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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 23:5 "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.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/23-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/44_Act_23_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 23:5 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/23-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/23-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/23-4.htm" title="Acts 23:4">◄</a> Acts 23:5 <a href="/acts/23-6.htm" title="Acts 23:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/23.htm">New International Version</a> Paul replied, &#8220Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: &#8216Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/acts/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’” <a href="/esv/acts/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” <a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “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.’” <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Paul was saying, "I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it has been written: 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'" <a href="/kjv/acts/23.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Paul said, “I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” <a href="/nasb_/acts/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it is written: ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’” <a href="/nasb/acts/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> And Paul said, &#8220I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, &#8216YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/acts/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Paul said, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’” <a href="/lsb/acts/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’” <a href="/amp/acts/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.’” <a href="/csb/acts/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,” replied Paul. “For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people. ” <a href="/hcsb/acts/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,&#8221 replied Paul. &#8220For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.&#8221 <a href="/asv/acts/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/acts/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Paul replied, "Oh! I didn't know he was the high priest. The Scriptures do tell us not to speak evil about a leader of our people." <a href="/erv/acts/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Paul said, I wist not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people. <a href="/gwt/acts/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Paul answered, "Brothers, I didn't know that he is the chief priest. After all, Scripture says, 'Don't speak evil about a ruler of your people.'" <a href="/gnt/acts/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Paul answered, "My fellow Israelites, I did not know that he was the High Priest. The scripture says, 'You must not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'" <a href="/isv/acts/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Paul answered, "I didn't realize, brothers, that he is the high priest. After all, it is written, 'You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.'" <a href="/net/acts/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Paul replied, "I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.'" <a href="/nheb/acts/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" <a href="/wbt/acts/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then said Paul, I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was the High Priest; for it is written, 'Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of Thy people.'"<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/acts/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> “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.’” <a href="/web/acts/23.htm">World English Bible</a> Paul said, “I didn’t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he is chief priest, for it has been written: You will not speak evil of the ruler of your people”; <a href="/blb/acts/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Paul was saying, "I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it has been written: 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'" <a href="/ylt/acts/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and Paul said, 'I did not know, brethren, that he is chief priest: for it hath been written, Of the ruler of thy people thou shalt not speak evil;' <a href="/slt/acts/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he is chief priest: for it has been written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest. For it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil of the prince of thy people. <a href="/cpdv/acts/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Paul said: “I did not know, brothers, that he is the high priest. For it is written: ‘You shall not speak evil of the leader of your people.’ ” <a href="/nabre/acts/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Paul answered, “Brothers, I did not realize he was the high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not curse a ruler of your people.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/acts/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Paul said, “I did not realize, brothers, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a leader of your people.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Paul said to them, Brothers, I did not know that he was a high priest: for it is written, You shall not revile the ruler of your people. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Paulus said to them, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is The Priest, for it is written: 'Do not curse The Ruler of your people.' “<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Paul replied: I did not know, brethren, that he was the chief priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Paul said, Brethren, I did not know that he is the high priest; for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people. <a href="/haweis/acts/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And Paul said, I had not observed, brethren, that he was high-priest: for it is written, ?Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.?<RX 2.22.28><CM> <a href="/mace/acts/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest, it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." <a href="/wey/acts/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was the High Priest; for it is written, 'Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of Thy people.'" <a href="/worrell/acts/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And Paul said, "I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest; for it has been written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" <a href="/worsley/acts/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Paul said, I was not aware, brethren, that it was the high-priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. <a href="/parallel/acts/23-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=7686" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/23.htm">Paul Before the Sanhedrin</a> …4But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!” 5<a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-VMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">“Brothers,”</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3972.htm" title="3972: Paulos (N-NMS) -- Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.">Paul</a> <a href="/greek/5346.htm" title="5346: Ephē (V-IIA-3S) -- To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">“</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: ēdein (V-LIA-1S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">I was not aware</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">he was</a> <a href="/greek/749.htm" title="749: archiereus (N-NMS) -- High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.">the high priest,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegraptai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">it is written:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">‘</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: ereis (V-FIA-2S) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">Do not speak</a> <a href="/greek/2560.htm" title="2560: kakōs (Adv) -- Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly.">evil</a> <a href="/greek/758.htm" title="758: Archonta (N-AMS) -- Present participle of archo; a first.">about the ruler</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/2992.htm" title="2992: laou (N-GMS) -- Apparently a primary word; a people.">people.’”</a> 6Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a> Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech. <a href="/1_peter/2-17.htm">1 Peter 2:17</a> Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a> Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">1 Timothy 5:1</a> Do not rebuke an older man, but appeal to him as to a father. Treat younger men as brothers, <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Titus 3:1-2</a> Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, / to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone. <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a> But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. <a href="/proverbs/24-21.htm">Proverbs 24:21</a> My son, fear the LORD and the king, and do not associate with the rebellious. <a href="/1_samuel/24-6.htm">1 Samuel 24:6</a> So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.” <a href="/1_samuel/26-9.htm">1 Samuel 26:9</a> But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can extend a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">2 Peter 2:10</a> Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Jude 1:8</a> Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings. <a href="/leviticus/19-32.htm">Leviticus 19:32</a> You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD. <a href="/deuteronomy/17-12.htm">Deuteronomy 17:12</a> But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/1-14.htm">2 Samuel 1:14</a> So David asked him, “Why were you not afraid to lift your hand to destroy the LORD’s anointed?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then said Paul, I knew not, brothers, that he was the high priest: for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.I wist.<a href="/acts/24-17.htm">Acts 24:17</a> Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.Thou.<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.<a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:20</a> 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.<a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">2 Peter 2:10</a> 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.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/14-6.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/acts/23-4.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/luke/22-65.htm">Evilly</a> <a href="/acts/23-4.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/21-29.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/acts/23-4.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/23-4.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/acts/10-34.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/acts/18-17.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/acts/12-9.htm">Wist</a> <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-4.htm">Aware</a> <a href="/acts/23-10.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/acts/24-3.htm">Conscious</a> <a href="/acts/23-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/4-3.htm">Evilly</a> <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/27-27.htm">Idea</a> <a href="/acts/23-6.htm">Paul</a> <a href="/acts/24-1.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-3.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/acts/23-26.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/acts/24-10.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/exodus/16-15.htm">Wist</a> <a href="/acts/23-25.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 23</div>1. <a href="/acts/23-1.htm">As Paul pleads his cause,</a> 2. <a href="/acts/23-2.htm">Ananias commands them to strike him.</a> 7. <a href="/acts/23-7.htm">Dissension among his accusers.</a> 11. <a href="/acts/23-11.htm">God encourages him.</a> 14. <a href="/acts/23-14.htm">The Jews' vow to kill Paul,</a> 20. <a href="/acts/23-20.htm">is declared unto the chief captain.</a> 27. <a href="/acts/23-27.htm">He sends him to Felix the governor.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>“Brothers,” Paul replied, Paul addresses the Sanhedrin with the term "Brothers," indicating his shared Jewish heritage and familiarity with the council. This term reflects his respect and connection to the Jewish leaders, despite the tension. Paul, a Pharisee by background, often used familial language to establish rapport and emphasize common ground (<a href="/acts/22.htm">Acts 22:1</a>).“I was not aware that he was the high priest, Paul's claim of ignorance regarding the high priest's identity has been interpreted in various ways. Some suggest it was due to poor eyesight, as inferred from <a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Galatians 4:15</a>, while others propose the chaotic nature of the meeting or the irregular appointment of the high priest at the time. Historically, the high priesthood was a position of significant authority, but political turmoil often led to frequent changes in leadership, which might have contributed to Paul's unawareness.for it is written: Paul references the Old Testament, demonstrating his deep knowledge of Scripture and its authority. This phrase introduces a direct quotation from the Law, underscoring Paul's commitment to biblical principles even in legal and confrontational settings.‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’” This quote is from <a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a>, where the Israelites are commanded to respect their leaders. Paul acknowledges the scriptural mandate to honor authority, even when he disagrees with or is mistreated by them. This reflects a broader biblical theme of respecting God-ordained leadership, as seen in <a href="/romans/13.htm">Romans 13:1-7</a> and <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-17</a>. The principle of respecting authority is consistent with Jesus' teaching to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's (<a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>), highlighting the importance of maintaining respect for leadership while upholding God's law.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> A key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles. In this passage, Paul is addressing the Sanhedrin. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_high_priest.htm">The High Priest</a> The religious leader of the Jewish people, who presides over the Sanhedrin. Paul inadvertently speaks against him, not realizing his position. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sanhedrin.htm">The Sanhedrin</a> The assembly of Jewish leaders, including the high priest, responsible for religious and legal matters in Jerusalem. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this event takes place, a central location for Jewish worship and early Christian activity. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_of_moses.htm">The Law of Moses</a> The body of laws given to the Israelites, which includes the commandment Paul references about not speaking evil of a ruler.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_authority.htm">Respect for Authority</a> Christians are called to respect and honor those in positions of authority, recognizing their role as ordained by God. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_correction.htm">Humility and Correction</a> Paul’s response demonstrates humility and a willingness to correct himself when he realizes his mistake. This is a model for how believers should respond to their own errors. <a href="/topical/k/knowledge_of_scripture.htm">Knowledge of Scripture</a> Paul’s ability to quote Scripture in his defense underscores the importance of knowing God’s Word to guide our actions and words. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_speech.htm">Discernment in Speech</a> Believers should be mindful of their words, especially when speaking about leaders, ensuring that their speech aligns with biblical principles. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_conscience.htm">The Role of Conscience</a> Paul’s initial ignorance of the high priest’s identity suggests the importance of a clear conscience and the need for discernment in complex situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 23</a> <a href="/q/what_happens_in_the_apocalypse_of_moses.htm">Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_spiritual_covering.htm">What does the Bible say about spiritual covering?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_paul_insult_the_high_priest.htm">Acts 23:2–5 – Why would Paul insult the high priest if he claimed to follow Jewish law and respect its leaders? </a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sin_ignorance.htm">Who were the three biblical men named Ananias?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest.--These words admit of three different explanations:--(1) We may take them as stating that St. Paul, either from defective sight (see Notes on <a href="/acts/9-18.htm" title="And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized.">Acts 9:18</a>; <a href="/acts/14-9.htm" title="The same heard Paul speak: who steadfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,">Acts 14:9</a>), or because the high priest was not sitting as president of the Sanhedrin, literally did not know who it was that had given the order, and thought it came from one of the subordinate members of the council. (2) That the words were a somewhat ironical protest against the authority of Ananias as having been improperly appointed. (3) That the "I wist not" stands for "I did not consider," and is an apologetic recantation of what had been uttered with a full knowledge that the words had been spoken by the high priest. Of these the first seems by far the most probable. The solemn sneer pointed by words from Scripture suggested by (2) is at variance with St. Paul's character; and (3) puts upon the words a greater strain than they will bear. It is obvious that St. Paul might well think that greater reverence was due to the high priest than to one filling an inferior position in the councils.Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.--The passage (<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm" title="You shall not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of your people.">Exodus 22:28</a>) is interesting as one of those in which the Hebrew word Elohim, commonly translated "God," is used of earthly rulers. St. Paul probably quoted it in Hebrew (see <a href="/acts/22-2.htm" title="(And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he said,)">Acts 22:2</a>), while St. Luke reproduces it from the LXX. version. It need hardly be said that to act on that law towards the rulers, not, of "the people" only, but of the heathen; to see below all the corruptions of human society and the vices of princes, the scheme of a divine order; to recognise that "the powers that be are ordained of God," was throughout the ruling principle of the Apostle's conduct, and, for the most part, of that of the early Christians (<a href="/context/romans/13-1.htm" title="Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.">Romans 13:1-6</a>; <a href="/context/1_peter/2-13.htm" title="Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;">1Peter 2:13-17</a>). Christianity was a great revolution, but they were not, politically or socially, revolutionists. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - And Paul said for then said Paul, A.V.; high for the high, A.V.; a ruler for the ruler, A.V. I wist not, etc. These words express, as distinctly as words can express anything, that St. Paul was not aware, when he called Ananias a "whited wall," that he was addressing the high priest. Different reasons for this ignorance have been given. Some think that it arose from the uncertainty that existed whether Ananias really was high priest or not at this time, or whether the office was not in abeyance. Others attribute to Paul's weakness of sight the fact that he did not see that Ananias was sitting in the presidential chair, neither was able to recognize his features. Others, giving to οὐκ ἤδειν α sense which it never bus, render, "I did not reflect," or "bear in mind, that he was high priest." What is certain is that for some reason or other Paul did not know that he was speaking to the high priest. Had he known it, he would not have said what he did say, because the Law is express which says, Ἄρχοντα τοῦ λαοῦ σου οὐ κακῶς ἐρεῖς (<a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a>, LXX.). <a href="/commentaries/acts/23-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“Brothers,” ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. Paul Παῦλος (Paulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3972.htm">Strong's 3972: </a> Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle. replied, Ἔφη (Ephē) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5346.htm">Strong's 5346: </a> To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say. “I was not aware ᾔδειν (ēdein) Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he was ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. [the] high priest, ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_749.htm">Strong's 749: </a> High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. it is written: γέγραπται (gegraptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. ‘Do not speak ἐρεῖς (ereis) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. evil κακῶς (kakōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2560.htm">Strong's 2560: </a> Badly, evilly, wrongly. From kakos; badly. [about the] ruler Ἄρχοντα (Archonta) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Present participle of archo; a first. of τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. people.’” λαοῦ (laou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2992.htm">Strong's 2992: </a> Apparently a primary word; a people. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/23-5.htm">Acts 23:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/23-5.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 23:5 Paul said I didn't know brothers that (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/23-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 23:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 23:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/23-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 23:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 23:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>