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Paul said, "I didn`t know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, `You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.`"
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What Did Paul Mean?
Scholars debate why Paul claimed ignorance. Some believe he was being literal, perhaps due to poor eyesight or the high priest not wearing official robes in a hastily called meeting. Others suggest it was irony, meaning, "I don't recognize such an unjust man as God's high priest." A third view is that Paul knew Ananias was not the legitimate high priest at the time, making his statement a technical and factual rejection of his authority.
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
Then said Paul, I wist not. I did not know; I was ignorant of the fact that he was high priest. Interpreters have been greatly divided on …
I wist not (ουκ ηιδειν). Second past perfect of οιδα used as an imperfect. The Greek naturally means that Paul did not know that i…
19th Century
Anglican
I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest.—These words admit of three different explanations:
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At regular meetings of the Sanhedrin, the high priest presided and would have been identifiable for that reason. But this was not a regular meeting…
16th Century
Protestant
I knew not, brethren. Those who think that this excuse of Paul contains no figure of speech do not carefully consider the contrary objecti…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest Or I did not know t…
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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, …
