Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 24:17

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

Reconstructing for Felix what happened in Jerusalem, Paul spoke of coming to Jerusalem “to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings” (cf. v.11). This is the only time Luke mentions the collection for the poor at Jerusalem, which was so dear to Paul’s own heart (cf. Romans 15:25–27, 31; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4). Some have objected that for Paul to say that the gift was “for my nation” adds a note of insincerity, for certainly Paul’s efforts were directed toward relieving the plight of poor believers in the Jerusalem church and not of Jews in general. Yet Paul brought the gift not only for the relief of Christians and as a symbol of unity between believers but also with a view to the conversion of the entire nation. By aiding that branch of the church whose mission it was to call the nation to its Messiah, he was indirectly engaged in a mission to his own nation (cf. Romans 11:13b–14).