Acts 24:17

17 And after a lapse of many years I arrived, bringing alms to my nation, and offerings.

Acts 24:17 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 24:17

Now after many years
Absence from Jerusalem; it was now about five and twenty years since his conversion, and most of this time he spent among the Gentiles; three years after it he went up to Jerusalem, and fourteen years after that, ( Galatians 1:18 ) ( 2:1 ) but it had now been some years since he had been there:

I came to bring alms to my nation;
the collections which were made among the Gentile churches, particularly in Macedonia, for the poor saints at Jerusalem, ( Romans 15:25-27 ) ( 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 ) .

and offerings;
either for the day of Pentecost, according to the usages of that feast, or the offerings on the account of the vow of the Nazarite, ( Acts 21:26 ) . The Vulgate Latin version adds, "and vows"; unless the spiritual and evangelical sacrifices of prayer and praise can be thought to be meant, since the ceremonial law was now abrogated; though it is manifest the apostle did at some times, and in some cases, comply with the Jews in the observance of it, in order to gain some.

Acts 24:17 In-Context

15 having hope towards God, which they themselves also receive, that there is to be a resurrection both of just and unjust.

16 For this cause I also exercise [myself] to have in everything a conscience without offence towards God and men.

17 And after a lapse of many years I arrived, bringing alms to my nation, and offerings.

18 Whereupon they found me purified in the temple, with neither crowd nor tumult. But it was certain Jews from Asia,

19 who ought to appear before thee and accuse, if they have anything against me;