Paul called the chief of the Jews - He probably had two objects in this: one was to vindicate himself from the suspicion of crime, or to convince them that the charges alleged against him were false; and the other, to explain to them the gospel of Christ. In accordance with his custom everywhere, he seized the earliest opportunity of making the gospel known to his own countrymen; and he naturally supposed that charges highly unfavorable to his character had been sent forward against him to the Jews at Rome by those in Judea.
Against the people - Against the Jews, Acts 24:12.
Or customs ... - The religious rites of the nation. See the notes on Acts 6:14.
Was I delivered prisoner ... - By the Jews, Acts 21:33, etc.