A Hostage for Hope

“I did it for Israel. I asked you to come and listen to me today to make it clear that I’m on Israel’s side, not against her. I’m a hostage here for hope, not doom.”” (Acts 28:20, The Message)

Paul's explanation to the Jews in Rome as to why he had been brought as a prisoner to Rome to be tried before Caesar.  I'm a hostage here for hope, paraphrases The Message.

The ESV has it as:

“For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.”” (Acts 28:20, ESV)

I think it's a pretty good paraphrase. 

There can be no doubt that Paul's first hope and desire was the salvation of Israel, and that his chains had come because of his devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ which was the hope of Israel (and everyone else) for that matter.

The takeaway point?  Hope comes in the gospel.  Hope is there for Israel; it is there for the Gentiles.  The gospel of Jesus Christ, dead for our sins, risen to new life.  This is the hope of all people; and it is the only hope of all people.