Acts 23 5

Acts 23:5 kjv

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Acts 23:5 nkjv

Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' "

Acts 23:5 niv

Paul replied, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'"

Acts 23:5 esv

And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

Acts 23:5 nlt

"I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, 'You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.' "

Acts 23 verses

Acts 23 5 Meaning

After being rebuked for disrespecting the High Priest, Paul explained that he did not realize the person who commanded him to be struck was indeed the High Priest. He immediately corrected his action by quoting the Scripture from the Law, affirming that it is forbidden to speak evil of a ruler of the people. This verse reveals Paul's humility, his quick repentance for an inadvertent wrong, and his profound reverence for God's Word, even in the midst of extreme provocation.

Acts 23 5 Context

Acts chapter 23 begins with Paul on trial before the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court, following his arrest in Jerusalem. As Paul declares his clear conscience before God, the High Priest Ananias orders those standing by to strike him on the mouth. Paul impulsively retorts by calling Ananias a "whitewashed wall," prophesying that God will strike him. Those present immediately question Paul for reviling God's High Priest. Acts 23:5 is Paul's direct response to this accusation. Historically, Ananias was a known corrupt high priest during this period (c. 47-59 AD), described by the Jewish historian Josephus as violent and avaricious. Paul, a devout Jew trained in the Law, was intimately familiar with the command to respect rulers. His swift apology and Scriptural citation highlight his deep commitment to the Law, despite the unrighteous conduct of the authority figure.

Acts 23 5 Word analysis

• Then said Paul (Τότε ἔφη ὁ Παῦλος, Tote ephē ho Paulos): Indicates an immediate response from Paul following the accusation of reviling the high priest (Acts 23:4). This highlights the direct nature of the confrontation and Paul's quick retort.
• I wist not (οὐκ ᾔδειν, ouk ēdein): Meaning "I did not know" or "I was not aware." The imperfect tense implies a continued state of not knowing at the moment of his initial outburst. This phrase has led to scholarly discussion regarding its sincerity:
  • Possibility of poor eyesight: Paul may have genuinely not recognized Ananias due to impaired vision, perhaps a lingering effect of his Damascus Road experience (Acts 9:8) or a chronic condition (cf. Gal 4:15; 6:11 where Paul notes large letters). The distance or chaotic setting could have further contributed.
  • Possibility of Ananias not wearing high priestly robes: Unlikely in a formal Sanhedrin proceeding, though possible if the gathering was hastily assembled.
  • Possibility of not acknowledging the spiritual office due to corruption: While some argue this was sarcastic, the immediate citation of Scripture ("for it is written") argues strongly against sarcasm, suggesting a genuine correction based on Paul's understanding of the Law.
• brethren (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi): Paul addresses his accusers with a term of brotherhood, even those who were hostile. This could be a genuine conciliatory gesture, showing respect even amidst dispute.
• that he was the high priest (ὅτι ἀρχιερεύς ἐστιν, hoti archiereus estin): Refers to Ananias, the officiating High Priest. The office held significant religious and political authority.
• for it is written (γὰρ γέγραπται, gar gegraptai): "For it has been written." The perfect tense emphasizes the enduring and established authority of the Scripture. Paul immediately refers to God's Word as the final authority, demonstrating his submission to it even when personally wronged.
• Thou shalt not speak evil (Οὐκ ἐρεῖς κακολόγον, Ouk ereis kakologon): This directly quotes Exodus 22:28. The phrase literally means "you shall not speak an evil word" or "you shall not revile." It's a clear prohibition against disrespecting or slandering those in authority.
• of the ruler of thy people (ἄρχοντα τοῦ λαοῦ σου, archonta tou laou sou): "A ruler of your people." The high priest, as the head of the Sanhedrin, was unequivocally "a ruler of the people" under the Law. This highlights Paul's recognition of the divine appointment of earthly authorities, despite personal grievances.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest": This entire phrase encapsulates Paul's apology and explanation. His use of "brethren" softens the tone, suggesting he truly respects their religious office even while being put on trial. The core of this statement is an admission of ignorance, setting the stage for his corrective action.
• "for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people": This immediately links Paul's self-correction to divine revelation. He submits to the Mosaic Law (Exo 22:28), showing his enduring reverence for Scripture. It clarifies that his outburst was not a conscious rejection of the Law's command to honor rulers but a moment of human failing corrected by the Word. This also serves as a subtle lesson to the Sanhedrin members themselves about upholding God's Law.

Acts 23 5 Bonus section

This incident vividly demonstrates Paul's integrity and his spiritual discernment. While his spontaneous "whitewashed wall" (Acts 23:3) comment might appear disrespectful, it was a prophetic judgment against Ananias, who was indeed a corrupt figure whose authority would later crumble. However, upon being reminded that the man was the High Priest, Paul immediately recognized the biblical command against speaking evil of a ruler. His immediate quote from Exodus 22:28 confirms that his true intent was not to defy God's Law but that his outburst was a lapse, likely born of shock at the unjust assault coupled with potential physical limitation. This passage teaches us the critical distinction between denouncing evil and reviling the office or a person holding a divinely established position. Paul showed he submitted to the latter, prioritizing the biblical principle over his personal indignation. This underscores his adherence to God's ordered authority, even in imperfect circumstances.

Acts 23 5 Commentary

Acts 23:5 showcases a pivotal moment in Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, revealing profound insights into his character and commitment to God's Word. Following his impulsive "whitewashed wall" retort to Ananias for an unjust command, Paul faces immediate criticism. His response, "I wist not... that he was the high priest," followed by the immediate Scriptural quotation, serves as both an explanation and an act of repentance.

The sincerity of Paul's "I wist not" is widely debated. While some speculate on sarcasm due to Ananias's known corruption or Paul's general knowledge of Jerusalem figures, the context strongly points to a genuine admission. Given Paul's possible impaired eyesight (mentioned in Galatians), his difficulty discerning faces or identities in a chaotic courtroom setting is plausible. More importantly, his immediate quoting of Exodus 22:28 reveals his unwavering devotion to the Law, even in the face of profound personal injustice. Paul knew that disrespecting a divinely appointed leader, regardless of their personal conduct, violated a sacred principle.

This incident provides a powerful illustration of genuine humility and adherence to God's standard. Paul's initial outburst demonstrates human weakness and righteous indignation, but his swift acknowledgment of error and submission to Scripture elevates the moment into a teaching on living righteously. It highlights that personal offense does not negate the requirement to honor divinely ordained authority. It is a testament to Paul's transformed heart, striving to live in "all good conscience," correcting his own misstep according to God's perfect Law.

Examples for practical usage:

• Prompt repentance: The verse encourages quick acknowledgment and repentance for wrong words or actions, even if spoken impulsively.
• Respect for authority: It reinforces the biblical principle of showing respect for leaders, even when disagreeing with them or if their character is flawed.
• Submission to Scripture: It demonstrates the priority of God's written Word as the ultimate guide for behavior and speech, even in moments of provocation.