Acts 24:17

After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul speaks to Governor Felix during his judicial defense in Caesarea, explaining his recent trip to Jerusalem. He states that his visit followed a long interval and was strictly for delivering charitable gifts and religious offerings to his people.

The words — The phrase δι᾽ ἐτῶν πλειόνων (di' etōn pleionōn) literally means "after many years," emphasizing the extended time gap since his previous journey. The noun ἐλεημοσύνας (eleēmosynas) specifically denotes "alms" or material aid provided to the needy.

The thread — This Jerusalem mission matches his prior commitment to "remember the poor" (Galatians 2:10). He repeatedly frames the same trip as serving the saints (Romans 15:25) and completing a designated collection for them (1 Corinthians 16:1).

Why it lands — The text requires readers to verify Paul's actions against the charges of sedition by noting his explicit focus on charity and temple ritual. It demands that readers assess his claimed motives strictly through the concrete purposes he lists, not through later theological deductions.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

δι᾽di᾽After ἐτῶνetōnyears δὲdenow πλειόνωνpleionōnmany ἐλεημοσύναςeleēmosunasalms ποιήσωνpoiēsōnto then bring εἰςeisto τὸtothe ἔθνοςethnosnation μουmouof mine παρεγενόμηνparegenomēnI came καὶkaiand προσφοράς,prosphorasofferings,

King James Version

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Cross-references

Galatians 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Romans 15:25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.
1 Corinthians 16:1 Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia:
Acts 11:29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
2 Corinthians 8:1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.
Acts 20:16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
Romans 15:31 Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 9:1 Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
2 Corinthians 9:12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.