Acts 24:16
What does Acts 24:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 24:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 24:16 means
Because he believes in God’s coming judgment and resurrection, Paul disciplines himself to maintain a clear conscience before God and people. His life aims at integrity in both piety and relationships. This is more than a legal defense; it is a moral testimony. He is not driven by faction or personal gain, but by accountability to God. Such a conscience explains his courage to face scrutiny and his refusal to stir up strife. A faith rooted in resurrection hope produces practical holiness, not social unrest.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And in this, I do my best at all times to have no reason for shame before God or men.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and in this I do exercise myself, to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And herein do I endeavour to have always a conscience without offence, towards God and towards men.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For this cause I also exercise [myself] to have in everything a conscience without offence towardsGod and men.
Context
After stating his hope, Paul shows its effect. Verse 16 bridges doctrine and life: belief in resurrection leads to a conscience without offense. This supports his claim that he was not provoking disturbances. Next, he turns to the immediate reason for his presence in Jerusalem (verse 17), the peaceful manner in which he was found there (verse 18), and the telling absence of primary accusers from Asia (verses 19–21). The flow remains calm, factual, and persuasive.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 1:5
But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:
- 1 Peter 3:21
which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
- Acts 23:1
And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.
- Hebrews 10:22
let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,
- 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:
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