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 23:5KJV
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Acts 23:5 (KJV)

What does Acts 23:5 mean?

Acts 23:5 shows Paul apologizing for speaking sharply to the high priest, saying he did not realize the man was the high priest, and quoting Scripture that warns against speaking evil of a leader. Paul acknowledges the authority of the high priest and expresses respect for the law, even in a tense situation.

Paul is speaking before the Jewish council (Sanhedrin) after being struck on the order of the high priest. When Paul reacts strongly, someone points out he is addressing the high priest, and Paul responds with this verse. Paul refers to the commandment from the Hebrew Scriptures, showing his respect for the law and the office, even if he disagrees with the person.

The Greek behind Acts 23:5

  • ἱερεύς (hiereus): This word means "priest," and here it refers specifically to the high priest. Paul's claim that he did not know he was addressing the high priest has led to much discussion, but the Greek simply identifies the office.
  • κακῶς (kakōs): This word means "evil" or "badly." Paul quotes a commandment not to "speak evil" of a ruler, emphasizing the seriousness of his words and the respect due to authority.
  • ἄρχων (archōn): This word means "ruler" or "leader." Paul’s use of this word shows he is thinking of the high priest not just as a religious figure but as a leader of the people.

Why Acts 23:5 matters

  • Acts 23:5 clears up that Paul did not intend to disrespect the high priest personally, but was caught off guard by the situation, showing his commitment to the law even under pressure.
  • This verse highlights the tension between Paul and the Jewish authorities, and how Paul navigates respect for the law while defending himself.
  • Acts 23:5 connects Paul’s actions to the broader biblical principle of respecting those in authority, even when there is conflict or injustice.

Where else these words appear

“evil” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

“ruler” Greek G758 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
  • Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

“shalt” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?