But those present said, “Are you insulting God’s high priest?”
Parallel translations
- WEB Those who stood by said, “Do you malign God’s high priest?”
- KJV And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest?
- BSB But those standing nearby said, “How dare you insult the high priest of God!”
- NKJV And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?”
- NLT Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Bystanders rebuke Paul for reviling God's high priest. They charge him with dishonoring the office.
Overview
The onlookers are scandalized that Paul has spoken so sharply to the high priest. Their reaction prompts Paul's gracious clarification in the next verse. The exchange shows Paul's respect for God-ordained authority even amid injustice, distinguishing rebuke of sin from contempt for office.
Cross-references & the web
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
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Original language
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