Acts 23:3

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Then {G5119} said {G2036} Paul {G3972} unto {G4314} him {G846}, God {G2316} shall {G3195} smite {G5180} thee {G4571}, thou whited {G2867} wall {G5109}: for {G2532} sittest {G2521} thou {G4771} to judge {G2919} me {G3165} after {G2596} the law {G3551}, and {G2532} commandest {G2753} me {G3165} to be smitten {G5180} contrary to the law {G3891}?

Then Sha’ul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Will you sit there judging me according to the Torah, yet in violation of the Torah order me to be struck?”

Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Commentary

In Acts 23:3, the Apostle Paul delivers a scathing rebuke to Ananias, the High Priest, who had just ordered Paul to be struck on the mouth during his trial before the Sanhedrin. Paul's words are a powerful condemnation of hypocrisy and injustice.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse takes place during Paul's dramatic appearance before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative council in Jerusalem. After Paul begins his defense by stating he has lived "in all good conscience" (Acts 23:1), High Priest Ananias abruptly commands those standing by Paul to strike him on the mouth (Acts 23:2). This act was a grave violation of Jewish judicial procedure, as a person was presumed innocent until proven guilty and had the right to a fair hearing. Ananias himself was known for his oppressive and corrupt nature, making Paul's accusation particularly potent.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy and Injustice: Paul's accusation of Ananias being a "whited wall" directly addresses the High Priest's hypocrisy. Ananias, who sat as a judge upholding the Law of Moses, flagrantly violated it by ordering Paul to be smitten without due process. This highlights a profound conflict between outward religious authority and inward moral corruption.
  • Divine Judgment: Paul's declaration, "God shall smite thee," is not merely a curse but a prophetic statement of divine retribution. It underscores the belief that God sees and judges all acts of injustice, especially those committed by those in positions of spiritual authority.
  • Paul's Boldness: Despite being under trial and facing powerful religious leaders, Paul demonstrates remarkable courage and conviction. He does not hesitate to call out blatant injustice, even when it comes from the highest religious office. His boldness reflects his commitment to truth and righteousness, even at personal risk.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whited wall" (Greek: toichos kekoniamenos) refers to a wall that has been plastered over and whitewashed, appearing clean and sound on the outside but potentially concealing decay, cracks, or instability within. This vivid metaphor was also used by Jesus to describe the Pharisees as "whited sepulchres" (Matthew 23:27), beautiful on the outside but full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Paul's use of this imagery powerfully conveys Ananias's outward pretense of piety and justice contrasted with his inner corruption and unlawful actions.

Practical Application

This passage reminds believers of the importance of standing for truth and justice, even when facing powerful opposition. It teaches us to discern between outward appearances and inward reality, recognizing that true righteousness goes beyond mere titles or positions. Furthermore, it affirms that God is ultimately the judge of all, and those who perpetrate injustice will face divine accountability. The narrative also underscores the importance of due process and fair treatment within any legal or communal system, reflecting God's character of justice and order.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 25:1

    ¶ If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that [the judges] may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

  • Deuteronomy 25:2

    And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

  • John 7:51

    Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

  • Matthew 23:27

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

  • Matthew 23:28

    Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

  • Leviticus 19:15

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

  • Leviticus 19:35

    Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.