Acts 23:5

Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 1 You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

4Those who stood by said, “Is this how you insult God's high priest?”

6When Paul saw that the one part of the council were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he spoke loudly in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is because I have the certain hope of the resurrection of the dead that I am being judged.”

Read all of Acts 23

Cross References

Ecclesiastes 10:20Do not curse the king, not even in your mind, 2 and do not curse rich people in your bedroom. 1 For a bird of the sky might carry your words; 2 whatever has wings can spread the matter.

2 Peter 2:10This is especially true for those who continue in the corrupt desires of the flesh and who despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are not afraid to blaspheme the glorious ones.

Matthew Henry on Acts 23:2-6

Paul's Second Defence. 1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 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? 4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? 5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that… Read the whole commentary →

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