Thoughts

Much of this chapter is self explanatory, though there are fine points to be learned by deeper study than we typically do here. But one thing I would like to bring out is at the very beginning of the chapter.

After Ananias the high priest, in a fit of rage orders that Paul be struck in the mouth and he responds with, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”, those standing near Paul chastise him for insulting "God's high priest".

Paul's response was interesting to me. My inclination would have been something like, "Well, it's true! He is a hypocrite and was wrong to order them to hit me, a man who has not been found guilty of any crime." So what do you think he did? He said, "Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’ ”

Have you heard the phrase, "Respect the office"? Even if you don't respect the man, you should respect the office. That's why it's always a good idea, if you're ever driving and get pulled over by a police officer, to address him or her as "Officer", or "Sir" or "Ma'am". Even if you think you didn't do anything wrong. Respect the office.

That's what Paul was doing. He was demonstrating that the office of the High Priest was worthy of respect, and he did not want to start a precedent of disrespecting that office.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 23 NIV. Ch. 24 NLT

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Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.