Context 23:5 Paul replied,1 “I did not realize,2 brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.’”3
[23:5]3sn A quotation from Exod 22:28. This text defines a form of blasphemy. Paul, aware of the fact that he came close to crossing the line, backed off out of respect for the law.