One should respect authority ~ Cross reference of Acts 23:5 to Exodus 22:27
Quite trivial incident and does not involve any theology.
Paul comes out with some smooth moves. In this case even though he knew who the high priest was, he claims he did not know. The position of a high priest is not something that is taken lightly in the Jewish tradition. Right from Arron, every high priest is an anointed leader and is the only one that can enter the holy of holies.
Their attire both when offering sacrifices and priestly garments was distinguished and of all the people Paul who was "Pharisee of Pharisee's should have been able to identify that the high priest asked him to be slapped.
So he first vents out and then quotes Exodus 22:27 to say had he known he would not have shown disrespect.
The basic issue here is Exodus does not talk about respecting the high priest alone but anyone who is in a position of authority [Sanhedrin in this case]. So even if he did not know who the high priest was, he should have been respectful of all the people especially when the Roman prefect asked that he be examined to find out what his offenses were.
This post is not intended to offend anyone's faith but for those people who are Seeking the truth of THE ONE TRUE G-D of the universe to who we owe all our love, gratitude & devotion.
My encouragement to you is that you read the whole chapter of Tanakh that the Greek text quotes so you get the context and understand what G-d actually said.
G-d Bless and Seek THE Truth.
Acts 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’[a]”
Exodus 22:27 You shall not curse a judge, neither shall you curse a prince among your people.
Their attire both when offering sacrifices and priestly garments was distinguished and of all the people Paul who was "Pharisee of Pharisee's should have been able to identify that the high priest asked him to be slapped.
So he first vents out and then quotes Exodus 22:27 to say had he known he would not have shown disrespect.
The basic issue here is Exodus does not talk about respecting the high priest alone but anyone who is in a position of authority [Sanhedrin in this case]. So even if he did not know who the high priest was, he should have been respectful of all the people especially when the Roman prefect asked that he be examined to find out what his offenses were.
All Images are links to Google Images. Copyright violations not intended.
All Greek Text references are from NIV and Tanakh references are from Chabad.
My encouragement to you is that you read the whole chapter of Tanakh that the Greek text quotes so you get the context and understand what G-d actually said.
G-d Bless and Seek THE Truth.
Acts 23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.” 2 At this the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!” 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’[a]”
Exodus 22:27 You shall not curse a judge, neither shall you curse a prince among your people.
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