I do my best translates a word which was originally used of athletic training, that is, “I exercise” (see New English Bible “train myself”). Most translators try to carry through the idea of “doing one’s best.” Always is placed emphatically at the end of the sentence. Clear is the same word that is translated cause no trouble in 1 Corinthians 10.32. With reference to conscience, the meaning of clear is the nearest equivalent for the English reader, and most translators have so rendered this word. For a discussion of the translation of clear conscience see 23.1.

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .