"It Is Written" Over Instinct

“And looking intently at the council, Paul said, ‘Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.’ And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.” (Acts 23:1-2)

Ananias made a rash move.

Even though Paul was on trial for a crime he didn’t commit, Ananias bought into the narrative of a guilty verdict.

The Law of Moses said that “judges [should] inquire diligently” into a matter (Exodus 22:18). But Ananias brushed aside the Scriptures and trusted in his instinct. He let Paul speak a single sentence before delivering a slap of judgment.

“Then Paul said to him, ‘God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?’” (Acts 23:3)

Paul was right to rebuke the unlawful slap. He was well aware that Ananias had bypassed the thorough investigation commanded by God.

Paul knew the Scriptures well. But he didn’t know that the man standing before him was a high priest.

“Those who stood by said, ‘Would you revile God’s high priest?” (Acts 23:4)

As soon as Paul realized that Ananias was the high priest, the Spirit brought Exodus 22:28 to mind: “You shall not … curse a ruler of your people.” And the man who was already humiliated by unjust chains humbled himself under the mighty hand of God: 

“And Paul said, ‘I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest …’” (Acts 23:4). 

Ananias was rash, but Paul was not. 

Ananias brushed aside the Word to deliver a punch, but Paul pushed aside the pain to uphold the Word.

Ananias followed his hunch, but Paul followed God’s “It is written”—even when it hurt.

This is how Paul “lived … before God in all good conscience” (Acts 23:1). The solace of the soul follows the painful decision to admit we have sinned and venture back to the cross.

Where do you need to put God’s “It is written” over your instincts? The whisper of conviction never comes at a convenient moment. The Spirit arrives just as we are defending our dignity and tells us to deny ourselves.

The perfect Messiah fulfilled the Scriptures through pierced hands. Likewise, the Father forms us into his likeness through moments of stinging submission.

You are not your own. You were bought with a price. So choose to glorify God—especially when his glory is at odds with your gut feeling.