Acts 23:5 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Paul was like, 'Oh no, I had no idea he was the high priest! My bad, everyone. Scripture says you're not supposed to talk trash about your leaders.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

Even Paul had to check himself when he realized he'd disrespected someone in authority.

📚 Historical Context

In the book of Acts, Paul is standing trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council in Jerusalem, after his arrest for preaching the gospel. When Paul makes a statement that offends the high priest Ananias, who orders him to be struck, Paul responds by admitting he didn't realize the man was the high priest and quotes from Exodus 22:28 to emphasize the biblical command against speaking evil of a ruler. This incident highlights the tensions between early Christians and Jewish authorities during a time of Roman occupation.

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