Acts 24:16

KJV

And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} herein {G1722}{G5129} do I exercise {G778} myself {G846}, to have {G2192} always {G1275} a conscience {G4893} void of offence {G677} toward {G4314} God {G2316}, and {G2532} toward men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, it is because of this that I make a point of always having a clear conscience in the sight of both God and man.

Berean Standard Bible

In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

American Standard Version

Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 24:16, the Apostle Paul articulates a foundational principle guiding his life and ministry: his unwavering commitment to diligently maintain a conscience that is clear and blameless before both God and all people. This declaration, made during his defense before Governor Felix, underscores his profound spiritual discipline and the integrity that characterized his actions, even when facing severe and unfounded accusations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's statement in [Acts 24:16](/acts/24-16 "Acts 24:16 - Paul's Conscience") is embedded within his defense before Governor Felix in Caesarea. He had been brought to trial after being arrested in Jerusalem, accused by the Jewish high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus of being a "pestilent fellow," a "mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world," and a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" ([Acts 24:5](/acts/24-5 "Acts 24:5 - Accusations Against Paul")). Paul systematically refutes these charges, asserting his adherence to the Law and the Prophets and his belief in the resurrection of the dead ([Acts 24:14-15](/acts/24-14-15 "Acts 24:14-15 - Paul's Defense of His Faith")). Verse 16 serves as a powerful summary of his ethical stance, demonstrating that his actions were not driven by malice, sedition, or a desire for conflict, but by a sincere, disciplined pursuit of righteousness and a clear conscience, both vertically toward God and horizontally toward humanity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's trial before Felix occurred within the Roman provincial administration, where governors held significant judicial power. As a Roman citizen, Paul had the right to a fair hearing, though the proceedings were often influenced by political expediency and local pressures, particularly from the Jewish leadership who sought his condemnation. The accusations against Paul—sedition and leading a new, unauthorized sect—were serious charges that could carry severe penalties. His defense, therefore, needed to address both the specific legal accusations and the underlying religious tensions between traditional Judaism and the nascent Christian movement. Paul's emphasis on a clear conscience would have resonated with Roman ideals of integrity and justice, while also appealing to Jewish ethical principles concerning righteousness before God and neighbor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Paul's broader theology. It highlights the theme of **Paul's Integrity and Defense**, showcasing his consistent character even under duress, a motif seen throughout his missionary journeys and arrests (e.g., [Acts 23:1](/acts/23-1 "Acts 23:1 - Paul's Defense Before the Sanhedrin")). It also underscores the **Importance of a Clear Conscience** as a fundamental aspect of Christian living, a concept Paul frequently revisits in his epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 1:5](/1_timothy/1-5 "1 Timothy 1:5 - The Goal of Instruction")). Furthermore, the dual focus on "God" and "men" reflects the **Dual Accountability** inherent in biblical ethics, echoing the greatest commandments to love God and love one's neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandments")). Finally, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **Christian Witness**, as Paul's blameless conduct serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel, even to those in authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **exercise (Greek, _askéō'_):** This word implies a deliberate, disciplined effort or training, much like an athlete prepares for a competition. It suggests that maintaining a clear conscience is not a passive state but requires conscious, consistent spiritual discipline and moral striving. Paul is actively engaged in the pursuit of this state.
* **conscience (Greek, _syneídēsis'_):** Refers to the moral consciousness or inner faculty that judges one's actions, motives, and character. It is the internal witness that either approves or condemns. Paul's aim is for this internal witness to be "void of offence," meaning it is free from guilt, regret, or accusation.
* **void of offence (Greek, _apróskopos'_):** This compound word means "without stumbling" or "causing no offense." It carries a dual meaning: actively, it means not causing others to stumble or be offended by one's actions; passively, it means not stumbling oneself, i.e., being blameless or faultless in conduct. Paul seeks a conscience that neither trips himself up in sin nor causes others to trip up, especially in matters of faith or morality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And herein do I exercise myself":** Paul begins by emphasizing his personal, active, and continuous effort. The phrase "herein" (G1722, G5129) points back to the preceding verses where he affirms his belief in the resurrection and his adherence to the Law and the Prophets. His spiritual discipline is directly tied to his theological convictions and his way of life.
* **"to have always a conscience void of offence":** This clause states the specific goal of Paul's exercise: to possess a conscience that is perpetually clear, blameless, and free from guilt. The word "always" (G1275) highlights the continuous, ongoing nature of this pursuit, not a sporadic effort but a constant state of being.
* **"toward God, and toward men":** This final phrase specifies the dual orientation of Paul's blameless conscience. It is a conscience that is clean in his relationship with the Divine, implying obedience to God's commands and reverence for His holiness. Simultaneously, it is clean in his relationships with fellow human beings, indicating righteous, honest, and loving conduct that causes no harm or offense.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's statement in [Acts 24:16](/acts/24-16 "Acts 24:16 - Paul's Conscience") employs several literary devices that enhance its impact. **Ethos** is prominently displayed, as Paul leverages his personal character and integrity to bolster his defense. By declaring his diligent pursuit of a blameless conscience, he presents himself as a man of moral uprightness, directly countering the accusations of sedition and wrongdoing. The phrase "exercise myself" functions as a **Metaphor** drawn from athletic training (from the Greek _askéō_), implying rigorous, disciplined effort. This metaphor effectively conveys the active and intentional nature of maintaining spiritual and moral purity, rather than a passive state. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism** through the pairing "toward God, and toward men," emphasizing the dual dimensions of ethical accountability—vertical and horizontal. This structural balance underscores the comprehensive scope of Paul's commitment to righteousness, encompassing both spiritual devotion and interpersonal conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [Acts 24:16](/acts/24-16 "Acts 24:16 - Paul's Conscience") is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting a holistic understanding of righteousness that encompasses both one's relationship with God and one's interactions with humanity. This pursuit of a clear conscience is not merely about avoiding guilt but about living in alignment with divine truth and love. It speaks to the internal transformation that accompanies genuine faith, where the heart and mind are continually cleansed and directed by the Holy Spirit. For Paul, a blameless conscience was essential for effective ministry, allowing him to preach the Gospel without hypocrisy or self-condemnation. It served as a powerful testimony to his accusers, demonstrating that his life was governed by principles far superior to political maneuvering or personal gain.

* [1 Timothy 1:5](/1_timothy/1-5 "1 Timothy 1:5 - The Goal of Instruction")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Not Causing Others to Stumble")
* [2 Corinthians 1:12](/2_corinthians/1-12 "2 Corinthians 1:12 - Paul's Conscience in Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 24:16 offers a profound challenge and model for believers today. Paul's commitment to "always" having a conscience "void of offence" is a call to intentional, continuous spiritual discipline. In a world often characterized by moral relativism and situational ethics, Paul's example highlights the enduring importance of personal integrity and accountability. This means not only striving to live righteously in our public lives but also cultivating a private life free from hidden sin, hypocrisy, or unconfessed wrongdoing. It compels us to regularly examine our hearts, confess our failures, and seek reconciliation where we have wronged others. A clear conscience empowers us to live with freedom, boldness, and authenticity, enabling our witness to be credible and our service to God to be unhindered. It is a lifelong journey of sanctification, where we continually yield to the Spirit's work in shaping our inner being to reflect Christ's purity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your conscience to be "void of offence" toward God? How do you actively "exercise" yourself in this pursuit?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might your conscience be troubled "toward men"? What steps can you take to seek reconciliation or make amends?**
* **How does a clear conscience empower your witness for Christ in your daily interactions?**
* **What spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, Scripture reading, confession) do you practice to maintain a clear conscience?**

### FAQ
**How does Paul's pursuit of a "conscience void of offence" relate to grace and forgiveness?**

Answer: Paul's diligent "exercise" (G778, _askéō_) to maintain a clear conscience does not imply a works-based righteousness that negates grace, but rather a Spirit-empowered response to it. For Paul, a clear conscience is a *result* of repentance and faith in Christ's atoning work, and an *ongoing discipline* enabled by the Holy Spirit. It's not about earning forgiveness, but about living in the freedom and purity that forgiveness provides. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). The "void of offence" (G677, _apróskopos_) conscience is therefore one that has been cleansed by Christ's blood and is subsequently kept pure through continuous self-examination, confession, and striving to live in obedience to God's commands and love for others. It represents a life lived in gratitude for grace, actively seeking to honor God and not cause others to stumble.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's commitment to a conscience "void of offence toward God, and toward men" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ. Jesus alone lived a life utterly without sin, His conscience perfectly clear and blameless in every thought, word, and deed, both before His Father and in His interactions with humanity ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). He was the Lamb "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - The Precious Blood of Christ")), whose perfect obedience provided the spotless sacrifice necessary to cleanse the consciences of all who believe. Our striving for a clear conscience, like Paul's, is not an independent ethical endeavor but a participation in the righteousness of Christ, who "purged our conscience from dead works to serve the living God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). Through His finished work on the cross, we are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit, enabling us to walk in newness of life and progressively conform to His blameless character, reflecting His purity to the world ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 23:1

¶ And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Romans 2:15

Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

2 Corinthians 1:12

¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

1 Peter 3:21

¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: