2 The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth . 3 Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall ! Do you sit to try me according to the Law , and in violation of the Law order me to be struck ?" 4 But the bystanders said , "Do you revile God's high priest ? 5 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 .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 23:2-5
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.