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cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/22-30.htm" title="Acts 22:30">◄</a> Acts 23:1 <a href="/acts/23-2.htm" title="Acts 23:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/23.htm">New International Version</a> Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!” <a href="/esv/acts/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” <a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having looked intently at the Council, Paul said, "Men, brothers, I have lived as a citizen in all good conscience to God unto this day." <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now looking intently at the Council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life with an entirely good conscience before God up to this day.” <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, &#8220Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, “Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, “Brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God up to this day.” <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Paul, looking intently at the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), said, “Kinsmen, I have lived my life before God with a perfectly good conscience until this very day.” <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience to this day.” <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Paul looked intently at the Sanhedrin and said, &#8220Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience until this day.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Paul looked straight at the council members and said, "My friends, to this day I have served God with a clear conscience!" <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Paul stared at the Jewish council and said, "Brothers, my relationship with God has always given me a perfectly clear conscience." <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Paul looked straight at the Council and said, "My fellow Israelites! My conscience is perfectly clear about the way in which I have lived before God to this very day." <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Paul looked straight at the Council and said, "Brothers, with a clear conscience I have done my duty before God up to this very day." <a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, ?Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.? <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Paul looked directly at the council and said, "Brothers, I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God to this day." <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day." <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men, brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then Paul, fixing a steady gaze on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, it is with a perfectly clear conscience that I have discharged my duties before God up to this day." <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, “Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until today.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Paul having earnestly beheld the Sanhedrin, said, “Men, brothers, I have lived to God in all good conscience to this day”; <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And having looked intently at the Council, Paul said, "Men, brothers, I have lived as a citizen in all good conscience to God unto this day." <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Paul having earnestly beheld the sanhedrim, said, 'Men, brethren, I in all good conscience have lived to God unto this day;' <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Paul, having looked intently to the council, said, Men, brethren, I have lived as a citizen in all good conscience to God till this day.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AND Paul looking upon the council, said: Men, brethren, I have conversed with all good conscience before God until this present day. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Paul, gazing intently at the council, said, “Noble brothers, I have spoken with all good conscience before God, even to this present day.” <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul looked intently at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have conducted myself with a perfectly clear conscience before God to this day.” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> While Paul was looking intently at the council he said, “Brothers, up to this day I have lived my life with a clear conscience before God.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AND as Paul beheld their assembly, he said, Men, my brethren, I have lived i n all good conscience before God until this day. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Paulus gazed at The Assembly and he said, “Men, brothers: in all good conscience I have lived before God, until today.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Paul, looking earnestly upon the Sanhedrin, said: Brethren, I have lived in all good conscience toward God to this day. <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Paul, looking the sanhedrim in the face, said, Men, brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> THEN Paul, looking earnestly at the sanhedrim, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience unto God even to this day.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows." <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then Paul, fixing a steady gaze on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, it is with a perfectly clear conscience that I have discharged my duties before God up to this day." <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Paul, looking intently on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and Paul looking earnestly at the sanhedrim, said, "Brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God even to this day:" <a href="/parallel/acts/23-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7643" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Paul Before the Sanhedrin</a> 1<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/816.htm" title="816: Atenisas (V-APA-NMS) -- To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently.">looked directly</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">at the</a> <a href="/greek/4892.htm" title="4892: synedriō (N-DNS) -- A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. ">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and said,</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: Andres (N-VMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">“Brothers,</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/4176.htm" title="4176: pepoliteumai (V-RIM/P-1S) -- To live the life of a citizen, live. Middle voice of a derivative of polites; to behave as a citizen.">have conducted myself</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">before God</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasē (Adj-DFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">in all</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathē (Adj-DFS) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/4893.htm" title="4893: syneidēsei (N-DFS) -- The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness.">conscience</a> <a href="/greek/891.htm" title="891: achri (Prep) -- As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautēs (DPro-GFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeras (N-GFS) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">day.”</a> 2At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a> In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God. <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith. <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1</a> I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. <a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm">2 Timothy 1:3</a> I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4</a> My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me. <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a> keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a> Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. <a href="/romans/14-22.htm">Romans 14:22</a> Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. <a href="/psalms/26-1.htm">Psalm 26:1-2</a> Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. / Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind. <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Psalm 139:23-24</a> Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. / See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27</a> The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, searching out his inmost being. <a href="/job/27-5.htm">Job 27:5-6</a> I will never say that you are right; I will maintain my integrity until I die. / I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me. <a href="/isaiah/38-3.htm">Isaiah 38:3</a> saying, “Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before You faithfully and with wholehearted devotion; I have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.earnestly.<a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Acts 23:6</a> But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.<a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Acts 6:15</a> And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.<a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Acts 22:5</a> As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.Men.<a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1</a> Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.I have.<a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a> And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:4</a> For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/22-9.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/acts/17-16.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/john/8-9.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Council</a> <a href="/acts/12-25.htm">Discharged</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/acts/15-17.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/acts/22-13.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Fixing</a> <a href="/acts/19-21.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/acts/22-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Intently</a> <a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Sanhedrim</a> <a href="/acts/22-30.htm">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Steadfastly</a> <a href="/isaiah/35-3.htm">Steady</a> <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/acts/17-23.htm">Walked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Beheld</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/acts/23-29.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Conscience</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Council</a> <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Discharged</a> <a href="/acts/25-1.htm">Duties</a> <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Earnestly</a> <a href="/acts/26-17.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/philippians/2-4.htm">Fixing</a> <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Fulfilled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-13.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/acts/26-7.htm">Intently</a> <a href="/acts/26-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/23-15.htm">Perfectly</a> <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">Sanhedrim</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Sanhedrin</a> <a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Steadfastly</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-5.htm">Steady</a> <a href="/romans/12-12.htm">Stedfastly</a> <a href="/acts/24-15.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Walked</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 23</div>1. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">As Paul pleads his cause,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Ananias commands them to strike him.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Dissension among his accusers.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">God encourages him.</a> 14. <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">The Jews' vow to kill Paul,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">is declared unto the chief captain.</a> 27. <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">He sends him to Felix the governor.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish council and court in Jerusalem, composed of Pharisees and Sadducees. This setting underscores the tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities. Paul's background as a Pharisee and his Roman citizenship gave him a unique position to address this council with authority and familiarity.and said, “Brothers, By addressing them as "Brothers," Paul acknowledges his shared heritage and background with the members of the Sanhedrin. This term reflects his respect and his attempt to find common ground, despite the contentious situation. It also highlights the familial bond among Jews, even amidst theological disagreements.I have conducted myself before God Paul emphasizes his accountability to God, rather than to human authorities. This reflects the biblical principle that one's ultimate duty is to God, as seen in passages like <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a>, where Paul states that he seeks to please God rather than men. His statement underscores the importance of divine approval over human judgment.in all good conscience Paul's claim of a clear conscience indicates his sincerity and integrity in his actions and beliefs. The concept of conscience is significant in the New Testament, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a> and <a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a>, where a good conscience is linked to faith and righteous living. This assertion challenges the Sanhedrin's accusations and highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission.to this day.” By stating "to this day," Paul asserts the consistency of his faith and actions up to the present moment. This phrase underscores the continuity of his life before and after his conversion to Christianity. It also serves as a defense against any claims of hypocrisy or wrongdoing, reinforcing his steadfastness in his faith journey.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is speaking in this verse. He is on trial before the Sanhedrin, defending his ministry and actions as a follower of Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a> The Jewish council or court that was the highest religious authority in Israel. It consisted of chief priests, elders, and scribes. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event takes place. It is a central location for Jewish religious life and the early Christian church. 4. <a href="/topical/c/conscience.htm">Conscience</a> Paul refers to his conscience, indicating his inner sense of right and wrong, which he claims is clear before God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/trial.htm">Trial</a> This event is part of a series of trials Paul faces due to his preaching of the Gospel and his mission to the Gentiles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/integrity_before_god.htm">Integrity Before God</a> Paul emphasizes living with a clear conscience before God. Christians are called to maintain integrity in their actions and decisions, ensuring they align with God's will. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_witness.htm">Courage in Witness</a> Paul demonstrates courage by speaking boldly before the Sanhedrin. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of opposition or persecution. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_conscience.htm">The Role of Conscience</a> A well-informed conscience is vital for discerning right from wrong. Christians should cultivate their conscience through prayer, study of Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_to_god.htm">Accountability to God</a> Paul acknowledges his accountability to God above all. Believers should prioritize their relationship with God and seek His approval over human judgment. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_trials.htm">Faithfulness in Trials</a> Despite being on trial, Paul remains faithful to his mission. Christians are encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting God through life's challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 23</a> <a href="/q/how_does_azariah_show_faith_in_prayer.htm">What does 'bought with a price' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_unknown_god_do_you_worship.htm">What is the unknown god you worship in ignorance?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_top_priority.htm">How does intercession influence God's response to prayers?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_david_innocent_in_psalm_17_3.htm">How can David claim innocence in Psalm 17:3 if the Bible elsewhere teaches that all humans are sinful (Romans 3:23)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XXIII.(1) And Paul, earnestly beholding the council.--We note once more the characteristic word for the eager anxious gaze with which St. Paul scanned the assembly. He had not seen it since he had stood there among Stephen's accusers, a quarter of a century ago. Many changes, of course, had come about in that interval, but some of the faces were probably the same; and at all events the general aspect of the Gazith, or Hall of Meeting, on the south side of the Temple, with its circular benches must have remained the same.I have lived in all good conscience . . .--The verb for "I have lived" means literally, I have used my citizenship. It had ceased, however, to have this sharply defined meaning (see Note on the kindred substantive in <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm" title="For our conversation is in heaven; from where also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:">Philippians 3:20</a>), and had come to be used of the whole course of a man's social conduct. Perhaps My mode of life has been in all good conscience, would be the nearest English equivalent. The reference to "conscience" may be noted as eminently characteristic of St. Paul. So we find him saying of himself that he had all his life served God with "a pure conscience" (<a href="/2_timothy/1-3.htm" title="I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day;">2Timothy 1:3</a>); that a "good conscience" is the end of the commandment (<a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm" title="Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:">1Timothy 1:5</a>); or, again, recognising the power of conscience even among the heathen (<a href="/romans/2-15.htm" title="Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)">Romans 2:15</a>). In the phrase "I know nothing by myself," i.e., "I am conscious of no fault" (see Note on <a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm" title="For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judges me is the Lord.">1Corinthians 4:4</a>), we have a like reference to its authority. Comp. also <a href="/acts/24-16.htm" title="And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men.">Acts 24:16</a>; <a href="/romans/13-5.htm" title="Why you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.">Romans 13:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/10-25.htm" title="Whatever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:">1Corinthians 10:25</a>. And in all these passages he assigns to conscience its true functions with an exact precision. It is not an infallible guide and requires illumination, and therefore each man needs to pray for light, but it is never right to act against its dictates, and that which is objectively the better course is subjectively the worse, unless the man in his heart believes it to be the better. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Looking steadfastly on for earnestly beholding, A.V.; brethren for men and brethren, A.V.; I have lived before God, etc., for I have lived, etc., before God, A.V. Looking steadfastly; ἀτενίσας, as in <a href="/acts/1-10.htm">Acts 1:10</a>; <a href="/acts/3-4.htm">Acts 3:4, 12</a>; <a href="/acts/6-15.htm">Acts 6:15</a>; <a href="/acts/7-55.htm">Acts 7:55</a>; <a href="/acts/10-4.htm">Acts 10:4</a>; <a href="/acts/11-6.htm">Acts 11:6</a>; <a href="/acts/13-9.htm">Acts 13:9</a>; <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Acts 14:9</a>. It governs a dative here, as in <a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Acts 3:12</a>; <a href="/acts/10-1.htm">Acts 10:1</a>; <a href="/acts/14-9.htm">Acts 14:9</a>; <a href="/luke/4-20.htm">Luke 4:20</a>; <a href="/luke/22-56.htm">Luke 22:56</a>; elsewhere it is followed by εἰς. Brethren. He emits here the "fathers" which he added in <a href="/acts/22-1.htm">Acts 22:1</a>. If there is any special significance in the omission, it may be that he meant now to assume a less apologetic tone, and to speak as an equal to equals. Howson and Lewin think that he spoke as being, or having been, himself a member of the Sanhedrim. But he may have meant merely a friendly address to his countrymen. I have lived, etc. πεπολέτευμαι τῷ Θεῷ); comp. <a href="/philippians/3-20.htm">Philippians 3:20</a>; I have had my conversation (vitam degi) unto God, or, for God, i.e. according to the will of God, with a view to God as the end of all my actions. So Josephus ('De Maccabeis,' sect. 4) says that Antiochus Epiphanes made a law that all Jews should be put to death οἵτινες φάνριεν τῷ πατοίω νόμω πολιτευόμενοι "who were seen to live according to the Law of their fathers." And so in 2 Macc. 6:1 it is said that he sent to compel the Jews to forsake the Law of their fathers - καὶ τοῖ τοῦ Θεοῦ νόμοις μὴ πολιτεύεσθαι ( ανδ not live agreeably to the laws of God. And once more, in 3Macc. 3:3, 4 the Jews are said to fear God and to be τῷ τούτου νόμῳ πολιτευόμενοι, living according to his Law. Here, then, πολιτεύεσθι τῷ Θεῷ means to live in obedience to God. St. Paul boldly asserts his undeviating compliance with the Law of God, as a good and consistent Jew (<a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Paul Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. looked directly Ἀτενίσας (Atenisas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_816.htm">Strong's 816: </a> To direct my gaze, look steadily. From a compound of a and teino; to gaze intently. at the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Sanhedrin συνεδρίῳ (synedriō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4892.htm">Strong's 4892: </a> A council, tribunal; the Sanhedrin, the meeting place of the Sanhedrin. [and] said, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. have conducted myself πεπολίτευμαι (pepoliteumai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4176.htm">Strong's 4176: </a> To live the life of a citizen, live. Middle voice of a derivative of polites; to behave as a citizen. before God Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. in all πάσῃ (pasē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. good ἀγαθῇ (agathē) Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> A primary word; 'good'. conscience συνειδήσει (syneidēsei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4893.htm">Strong's 4893: </a> The conscience, a persisting notion. From a prolonged form of suneido; co-perception, i.e. Moral consciousness. to ἄχρι (achri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_891.htm">Strong's 891: </a> As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to. this ταύτης (tautēs) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. day.” ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-1.htm">Acts 23:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:1 Paul looking steadfastly at the council said (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/22-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 22:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 22:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>