Definition: And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and [toward] men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Acts 24:16. It's a really important and somewhat poetic sentence! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about Jesus’s intention to live a life of perfect righteousness – a life free from guilt and shame, and focused on pleasing God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And herein do I exercise myself…” - This means “Herein” refers to this particular moment or situation. Jesus is actively working towards this goal. “…to have always a conscience void of offence toward God…” – This is the core of it. "Conscience" in this context means a clear understanding of what’s right and wrong, and a feeling of guilt for doing something wrong. “Void of offense” means completely free from shame or worry about being judged. Jesus wants to be completely honest with God. “…and [toward] men.” - This is the crucial part. It's not just about pleasing God alone, but also about pleasing people . Jesus understands that people are concerned with how we treat them – with our words, actions, and behavior. He wants to be a good example for others, showing them what it means to live righteously. Putting it all together: Jesus is saying he’s deliberately focusing on being a righteous person for the sake of others . He wants to be known as someone who lives according to God's will and treats people with kindness and respect. It's about demonstrating love and compassion, not just for him but for everyone around him. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that true righteousness isn’t just about obeying rules; it’s about a deep and honest relationship with God and a desire to be a good person in the world. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, and we should strive to live a life that reflects God’s character. In short: Jesus is setting himself apart as someone who consistently strives for moral purity, intending to inspire others to do the same. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give an example of how this principle applies in everyday life?