Acts 28:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Three days in, Paul gathers the leading Jews of Rome and explains how he came to be a prisoner.
What Does Acts 28:17 Mean?
Settled in Rome, Paul wastes no time. After three days he calls together the leaders of the Jewish community and addresses them as brothers, telling them plainly that he has done nothing against his people or their ancestral customs, yet was handed over to the Romans in Jerusalem.
Paul's first concern is to reach his own people with the truth. He approaches them not with grievance but with kinship, calling them brothers and affirming his loyalty to the faith of their fathers. The gospel he carries is not a betrayal of Israel's hope but its fulfillment. Even bound and far from home, Paul keeps reaching toward those he loves, longing for them to see in Jesus the promise their fathers awaited. Love for one's own kindred drives him still.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 28:17
What does Acts 28:17 mean?
Three days in, Paul gathers the leading Jews of Rome and explains how he came to be a prisoner.