Acts 24:16 - Paul's Defense to Felix

In this hope,
The phrase "in this hope" refers to the resurrection of the dead, a central theme in Paul's defense before Felix. This hope is rooted in the promises of God as revealed in the Old Testament, particularly in passages like Daniel 12:2 and Isaiah 26:19, which speak of the resurrection. The hope of resurrection is a cornerstone of Christian faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul elaborates on the significance of Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

I strive always
Paul's use of "strive" indicates a continuous and diligent effort. This reflects the Christian call to perseverance and discipline in the faith, as seen in Philippians 3:14, where Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal. The Greek word used here, "askeo," implies a rigorous training or exercise, akin to an athlete's dedication, highlighting the seriousness with which Paul approaches his spiritual life.

to maintain a clear conscience
A clear conscience is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, emphasizing moral integrity and accountability before God. In 1 Timothy 1:5, Paul speaks of love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. The conscience acts as an internal witness to one's actions, and maintaining it clear is crucial for a life that honors God. This concept is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, where the heart and mind are seen as the seat of moral decision-making.

before God and man.
Paul's commitment to a clear conscience extends both vertically (before God) and horizontally (before man). This dual accountability reflects the Great Commandment to love God and love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). It underscores the holistic nature of Christian ethics, where one's relationship with God is inseparable from one's conduct towards others. This principle is evident in Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, where internal purity and external actions are both emphasized.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The speaker of this verse, Paul is defending himself before the Roman governor Felix. He is explaining his conduct and the principles by which he lives.

2. Governor Felix
The Roman governor of Judea before whom Paul is making his defense. Felix is known for his corrupt and indecisive rule.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Paul was arrested, leading to his trial before Felix. It is a central location for early Christian activity and the site of significant events in the Book of Acts.

4. The Sanhedrin
The Jewish council that accused Paul of causing unrest and defiling the temple, leading to his arrest and trial.

5. Caesarea
The location where Paul is being held and where he makes his defense before Felix. It was the Roman administrative capital of Judea.

Teaching Points

The Importance of a Clear Conscience
A clear conscience is vital for a faithful Christian life. It reflects our integrity and commitment to living according to God's standards.

Striving for Integrity
Paul’s use of the word "strive" (Greek: aske?) indicates a continuous effort. Christians are called to actively pursue integrity in their daily lives.

Accountability Before God and Man
Our actions should be transparent and honorable not only before God but also in the eyes of others. This dual accountability strengthens our witness.

Hope as Motivation
Paul’s hope in the resurrection and eternal life motivates his ethical conduct. Our hope in Christ should similarly inspire us to live righteously.

Facing Accusations with Confidence
Like Paul, we may face false accusations or misunderstandings. Maintaining a clear conscience allows us to stand firm and confident in such situations.

(16) And herein do I exercise myself . . .--The "herein" seems equivalent to "in this belief." Because he held that doctrine of a resurrection as a stern and solemn reality, the one law of his life was to keep his conscience clear from wilful sin. (See Note on Acts 23:1.) The words must have been almost as bitter to Felix as to Ananias; but he has, at all events, the decency to listen in silence.

Verse 16. - Herein... also for and hereby, A.V. and T.R.; to have a conscience... always for to have always, etc., A.V.; and men for and toward men, A.V. (For the sentiment, comp. Acts 23:1.) Herein (ἐν τόυτῳ); i.e. on this account, under these circumstances supplying the ground and cause of my action (comp. John 16:30). So, too, Matthew 6:7, Ἐν τῇ πολυλογίᾳ αὐτῶν means "On account of their much speaking." I exercise myself; ἀσκῶ, here only in the New Testament, but frequent in medical writers for "to practice" the medical art. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

In
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

this [hope],
τούτῳ (toutō)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

I
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

strive
ἀσκῶ (askō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 778: To train, practice, exercise. Probably from the same as skeuos; to elaborate, i.e. train.

always
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

to maintain
ἔχειν (echein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a clear
ἀπρόσκοπον (aproskopon)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 677: (free from hurt or harm, hence) not offending, not causing offence, blameless. Passively, faultless, i.e. Not led into sin.

conscience
συνείδησιν (syneidēsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4893: The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.

before
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

God
Θεὸν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

man.
ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

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