Acts 23:2-5

There is a distinct line, JESUS, that marks the boundaries between man and God. We should make every effort to support our leaders but ultimately God has the final word. 

If it goes against the Word of God, Jesus Christ, then Scripture has the final say.

A corrupt high priest who ruled around ad 47–58. First-century Jewish historian Josephus records that he was quick-tempered (Josephus, Antiquities 20.197–99)

It is possible Paul had never seen Ananias and was not aware he was the high priest. It is also possible that Paul was speaking sarcastically: He did not recognize Ananias because Ananias was not acting the way the high priest was supposed to act. Faithlife Bible.

Whitewash is a thin paint used to make something dirty look clean. Ananias deserved this rebuke. The fact that Ananias had someone else “do his dirty work” did not absolve him from the ordering of the act. NKJ Bible.

Acts 23:2–5 (NKJV)

² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! For you sit to judge me according to the law, and do you command me to be struck contrary to the law?”

⁴ And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?”

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.’ ”

Exodus 22:28 (NKJV)

²⁸ “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.