Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 28:17

"And 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:" — Acts 28:17 (ASV)

Paul called the chief of the Jews. He probably had two objects in this: one was to vindicate himself from the suspicion of crime, or to convince them that the charges alleged against him were false; and the other, to explain to them the gospel of Christ. In accordance with his custom everywhere, he seized the excellent opportunity of making the gospel known to his own countrymen; and he naturally supposed that charges highly unfavourable to his character had been sent forward against him to the Jews at Rome by those in Judea.

Against the people. Against the Jews (Acts 24:12).

Or customs. The religious rites of the nation (see the notes on Acts 24:12).

Was I delivered prisoner. By the Jews (Acts 21:33 and following).

Come together; assembled. Though I have committed (Acts 24:12–13; Acts 25:8).

Delivered prisoner (Acts 21:33).