And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. (18) Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. (19) But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. (20) For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. (21) And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came showed or spake any harm of thee. (22) But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
It is a little strange, that Paul's enemies the Jews, both at Caesarea and Jerusalem, had not sent their hue and cry after him, before his arrival at Rome. But perhaps, it may be accounted for on this ground. The Jews were afraid to appear against Paul before the Emperor at Rome. For, though the edict passed by Claudius, which drive all the Jews from Rome, (Acts 18:2) became null at his death, and Nero, the then emperor, had not as yet troubled himself about them, (though afterwards he became a bitter enemy both to the Christians and the Jews) yet, recollecting that law of Claudius they thought it prudent, perhaps, to remain quiet.
Let the Reader observe, with what contempt they spake of the faith of Christ. They called it a sect, and one that was everywhere spoken against. Reader! do not deceive yourself, neither be deceived by others. The pure faith of the gospel, which ascribes the whole of salvation to Jesus, unmingled with men's works, is as much spoken against now, and by numbers who profess the gospel, as the faith once delivered to the saints, was of old by the Jews. And that solemn question of Jesus, was never more suited than now, to be brought home to the hearts and consciences of all who profess his truths; when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?