Acts 23:1-5 - Respecting authority
Scripture:
Acts 23:1-5
Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, "Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day."
2 The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth.
3 Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?"
4 But the bystanders said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"
5 And Paul said, "I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, "YOU SHALL NOT SPEAK EVIL OF A RULER OF YOUR PEOPLE.'"
NASU
NASU
Thoughts:
Paul has been arrested and is on trial before the Jewish leaders, here he is attempting to give his own defense.
After the high priest has been identified to Paul, he cites from Exodus (verse 5):
Exodus 22:2828 "You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people."
NASU
The high priest was a ruler of the Jews, even though he is clearly on the wrong side of God's will as he persecutes Paul. And yet Paul still honors this command of God. The command is unconditional, and therefore Paul's obedience to it, is not conditioned upon the high priest doing right. Paul is not to curse him, simply because of his position.
The New Testament instructs Christians to likewise give proper respect to those in leadership over them (for example, Romans 13). The idea of respecting authority in this way, almost seems un-American these days. Our culture so highly esteems rebellion, that someone who is respectful as Paul is here, is often looked upon negatively, and either assumed to be weak or trying to gain undue favor. And yet, this is what's right for us to do without expecting any praise from men, even though the world doesn't understand.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be respectful to those You have placed in leadership over me, whether they are respectable, in and of themselves, or not. I pray that I will speak well of them, and not involve myself in slander and gossip. Forgive me for the times I have failed.
Amen
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