Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 24:16

"Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always." — Acts 24:16 (ASV)

And herein. In this, or for this purpose.

Do I exercise myself. askō. I accustom or employ myself; I make it my constant aim and endeavor. It is the purpose of my constant study. Paul often appeals to his conscientiousness as the leading habit of his life. Even before his conversion he endeavored to act according to the dictates of conscience. See Acts 26:9. Compare to Philippians 3:5-6.

To have always a conscience, etc. To do what is right, so that my conscience will approve of it and never reproach me.

Void of offence. aproskopon. That which is inoffensive, or which does not cause one to stumble or fall. He means that he endeavored to keep his conscience so enlightened and pure in regard to duty, and to act according to its dictates in such a way that his conduct would not be displeasing to God or injurious to man. To have such a conscience implies two things:

1. That it be enlightened or properly informed in regard to truth and duty; and
2. that what is made known to be right should be honestly and faithfully performed.

Without these two things, no one can have a conscience that will be inoffensive and harmless.

Toward God. In an honest endeavor to discharge all the duties of public and private worship, and to do constantly what he requires: believing all that he has spoken, doing all that he requires, and offering to him the service which he approves.

Toward men. In endeavoring to meet all the demands of justice and mercy; to advance their knowledge, happiness, and salvation; so that I may look back on my life with the reflection that I have done all that I ought to have done, and all that I could do, to promote the welfare of the whole human family.

What a noble principle of conduct this was! How devoted and pure! How unlike the conduct of those who live to gratify debasing sensual appetites, or for gold or honor, and who pass their lives in such a manner as to offer the grossest offense to God and to do the most injury to man!

The great and noble aim of Paul was to be pure; and no slander of his enemies, no trials, persecutions, or perils, and no pains of dying, could take away the approving voice of conscience. Alike in his travels and in his persecutions, among friends and foes, when preaching in the synagogue, the city, or the desert, or when defending himself before governors and kings, he had this testimony of a self-approving mind.

Happy are those who frame their lives this way. And happy will be the end of a life where this has been the grand object of the journey through this world.