Devine Scripture

Acts 23:1

What does Acts 23:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:1 means

Paul fixes his eyes on the Sanhedrin and declares that he has lived with a clear conscience before God up to that very day. He is not claiming to be sinless, but to have acted with sincerity and integrity in the sight of God, both before and after coming to faith in Jesus. Addressing them as “Brethren” shows respect and shared heritage, even as he stands accused. His opening centers the discussion on God’s judgment rather than mere human opinion. By appealing to conscience, Paul places his life under divine scrutiny, indicating that his conduct springs from devotion to God, not from contempt for the law or the temple. This sets a moral and spiritual tone for the hearing.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Paul, looking fixedly at the Sanhedrin, said, My brothers, my life has been upright before God till this day.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Paul having earnestly beheld the sanhedrim, said, `Men, brethren, I in all good conscience have lived to God unto this day;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Paul, looking upon the council, said: Men, brethren, I have conversed with all good conscience before God until this present day.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Paul, fixing his eyes on the council, said, Brethren, I have walked in all good conscience withGod unto this day.

Context

Following his arrest in the temple and a chaotic scene on the steps, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin by Roman arrangement to clarify the charges. The council includes both Sadducees and Pharisees. Paul begins his defense calmly and respectfully, asserting his integrity before God. This initial statement provokes a sharp reaction from the high priest, revealing the underlying hostility in the room. The Roman chief captain watches closely, since he remains responsible for Paul’s safety. What follows shows how volatile this gathering will become, and how Paul’s words, rooted in loyalty to God, challenge the assumptions of his judges.

v.1This passage

v.2And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 1:3

    I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day

  • Hebrews 13:18

    Pray for us: for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.

  • Proverbs 28:1

    The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:2

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

  • Acts 22:1

    Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.

  • Acts 24:16

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

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