Then said Paul, I knew not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written,
You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.
All Commentaries on Acts 23:5 Go To Acts 23
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Because I knew not that he was high priest. Some say, Why then does he defend himself as if it was matter of accusation, and adds, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people? For if he were not the ruler, was it right for no better reason than that to abuse (him or any) other? He says himself, Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it 1 Corinthians 4:12; but here he does the contrary, and not only reviles, but curses. They are the words of boldness, rather than of anger; he did not choose to appear in a contemptible light to the tribune. For suppose the tribune himself had spared to scourge him, only as he was about to be delivered up to the Jews, his being beaten by their servants would have more emboldened him: this is why Paul does not attack the servant, but the person who gave the order. But that saying, Thou whited wall, and do you sit to judge me after the law? (is) instead of, Being (yourself) a culprit: as if he had said, And (yourself) worthy of stripes without number. See accordingly how greatly they were struck with his boldness; for whereas the point was to have overthrown the whole matter, they rather commend him. (infra, v. 9.) For it is written, etc. He wishes to show that he thus speaks, not from fear, nor because (Ananias) did not deserve to be called this, but from obedience to the law in this point also. And indeed I am fully persuaded that he did not know that it was the high priest, since he had returned now after a long interval, and was not in the habit of constant intercourse with the Jews; seeing him too in the midst among many others: for the high priest was no longer easy to be seen at a glance, there being many of them and diverse. So, it seems to me, in this also he spoke with a view to his plea against them: by way of showing that he does obey the law; therefore he (thus) exculpates himself.
