17 And it came to pass after three days, Paul called together those who are the principal men of the Jews, and they having come together, he said unto them: 'Men, brethren, I—having done nothing contrary to the people, or to the customs of the fathers—a prisoner from Jerusalem, was delivered up to the hands of the Romans; 18 who, having examined me, were wishing to release 'me', because of their being no cause of death in me, 19 and the Jews having spoken against 'it', I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar—not as having anything to accuse my nation of; 20 for this cause, therefore, I called for you to see and to speak with 'you', for because of the hope of Israel with this chain I am bound.' 21 And they said unto him, 'We did neither receive letters concerning thee from Judea, nor did any one who came of the brethren declare or speak any evil concerning thee, 22 and we think it good from thee to hear what thou dost think, for, indeed, concerning this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against;'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 28:17-22
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.