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Acts 24 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Paul now finds himself in limbo and at the mercy of the political system. He continues to plead his case, as well as preach the Word in all situations. The sad part of this situation is that everyone knows deep down that he is innocent of all charges. Yet, he still has to go through this process lasting two long years.
A big part of Paul’s return, which was only casually mentioned in his speech to Felix, was the alms he collected during his journey and brought back for the poor disciples in Jerusalem. He references these gifts in Acts 24:17, as well as in three of his letters to the churches…
First, though, I’m going to Jerusalem to deliver a relief offering to the followers of Jesus there. The Greeks—all the way from the Macedonians in the north to the Achaians in the south—decided they wanted to take up a collection for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were happy to do this, but it was also their duty.
Romans 15:25-27 MSG
Regarding the relief offering for poor Christians that is being collected, you get the same instructions I gave the churches in Galatia. Every Sunday each of you make an offering and put it in safekeeping. Be as generous as you can. When I get there you’ll have it ready, and I won’t have to make a special appeal. Then after I arrive, I’ll write letters authorizing whomever you delegate, and send them off to Jerusalem to deliver your gift. If you think it best that I go along, I’ll be glad to travel with them.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4 MSG
Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.
2 Corinthians 8:1-4 MSG
So you see that not only was Paul a great encouragement to these people with the gifts he brought back, but it came at a huge cost to him personally. He was unwavering. Really, in the end, this was who Paul was. He gave of himself continually for the sake of others. He would now sit in jail for two long years because of his decision to return. But to him, it was worth every second in order to grow and strengthen the church and the believers in Jerusalem.