Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 24:17

"Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:" — Acts 24:17 (ASV)

Now after many years. After many years' absence, Paul here begins his reply to the charges of Tertullus that he had attempted to profane the temple (Acts 24:6). He begins by saying that his purpose in coming up to Jerusalem was to bring them needed aid in a time of distress. It would be absurd to suppose, therefore, that his objective in coming was to violate the customs of the temple and to defile it.

I came to bring. See Acts 11:29-30. See also the notes on Romans 15:25.

Alms. Charities; the gift of the churches.

To my nation. Not to all the nation, but to the poor saints or Christians who were in Judea and who were suffering greatly from persecutions and trials.

And offerings. The word used here properly denotes an offering or gift of any kind; but it is usually applied to an oblation or offering made to God in the temple—a thank-offering, a sacrifice. This is probably its meaning here. He came to bring aid to his needy countrymen, and an offering to God; and it was, therefore, no part of his purpose to interfere with or to profane the worship of the temple.