Hope in the book of Acts
In the book of Acts, the word ‘hope’ is consistently emphasised in the context of the resurrection of Jesus, the restoration of God’s people, and the future return of Christ.
The apostles and early Christians express their hope not as a vague wish, but as a confident expectation grounded in God's promises and the reality of Jesus's resurrection.
Where hope is emphasised
The resurrection of Jesus
The resurrection is the central point of Christian hope, confirming Jesus's identity as the Messiah and securing the future resurrection of believers.
Acts 2:25–28: In his sermon at Pentecost, Peter quotes Psalm 16, connecting David's prophecy to Jesus. He explains that David spoke "of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption" (Acts 2:31). Peter declares that God has raised Jesus up, providing a basis for a new, living hope.
Acts 23:6: While on trial before the Sanhedrin, Paul defends himself by asserting, "I am on trial concerning the hope and the resurrection of the dead". He aligns himself with the Pharisees who believed in the resurrection, using this shared hope to create division among his accusers.
Acts 24:15: Before the Roman governor Felix, Paul reiterates this theme, stating, "I have a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust".
The promise to Israel
The apostles frame their message of hope within the context of God's ancient promises to Israel, which they believe were fulfilled in Jesus.
Acts 1:6–11: The disciples' initial hope was for the immediate political restoration of the Kingdom to Israel. However, Jesus redirects their focus to the coming of the Holy Spirit and their mission to be his witnesses "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Their hope is reshaped to understand that the kingdom will come in two stages: the spiritual reign beginning with the Spirit, and Jesus's bodily return.
Acts 26:6–7: In his defense before King Agrippa, Paul states that he stands trial for his "hope in the promise made by God to our fathers". He connects his hope directly to the long-held expectation of the twelve tribes of Israel for the Messiah and the resurrection. The fact that he is accused by Jews for holding this fundamental Jewish hope highlights the absurdity of the charges against him.
Acts 28:20: While under house arrest in Rome, Paul clarifies to the Jewish leaders that he is in chains "for the hope of Israel". This refers to the Messianic hope of God's kingdom, which, for Paul, is embodied in Jesus.
The Holy Spirit and the message of hope
The Holy Spirit is presented as the down payment of the future hope, empowering believers in the present and signifying the start of the "last days".
Acts 1:8: Jesus promises his followers they will "receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you" to witness to him. This promise of empowerment to enable christians to live effectively as Christ’s representatives is a central aspect of their confident expectation.
Acts 2:38: In his Pentecost sermon, Peter offers a message of hope, inviting people to "repent and be baptized... and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This reception of the Spirit is linked to the hope of forgiveness and salvation.
Acts 28:26–28: At the end of Acts, Paul quotes from Isaiah to explain the stubborn refusal of some Jewish leaders to accept Jesus as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy about spiritual blindness. This moment of rejection, however, also sets the stage for the fulfilment of the hope for the Gentiles, as Paul declares that God's salvation has now been sent to them.
How hope is sustained in Acts
Despite persecution and hardship, the early church's hope remains steadfast through several factors:
Encouragement: Leaders like Barnabas and Paul consistently strengthen the disciples, urging them to "continue in the faith" despite many afflictions (Acts 14:22).
Miraculous signs: Healings and miracles were performed by the apostles especially early in their ministry. Thus the healing of the lame man in Acts 3, serves as confirmation that God is at work, reinforcing their message of restoration and judgment.
Community: The communal life of the early believers, described in Acts 2 and 4, demonstrates their collective hope. They share possessions and devote themselves to fellowship and teaching, showing that their future hope shaped their present actions.
Suffering: Paradoxically, suffering for the sake of the gospel becomes an evidence of their hope. Their willingness to endure hardship shows that their ultimate reward lies beyond their earthly struggles (Acts 5:41).
In summary, the book of Acts is permeated with the unshakable hope of the early Christians. This hope is based on the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit, which fulfils the ancient promises to Israel and opens salvation to the Gentiles. It fuels their witness and resilience in the face of persecution.
