Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 266

September 23;       Acts 23:5;       112/260(III);       ‘Honor Authority’

 

Acts 23:5 Then Paul said, "I did not know, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"  

The Roman commander wanted to know why there was so much hostility towards Paul.  He commanded the High Priest and his council to come and interrogate Paul.  Paul addressing the High Priest said that he had a clear conscience concerning how he has lived.  The Lord taught Paul about righteousness.  Paul knew he had been forgiven for his persecution of the church, thus now having a clear conscience.  When Paul said this, the High Priest had Paul struck on the mouth.  Paul called the High Priest a name and told him striking him was contrary to the law.  When they told Paul that he was speaking to the High Priest, immediately Paul apologized and quoted the law saying he was not to speak evil of a ruler.  The Lord had taught Paul that we are to honor those in authority, even if we do not agree with them.  Paul, regardless of the difficult circumstances he faced, still required of himself to do right towards authority.  Paul’s example is powerful.  The Lord has established authority.  There would be chaos if there was not a structure of authority in place.  Often, as in this case with Paul, the authority was not doing properly.  When that is the case, we are to seek the Lord in prayer and ask Him to remove those who are in authority and are doing wrong.  We also ask the Lord to put in the position of authority those who will be fair and treat the people properly. The Word teaches this principle.  We do well when we obey the Word.