{The principal men} (hoi pr(9374)oi). The first men, the
leading men of the city, besides the chief priests. In verse  15 
we have "the chief priests and the elders." These chief men among
the Jews would desire to pay their respects to the new Procurator
on his first visit to Jerusalem. There was another high priest
now, Ishmael in place of Ananias. {Informed him against Paul}
(enephanisan aut(9369) kata tou Paulou). "This renewal of the
charge after two years, on the very first opportunity, is a
measure, not only of their unsleeping hatred, but of the
importance which they attached to Paul's influence" (Furneaux).
{Besought} (parekaloun). Imperfect active, kept on beseeching
as a special favour to the Jews.