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 5:4 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:4 addresses the issue of lying to God rather than to men.

The context involves a couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property and kept back part of the money for themselves, while pretending to lay the full amount at the apostles’ feet. Peter confronts Ananias, emphasizing that the property was his to control before and after the sale.

The verse suggests that the real sin was not in withholding part of the money, but in deceitfully presenting the transaction as something it was not. Lying to the Holy Spirit (as stated in the previous verse, Acts 5:3), who is equated with God in this verse, is the crux of their wrongdoing.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, authored by Luke, describes the early days of the Christian Church following the ascension of Jesus.

Acts 5:1-11 describes the incident of Ananias and Sapphira, which occurs in the context of the early Christian community in Jerusalem that shared their possessions.

The story reflects the communal values and the importance of truth and transparency within the early Church.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse provides insight into the nature of the Holy Spirit. By telling Ananias that he has lied to God and not men, the text points to the divinity of the Holy Spirit. It also indicates that God knows the intentions of the heart, expecting genuine actions from believers.

Additionally, the narrative illuminates the seriousness of sin within the community of believers and the necessity of integrity.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 5:4 can be seen as a call for honesty in one's dealings, especially within a faith community. It warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through sincerity and transparency.

This verse urges individuals to consider that their actions are ultimately accountable to God, not just to other people.

Cross-References

Acts 5:3 - "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?"
Ephesians 4:25 - "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: 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

In the Greek text, key words include:

"remained" (μενοῦσα, menousa): meaning to abide or to be at one's disposal.
"sold" (πραθέντος, prathentos): denotes the action of selling something.
"power" (ἐν τῇ σῇ ἐξουσίᾳ, en te soi exousia): refers to authority or the power of choice.
"conceived" (ἔθου, ethou): to place or position, here referring to the intention Ananias had in his heart.
"heart" (καρδίᾳ, kardia): often signifies the inner self or the will of a person.
"lied" (ἐψεύσω, epseusō): to deceive or to be untruthful.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, truth and integrity were highly valued, and the consequences of dishonesty could be severe.

This story resonates with other religious traditions that emphasize the importance of truthfulness, such as the concept of Ma'at in ancient Egyptian religion, or satya in Hinduism, which regards truthfulness as a central virtue.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse does not directly intersect with empirical data or scientific theory.

However, psychological studies on honesty and deception may offer a lens to understand the human tendency to deceive and its social consequences, applicable in interpreting the behaviors of Ananias and Sapphira.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians view this passage as a sobering reminder of God's omniscience and the high standards of behavior expected within the Christian community.

Commentators often point out that the issue was not the money but the heart condition of Ananias and Sapphira. The severity of the punishment (their sudden deaths, as the narrative continues) was seen as an indication of the importance of maintaining purity and integrity in the nascent church.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:4 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 5:4 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?