Acts 24:16

Herein. That is, in view of the faith, hope, and godly service of which he has already spoken (vs. 14, 15).

Exercise. Gr. asked, “to exercise,” “to strive,” “to take pains.” Paul takes his religious beliefs and practices seriously. To him religion is more than a philosophical system; it is a way of life. He strives earnestly to attain success in spiritual matters, which he considers vital to his happiness (see Matt. 7:24-27; Phil. 2:12, 13; 3:7-15).

A conscience. To Paul, conscience, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, was of supreme importance (1 Tim. 1:5; 3:9; Heb. 9:14). Again he claims a clear conscience before God to the present moment (Acts 23:1; cf. Rom. 9:1; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 13:18).

Void of offence. Gr. aproskopos, literally, “having nothing to strike against.” Throughout life all that Paul had done had been intended as service to God. Even as a persecutor Paul had conscientiously thought he was serving God (Acts 26:9, 10; cf. John 16:2). Thus, his life illustrates the fact that it is hardly less important to have an enlightened conscience than it is to be conscientious. The conscience, no matter how “good” it may already be, must be attentive to the voice of God (Isa. 30:21) and to His Word (Isa. 8:19, 20; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; cf. Matt. 24:21-27).