Acts 23:5

“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.”

King James Version (KJV)

Other Translations for Acts 23:5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that hee was the high Prist: For it is written, Thou shalt not speake euill of the ruler of thy people.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

And Paul said, "I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, 'YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.'"
- New American Standard Version (1995)

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.
- American Standard Version (1901)

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.
- Basic English Bible

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.
- Darby Bible

Then said Paul, I knew not, brethren, that he is the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
- Webster's Bible

I did not know, brethren, replied Paul, "that he was the High Priest; for it is written, `Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of Thy people.'"
- Weymouth Bible

Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"
- World English Bible

And Poul seide, Britheren, Y wiste not, that he is prince of preestis; for it is writun, Thou schalt not curse the prince of thi puple.
- Wycliffe Bible

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;'
- Youngs Literal Bible

Bible Commentary for Acts 23:5

Wesley's Notes for Acts 23:5


23:5 I was not aware, brethren, that it was the high priest - He seems to mean, I did not advert to it, in the prophetic transport of my mind: but he does not add, that his not adverting to it proceeded from the power of the Spirit coming upon him; as knowing they were not able to bear it. This answer admirably shows the situation of mind he was then in, partly with regard to the bystanders, whom he thus softens, adding also the title of brethren, and justifying their reproof by the prohibition of Moses; partly with regard to himself, who, after that singular transport subsided, was again under the direction of the general command. #Exod 22:28|.



People's Bible Notes for Acts 23:5


Ac 23:5 I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest. It was contrary to the law of Moses to revile one in high authority (Ex 22:28). Paul's reply to the charge that he had violated the law has been variously explained. Howson gives what appears to me the most probable view: ``I did not take thought, at the moment, in my indignation over the command to smite a defenseless prisoner on trial, that he was the high priest. I am well aware that it is said, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people".'' His words were an apology for his hasty speech. "I wist not" is used in the sense of "I did not bear in mind".

View more Acts 23:5 meaning, interpretation, and commentary...

Acts 23:5 meaning
 

Discussion for Acts 23

View All