Abuse of Power

Acts 23:1-5

Growing up in the 80's and 90's, I had the privilege of watching cartoons on Saturday mornings and after school during the weekdays. I always liked the superhero cartoons and live action shows. X-Men, Spiderman, Power Rangers, He-Man, GI Joes, I could go on and on. The show did not even have to be good, but if it was an action hero saving the day, I would watch it (After all, I did put Power Rangers on the list).

I remember in Spiderman, Uncle Ben told Peter, "With great power comes great responsibility." I also remember being shocked to find out that this was a quote from the Bible. I thought that was so cool that a Bible reference would show up in one of my cartoons. In Luke 12:48, Jesus says, "But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more". He was saying that judgment and sentencing should be fair. If a crime was committed in ignorance, it should not be judged harshly. On the other hand, leaders who have knowledge and abuse their power should be judged severely.

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And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? 4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high priest? 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.

Acts 23:1-5

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Paul is put on trial for bringing Gentiles into the Temple. The problem is, he didn't do that. Just as soon as he opens his mouth during his trial before the Sanhedrin, the High Priest had him slapped in the mouth. Look at what Paul said, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." His defense was that his conscience was clear with God. He said that if he had to stand in the most supreme court, he could enter a not guilty plea. For that, he was slapped in the face.

Paul was not one to stand by and just take abuse. He calls out to the High Priest, "God smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" There are two parts to this statement. First, God will judge you, you hypocrite. That is a bold statement to make to the judge, especially when the judge is also a religious leader in the nation. Second, he provides evidence of the High Priest being a hypocrite. He says, "You are supposed to be judging me by the law, and yet you are commanding me to be beaten before I am condemned, contrary to the law". Ouch!

Someone standing around did not appreciate Paul talking to the High Priest like this and scolded Paul. They said, "Revilest thou God's High Priest?" The implication is that no one should criticize or condemn the High Priest because of his position. Adding "God's High Priest" was extra emphasis. While the position of High Priest was indeed from God, the position was filled by sinful men. Even the law required that the High Priest offer a sacrifice for himself first, before he offered the sacrifice for the people (Leviticus 4:1-12). He was not beyond wrongdoing.

Paul responds to this by saying, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the High Priest: for it is written, Thou shalt no speak evil of the ruler of thy people". This was a reference to Exodus 22:28. Paul made it clear that he knew the Old Testament laws. There is debate whether Paul legitimately did not know that Ananias was the High Priest, or whether he was being sarcastic (basically saying "I can't tell that you are the High Priest based on your breaking the law). I tend to believe it was sarcasm. Paul was very well versed in the law and Jewish customs. I find it hard to believe that he did not know who was addressing him.

When leaders, especially religious leaders, abuse their power to hurt others, it is tragic. People lose confidence and trust in the position because of who occupies it. When there is a sex scandal in the church, all pastors/priests are judged by the actions of one (or a few). When political leaders demonstrate a "Do as I say, not as I do" attitude, people resent all government. When .01 percent of cops do wrong, all law enforcement is viewed the same way. Thus, there is a need for strong consequences as Jesus said. Sadly, this seldom happens because it would require the leaders to judge themselves. However, we must not despair, because they will have to answer to God.

Father, help me to not be guilty of abuse of authority. May I use the offices you have given me to bring honor and glory to your office and your name. May I always remember that it is not about me, but about glorifying you.