S. S. Times Acts 23:1-11 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.… There could hardly be a greater crime, according to Jewish rabbinical notions, than to fail in proper respect to the religious authorities. "There is for thee no greater honour than the honour of the rabbis, nor fear than the fear of the rabbis. The Sages have said, 'The fear of the rabbi is as the fear of God.'" The rabbins also provide that proper respect should be paid to them in greetings. The man who meets a rabbi must "not give the shalom [the greeting, Peace be upon thee] to his rabbi, or return it to him, as he gives it to his neighbours or returns it to them. But he must bow before his face, and say to him with reverence and honour, Peace be upon thee, my master (rabbi)." And the penalties for contempt of rabbinical authority extend also to the next life. "No man who despises the Sages," it is said, "will have part in the world to come." (S. S. Times.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. |
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