Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 23:2

"And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth." — Acts 23:2 (ASV)

This so enraged the high priest Ananias that, in violation of the law, he ordered those near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Ananias served as high priest from A. D. 48–58 (or 59) and was known for his avarice and liberal use of violence. As a brutal and scheming man, he was hated by Jewish nationalists for his proRoman policies.