Acts 23 4

Acts 23:4 kjv

And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

Acts 23:4 nkjv

And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"

Acts 23:4 niv

Those who were standing near Paul said, "How dare you insult God's high priest!"

Acts 23:4 esv

Those who stood by said, "Would you revile God's high priest?"

Acts 23:4 nlt

Those standing near Paul said to him, "Do you dare to insult God's high priest?"

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 4 Meaning

Acts 23:4 describes the immediate reaction of some bystanders, likely members of the Sanhedrin or their associates, to Paul's declaration against Ananias. They rebuke Paul by questioning whether he realizes he is speaking abusively against the High Priest, an office they considered divinely appointed and therefore sacrosanct. This verse highlights the tension between the perceived sanctity of a religious office and the conduct of the individual holding it.

Acts 23 4 Context

Acts 23:4 occurs during Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. After being arrested in the temple courts due to an angry mob, Paul was brought before the Jewish high council by the Roman commander Lysias. At the beginning of this assembly, Paul boldly declared his clear conscience before God (Acts 23:1). In response, the High Priest Ananias commanded those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2). This unjust command, without any legal provocation, led Paul to pronounce judgment on Ananias, calling him a "whitewashed wall" (Acts 23:3). The present verse captures the immediate reaction of some present, defending the High Priest's office and accusing Paul of violating a sacred Jewish law. The historical High Priest Ananias, appointed by the Romans, was known for his corruption, greed, and violent temperament according to Jewish historian Josephus, adding a layer of irony to the bystanders' defense of his office.

Acts 23 4 Word analysis

• And (Gk. δέ - de): A common conjunction, here indicating a continuation of the narrative, marking a swift reaction to Paul's previous statement. It links Paul's outburst with the immediate defense of Ananias.

• those who stood by (Gk. οἱ παρεστῶτες - hoi parestōtes): This refers to people in the immediate vicinity of Paul, who were present at the Sanhedrin session. They were likely members of the council themselves, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, or attendants. Their presence suggests not neutral observation but active participation in the proceedings, often aligned with the establishment.

• said (Gk. εἶπαν - eipan): Simple verb meaning "they said" or "they spoke." It signifies a direct vocal response, highlighting the immediate verbal confrontation Paul faced.

• Are you reviling (Gk. λοιδορεῖς - loidoreis): The Greek term means to abuse, insult, rail at, or slander with strong, contemptuous words. It is not merely disagreeing but an attack on character and dignity, often used for hostile, scornful speech. The question posed implies a grave offense in their eyes.

• God's high priest? (Gk. τὸν ἀρχιερέα τοῦ θεοῦ - ton archierea tou theou):

  • High priest (Gk. ἀρχιερέα - archierea): This denotes the highest religious official in Judaism. The office symbolized divine authority, religious tradition, and served as the supreme arbiter of Jewish law, as well as a spiritual mediator for the people. It held immense prestige and reverence, despite the conduct of individual officeholders, especially during the Roman period.
  • of God (Gk. τοῦ θεοῦ - tou theou): The possessive "of God" profoundly underscores their justification. By attributing the High Priest to God, they argue that attacking the priest is an attack on an institution ordained and consecrated by God Himself, echoing Exod 22:28. It emphasizes the sacred nature of the office over the man.

Words-group analysis

• "those who stood by said": This group represents the collective voice of certain members of the Sanhedrin, swiftly condemning Paul's outburst. Their reaction indicates their immediate offense and adherence to the formal religious protocol regarding authority. They are not merely observing but actively intervening to enforce their interpretation of religious propriety.

• "Are you reviling God's high priest?": This entire phrase serves as a sharp rhetorical question and an accusation. It combines a severe charge ("reviling") with an appeal to the sanctity of a divine institution ("God's high priest"). It aims to shame Paul, remind him of the law in Exodus 22:28, and quickly delegitimize his outburst, shifting focus from Ananias's unjust order to Paul's perceived impiety. The question challenges Paul's knowledge of the Law he supposedly reveres, implying a blatant disregard for established religious order.

Acts 23 4 Bonus section

The strong reaction of the "bystanders" also underscores the political fragility and internal power struggles within the Sanhedrin itself during this period of Roman occupation. By invoking the divine appointment of the High Priest, these individuals are not just defending Ananias, but symbolically defending the integrity of the Jewish religious system, which was constantly challenged and compromised under Roman rule. Paul's challenge was perceived as an assault not merely on an individual but on the very framework of their traditional authority. Some scholars propose Paul's "whitewashed wall" epithet, much like Jesus' "whitewashed tombs" (Matt 23:27), aimed at exposing the external religious facade that concealed inner corruption and hypocrisy, an indictment often made by the prophets.

Acts 23 4 Commentary

Acts 23:4 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's defense before the Sanhedrin, revealing the deep ideological conflict. The bystanders' indignant question highlights the absolute reverence the Jewish religious leaders expected for the High Priesthood, regardless of the individual High Priest's character or actions. Their swift rebuke to Paul was a calculated move, invoking Exodus 22:28 to paint Paul as a law-breaker, thus diverting attention from Ananias's blatant abuse of power in ordering Paul to be struck without trial. It demonstrates the Sanhedrin's priority of upholding the office as sacrosanct and an attempt to maintain order and their authority over any prophetic challenge, echoing the treatment of Jesus and earlier prophets. This incident sets up Paul's own defense in Acts 23:5, where he claims ignorance of Ananias's position, thereby acknowledging the validity of the law while potentially exposing the High Priest's lack of distinctive garb or perhaps contempt for a leader acting so unjustly. The tension underscores a common struggle: discerning when respect for authority conflicts with confronting unrighteousness.