A Christian Under Provocation
Acts 23:1-5
By birth, by training, and by conviction Paul was a zealous Pharisee. When he became a Christian, he was no less zealous than he had been before. Having rescued Paul from the infuriated mob that would have killed him, the chief captain learned that he was a Roman. Therefore he sought to give Paul a fair hearing before his accusers. He was called before the Sanhedrin.
Paul bore a sincere, humble, and inoffensive testimony to any with open mind. The command that he be smitten on the mouth came as a shocking order from the high priest. Paul's retort is understandable even though inappropriate. His pronouncement was deserved and it came to pass as he said. Ananias was deposed not long after this incident and assassinated by Jewish zealots a few years later.
The exact meaning of Paul's response to the protest of the bystanders is not clear. It seems probably that what he meant was, "I spoke in haste and was unconscious for the moment that I was speaking to the representative of God." He acknowledged that he knew what was written (Exod. 22:28). In a becoming manner, he admitted his error without denying the truth of what he said.
All this is to remind all Christians that the best of men in moments of provocation may speak, in haste, words that may need forgiveness by God and man. Holiness of heart does not imply perfect control at all times. It does mean humility of spirit and readiness to admit wrong.
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