Acts 28:20 - Easy To Read Version That is why I wanted to see you and talk with you. I am bound with this chain because I believe in the hope of Israel. {\cf2\super [526]} ” Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 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. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition This is the reason therefore why I have begged to see you and to talk with you, since it is because of the Hope of Israel (the Messiah) that I am bound with this chain. 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. Common English Bible This is why I asked to see you and speak with you: it’s because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” Catholic Public Domain Version And 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." Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version 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. |
The message from the Lord came to Jeremiah after he was set free at the city of Ramah. Nebuzaradan, the commander of the king of Babylon’s special guards, found Jeremiah in Ramah. Jeremiah was bound with chains. He was with all the captives from Jerusalem and Judah. Those captives were being taken away in captivity to Babylon.
That is why I did not argue when the men asked me to come here. Now, please tell me why you sent for me.”
So I sent for you immediately. It was very good of you to come here. Now we are all here before God to hear everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
The commander went to Paul and arrested him. The commander told his soldiers to tie Paul with two chains. Then the commander asked, “Who is this man? What has he done wrong?”
Some of the men in the meeting were Sadducees {\cf2\super [454]} and some others were Pharisees. {\cf2\super [455]} So Paul had an idea: He shouted to them, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee and my father was a Pharisee! I am on trial here because I hope (believe) that people will rise from death!”
I have the same hope in God that these Jews have—the hope that all people, good and bad, will be raised from death.
Paul said, “It is not important if it is easy or if it is hard; I pray to God that not only you but every person listening to me today could \{be saved and\} be like me—except for these chains I have!”
Three days later Paul sent for some of the most important Jews. When they came together, Paul said, “My Jewish brothers, I have done nothing against our people (the Jews). I have done nothing against the customs of our fathers. {\cf2\super [524]} But I was arrested in Jerusalem and given to the Romans.
So I (Paul) am a prisoner of Christ Jesus. I am a prisoner for you people who are not Jews.
I am in prison because I belong to the Lord. And God chose you to be his people. I tell you now to live the way God’s people should live.
I have the work of speaking for that Good News. I am doing that now, here in prison. Pray that when I tell people that Good News I will speak without fear like I should.
It is clear why I am in prison. I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ. All the Roman guards know this, and so do all the other people.
I say hello and write this with my own hand—Paul. Remember me in prison. God’s grace (kindness) be with you.
That grace was not shown to us until now. It was shown to us when our Savior Christ Jesus came. Jesus destroyed death and showed us the way to have life. Yes! Through the Good News Jesus showed us the way to have life that cannot be destroyed.
And I am suffering because I tell that Good News. I am even bound with chains like a person who has really done wrong. But God’s teaching is not bound.