Them that stood by him; the officers, probably. To smite him on the mouth; thus Micaiah was smote by Zedekiah the false prophet, 1 Kings 22:24, and Jeremiah by Pashur, Jeremiah 20:2; and our blessed Lord escaped not this suffering and indignity, 1 Thessalonians 18:22. Now this was the rather inflicted on Paul, because of his protesting of his innocency, which did reflect upon the council, as being injurious; but it was indeed no more than what was necessary in his own just defence, and for the glory of the gospel.
Related Commentaries of Acts 23:2
Acts 23:2
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.