Actes 28:17-22

After three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together.

Paul’s first conference with the Jewish chiefs

Note--

I. His address. In justifying himself he states--

1. That his captivity was not due to any crime against Israel or its religious customs.

2. That he had been compelled to appeal to Caesar through the protest of the Jews against his liberation, although the Roman authorities judged that liberation to be just.

3. That his object in appealing to Caesar was not to bring any charge against the Jews, but simply for his own protection.

4. That it was only on account of the Messianic hope of Israel that he was a prisoner and wished to have an interview with them.

II. Their reply. Note--

1. Their avowal of ignorance of the whole matter. This may seem strange, but it must be remembered that intercourse between Rome and Judaea was frequently interrupted by the disorders of the times.

2. Their desire for information respecting the unpopular sect. Justin Martyr says: “The Jews of Jerusalem sent messengers to their brethren in every part of the world to prejudice them against the disciples of Christ.” These men had heard of the sect, but every word that came to their ears was loaded with reproach. This was what Simeon had predicted. (D. Thomas, D. D.)

Paul’s farewell to the Jews

1. A last testimony to his innocence (Actes 28:17).

2. A last confession of Jesus as the Messiah (Actes 28:23).

3. A last effusion of love towards his people (Actes 28:17; Actes 28:19).

4. A last stroke of the hammer on hardened hearts (Actes 28:25). (K. Gerok.)