Anchored in Hope

Author: Pastor Darren DeLoach

Acts 26:6-7—And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused...

Hope doesn’t spring from mere thoughts or thin air; it’s anchored in the promises of God. These enduring truths, found in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasize the foundational nature of hope in God. Acts and Hebrews echo the Old Testament’s focus on hope.

With Paul, a new dimension is introduced. In Christ, especially through His death and resurrection, Paul grounds hope. His teachings on hope are intertwined with doctrines like justification, redemption, and reconciliation, forming a cohesive theological perspective.

Additionally, hope is sometimes rooted in the Savior’s resurrection. The triumph over death, Satan, and present challenges is evident. Jesus’ resurrection not only addresses existing issues but also heralds a new age, and hope eagerly anticipates its blessings.

The Apostle Paul found himself on trial because of his hope in the promise made by God to their fathers. The Jews accused him of violating the law and desecrating the temple, while the Romans saw him as a disturber of the peace. However, Paul, when given the opportunity to defend himself before King Agrippa, explained that he was on trial because of his hope in God’s promises.

Paul highlighted the consistency and public nature of his faith from his youth, emphasizing his strict adherence to the Pharisaic way of life. Despite his commitment to Jewish traditions, he found himself on trial, not for any wrongdoing but because of his hope in the promise made by God.

The essence of Paul’s defense was his unwavering hope. He stated that the reason for his trial was not the accusations of the Jews or the Romans but the hope that sustained him. Paul asserted that everyone would face a trial for their hope at some point in life, and the key question was whether there would be enough evidence to convict them.

Hope, according to Paul, is often misunderstood. He pointed out that people define hope in various ways, from mere wishes to optimism based on positive circumstances. However, Paul presented a distinctively Christian perspective on hope: it is the life-shaping faith and practice that God is good on His promises.

Paul outlined four pieces of evidence demonstrating his hope: transformation, an encounter with the living Christ, a sense of purpose, and perseverance. He described how encountering Jesus had changed him from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower. This transformation, coupled with a deep sense of purpose given by God, propelled him to open the eyes of Jews and Gentiles to the message of hope.

Furthermore, Paul highlighted the sustaining power of hope, emphasizing that he had received help from God throughout his trials. He urged believers to ground their hope in the promises of God, which remain unchanging even in the face of life’s difficulties. Paul encouraged perseverance, asserting that a life-shaping hope is always life-sustaining.

In conclusion, Paul’s trial resulted from his unshakeable hope in the promises of God. His defense emphasized that hope, grounded in the person and work of Jesus Christ, transforms, leads to an intimate encounter with the living Christ, provides a profound sense of purpose, and sustains believers through all circumstances. Paul’s example challenges believers to let hope have them, becoming a central and transformative force in their lives.

Reflection

Consider Paul’s definition of hope as a life-shaping faith grounded in the promises of God. How does this perspective challenge your own understanding of hope?