As the apostle Paul is giving his defence in the climax of his trials, the hope that has driven him all this time shines through and it shocks those who are listening to him. For Paul's concern is not about his freedom, but about the hope of the promises to Abraham, to the Prophets and those given by Jesus. The challenge for us is to examine our lives to see whether we cling to the same hope or some other false hope that Saul once did as well.