Acts 28:17
What does Acts 28:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 28:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 28:17 means
After three days, Paul gathers the chief of the Jews and addresses them respectfully as brethren. He asserts he has done nothing against the people or the ancestral customs, yet was delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem to the Romans. Paul seeks to remove misunderstandings and to show continuity, not betrayal, of Israel’s hope. His appeal is irenic and factual, not accusatory. He wants them to know his case is not a revolt against Jewish identity but arises from fidelity to God’s promises. This opening establishes common ground and invites them to hear his message about the Messiah without prejudice born of rumor or political suspicion.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then after three days he sent for the chief men of the Jews: and when they had come together, he said to them, My brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the ways of our fathers, I was given, a prisoner from Jerusalem, into the hands of the Romans.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it came to pass after three days, Paul called together those who are the principal men of the Jews, and they having come together, he said unto them: `Men, brethren, I--having done nothing contrary to the people, or to the customs of the fathers--a prisoner from Jerusalem, was delivered up to the hands of the Romans;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass after three days, that he called together those who were the chief of the Jews; and when they had come together he said to them, Brethren, I having done nothing against the people or the customs of our forefathers, have been delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,
Context
From house arrest in Rome (v. 16), Paul takes the initiative to meet the Jewish leaders (v. 17). He begins a concise defense that continues in verses 18–20, highlighting Roman acquittal, Jewish opposition, and his appeal to Cæsar. The climax is his statement that he is bound for the hope of Israel (v. 20). Their response in verses 21–22 shows no prior charges against him and a willingness to listen, leading to the extended teaching of verse 23.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 22:5
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 journeyed to Damascus to bring them also that were there unto Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
- Acts 25:10
But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.
- Acts 25:2
And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they besought him,
- Acts 25:8
while Paul said in his defence, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cæsar, have I sinned at all.
- Acts 6:14
for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered unto us.
- Acts 24:10
And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence:
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