Acts 24:17
What does Acts 24:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:17 means
Paul explains he had returned to Jerusalem after some years to bring alms to his nation and to present offerings. His purpose was charitable and worshipful, not political. The alms show care for the needy among his people; the offerings show respect for the temple and its rites. This counters the narrative that he despised Jewish institutions. His actions embody love and reverence. Far from being a threat to order, he came as a servant and a worshiper, which makes the accusations of sedition and sacrilege ring hollow when placed against his actual intent.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now after a number of years I came to give help and offerings to my nation:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And after many years I came, about to do kind acts to my nation, and offerings,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings and vows.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And after a lapse of many years I arrived, bringing alms to my nation, and offerings.
Context
Continuing his defense, Paul now supplies his purpose in coming. Verse 17 answers the key question of motive: why was he in Jerusalem? The answer aligns with peace and piety, not unrest. Verse 18 will add that he was in a state of purification and not surrounded by a crowd. Then, in verses 19–21, he will challenge the absence of original accusers and identify the resurrection as the only real point of contention before the council.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:31
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that by the space of three years I ceased not to admonish every one night and day with tears.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.
- 2 Corinthians 9:12
For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;
- Acts 21:26
Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them went into the temple, declaring the fulfilment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
- 2 Corinthians 9:1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- Galatians 2:10
only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
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