Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτὸς
myself
G846
αὐτὸς
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀσκῶ
do I exercise
G778
ἀσκῶ
do I exercise
Strong's:
G778
Word #:
5 of 15
to elaborate, i.e., (figuratively) train (by implication, strive)
ἀπρόσκοπον
void of offence
G677
ἀπρόσκοπον
void of offence
Strong's:
G677
Word #:
6 of 15
actively, inoffensive, i.e., not leading into sin; passively, faultless, i.e., not led into sin
ἔχειν
to have
G2192
ἔχειν
to have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 15
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
πρὸς
toward
G4314
πρὸς
toward
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸν
God
G2316
θεὸν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 23:1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:2 Corinthians 4:2But 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 10:22Let 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 2:15Which 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;)1 Corinthians 4:4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.2 Corinthians 1:12For 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 3:21The 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:Titus 1:15Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
Historical Context
This statement echoes Paul's earlier claim before the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:1). His consistent testimony to conscientious living provides powerful defense against accusations of being a troublemaker or heretic.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain clear conscience both toward God and toward other people in your daily decisions?
- What does Paul's example teach about the power of consistent integrity as a defense against false accusations?
Analysis & Commentary
Paul's life goal - 'to have always a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men' - summarizes his ethical commitment. This 'conscience without offense' doesn't claim sinless perfection but rather integrity in pursuing known truth and quickly addressing failures. The dual focus (God and men) reflects Jesus's great commandments and shows Paul's balanced spirituality.