2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
2 That set the Chief Priest Ananias off. He ordered his aides to slap Paul in the face.
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:2
Commentary on Acts 23:1-5
(Read Acts 23:1-5)
See here the character of an honest man. He sets God before him, and lives as in his sight. He makes conscience of what he says and does, and, according to the best of his knowledge, he keeps from whatever is evil, and cleaves to what is good. He is conscientious in all his words and conduct. Those who thus live before God, may, like Paul, have confidence both toward God and man. Though the answer of Paul contained a just rebuke and prediction, he seems to have been too angry at the treatment he received in uttering them. Great men may be told of their faults, and public complaints may be made in a proper manner; but the law of God requires respect for those in authority.