Acts 23:5

Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

Cross-references

Exodus 22:28 is the OT law Paul directly cites here—forbidding speaking evil of a ruler.

Ecclesiastes 10:20 warns against cursing a king even in secret—reinforcing the same principle Paul acknowledges.

Jude 1:8 condemns those who reject authority and blaspheme—contrasting with Paul's apology for his unintended insult.

Titus 3:2 extends the command to speak evil of no one to all people — broader application of the same principle.