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

ACTS 24:16KJV
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Acts 24:16 (KJV)

What does Acts 24:16 mean?

Acts 24:16 describes Paul’s personal commitment to always keep his conscience clear, making sure he does nothing wrong in the sight of both God and other people. Paul is saying he works hard to avoid any offense or wrongdoing, living in a way that he believes is right before God and men.

Paul is speaking in his own defense before the Roman governor Felix, explaining his way of life and beliefs after being accused by Jewish leaders. He emphasizes that his efforts are not just about following rules but about maintaining a sincere and blameless inner life, both in his relationship with God and in how he treats others.

The Greek behind Acts 24:16

  • συνείδησις (syneidēsis, G4893): This word means “conscience,” referring to a person’s inner sense of right and wrong. Paul highlights that his actions are guided by this inner awareness, not just by external rules.
  • ἀπρόσκοπος (aproskopos, G677): Translated as “void of offence,” this word carries the idea of not causing anyone to stumble or be offended. Paul is stressing that he aims to live in a way that does not harm his relationship with God or with people.
  • ἀσκέω (askeō, G778): The word “exercise” here means to train or discipline oneself. Paul is saying that keeping a clear conscience takes ongoing effort and intentional practice.

Why Acts 24:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s faith is not just about outward actions or rituals but about an honest, ongoing effort to do what is right in every area of life.
  • It shows that Paul is concerned with integrity before both God and people, not just one or the other, which counters any claim that he is careless or rebellious.
  • In the wider context, Paul’s statement helps explain why he faces opposition: his commitment to a clear conscience sometimes puts him at odds with those who misunderstand or oppose his beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“offence” Greek G677 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
  • Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

“always” Greek G1275 · used in 7 verses

  • Mark 5:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.
  • Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
  • Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

“conscience” Greek G4893 · used in 30 verses

  • John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
  • 2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

“herein” Greek G5129 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.