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 5:3 mean?

Explanation

In Acts 5:3, Peter confronts a man named Ananias about his deceit concerning the sale of a piece of property.

Ananias, with the knowledge of his wife Sapphira, had sold land and kept part of the proceeds for himself, while claiming to donate the entire amount to the early Christian community.

Peter's accusation is that Ananias did not just lie to the human leaders of the church but to the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit), suggesting a deep severity of his sin.

The passage implies that Ananias's heart was influenced by Satan to commit this act, indicating a spiritual struggle behind the deception.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The event involving Ananias takes place in the early Christian church as described in the Acts of the Apostles, following Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples.

During this time, the believers were living in a communal fashion, sharing their possessions and resources.

This episode occurs in a period when the church is growing rapidly and experiences both internal challenges and external persecution.

The believers were expected to be honest and selfless, following the example of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles.

Against this backdrop, the lie of Ananias becomes not just a moral failing but an act that could undermine the integrity and witness of the entire community.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse has been interpreted in several ways.

Some see it as a literal demonstration of divine judgment on hypocrisy within the church. Another view understands it as a lesson about the seriousness of sin and the importance of being truthful, not only to one another but to God who sees the heart.

The verse also raises questions about free will and the influence of evil, with Satan's role suggesting that individuals are susceptible to spiritual battles that can lead to sinful behaviors.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 5:3 teaches about the significance of honesty and integrity within the community of faith.

It warns against the attempt to deceive God and others, indicating that such actions have serious consequences.

The passage can inspire believers to reflect on their own motivations and practices, ensuring that their actions are aligned with their professed beliefs and that they are not allowing any form of dishonesty to take root in their lives.

Cross-References

Acts 5:4: "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."
Matthew 6:2-4: "Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men.

Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly."

Ephesians 4:25: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."

Language Study

"Satan": The name derives from the Hebrew 'śāṭān' (שָׂטָן), which means adversary or accuser.

In the New Testament, Satan is often depicted as the embodiment of evil and opposition to God.

"Filled thine heart": The phrase implies influencing one's innermost thoughts or intentions, suggesting a complete takeover of Ananias's will.
"To lie": Here, 'to lie' translates from the Greek word 'pseudomai', meaning to intentionally speak falsehoods or to deceive.
"Holy Ghost": This term is synonymous with the Holy Spirit, a key figure in Christianity representing God's presence and active force in the world.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient mythologies and religions, concepts of divine truth-telling versus deception are common themes. For instance, both ancient Greek and Egyptian cultures had gods and goddesses associated with truth and lies.

However, the concept of lying to a deity as an act of spiritual betrayal reflects a particularly Judeo-Christian understanding of a personal and morally perfect God, against which all human actions are measured.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse are more indirect since it addresses spiritual and moral concepts rather than empirical claims.

However, behavioral psychology could provide insight into the nature of lying and deceit, exploring why individuals like Ananias might deceive a community or authority figure.

Additionally, neuroscience studies on guilt and fear might shed light on the physical and psychological reactions individuals have during acts of deception.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of this passage.

Many agree on the severity of Ananias's sin, emphasizing that it is not merely the act of withholding money but the act of lying to God that is most heinous.

John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, regarded it as a sin against the community and the Holy Spirit.

More contemporary theologians might focus on the individual's responsibility within a faith community, and the need for accountability.

Despite different emphases, there is a consensus that the passage serves as a grave warning against hypocrisy and dishonesty in the lives of believers.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:3 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 5:3 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?