Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 23:1-5

"And Paul, looking stedfastly on the council, said, Brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God`s high priest? And Paul said, I knew not, brethren, that he was high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people." — Acts 23:1-5 (ASV)

Here you see the character of an honest man. He sets God before him and lives as if in His sight. He is conscientious about 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 live before God in this way may, like Paul, have confidence both toward God and man.

Although Paul's answer contained a just rebuke and prediction, he seems to have been too angry about the treatment he received when he uttered them. Great men may be told of their faults, and public complaints may be made in a proper manner; however, the law of God requires respect for those in authority.