Acts 23:5

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.

Then {G5037} said {G5346} Paul {G3972}, I wist {G1492} not {G3756}, brethren {G80}, that {G3754} he was {G2076} the high priest {G749}: for {G1063} it is written {G1125}, Thou shalt {G2046} not {G3756} speak {G2046} evil {G2560} of the ruler {G758} of thy {G4675} people {G2992}.

Sha’ul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was the cohen hagadol; for it says in the Torah, ‘You are not to speak disparagingly of a ruler of your people.’”

“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

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

Acts 23:5 captures a pivotal moment in Paul's defense before the Jewish Sanhedrin, where he offers an explanation for his sharp words directed at the High Priest, Ananias. This verse underscores Paul's deep respect for God's law and his willingness to acknowledge a misstep, even under duress.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish court, following his arrest in Jerusalem. When Paul declared his blameless conscience, the High Priest Ananias ordered him to be struck on the mouth. Paul's immediate, indignant response was to call Ananias a "whited wall" and to prophesy God's judgment upon him (Acts 23:3). When those present rebuked Paul for insulting the high priest, he offered the explanation found in verse 5. The reasons for Paul stating "I wist not... that he was the high priest" are debated: it could be due to poor eyesight, the chaotic nature of the proceedings, the absence of the high priest's distinctive robes, or even a rhetorical statement implying that had he known, he would have shown proper deference to the office.

Key Themes

  • Respect for Authority: Paul's quick apology and citation of the Law demonstrate his unwavering belief in the principle of respecting those in positions of authority, even when their actions are unjust or provocative. This aligns with broader New Testament teachings on submission to governing authorities.
  • Humility and Repentance: Despite being unjustly struck, Paul shows humility by acknowledging that his words, if directed knowingly at the High Priest, would have been inappropriate according to the Law. This highlights the importance of a repentant spirit and quick admission of error.
  • Adherence to Scripture: Paul's immediate recourse to the Old Testament law from Exodus 22:28 ("Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people") showcases his profound knowledge and reverence for God's Word, even in moments of intense personal trial.

Linguistic Insights

  • The King James Version phrase "I wist not" is an archaic expression meaning "I did not know" or "I was unaware."
  • "Speak evil of the ruler": The Greek word used here, kakologeo (κακολογέω), means "to speak badly of," "to revile," or "to curse." It forbids verbal abuse or slander against those in authority.

Practical Application

Acts 23:5 offers profound insights into Christian conduct. It teaches us the importance of showing proper respect to those in authority, even when we disagree with them or feel they have acted unjustly. Paul's example encourages believers to be quick to acknowledge their own faults and to live consistently with biblical principles, demonstrating humility and adherence to God's Word. While we are called to stand for truth, our manner should reflect the decorum and respect commanded in Scripture, even in challenging circumstances, as we are called to honor all people, including those in leadership.

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.

  • Exodus 22:28

    Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:20

    Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

  • Jude 1:8

    ¶ Likewise also these [filthy] dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

  • Jude 1:9

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    ¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

  • Acts 24:17

    Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

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