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 5:7 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:7 refers to a grave incident in the early Christian church that is recorded in the Book of Acts.

The passage immediately before this verse tells the story of a man named Ananias, who, along with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.

They conspired to keep back a part of the proceeds for themselves while presenting the remainder to the apostles, pretending it to be the full amount.

When Ananias presented the money to Peter, he was confronted about lying to the Holy Spirit and immediately fell down and died.

The verse in question, Acts 5:7, occurs just after this event and introduces the entrance of Sapphira, Ananias's wife, who was unaware of what had transpired with her husband.

The verse sets the stage for a repetition of the encounter but this time involving Sapphira.

It underscores the seriousness with which the early church viewed honesty and integrity, especially in matters related to the community and God.

The "three hours later" detail serves to separate the two events while still connecting them, emphasizing the individual responsibility of each spouse in the deception they planned.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is the fifth book of the New Testament, traditionally ascribed to Luke, a companion of the Apostle Paul.

Acts 5:7 is set in Jerusalem not long after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, during a time when the Christian community was still very much in its formative stage.

Believers at that time practiced a form of communal living, where they would sell their possessions and lay the proceeds at the apostles' feet to be distributed according to need.

Ananias and Sapphira's actions occurred within this socio-religious context, where mutual trust and honesty were foundational to the community's life.

Theological Insights

The theological implications of Acts 5:7 are significant.

From a divine judgment standpoint, the verse demonstrates the immediacy of God's judgment and the gravity of sin within the Christian community.

It also touches upon divine omniscience, as it is clear that the apostles, through the Holy Spirit, were made aware of the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira.

For some interpreters, this passage underlines the importance of truthfulness to God and the Christian community, substantiating that God does not tolerate hypocrisy.

Practical Applications

The practical applications derived from Acts 5:7 are poignant.

It cautions believers about the peril of dishonesty, not just with one another but more crucially with God.

It encourages transparency within the faith community and serves as a deterrent against hypocritical behavior and the temptation to seek personal glory through deception.

The verse acts as a reminder to Christians that God values the heart's intentions and integrity over outward appearances or displays of piety.

Cross-References

Acts 5:1-11 - This passage includes the entire story of Ananias and Sapphira, providing context to verse 7.
Ephesians 4:25 - "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another."
James 5:12 - "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation."
Luke 12:2-3 - "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known."

Language Study

In Acts 5:7, a few key words stand out.

"Space" translates from the Greek word "ὥρας" (hōras), referencing a period or moment in time.

"Wife" is translated from "γυνή" (gynē), simply meaning a woman or spouse.

"Not knowing" comes from "ἀγνοοῦσα" (agnousa), meaning to be ignorant or unaware. These key words help in understanding the sequence of events and the characters' knowledge.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts bears similarity to some themes found in other ancient texts and traditions, such as the emphasis on communal living, collective responsibility, and the consequences of deceit.

Many ancient cultures had strict norms about honesty and integrity, especially in religious contexts, and it was not uncommon for mythologies and texts of the time to illustrate divine retribution for acts of deceit.

Scientific Perspectives

While the intersection of science with Acts 5:7 is not direct, scientific analyses of psychological and societal behaviors may provide insight into the motivations and consequences of lying and deception.

Psychological studies have explored the damaging effects of deceit on communities and individuals, highlighting the importance of trust and honesty for social cohesion, themes that resonate with the message of the passage.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have various interpretations of Acts 5:7.

Some see the passage as a stark lesson in the early church's purity and the seriousness of sin.

Others address the role of community and shared resources in the life of the early Christians.

John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, highlighted the mercy of God in the timing, suggesting that the delay before Sapphira entered was God giving her time to repent.

Modern scholars often discuss the text's function in demonstrating the holiness expected in the Christian community and how the fear of God was foundational to church life.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:7 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 5:7 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?