Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people (Acts 23:5)

2024-11-16

And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? 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. (Acts 23:2-5)

Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people. (Exodus 22:28)

I get defensive for Paul here when I read this. This man’s position as high priest has been superseded by Christ. These people were wicked people who put Christ to death. Paul makes one statement, and this wicked priest tells his goons to strike Paul. There is a sense of injustice, as these men want Paul dead because they hate Jesus Christ.

Yet Paul corrects himself here. He still identifies as a Jew in his nation. He does this in a way to turn the other cheek and to be lawful for the sake of conscience (cf. Acts 23:1). Maybe somebody can believe in Jesus through this? The apostle would not miss an opportunity.

In the Old Testament passage, the first part reads, “Thou shalt not revile the gods.” The word for “gods” is what you would think it would be, but it is also sometimes translated “judges.” Ananias is a priest but also is serving like a judge here.

Whatever injustice we see here with the corruption of this council, we should have the right mind. We appeal to the Spirit of the Lord that when we are faced in a similar predicament that we can take the injustice for the sake of the Gospel.