Acts 24:16

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Acts 24:16 (KJV) presents the Apostle Paul's profound commitment to maintaining a clear and blameless conscience before both God and humanity. This verse encapsulates his diligent spiritual discipline and the integrity that characterized his life and ministry, even amidst false accusations.

Context

This statement is part of Paul's eloquent defense before Felix, the Roman governor, in Caesarea. He had been accused by the Jewish high priest Ananias and the orator Tertullus of being a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes (Acts 24:5). In response, Paul refutes these charges, asserting his adherence to the Law and the Prophets and his belief in the resurrection. Verse 16 serves as a declaration of his foundational principle for living, demonstrating that his actions were not born of malice or rebellion, but of a sincere desire for righteousness.

Key Themes

  • The Diligent Pursuit of a Clear Conscience: Paul emphasizes active effort ("I exercise myself") in cultivating a conscience free from guilt or wrongdoing. This isn't passive innocence but an intentional, daily striving for moral purity and spiritual integrity. It highlights the importance of self-examination and repentance in the Christian life.
  • Dual Accountability: The verse distinctly divides Paul's commitment into two spheres: "toward God, and toward men." This underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith impacts both one's vertical relationship with the Divine and one's horizontal relationships with others. A blameless conscience before God involves obedience to His commands and worship, while a blameless conscience toward men involves living justly, honestly, and without causing offense or stumbling (Romans 14:13).
  • Integrity as a Foundation: For Paul, a clear conscience was not merely an outcome but a driving force behind his actions. It was the bedrock of his character and defense, showcasing that true spiritual leadership and witness are rooted in an unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "exercise myself" translates the Greek word askeo (ἀσκέω), which implies a deliberate, disciplined effort or training, much like an athlete prepares for a competition. It suggests that maintaining a clear conscience is not automatic but requires conscious and consistent spiritual discipline. The term "void of offence" comes from aproskopos (ἀπρόσκοπος), meaning "without stumbling" or "causing no offense." It refers to a blameless conduct that neither trips up oneself nor causes others to stumble or be offended, especially in matters of faith or morality.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul elsewhere speaks of the importance of a good conscience (e.g., 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 3:9).
  • The dual emphasis on God and men echoes the greatest commandments: to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39).
  • Living a blameless life is a recurring theme for believers (Philippians 2:15).

Practical Application

Acts 24:16 challenges believers today to actively pursue a conscience that is clear before God and people. This involves:

  • Regular Self-Examination: Honestly assessing our motives, words, and actions.
  • Confession and Repentance: Acknowledging sin before God and seeking forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
  • Making Amends: Seeking reconciliation and making restitution where we have wronged others.
  • Living with Integrity: Ensuring our private lives align with our public profession, avoiding hypocrisy and deceit. This commitment to doing everything as unto the Lord impacts our daily conduct.

Paul's example reminds us that a clear conscience is a powerful testimony, enabling us to stand confidently in faith and to live authentically in a world that often compromises on truth and integrity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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