Acts 5

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.

Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.

But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.

Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,

Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.

Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.

After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:

But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

What does Acts 5:10 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:10 recounts the immediate and startling death of a woman named Sapphira.

This event follows her confirmation of a deceitful act she and her husband, Ananias, had conspired together.

Ananias had already faced a similar fate prior in the chapter for the same transgression.

The couple had sold a piece of property but kept back part of the money, lying about the amount they received to the apostles and the early Christian community.

Upon confronting Sapphira about the deceit, she maintains the lie and immediately falls down dead.

Her death is seen as a direct consequence of her sin , particularly, lying to the Holy Spirit.

The young men mentioned are likely those present with the Apostle Peter, who take it upon themselves to bury her alongside her husband.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, is a historical account of the early Christian church's formation and spread after Jesus Christ’s ascension.

Acts 5 occurs during a time when the community of believers were living in a close-knit, communitarian lifestyle, sharing all their possessions and property for the benefit of all.

In this context, Ananias and Sapphira's actions were not just a personal sin but a betrayal of the community's trust and a challenge to the authenticity and purity of the fledgling church.

The severe judgment that falls upon them serves as a warning to the community about the seriousness of honesty and integrity.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, the act of deceit by Ananias and Sapphira is seen as a sin against the Holy Spirit, which is often interpreted as one of the most grievous sins.

Their judgment serves as a divine affirmation of the church’s leadership (the apostles) and a warning about the sanctity of the church.

This incident illustrates that God knows the hearts of individuals and will protect the integrity of the Christian community.

It also raises questions about divine judgment and how it operates within the New Testament context of grace and forgiveness.

Practical Applications

The passage serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in personal conduct, particularly within a community of faith. It challenges individuals to reflect on the sincerity of their actions and the potential ramifications of deceit.

In a broader sense, it underscores the principle that actions have consequences, and integrity is vital for building trust within any community.

Cross-References

Acts 5:1-9 describes the related account of Ananias and the confrontation by Peter that led to his death.
Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
Proverbs 12:22, "Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight."

Language Study

The key term in Acts 5:10 is "yielded up the ghost," which is translated from the Greek as "ἐξέψυξεν" (exepsuxen), meaning "breathed her last" or "expired." This term emphasizes the suddenness of her death as a direct result of her actions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religious traditions, the concept of divine retribution or immediate judgment is not unique to Christianity.

Various ancient cultures held beliefs in deities enacting swift justice for transgressions, particularly for offenses against the gods or the community's moral codes.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific standpoint, the narrative of sudden death due to a non-physical cause such as lying is not readily explained. Generally, such accounts are taken metaphorically or as phenomenological descriptions rather than empirical observations.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer varying perspectives on this passage.

Some view it as a historical account demonstrating the seriousness of sin and the importance of honesty.

Others interpret the story as a theological message on the sanctity of the church and the protective measures God may take to maintain its purity.

Still, others might question the ethics of the narrative and what it says about God's nature, suggesting that the story is meant to convey a stark warning rather than a typical pattern of divine behavior.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 5:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?