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 them that stood by him to smite 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.
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.
5 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.'"
5 Paul acted surprised. "How was I to know he was Chief Priest? He doesn't act like a Chief Priest. You're right, the Scripture does say, 'Don't speak abusively to a ruler of the people.' Sorry."
5 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.' "
5 "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.' "
(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.
24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix."
24 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.
24 Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor."
24 And you'll need a couple of mules for Paul and his gear. We're going to present this man safe and sound to Governor Felix."
24 and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor."
24 Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix."
(Read Acts 23:12-24)
False religious principles, adopted by carnal men, urge on to such wickedness, as human nature would hardly be supposed capable of. Yet the Lord readily disappoints the best concerted schemes of iniquity. Paul knew that the Divine providence acts by reasonable and prudent means; and that, if he neglected to use the means in his power, he could not expect God's providence to work on his behalf. He who will not help himself according to his means and power, has neither reason nor revelation to assure him that he shall receive help from God. Believing in the Lord, we and ours shall be kept from every evil work, and kept to his kingdom. Heavenly Father, give us by thy Holy Spirit, for Christ's sake, this precious faith.
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.