Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 24:10-21

"And when the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, Paul answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defense: Seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem: and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets; having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always. Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult: but [there were] certain Jews from Asia-- who ought to have been here before thee, and to make accusation, if they had aught against me. Or else let these men themselves say what wrong-doing they found when I stood before the council, except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question before you this day." — Acts 24:10-21 (ASV)

Paul gives a just account of himself, which clears him from crime and also shows the true reason for the violence against him. Let us never be driven from any good way because it has a bad reputation. It is very comforting, in worshipping God, to look to Him as the God of our fathers and to establish no other rule of faith or practice but the Scriptures. This shows there will be a resurrection to a final judgment.

Prophets and their doctrines were to be tested by their fruits. Paul's aim was to have a conscience void of offense. His care and endeavor was to abstain from many things and to abound in the exercises of religion at all times, both towards God and towards man. If blamed for being more earnest in the things of God than our neighbors, what is our reply? Do we shrink from the accusation?

How many in the world would rather be accused of any weakness, or even of wickedness, than of an earnest, fervent feeling of love for the Lord Jesus Christ and of devotion to His service! Can such people think that He will confess them when He comes in His glory and before the angels of God? If there is any sight pleasing to the God of our salvation, and a sight at which the angels rejoice, it is to behold a devoted follower of the Lord, here on earth, acknowledging that he is guilty—if it is a crime—of loving the Lord who died for him, with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength.

And he will not silently see God's word despised or hear His name profaned; he will rather risk the ridicule and the hatred of the world than one frown from that gracious Being whose love is better than life.