Acts 23:2

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

And {G1161} the high priest {G749} Ananias {G367} commanded {G2004} them that stood by {G3936} him {G846} to smite {G5180} him {G846} on the mouth {G4750}.

But the cohen hagadol, Hananyah, ordered those standing near him to strike him on the mouth.

At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

Context

Acts 23:2 finds the Apostle Paul in a tense and volatile situation, standing trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial council, in Jerusalem. This follows his arrest in the temple courts after his return from his third missionary journey. The previous verse, Acts 23:1, records Paul's initial defense where he asserted his clear conscience before God, a statement that immediately drew the ire of the high priest, Ananias. Ananias, son of Nebedeus, was known for his corruption and ruthlessness, even among his own people, making his action here consistent with his character.

Key Themes

  • Blatant Injustice and Abuse of Power: Ananias's command to strike Paul on the mouth was a grave violation of judicial procedure and a deeply personal act of contempt. It was illegal to strike an accused person during a trial before they were convicted, especially for merely speaking. This act highlights the high priest's disregard for both Jewish law and basic fairness, demonstrating a shocking abuse of his authority.
  • Paul's Steadfastness in Persecution: This verse sets the stage for Paul's powerful and prophetic response in Acts 23:3, where he rebukes Ananias directly. It underscores Paul's courage and refusal to be silenced or intimidated, even by the highest religious authority, when facing such profound injustice.
  • The Reality of Hostility Towards the Gospel: The immediate and violent reaction to Paul's testimony, even before he could fully present his case, illustrates the intense opposition faced by early Christians. This is a common theme throughout Acts, showing how the message of Christ often provoked strong, sometimes violent, resistance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "smite him on the mouth" translates the Greek verb tuptō (τύπτω), which means 'to strike' or 'to hit'. While it can refer to a light blow, in this context, given the high priest's anger and the public nature of the setting, it implies a forceful, humiliating strike. This physical assault was intended not just to silence Paul but to disgrace him publicly, mirroring the unjust treatment Jesus Himself received during His trial (John 18:22). It was a clear act of intimidation and an unlawful assault on an individual undergoing legal examination.

Practical Application

Acts 23:2 serves as a stark reminder that injustice and abuse of power can occur even within religious or judicial systems. For believers today, this verse offers several insights:

  1. Expect Opposition: Following Christ may lead to unfair treatment, criticism, or even hostility, often from unexpected sources. The New Testament consistently warns believers about persecution for righteousness' sake.
  2. Stand Firm in Truth: Like Paul, believers are called to maintain their integrity and speak truth, even when it is met with anger or violence. Our conscience should remain clear before God, regardless of human judgment.
  3. God's Sovereignty Amidst Injustice: Despite the blatant injustice, God was still in control of Paul's journey, ultimately using these trials to advance the gospel and bring Paul to Rome (Acts 23:11). This reminds us that God can work through even the most challenging and unfair circumstances for His purposes.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 18:22

    And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

  • Acts 24:1

    ¶ And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

  • 1 Kings 22:24

    But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

  • Micah 5:1

    ¶ Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

  • Matthew 26:67

    Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote [him] with the palms of their hands,

  • Jeremiah 20:2

    Then Pashur smote Jeremiah the prophet, and put him in the stocks that [were] in the high gate of Benjamin, which [was] by the house of the LORD.

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