Acts 23:4

Observe here, That Ananias the high-priest having commanded the apostle unheard and uncondemned to be smitten, the apostle denounces the just judgments of God upon him for the same; yet not in. way of imprecation, but prediction; rather foretelling what would come, than wishing or desiring that it should come,; not in. way of revenge, or recompensing evil for evil, but in. way of ministerial reproof, which the standers-by call reviling. Revilest thou God's high-priest?

Thence learn, That profane sinners look upon the faithful reproofs which the ministers of God give them for their lewdness, to be no better than revilings; they think we revile them, if we do but rebuke them; whereas, though we chasten sinners with the rod of reproof, we dare not sting them with the scorpion of reproach.