Acts 23:5
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
Paul uttered these words after being informed that the man who had commanded him to be struck was the high priest, whom he had not recognized as holding that office. In reply he acknowledged the written command not to speak evil of the ruler of the people, thereby affirming the duty to respect the ruler's office, and he answered with courtesy. He maintained that courtesy even though the order to strike him was itself contrary to law. The saying belongs to his appearance before the Pharisees, where he stayed true to his purpose of serving Christ and was not turned aside by opposition or persecution.