Acts 24:16 Meaning and Explanation
“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Because of that hope, Paul trains himself to keep a conscience clear of offense toward God and toward all people.
What Does Acts 24:16 Mean?
'Herein' — in light of the resurrection — Paul exercises himself like an athlete in training. The coming judgment and the coming life are not doctrines he files away; they shape daily practice. And the conscience he keeps faces two directions, toward God and toward men, the same two directions as the great commandments (Matthew 22:37-39).
Notice the order: hope first, effort second. Paul does not labor to earn the resurrection; he labors because he expects it. Those who look for that day make it their aim to be found of Him 'in peace, without spot, and blameless' (2 Peter 3:14). A conscience kept clear 'always' is not achieved once; it is exercised daily, a holy habit renewed each morning before God and neighbor.
Acts 24:16 in the Original Language
askeo (ἀσκέω), 'exercise' -- to train or practice with discipline, as an athlete works at his craft; it appears only here in the New Testament.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 24:16
What does Acts 24:16 mean?
Because of that hope, Paul trains himself to keep a conscience clear of offense toward God and toward all people.