A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 24:17

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

After many years (δι' ετων πλειονων). "At an interval (δια) of more (πλειονων) years" (than a few, one must add), not "after many years." If, as is likely Paul went up to Jerusalem in Ac 18:22, that was some five years ago and would justify "πλειονων" (several years ago or some years ago).

To bring alms (ελεημοσυνας ποιησον). Another (see προσκυνησων in verse 11) example of the future participle of purpose in the N.T. These "alms" (on ελεημοσυνας see on Mt 6:1,4; Acts 10:2, common in Tobit and is in the papyri) were for the poor saints in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8; 9; Romans 15:26) who were none the less Jews. "And offerings" (κα προσφορας). The very word used in 21:26 of the offerings or sacrifices made by Paul for the four brethren and himself. It does not follow that it was Paul's original purpose to make these "offerings" before he came to Jerusalem (cf. 18:18). He came up to worship (verse 11) and to be present at Pentecost (20:16).