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 5:11 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:11 refers to the aftermath within the early Christian community after Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife, were struck dead for lying about the proceeds of a sale of property.

Here, the verse emphasizes the impact their deaths had on the congregation ("all the church") and those beyond it ("as many as heard these things").

This meant that the members of the church and those in the surrounding community were filled with a profound reverence and a sense of the seriousness of their commitment to the truth and to God.

This fear wasn't just simple alarm but a recognition of the divine justice and omnipotence at work within the church.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This event takes place as the early Christian church was forming shortly after Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension.

The Christian community at this time shared their possessions and lived communally.

In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira sold a possession but kept back part of the price for themselves while claiming to have given the entire amount to the apostles.

This deception was revealed by the Holy Spirit to Peter, who confronted both individuals separately.

They were punished by God with instant death, not specifically for keeping money for themselves but for their deceit.

Theological Insights

This passage highlights the holiness that God required of His church. The judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira is a demonstration of God's intolerance of sin and deception within His church.

Some theologians emphasize the divine origin of the church and its sacred mission, considering the severity of the punishment a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of integrity.

Others may view this event as indicative of the early church's growing pains where communal living and honesty among believers were of utmost importance. The harshness of the punishment, unusual in the New Testament, accentuates the gravity of hypocrisy and deceit.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, Acts 5:11 can serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty within a faith community.

The fear that struck the early church can be understood as a form of reverence for God's presence and truth, shaping how one should relate to God and one's community.

Christians today may take this as a call to ensure that their actions, especially in matters of generosity and giving, are in full alignment with their words and professed beliefs.

Cross-References

Acts 4:32-37: Provides context to the communal living and sharing of possessions in the early church.
Acts 5:1-10: Narrates the events immediately preceding verse 11, showing the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.
Proverbs 10:9: “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.”
Ephesians 5:21: “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Language Study

The term "great fear" in Greek is "phobos megas," which conveys a profound respect or terror.

"Phobos" is where the English word 'phobia' originates, but in this context, it signifies a reverential fear.

The term "church" is translated from the Greek "ekklesia," meaning a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly. This term was adopted to identify the assembly or congregation of believers in Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira and the resulting fear can be paralleled with instances in various ancient cultures and religions where divine retribution occurs swiftly and visibly as a lesson to the community.

For example, in Ancient Greek mythology, the gods frequently punished mortals who displayed hubris.

In the Ancient Near Eastern culture, communal expectations often included honesty and transparency; failure to adhere could lead to capital punishment.

Within the realm of religion, Judaism also upheld the sanctity of the community and had instances of divine retribution, such as Uzzah's death for touching the Ark of the Covenant in 2 Samuel 6:7.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, it could be interesting to explore the psychosomatic effects of extreme guilt or stress.

While the text attributes the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira to divine intervention, a scientific interpretation may look for natural explanations such as the impact of acute stress on the body, which can sometimes result in fatal events like heart attacks.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 5:11 generally uphold the view that this event was a specific and unique demonstration of God's justice meant to instill a sober understanding of God's expectations for His church.

Renowned theologian John Calvin comments that the judgment served to maintain the purity of the church and to demonstrate the power of God.

Matthew Henry's commentary reflects on how great signs and miracles, whether of mercy or judgment, ought to be remembered and could result in a newfound reverence for God.

Contemporary scholars may emphasize the narrative's role in showcasing early Christian community issues, such as the need for truthfulness and the manner in which deceit was a reprehensible act in the sight of God and the community.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:11 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 5:11 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?