23:5 {4} 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.
(4) We must willingly and from the heart give honour to magistrates, although they are tyrants.
23:5 I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest. It was contrary to the law of Moses to revile one in high authority (Ex 22:28). Paul's reply to the charge that he had violated the law has been variously explained. Howson gives what appears to me the most probable view:
I did not take thought, at the moment, in my indignation over the command to smite a defenseless prisoner on trial, that he was the high priest. I am well aware that it is said, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.''
His words were an apology for his hasty speech. I wist not is used in the sense of I did not bear in mind.
23:5 I was not aware, brethren, that it was the high priest - He seems to mean, I did not advert to it, in the prophetic transport of my mind: but he does not add, that his not adverting to it proceeded from the power of the Spirit coming upon him; as knowing they were not able to bear it. This answer admirably shows the situation of mind he was then in, partly with regard to the bystanders, whom he thus softens, adding also the title of brethren, and justifying their reproof by the prohibition of Moses; partly with regard to himself, who, after that singular transport subsided, was again under the direction of the general command. Exod 22:28.
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 confidence both toward God and man. Though the answer of Paul contained a just rebuke and prediction, he seems to have been too angry at the treatment he received in uttering them. Great men may be told of their faults, and public complaints may be made in a proper manner; but the law of God requires respect for those in authority.
