Bible Strands
Acts 23:5
“Brothers,” Paul replied, “I was not aware that he was the high priest, for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Sanhedrin immediately after an unnamed bystander accuses him of insulting the high priest. He speaks to the assembled council as "Brothers" while clarifying his lack of recognition regarding the official's identity.
The words — ᾔδειν (ēdein) means "I had known" or "I was aware," marking Paul's past-tense denial of prior knowledge. ἀδελφοὶ (adelphoi) translates to "brothers," functioning as the formal address to the Jewish governing body.
The thread — Paul directly quotes the prohibition against cursing leaders from Exodus 22:28 and aligns with the warning in Ecclesiastes 10:20. Jude 1:8 later mirrors this boundary by condemning those who slander glorious authorities.
Why it lands — The text records Paul's factual statement of ignorance before he cites Scripture to correct the council's assumption. Readers must distinguish between defensive speech and the scriptural limit on speaking against established authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
- Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.
- Jude 1:8 Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
- 2 Peter 2:10 Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
- Acts 24:17 After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.