Acts 26:7

Unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. And concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, O king!

Twelve tribes ... Despite the widespread opinion to the effect that the ten northern tribes "disappeared," there is no doubt that "A great part of the ten tribes had at various times returned to their country,"[8] Anna, for example, having been of the tribe of Asher (Luke 2:36).

Concerning this hope ... refers to the hope of the resurrection of the dead as proved by the resurrection of Christ. In fact Paul made our Lord's resurrection to be the only sure proof of that hope; and, as Milligan said, "He taught that the hope of Israel was to be found only in and through Jesus of Nazareth!"[9] This, of course, infuriated many of the Jews; but this seemed to Paul an incredible behavior on their part.

Accused by the Jews ... Here again, the proper rendition would be "accused by Jews," that is, some Jews (see under Acts 26:2). Harrison agreed with Campbell on this, rendering it "by Jews." Paul's meaning was given by him thus: "It is an utterly amazing thing that Jews who have hope in the resurrection should accuse Paul for entertaining the same hope."[10] MacGreggor renders this, "Jews, of all people!"[11]

[8] John Wesley, Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House), in loco.

[9] Robert Milligan, Analysis of the New Testament (Cincinnati, Ohio: Bosworth, Chase and Hall), p. 404.

[10] Everett F. Harrison, Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1971), p. 478.

[11] G. H. C. MacGreggor, The Interpreter's Bible (New York: Abingdon Press, 1954), Vol. IX, p. 324.