Acts 24:17
New International Version
“After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.

New Living Translation
“After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God.

English Standard Version
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.

Berean Standard Bible
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.

Berean Literal Bible
Now after many years, I arrived to bring alms to my nation, and offerings,

King James Bible
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

New King James Version
“Now after many years I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation,

New American Standard Bible
Now after several years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings,

NASB 1995
“Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings;

NASB 1977
“Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and offerings;

Amplified Bible
Now after several years I came [to Jerusalem] to bring to my people charitable contributions and offerings.

Christian Standard Bible
After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation,

American Standard Version
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:

Contemporary English Version
After being away for several years, I returned here to bring gifts for the poor people of my nation and to offer sacrifices.

English Revised Version
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After many years I have come back to my people and brought gifts for the poor and offerings [for God].

Good News Translation
"After being away from Jerusalem for several years, I went there to take some money to my own people and to offer sacrifices.

International Standard Version
After many years, I have come back to my people to bring gifts for the poor and to offer sacrifices.

Majority Standard Bible
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.

NET Bible
After several years I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings,

New Heart English Bible
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;

Webster's Bible Translation
Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Weymouth New Testament
"Now after an interval of several years I came to bring alms to my nation, and to offer sacrifices.

World English Bible
Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And after many years I came, about to do kind acts to my nation, and offerings,

Berean Literal Bible
Now after many years, I arrived to bring alms to my nation, and offerings,

Young's Literal Translation
'And after many years I came, about to do kind acts to my nation, and offerings,

Smith's Literal Translation
And after many years I was present, going to do alms to my nation, and offerings.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, and vows.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows,

New American Bible
After many years, I came to bring alms for my nation and offerings.

New Revised Standard Version
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation and to offer sacrifices.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now after many years, I came to my own people to distribute alms and to present an offering.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But for many years I have come before my people to give charity and to offer gifts.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But, after many years, I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation, and offerings.

Godbey New Testament
And after many years I came to do alms and offerings to my race;

Haweis New Testament
Now after many years absence I was returned bringing alms to my countrymen, and oblations to the temple.

Mace New Testament
after several years absence I came to Jerusalem, with contributions for my brethren, and oblations for the temple:

Weymouth New Testament
"Now after an interval of several years I came to bring alms to my nation, and to offer sacrifices.

Worrell New Testament
Now, after many years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings;

Worsley New Testament
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Defense to Felix
16In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. 17After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. 18At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean and was not inciting a crowd or an uproar. But there are some Jews from the province of Asia…

Cross References
Romans 15:25-26
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. / For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Now about the collection for the saints, you are to do as I directed the churches of Galatia: / On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed. / Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. ...

2 Corinthians 8:1-4
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. / In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. / For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, ...

2 Corinthians 9:1-2
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. / For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

Galatians 2:10
They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. / At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality.

2 Corinthians 9:12-13
For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. / Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

2 Corinthians 8:19-21
More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help. / We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. / For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

Nehemiah 13:10-13
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms. ...

Deuteronomy 15:7-11
If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, then you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. / Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs. / Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. ...

Proverbs 19:17
Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.

Isaiah 58:6-7
Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Psalm 41:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.


Treasury of Scripture

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

to bring.

Acts 11:29,30
Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: …

Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Romans 15:25,26
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints…

offerings.

Acts 21:26
Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

Jump to Previous
Absence Acts Alms Arrived Gifts Help Interval Jerusalem Kind Lapse Nation Needy Offer Offerings Poor Present Sacrifices Several
Jump to Next
Absence Acts Alms Arrived Gifts Help Interval Jerusalem Kind Lapse Nation Needy Offer Offerings Poor Present Sacrifices Several
Acts 24
1. Paul being accused by Tertullus the orator,
10. answers for his life and doctrine.
24. He preaches Christ to the governor and his wife.
26. The governor hopes for a bribe, but in vain.
27. Felix, succeeded by Festus, leaves Paul in prison.














After several years
This phrase indicates a significant passage of time since Paul's last visit to Jerusalem. Paul had been on multiple missionary journeys, spreading the Gospel across Asia Minor and Europe. The "several years" could refer to the time since his last recorded visit to Jerusalem in Acts 18:22. This period was marked by extensive travel and church planting, reflecting Paul's dedication to his mission.

then, I returned to Jerusalem
Paul's return to Jerusalem was significant as it was the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. Jerusalem held deep religious significance as the site of the Temple, the heart of Jewish worship, and the city where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Paul's return underscores his continued connection to his Jewish heritage and the early church community.

to bring alms to my people
Paul was collecting financial contributions from Gentile churches to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This act of charity is documented in several of Paul's letters, such as Romans 15:25-27 and 1 Corinthians 16:1-4. It demonstrates the unity and mutual support between Jewish and Gentile Christians, fulfilling the call for believers to care for one another.

and to present offerings
The offerings likely refer to sacrifices or gifts presented at the Temple, adhering to Jewish customs. This act shows Paul's respect for Jewish traditions and his desire to maintain peace and unity within the church. It also reflects the early church's struggle to balance Jewish customs with the new faith in Christ, as seen in Acts 21:17-26, where Paul participates in purification rites.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is speaking in this verse. He is defending himself before Governor Felix against accusations from Jewish leaders.

2. Jerusalem
The city where Paul returned to bring alms and present offerings. It is a central place of worship and significance for the Jewish people.

3. Alms and Offerings
These are charitable gifts and religious sacrifices that Paul brought to Jerusalem. Alms refer to charitable donations to the poor, while offerings are sacrifices made to God.

4. Felix
The Roman governor before whom Paul is making his defense. Felix is known for his corrupt and indecisive leadership.

5. Jewish People
The recipients of Paul's alms and offerings, highlighting his continued connection and commitment to his heritage and community.
Teaching Points
Commitment to Community
Paul’s return to Jerusalem to bring alms and offerings demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his community and heritage. Christians are encouraged to support and care for their communities, both spiritually and materially.

Generosity as Worship
The act of giving alms and offerings is not just a charitable act but also an act of worship. Believers are called to view their generosity as a form of worship and service to God.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Despite facing accusations and trials, Paul remains faithful to his mission and responsibilities. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith and duties, even in challenging circumstances.

Unity in Diversity
Paul’s actions show a bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the unity of the body of Christ despite cultural and ethnic differences.(17) Now after many years.--Four years had passed since the previous visit of Acts 18:22. The use of "many" in this instance may be noted as throwing light on Acts 24:10.

To bring alms to my nation, and offerings.--The "alms" were, of course, the large sums of money which St. Paul had been collecting, since his last visit, for the disciples (possibly in part, also, for those who were not disciples) at Jerusalem. It is noticeable that this is the only mention in the Acts of that which occupies so prominent a place in the Epistles of this period. (See Romans 15:25; 1Corinthians 16:1-4; 2Corinthians 8:1-4.) The manifestly undesigned coincidence between the Acts and the Epistles on this point has naturally often been dwelt on by writers on the evidences which each supplies to the other. The "offerings" were the sacrifices which the Apostle was about to offer on the completion of the Nazarite vow with which he had associated himself. There is, perhaps, a refined courtesy in St. Paul's use of the word "nation" (commonly used only of the heathen) instead of the more usual "people." He avoids the term which would have implied a certain assumption of superiority to the magistrate before whom he stood. (See Notes on Matthew 25:32; Matthew 28:19.) . . .

Verse 17. - After many years; or, several years. St. Paul's last visit to Jerusalem was that mentioned in Acts 18:22. Since then he had spent "some time" (χρόνον τινά) at Antioch, had gone over all the country of Phrygia and Galatia, had come to Ephesus, and stopped between two and three years there, had gone through Macedonia, had spent three months at Corinth, had returned to Macedonia, and from thence had come to Jerusalem in about fifty days. All which must have occupied four or five years - from A.D. to A.D. - according to most chronologers. Evidently Paul had not been plotting seditious movements at Jerusalem, where he had only arrived twelve days before, for a purely benevolent and pious purpose, after an absence of four or five years Alms... and offerings. Those of which he speaks in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8; Romans 15:25, 26, 31. To this may be added "the charges" for which he made himself answerable for the poor Nazarites (Acts 21:24, 26).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
After
Δι’ (Di’)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

several
πλειόνων (pleionōn)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural - Comparative
Strong's 4119: Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.

years,
ἐτῶν (etōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2094: A year. Apparently a primary word; a year.

then,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

I returned [ to Jerusalem ]
παρεγενόμην (paregenomēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3854: From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.

to bring
ποιήσων (poiēsōn)
Verb - Future Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

alms
ἐλεημοσύνας (eleēmosynas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1654: Abstr: alms-giving, charity; concr: alms, charity. From eleos; compassionateness, i.e. beneficence, or a benefaction.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

people
ἔθνος (ethnos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to present offerings.
προσφοράς (prosphoras)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 4376: An offering, sacrifice. From prosphero; presentation; concretely, an oblation or sacrifice.


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NT Apostles: Acts 24:17 Now after some years I came (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 24:16
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