Devine Scripture

Acts 23:5

What does Acts 23:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 23:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 23:5 means

Paul explains that he did not know he was addressing the high priest, and he immediately submits his speech to the standard of Scripture: “for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.” His response shows humility and readiness to be corrected by God’s Word, even while he had validly protested injustice. Paul’s conscience is tender; he does not excuse disrespect when confronted with the divine command. He distinguishes the honor due to office from the misconduct of the individual. This balance—respect for authority while resisting unlawful treatment—displays a godly posture in a hostile setting. Paul models principled self-control under pressure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Paul said, Brother, I had no idea that he was the high priest: for it has been said, You may not say evil about the ruler of your people.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Paul said, `I did not know, brethren, that he is chief priest: for it hath been written, Of the ruler of thy people thou shalt not speak evil;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest. For it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil of the prince of thy people.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evilly of the ruler of thy people.

Context

The charge of reviling the high priest is met with an acknowledgment of Scripture’s authority and a stated lack of recognition. Whatever the reason for his not knowing, Paul does not dwell on it; he willingly aligns his speech with the law. With the immediate issue tempered, Paul turns to the deeper cause of his arrest. Perceiving the council’s composition—Sadducees and Pharisees—he seizes the moment to clarify the real theological fault line at stake: the hope of the resurrection. That declaration will soon transform the hearing from a personal inquest into a fierce doctrinal dispute within the council.

v.4And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?

v.5This passage

v.6But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Brethren, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees: touching the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Peter 2:10

    but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise dominion. Daring, self-willed, they tremble not to rail at dignities:

  • Jude 1:8

    Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities.

  • Ecclesiastes 10:20

    Revile not the king, no, not in thy thought; and revile not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the heavens shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

  • Exodus 22:28

    Thou shalt not revile God, nor curse a ruler of thy people.

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