Acts 23:2 web — The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

World English Bible

"The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth."

— Acts 23:2, World English Bible

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Acts 23:2 in Other Translations

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Acts 23 — Context

1

Paul, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

2

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! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4

Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priest?"

5

Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

Acts 23:2 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Acts 23:2 say?
Acts 23:2 in the World English Bible reads: “The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.”
Where is Acts 23:2 in the Bible?
Acts 23:2 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Acts, chapter 23, verse 2.
Who wrote Acts?
Acts is traditionally attributed to Luke. It was written c. AD 62–64.
What is the book of Acts about?
Acts is the sequel to Luke's Gospel — the story of how the message of the risen Jesus moved out from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. Through Peter, Paul, and many ordinary believers, the Holy Spirit builds the early church across the Roman world.
What are the major themes of Acts?
Acts explores themes including Holy Spirit, Mission, Church Growth, Persecution, Gospel to the Gentiles. These themes shape the meaning and context of Acts 23:2.
What translation should I read Acts 23:2 in?
Acts 23:2 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Acts 23:2?
Acts 23:2 reads (WEB): “The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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