²³ Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But ^(A)if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For ^(B)to this you have been called, ^(C)because Christ also suffered for you, ^(D)leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. ^22 (E)He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. ^23 (F)When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, ^(G)but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Paul Defends His Ministry

10 ^(A)I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the ^(B)meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—

³⁹ But I say to you, ^(A)Do not resist the one who is evil. But ^(B)if anyone ^(C)slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

² And the high priest ^(A)Ananias commanded those who stood by him ^(B)to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you ^(C)whitewashed ^(D)wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet ^(E)contrary to the law you ^(F)order me to be struck?” ⁴ Those who stood by said, “Would you revile ^(G)God's high priest?” ⁵ And Paul said, ^(H)“I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ^(I)‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”