Acts 23:4
What does Acts 23:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 23:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 23:4 means
Those standing by rebuke Paul: “Revilest thou God’s high priest?” Their reaction underscores how seriously the office of high priest is regarded. To them, speaking harshly to the high priest is tantamount to affronting God’s established order. Their question suggests that, regardless of the man’s behavior, the dignity of the office must be preserved. This moment reveals how quickly attention shifts from the injustice done to Paul to the impropriety of his response. The council’s defenders guard institutional honor, even while failing to address the unlawful treatment that provoked the rebuke. The scene exposes a tension between office and character, and how authority can be shielded from accountability.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And those who were near said, Do you say such words against God's high priest?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And those who stood by said, `The chief priest of God dost thou revile?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they that stood by said: Dost thou revile the high priest of God?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And those that stood by said, Dost thou rail against the high priest ofGod?
Context
After Paul’s sharp denunciation, the bystanders appeal to the sanctity of the high priest’s rank. The hearing now pivots from the legality of the strike to the propriety of Paul’s words. This allows Paul to state his respect for Scripture and for rulers, diffusing a potential charge of sedition or blasphemy. The exchange sets the stage for Paul’s tactical and truthful pivot to the core theological issue that underlies his prosecution—the hope and resurrection—an issue that will expose deep divisions within the council and alter the course of the proceedings.
v.3Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
v.4This passage
v.5And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.
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