And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul's quick quote of scripture reveals that his initial fiery retort wasn't just a reaction to Ananias' injustice, but a deliberate application of God's law to Ananias' actions. By invoking the commandment not to speak evil of rulers, Paul subtly exposes the hypocrisy of the high priest, who himself was acting unlawfully and unjustly.
And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Sanhedrin has assembled to try Paul, and he begins by declaring his good conscience. When the high priest Ananias strikes Paul, Paul retorts sharply, calling him a "whitewashed wall" and predicting his judgment. The other members rebuke Paul for speaking to the high priest that way, prompting Paul to explain his outburst by stating he didn't realize who Ananias was, and quoting the Law that forbids speaking evil of a ruler.
Even the Apostle Paul, known for his deep faith and integrity, had a moment where he spoke out of turn. How did he navigate this situation, and what can we learn from his immediate response?
Paul's outburst against Ananias, calling him a 'whited wall,' clearly violated the command not to speak evil of rulers. However, the text highlights his remarkable ability to correct himself.
Recognizing the Error
When rebuked by the bystanders, Paul doesn't double down. Instead, he offers a humble explanation: 'I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest.' While scholars debate the exact reason for his ignorance (poor eyesight, not recognizing him in the moment, or a momentary lapse in thought), the key is his swift acknowledgment of a misstep.
Upholding God's Command
Paul immediately follows his admission with the foundational principle: 'for it is written, “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”' This shows that even when caught off guard, his deep respect for God's Word and its commands guided his reaction. He didn't excuse his behavior but corrected it by referencing the very law that applied.
The high priest Ananias was not acting justly. Yet, Paul quotes Scripture that demands respect for rulers. What does this teach us about our own obligations, even towards imperfect leaders?
This passage presents a tension: Paul's righteous indignation at Ananias's unjust command versus the clear biblical instruction to respect governing authorities.
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The Divine Ordination of Authority
Paul quotes Exodus 22:28, a command that speaks of not reviling 'gods' (often understood as judges or rulers). This principle, echoed in Romans 13, affirms that governing authorities, in some capacity, are established by God for order. Even when flawed, they represent an office that deserves a baseline of respect.
Distinguishing the Person from the Office
Paul's explanation, 'I did not know... that he was the high priest,' isn't necessarily a literal claim of ignorance. Some scholars suggest it could mean he didn't 'recognize' Ananias's actions as befitting a high priest, or that his spiritual state momentarily overshadowed his awareness of the man's position. Regardless, his correction afterward underscores that his initial outburst was a failure to honor the office, which he then rectified. This doesn't mean endorsing injustice, but maintaining a posture that honors God's established structures.
Understand the original words
archōn · Greek Noun
A person invested with authority to lead, judge, or command; Scripture commands respect for such individuals as part of honoring the order established by God.
Paul's statement highlights a tense period where Roman and Jewish authorities were often at odds, and the role of the High Priest was politically charged and sometimes unstable, leading to confusion about legitimate authority.
c. AD 33
Jesus is Crucified
The crucifixion of Jesus marks the beginning of the early Christian movement and the subsequent persecution of its followers.
c. AD 34-36
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, a prominent early Christian, is stoned to death, leading to a wider persecution and the scattering of believers throughout Judea and Samaria.
c. AD 35-36
Paul's Conversion
Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, is dramatically converted and becomes the Apostle Paul, a key figure in spreading the Gospel.
c. AD 44
Death of James
James, the brother of John and a prominent apostle, is executed by King Herod Agrippa I, highlighting the ongoing danger faced by Christian leaders.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and facing significant opposition.
c. AD 58— this verse
Paul's Arrest in Jerusalem
Paul is arrested in the Temple in Jerusalem by Jewish authorities, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent trials.
c. AD 59-60
Paul's Trial Before Felix
Paul stands trial before the Roman governor Felix in Caesarea, where he defends his faith and ministry.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Paul quotes, establishing the principle that even in moments of anger or perceived injustice, rulers are to be respected and not reviled.
Leviticus 19:32This verse speaks of rising in the presence of the aged and showing reverence for God, reflecting a broader biblical concern for showing proper respect to elders and those in positions of authority, which Paul invokes here.
Romans 13:7Paul himself echoes this principle in his letter to the Romans, urging believers to give 'honor to whom honor is due,' which directly relates to his acknowledgment of his error in speaking evil of the high priest.
1 Peter 2:17Peter also instructs believers to 'Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor,' reinforcing the New Testament's consistent call for respect towards governing authorities, even when they are flawed.
1 Samuel 26:9David's refusal to harm King Saul, even when Saul was in his power and had wronged him, shows a precedent for not speaking evil or acting against God's anointed ruler, a principle Paul upholds.
henryActs 23:1-5: "And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."
23:1-5 See here the character of an honest man. He sets God before him, and lives as in his sight. He makes conscience of what he says and does, and, according to the best of his knowledge, he keeps from whatever is evil, and cleaves to what is good. He is conscientious in all his words and conduct. Those who thus live before God, may, like Paul, have…
cambridgeActs 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."
5 . I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest ] Several explanations have been given of this statement of St Paul. Some think that it may have been true that St Paul from defect of sight, with which he is supposed to have been afflicted, could not distinguish that the speaker was the high priest; others that the high priest was not in h…
Paul's quick quote of scripture reveals that his initial fiery retort wasn't just a reaction to Ananias' injustice, but a deliberate application of God's law to Ananias' actions. By invoking the commandment not to speak evil of rulers, Paul subtly exposes the hypocrisy of the high priest, who himself was acting unlawfully and unjustly.
The Sanhedrin has assembled to try Paul, and he begins by declaring his good conscience. When the high priest Ananias strikes Paul, Paul retorts sharply, calling him a "whitewashed wall" and predicting his judgment. The other members rebuke Paul for speaking to the high priest that way, prompting Paul to explain his outburst by stating he didn't realize who Ananias was, and quoting the Law that forbids speaking evil of a ruler.
The Sanhedrin has assembled to try Paul, and he begins by declaring his good conscience. When the high priest Ananias strikes Paul, Paul retorts sharply, calling him a "whitewashed wall" and predicting his judgment. The other members rebuke Paul for speaking to the high priest that way, prompting Paul to explain his outburst by stating he didn't realize who Ananias was, and quoting the Law that forbids speaking evil of a ruler.
"And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”" — Paul's quick quote of scripture reveals that his initial fiery retort wasn't just a reaction to Ananias' injustice, but a deliberate application of God's law to Ananias' actions. By invoking the co…
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Last reviewed October 2026