Before he wore the title ‘apostle’ and went by the name ‘Paul,’ Saul of Tarsus was an enemy of Christianity. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, a disciple of Jesus, and clearly gave his approval. He had gone to the high priest of the Jews to ask for letters authorizing him to arrest disciples of Christ. Notice again, he had gone to the high priest.
After his conversion to Christ, the Apostle Paul began preaching the gospel. Because of his new allegiance to Christ, the Jews turned against him. When visiting Jerusalem on one occasion, he was falsely accused of preaching against the Law of Moses and defiling the temple of God. For that reason he was brought before the Jewish council among whom was the high priest.
In the course of his defense for preaching the gospel Paul indicated that he had lived his life with a good conscience before God. The high priest commanded those standing next to Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul immediately responded, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” (Acts 23:3)
Someone near Paul said, “Do you revile God’s high priest.” Then Paul replied, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (This was undoubtedly a different man serving as high priest than the one Paul knew earlier.)
Of all people, the high priest of the Jews should have recognized the Messiah. The high priest should have realized that Jesus fit the description, that He was the Messiah. If not during the earthly ministry of Jesus, the high priest should have been one of the early converts to Christianity. Yet, rejecting Jesus the Messiah, the high priest ordered Paul to be struck for saying that he had followed Jesus in good conscience. It was completely upside down, circumstances that should never have developed. Even so, Paul recognized the position of the high priest when it was pointed out and he acknowledged that he had spoken wrongly against the high priest. Paul displayed honor in an upside down situation.
Jesus was on trial before King Herod and before Pilate, a Roman governor. How upside down was that?! God declared that Jesus of Nazareth was His only begotten Son. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as the Messiah of God. That means that He was the prophesied ’king.’ Upon His ascension Jesus entered into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, language describing His enthronement. King Herod should have bowed to honor Jesus. Pilate should have been on trial before Jesus. Caesar should have made his way to Judea to find Jesus and show honor to Him. Upside down!
In his earthly ministry Jesus acknowledged the authority of Caesar by paying His taxes and He taught others to do so as well. When on trial He did nothing and said nothing disrespectful toward the Jewish authorities, King Herod or Pilate. The One who would soon be enthroned as King of kings showed honor to human authorities in an upside down world.
We recognize that we are still living in an upside down world. Elected officials make ungodly decisions at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. It should not be that way. They should know better. The inequities anger us. Peter instructed Christians to submit to governing authorities. The honor we show human authorities is rooted in our respect for God and His authority.
“Honor the king” (even in an upside down world).
The Apostle Paul did.
Jesus the Messiah did.
What about you??
Mark Stinnett
March 1, 2026
