Acts 23:5 – “Paul replied, ‘Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: “Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.”’”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul responds after being accused of insulting the high priest, Ananias (Acts 23:4). Just moments before, Paul had called Ananias a “whitewashed wall” and declared that God would strike him (Acts 23:3). The people standing nearby were shocked that Paul would speak that way about the high priest.

Paul’s response is surprising—he says that he did not realize that Ananias was the high priest. Then, he quotes Exodus 22:28, which says, “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.”

There are different theories about why Paul did not recognize Ananias as the high priest:

1. Paul may not have been able to see well. Some scholars believe Paul had poor eyesight, which might explain why he did not recognize Ananias (Galatians 4:15).
2. Ananias may not have been wearing his high priestly robes. This meeting of the Sanhedrin was hastily arranged, so Ananias may not have been dressed in his official garments.
3. Paul may have meant that Ananias was unworthy of the title. Some believe Paul was speaking sarcastically—he may have been saying, “I didn’t realize he was the high priest because he certainly isn’t acting like one!”
4. Paul had been away from Jerusalem for years. Ananias had been appointed high priest during Paul’s time away, so Paul may not have known who he was.

Regardless of the reason, Paul quickly acknowledges that it was wrong to speak harshly against the high priest, even though Ananias was corrupt. Paul’s humility in this moment shows that he respected God’s law, even when dealing with an unjust leader.

Historical Context

Paul was standing before the Sanhedrin, the ruling Jewish council, in Jerusalem. The high priest at the time, Ananias, was known for being corrupt, violent, and in alliance with the Roman authorities. He used his position to gain personal wealth and was eventually killed by his own people during a Jewish uprising.

Jewish law required people to respect their leaders, even when those leaders were flawed. Exodus 22:28 specifically commands the Israelites not to curse their rulers. This did not mean that rulers were above accountability, but that God had established order and authority.

At the same time, the Sanhedrin was a divided group. Some members were Pharisees (who believed in the resurrection) and others were Sadducees (who denied it). Paul would soon use this division to his advantage (Acts 23:6-7).

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important theological truths:

1. God’s law should be respected, even when leaders are corrupt. Paul acknowledged that the high priest was not above the law, but he still honored the biblical command not to curse rulers. This shows that respect for authority is important, even when leaders fail.
2. Humility is essential in the Christian life. Even though Paul was in the right, he was humble enough to admit that he had spoken improperly. This is an example of godly wisdom (James 3:17).
3. God calls His people to act with integrity. Paul stood for truth, but he also showed restraint. This balance between boldness and humility is a model for Christians today.
4. Leadership is a serious responsibility. Ananias failed as a spiritual leader, but Paul still recognized that leaders are accountable to God (Hebrews 13:17).

Literary Analysis

This verse contains a contrast between Paul’s boldness in Acts 23:3 and his humility in Acts 23:5.

• “I did not realize he was the high priest” – This phrase could be literal (Paul did not know) or ironic (Paul did not believe Ananias acted like a true high priest).
• Paul’s use of Scripture – By quoting Exodus 22:28, Paul shows that he respects God’s Word, even in difficult situations.
• Shift in tone – Paul goes from condemning Ananias to acknowledging the authority of the high priest’s position. This moment sets up his later strategy to divide the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:6-7).

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 22:28 – “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” (The law Paul quotes.)
• Romans 13:1-2 – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.”
• 1 Peter 2:17 – “Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
• Ecclesiastes 10:20 – Warns against speaking evil of rulers, even in private.
• Hebrews 13:17 – Calls believers to respect and pray for their leaders.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that Christians should be respectful toward authority, even when leaders are imperfect. Today, many people struggle with respecting government officials, pastors, or employers, especially when those leaders seem corrupt. However, Paul’s example teaches us to honor leadership while also standing for truth.

At the same time, this verse teaches the importance of humility. Even when we believe we are right, we must be willing to acknowledge mistakes and submit to God’s Word. Paul could have doubled down on his statement against Ananias, but instead, he quickly recognized his error and moved forward.

For Christians today, this means:

• Speaking truth with wisdom and respect – We should confront injustice, but not in a way that dishonors God.
• Balancing boldness with humility – We should not compromise on truth, but we should also admit when we are wrong.
• Remembering that God is the ultimate judge – Corrupt leaders will answer to God, just as Ananias did.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in the way He establishes order and authority. He is not a God of chaos, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Even though human leaders are flawed, God calls His people to respect authority because He is ultimately in control.

God’s love is also seen in His patience. Ananias was a corrupt leader, yet God did not strike him down immediately. Instead, He gave him time to repent. This reflects God’s mercy toward all sinners (2 Peter 3:9).

Finally, God’s love is shown in the way He teaches His people humility. Paul’s willingness to admit his mistake is a sign of God’s work in his life. True humility comes from knowing that God is in control and that He calls us to live according to His ways.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus, like Paul, stood before corrupt religious leaders who misused their authority. However, Jesus responded to injustice with complete humility. When He was falsely accused before the high priest, He did not insult His accusers (Matthew 26:62-63). Instead, He entrusted Himself to God, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to Him.

Jesus also perfectly fulfilled the role of High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). Unlike Ananias, Jesus is not corrupt, nor does He use His authority for personal gain. Instead, He intercedes for sinners and leads with perfect righteousness.

Paul’s response in this verse echoes Jesus’ teachings. Though Paul was bold, he also practiced humility. In the same way, Jesus calls His followers to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16)—bold in truth, but gentle in character.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul was quick to acknowledge his mistake?
2. How can Christians balance speaking truth with showing respect for authority?
3. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to admit you were wrong? How did you handle it?
4. What does this passage teach us about humility?
5. How does Jesus’ example of responding to unjust authority challenge the way we handle conflict today?