Acts 23:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The bystanders are shocked that Paul would speak so to God's high priest.
What Does Acts 23:4 Mean?
Those standing near are scandalized — not by the unlawful blow, but by Paul's retort. Whatever Ananias's personal corruption, the high priesthood was an office God had established in Israel, and to revile its holder seemed to dishonor the God behind the office.
Their challenge poses a tension every generation knows: how to name injustice in leaders without despising the order God has set. Scripture makes room for both prophetic candor and due reverence. Paul's answer in the next verse shows which way a godly heart bends when the two collide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acts 23:4
What does Acts 23:4 mean?
The bystanders are shocked that Paul would speak so to God's high priest.