Acts 28:17

¶ And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men [and] brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that after {G3326} three {G5140} days {G2250} Paul {G3972} called {G4779} the chief {G4413}{G5607} of the Jews {G2453} together {G4779}: and {G1161} when they {G846} were come together {G4905}, he said {G3004} unto {G4314} them {G846}, Men {G435} and brethren {G80}, though I {G1473} have committed {G4160} nothing {G3762} against {G1727} the people {G2992}, or {G2228} customs {G1485} of our fathers {G3971}, yet was I delivered {G3860} prisoner {G1198} from {G1537} Jerusalem {G2414} into {G1519} the hands {G5495} of the Romans {G4514}.

After three days Sha’ul called a meeting of the local Jewish leaders. When they had gathered, he said to them: “Brothers, although I have done nothing against either our people or the traditions of our fathers, I was made a prisoner in Yerushalayim and handed over to the Romans.

After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

And it came to pass, that after three days he called together those that were the chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, I, brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans:

Commentary

Acts 28:17 marks a significant moment in the Apostle Paul's ministry as he arrives in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, not as a free man but as a prisoner. Despite his circumstances, Paul immediately takes initiative to communicate his situation to the local Jewish leaders, demonstrating his consistent approach to evangelism.

Context

After a perilous journey, including a shipwreck on Malta, Paul finally reached Rome (as prophesied in Acts 23:11). This verse describes his first action after three days in the city: calling together the chief men of the Jewish community. This proactive outreach highlights Paul's strategic method of first approaching the Jews in any new city, even though his primary mission was to the Gentiles. He was under house arrest, though with considerable freedom, allowing him to receive visitors and preach (Acts 28:30).

Key Themes

  • Paul's Innocence and Integrity: Paul begins his address by asserting that he has committed "nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers." This echoes his consistent defense throughout his trials in Jerusalem and Caesarea (Acts 24:13, 25:8, 26:31). He maintains that his imprisonment is not due to any crime against Jewish law or the Roman state.
  • Commitment to Jewish Heritage: Despite being the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul consistently respected and sought to connect with his Jewish brethren. His opening statement underscores his deep connection to the "customs of our fathers," emphasizing that his faith in Christ was a fulfillment, not an abandonment, of his Jewish heritage.
  • Divine Providence and Human Opposition: Paul acknowledges that he was "delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans." This points to the series of events orchestrated by God, though initiated by Jewish opposition in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-33), which ultimately led him to Rome as a prisoner, fulfilling God's plan for the Gospel to reach the imperial capital.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Men and brethren" (Greek: andres adelphoi) is a common and respectful form of address used by Paul and Peter in the book of Acts when speaking to Jewish audiences (e.g., Acts 2:29, 23:1). It signifies a recognition of shared heritage and kinship, seeking to establish common ground before presenting his case.

The "customs of our fathers" refers to the established Jewish traditions, laws, and religious practices derived from the Mosaic Law and rabbinic interpretations. Paul's assertion that he had not violated these was crucial for gaining a hearing among the Jewish leadership.

Practical Application

Acts 28:17 offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Proactive Communication: Paul, though a prisoner, took the initiative to explain his situation and beliefs. This highlights the importance of clear, honest communication, especially when facing misunderstandings or opposition.
  • Maintaining Integrity: Paul's consistent declaration of his innocence reminds us of the value of living a life of integrity, even when falsely accused. Our conduct can speak volumes about the truth we represent.
  • Seeking Common Ground: Paul's respectful address and appeal to shared heritage demonstrate the wisdom of finding common ground when engaging with others, even those who may be hostile or skeptical, to open a door for the Gospel message.
  • God's Sovereignty in Adversity: Paul's imprisonment was part of God's plan to bring the Gospel to Rome. Similarly, God can use difficult circumstances in our lives to advance His purposes and spread His truth to unexpected places.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 25:8 (6 votes)

    While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

  • Acts 6:14 (4 votes)

    For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.

  • Acts 25:10 (3 votes)

    Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

  • Acts 21:33 (2 votes)

    Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded [him] to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

  • Acts 21:40 (2 votes)

    And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto [them] in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

  • Acts 22:5 (2 votes)

    As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

  • Acts 24:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself: