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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
4 of 19
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
ᾔδειν
I wist
G1492
ᾔδειν
I wist
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
7 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀρχιερεύς·
the high priest
G749
ἀρχιερεύς·
the high priest
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
10 of 19
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
11 of 19
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαοῦ
people
G2992
λαοῦ
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
15 of 19
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
Cross References
Exodus 22:28Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.Ecclesiastes 10:20Curse 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.2 Peter 2:10But 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.
Historical Context
Paul had been absent from Jerusalem for years, possibly explaining unfamiliarity with current leadership. Exodus 22:28 was foundational to Jewish respect for authority. Paul's citation showed his continued reverence for Torah even while proclaiming freedom from its ceremonial requirements. This demonstrated to the Sanhedrin that his gospel didn't promote lawlessness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain biblical respect for authority while confronting its failures?
- What does Paul's immediate Scripture quotation teach about knowing God's word for ethical guidance in tense moments?
Analysis & Commentary
I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest—Paul's statement 'I did not know' (οὐκ ᾔδειν, ouk edein) has sparked much discussion. Perhaps Paul had poor eyesight (Galatians 4:15), or Ananias wasn't wearing high priestly garments, or Paul spoke ironically ('I didn't recognize behavior so corrupt as befitting a high priest'). Regardless, Paul immediately submitted to Scripture.
For it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people—Paul quoted Exodus 22:28, demonstrating his submission to biblical authority even when defending himself against injustice. The Greek archonta (ruler) acknowledges God-ordained authority deserving respect despite personal unworthiness. This models Christian ethics: honor the office even when confronting the office-holder's sin. Paul balanced prophetic boldness (calling out injustice) with covenantal submission (honoring God's word).