Atos 23
Augustine of Hippo · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Atos 23:3
Of course, those who do not understand him think that [Paul] uttered a reproach when he had been slapped by order of the high priest, for, with seeming insolence, he then said, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall." But those who understand him take this as a prophecy. The "whitewashed wall" stands for hypocrisy; it is pretense, veiled beneath the priestly dignity, and under this title—as though beneath a white covering—it conceals, as it were, an inner slimy filthiness. — SERMON ON THE MOUNT 1.19.58
Atos 23:4
But when [Paul] was asked, "Do you revile the high priest?" then he marvelously complied with the requirements of humility, for he replied, "Brothers, I did not know that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.' " The mildness of this prompt reply shows how calmly he had spoken what he seemed to have uttered in anger, for such a reply could not be given by those who are angered or perturbed. And in the reply, "I did not know that he was the high priest," he spoke the truth to those who understand him. It is as though he were saying, "I have come to know another high priest, for whose name's sake I am suffering these injuries—a high priest whom it is not lawful to revile but whom you are reviling, because in me you hate nothing else than his name." Thus, a man ought not to parade those prerogatives under a false pretense, but he should have his heart prepared for everything, so that he will be able to accord with that expression of the prophet, "My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready." — SERMON ON THE MOUNT 1.19.58