Acts 24:16
So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.
Subject: A Good Conscience
In this section Paul is being forced to stand trial before the Jews and the current designated leader under Rome's rule - Felix. The Jewish council has brought charges (that they can't prove) that Paul has been disruptive to their Law and to the Temple worship. Paul must defend himself and, as a Roman citizen, is entitled to such a defense. Paul will use this conflict to get to Rome in hopes to present the Gospel to all in Rome. In his defense he makes the above statement to Felix and the government leaders. He had made the same statement in the last chapter in front of the Jewish Council:
Acts 23:1
And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”
Paul was very much concerned that his "conscience" was always clear and in favor with God and man. Note the following verses from the pen of Paul:
1 Timothy 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:19
holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith,
In this context it is our conscience that speaks to our heart about our moral excellence in regard to God's Word. The conscience brings us into a state of "knowing" along side something. Our conscience brings us into knowing God's will and our conduct. Paul's commitment is to have a clear conscience between God and man. He wants nothing that hinders that fellowship, as much as he can (Romans 12:18). We are to allow our conscience to speak to our conduct and change our conduct. The lost world has had their conscience served with a hot iron (1 Timothy 4:3). Believers should have an active conscience and it should always push to align our conduct with God's Will and Man's needs.
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