17 After three days Paul called together those who were the leading men of the Jews , and when they came together , he began saying to them, " Brethren e , though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers , yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans . 18 "And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death . 19 "But when the Jews objected , I was forced to appeal to Caesar , not that I had any accusation against my nation .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 28:17-19
Commentary on Acts 28:17-22
(Read Acts 28:17-22)
It was for the honour of Paul that those who examined his case, acquitted him. In his appeal he sought not to accuse his nation, but only to clear himself. True Christianity settles what is of common concern to all mankind, and is not built upon narrow opinions and private interests. It aims at no worldly benefit or advantage, but all its gains are spiritual and eternal. It is, and always has been, the lot of Christ's holy religion, to be every where spoken against. Look through every town and village where Christ is exalted as the only Saviour of mankind, and where the people are called to follow him in newness of life, and we see those who give themselves up to Christ, still called a sect, a party, and reproached. And this is the treatment they are sure to receive, so long as there shall continue an ungodly man upon earth.