Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”
1. Looking earnestly. Paul beginneth with the testimony of a good conscience, that all the whole multitude may understand that he is unjustly charged with such an heinous offense, as if he had gone about to overthrow the worship of God.
Paul faced that assembly with boldness and a clear conscience. He had thought to move them to good purpose by appearing before the Sanhedrin, since in his youth he had revered it; yet we find he works nothing upon them. A good conscience gives a good courage, and his holy confidence faced them down as Stephen's had done.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 23:1-5
CHAPTER 23 Verse 1. And Paul, earnestly beholding. ατενισας. Fixing his eyes intently on the council. The word denotes a fixed and earnest gazing; a close observation. See . . Paul would naturally look with a keen and attentive observation on the council. He was arraigned before them, and he would naturally observe the appearance, and endeavour to ascertain the character of his judges.