Keraia
Acts 23

Acts 23:5

Paul before the Sanhedrin · Acts 23:1–11
Read Acts 23

Translations

Modern
“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.’”
Traditional
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.
Literal
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.’”
Latin
Dixit autem Paulus: Nesciebam, fratres, quia princeps est sacerdotum. Scriptum est enim: Principem populi tui non maledices.

Original

Greek
English
“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.’”

Notes

Acts 23:5

  • It is unclear why Paul did not recognize the high priest.

  • Paul responded by quoting Exodus 22:28, showing respect for the high priest's position.

Events

People

Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many NT epistles

Glossary

Ananias Book of the Acts of the Apostles Courts and Trials Paul the Apostle Ruler

Topics

Ananias: High Priest, Before Whom Paul Was Tried Citizens: Duties of Court: Accused Spoke in his own Defense Court: Contempt of Defense of Paul Magistrates: Their office to be Respected Paul is Brought Before the Sanhedrin; his Defense Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Judicial Priest: (The Function he Served Was Superior to That of Other Priests): Respect Due To Priest: Miscellaneous Facts Concerning: Paul Brought Before Reviling and Reproaching of Rulers Specially Forbidden Speaking: Evil The High Priest was Called: Ruler of the People The High Priest: Duties of Presiding in the Superior Court