēsai). This Messianic hope had been the red thread running through Jewish history. Today, alas, it is a sadly worn thread for Jews who refuse to see the Messiah in Jesus.
I am accused by Jews (egkaloumai hupo Ioudaiōn). The very word used in Act 23:28 (enekaloun) which see, and by Jews of all people in the world whose mainspring was this very “hope.” It is a tremendously effective turn.