Act 23:5 | MHM | STEP | v. 5 : Paul quickly apologizes for his words because he does not want to make his weaker brothers stumble. He says, I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest (Acts 23:5 ). He may mean that he did not think of the high priest’s office at that moment, or that Ananias was not truly acting as a high priest. Paul then quotes the law, You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people (Exodus 22:28 ). Paul shows respect for God’s law and for the importance of respecting those in authority, even if they are wrong. It is important to be careful in our words about leaders, since God wants us to honor their position (Jude 1:8; Ecclesiastes 10:20 ; 1 Peter 2:20 ).

‏ Acts 23:5

v. 5: Paul quickly apologizes for his words because he does not want to make his weaker brothers stumble. He says, I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest (Acts 23:5 ^a). He may mean that he did not think of the high priest’s office at that moment, or that Ananias was not truly acting as a high priest. Paul then quotes the law, You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people (Exodus 22:28 ^b). Paul shows respect for God’s law and for the importance of respecting those in authority, even if they are wrong. It is important to be careful in our words about leaders, since God wants us to honor their position (Jude 1:8; Ecclesiastes 10:20 ^c; 1 Peter 2:20 ^d).