“This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. Acts 24:16

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More precisely, the text reads, “And in this, I train myself to have an inoffensive conscience toward God and men through all” (CG).

In the last verse, Paul noted his hope in God, affirming his belief in a resurrection of dead, both just and unjust. Because of this, he next says, “And in this, I train myself.”

Here, he uses a word found only this one time in Scripture: askeó. It is a verb signifying to train, practice, or exercise. Despite it being found only here in the New Testament, it was a common medical term of the time. It is another indication of Luke’s authorship. It gives the idea of working raw material to form something. A kindred adjective to this is where our word ascetic comes from. Next, Paul says, “to have an inoffensive conscience.”

The word translated as “inoffensive,” aproskopos, is new. It will be used only three times in Scripture. Here, it is used in a passive sense. This is the same as in Philippians 1:10. However, in 1 Corinthians 10:32, it is used in the active sense. In essence, he attempted to always be blameless in his conduct, looking forward to the hope found in the promises of God.

Because of his hope in God, and because of his firm belief that there would be a resurrection, he endeavored to keep his conscience clear, knowing that a judgment lay ahead for all men. This sentiment, now being expressed by Paul to Felix, is more fully explained in 2 Corinthians 5 –

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

With that stated, Paul completes this verse, saying, “toward God and men through all.” Paul’s conduct was not just directed toward God. Rather, he conducted his affairs in this way towards his fellow man.

It is true that before his conversion, he likewise lived in this manner, but it was misdirected. He thought he was doing a service to God by destroying Christians. Further, if his actions were correct, they would have been a service to his fellow man by removing the heretics of the world. However, he found that attitude to be faulty when he met Christ.

Therefore, there is a disconnect between his actions and those of his accusers. They did not accept the work of Christ Jesus. They, therefore, remained at enmity to the goals and purposes of God as revealed in Jesus’ life and work.

Life application: Later in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul says –

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-19

As this is the state that we are now in because of faith in Christ, we should do our very best to live in accord with it. It is contrary to a holy life in Christ to continue to conduct ourselves in a manner that is at odds with this new life.

This doesn’t mean we cannot associate with those of the world. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 5. However, when we are engaging the world, it should be in a manner that sets us as examples of a right and proper walk in Christ. If it is our job to share the message of reconciliation, and we are acting as if we were never reconciled, then where is there to go for those we are sharing such a message with?

Think on this and be willing to share the truth that God is holding all people to account for their lives either apart from Christ or our lives in Christ.

Lord God, we have been redeemed through the precious blood of Christ. May we remind ourselves of this and live in a manner that is holy and acceptable to You. May our conduct be appropriate to lead others to understand their need to act likewise. Yes, Lord, may our lives and actions be pleasing to You and glorifying of You. Amen.