Acts 23:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 23:2 recounts a pivotal moment during the Apostle Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, where the high priest Ananias, enraged by Paul's assertion of a clear conscience, commands those standing nearby to strike Paul on the mouth. This abrupt and unlawful act of violence highlights the intense hostility Paul faced and immediately sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation between the apostle and the Jewish religious authorities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 23:2 is situated immediately after Paul's initial defense before the Sanhedrin, following his arrest in the temple courts (cf. [Acts 21:27-36](/acts/21-27-36 "Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem")). In [Acts 23:1](/acts/23-1 "Paul's Defense Before the Sanhedrin"), Paul begins his address by stating, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." This declaration, rather than de-escalating the tension, provokes the high priest Ananias to command a physical assault. The events of this chapter, including a subsequent division among the Sanhedrin members and a plot against Paul's life, underscore the volatile atmosphere and the deep-seated opposition to the gospel message that Paul embodies. The striking of Paul's mouth is the first direct physical assault in this trial, signaling the breakdown of judicial decorum.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The high priest Ananias, son of Nebedeus, served from approximately AD 47-59. Historical sources, such as Josephus, portray him as a notoriously corrupt and violent figure, known for his greed, oppression of lower priests, and readiness to use force. His command to strike Paul was a flagrant violation of Jewish law, which stipulated that an accused person was presumed innocent until proven guilty and could not be physically harmed during a trial. Such an act was not only illegal but deeply humiliating, intended to silence and disgrace the speaker. The Sanhedrin itself was the supreme Jewish judicial and religious council, composed of 71 members, including chief priests, elders, and scribes. Meeting in Jerusalem, it held significant authority in matters of Jewish law and tradition, though its ultimate power was curtailed under Roman rule.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies the **blatant injustice and abuse of power** often perpetrated by religious authorities against those proclaiming God's truth, mirroring the trials of Jesus himself (cf. [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "Jesus Struck During His Trial")). Secondly, it highlights **Paul's steadfastness and courage in the face of persecution**, setting the stage for his sharp and prophetic retort in [Acts 23:3](/acts/23-3 "Paul's Rebukes Ananias"). This incident underscores the reality that proclaiming the gospel often invites intense **hostility and opposition**, a recurring motif throughout the missionary journeys documented in Acts, and a warning given by Jesus to his disciples (cf. [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Persecution for Christ's Name")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **high priest (Greek, _archiereús_):** This term refers to the chief priest, specifically the Jewish high priest, who was the head of the Sanhedrin and the highest religious authority in Judaism. In this context, it identifies Ananias, whose position should have embodied justice and piety but instead is shown commanding an unlawful act.
* **commanded (Greek, _epitássō_):** Derived from a word meaning "to arrange upon," this verb signifies a direct, authoritative order or injunction. Ananias's command was not a suggestion but a forceful directive, indicating his immediate and absolute displeasure with Paul's statement.
* **smite (Greek, _týptō_):** This primary verb means "to thump," "cudgel," or "pummel," implying repeated blows, often with a stick or bastinado. While it can denote a general strike, in this context, it suggests a forceful and humiliating physical assault, intended to silence and punish Paul publicly.
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma_):** Literally referring to the physical mouth, this word can also imply language or speech. To strike someone on the mouth is a direct assault on their ability to speak and a symbolic act of silencing them, particularly in a judicial setting where one is expected to speak in their defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the high priest Ananias":** This clause immediately identifies the perpetrator of the unjust command. Ananias, holding the highest religious office, is presented as the instigator of violence, creating a stark contrast with the expected decorum of a judicial proceeding and the spiritual authority his title implied.
* **"commanded them that stood by him":** This indicates that Ananias did not personally strike Paul but delegated the task to his attendants or officers. This highlights his authority and the immediate obedience he expected, as well as the public nature of the humiliation intended for Paul.
* **"to smite him on the mouth.":** This is the specific, violent command. Striking someone on the mouth was not only a physical assault but a profound insult and an attempt to silence their testimony. In a court of law, it was a gross violation of due process, as an accused person was to be heard, not silenced or punished before conviction.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [Acts 23:2](/acts/23-2 "Acts 23:2 - Ananias Commands Paul to Be Struck") employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the high priest, the supposed guardian of the law and justice, issues an unlawful and unjust command, thereby violating the very principles he was sworn to uphold. This act of violence serves as a stark **contrast** to Paul's calm assertion of a clear conscience in the preceding verse, highlighting the irrational and visceral opposition to the gospel. The command to strike Paul on the mouth functions as **symbolism**, representing an attempt to silence the truth and suppress the message of Christ that Paul embodies. Furthermore, Paul's unjust suffering here **foreshadows** the continued persecution he will endure and aligns his experience with that of Jesus, who was also unjustly struck during his trial (cf. [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer")).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The high priest Ananias's command to strike Paul on the mouth is a profound illustration of the deep-seated spiritual opposition to the gospel and the abuse of power by those who claim religious authority but reject God's truth. This act of injustice, occurring within the highest Jewish court, underscores the reality that even religious institutions can become instruments of spiritual darkness when they prioritize human tradition or personal power over divine righteousness. Theologically, it highlights the prophetic nature of persecution for those who faithfully proclaim Christ, aligning Paul's experience with that of many prophets before him and ultimately with Christ himself. It also sets the stage for God's sovereign hand to work through such opposition, using even unjust trials to advance His purposes.

* [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "Jesus Struck During His Trial")
* [1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "Christ's Example of Suffering Patiently")
* [Matthew 5:11-12](/matthew/5-11-12 "Blessed Are the Persecuted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 23:2 offers a sobering yet encouraging lens through which to view the challenges of faith in a fallen world. It reminds us that injustice and abuse of power are not new phenomena, even within religious or judicial systems. For believers today, this passage calls for a steadfast commitment to truth and integrity, even when confronted with hostility or unfair treatment. Like Paul, we are called to maintain a clear conscience before God, prioritizing His approval over human accolades or fear of reprisal. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ may indeed lead to opposition, but our response should be rooted in courage, faith, and reliance on God's sovereign plan. We are encouraged to speak truth boldly, even when it is met with anger or violence, trusting that God can use even the most challenging and unfair circumstances for His divine purposes and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ananias's action challenge our assumptions about religious authority and justice?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to silence or dismiss truth when it makes us uncomfortable?**
* **How can Paul's response to this injustice (in subsequent verses) inspire us to stand firm in our faith amidst opposition?**
* **What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty even when His servants face unjust suffering?**

### FAQ

**Who was Ananias, the high priest mentioned in this verse?**
Answer: Ananias, son of Nebedeus, served as the Jewish high priest from approximately AD 47 to 59. Historical accounts, particularly from Josephus, depict him as a corrupt and violent individual, known for his greed and his willingness to use force. His command to strike Paul in [Acts 23:2](/acts/23-2 "Acts 23:2 - Ananias Commands Paul to Be Struck") is consistent with his historical reputation for disregarding justice and proper legal procedure. He was eventually assassinated during the Jewish revolt against Rome.

**Why was it significant or unlawful for Ananias to command Paul to be struck on the mouth?**
Answer: Ananias's command was a grave violation of both Jewish law and basic judicial fairness. According to Jewish legal tradition, an accused person was presumed innocent until proven guilty and could not be physically harmed or punished during a trial, especially for merely speaking in their defense. Striking someone on the mouth was not only a physical assault but also a deeply humiliating act, intended to silence and disgrace the speaker publicly. It demonstrated Ananias's contempt for Paul and his disregard for the very laws he, as high priest, was supposed to uphold. This act of violence was a clear abuse of his authority and a breakdown of the legal process.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The unjust striking of Paul on the mouth in [Acts 23:2](/acts/23-2 "Acts 23:2 - Ananias Commands Paul to Be Struck") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the suffering of Jesus himself. Just as Paul, an innocent man, was assaulted by the highest religious authority for speaking truth, so too was Jesus. During His own trial, Jesus was struck by an officer for speaking (cf. [John 18:22](/john/18-22 "John 18:22 - Jesus Struck by an Officer")), enduring physical abuse and humiliation at the hands of those who claimed to uphold God's law. Christ, the true and perfect High Priest (cf. [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest")), suffered unjustly at the hands of a corrupt religious establishment, demonstrating His perfect obedience and embodying the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Paul's experience, therefore, serves as a powerful echo of Christ's passion, reminding us that suffering for righteousness' sake is a mark of discipleship and a participation in the sufferings of Christ (cf. [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")). The gospel's advance, even amidst such violent opposition, is ultimately secured by Christ's victory over sin and death, empowering His followers to endure persecution with steadfast faith, knowing that their Lord has already overcome the world (cf. [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.