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 5:8 mean?

Explanation

Acts 5:8 describes a part of the exchange between the Apostle Peter and a woman named Sapphira.

The context is that Sapphira and her husband, Ananias, had sold a piece of property.

However, they conspired to withhold part of the proceeds from the early Christian community while pretending to donate the full amount.

In the previous verses, Ananias had already been confronted by Peter and had fallen dead after Peter exposed his lie.

Now Sapphira faced Peter, unaware of her husband's fate, and Peter questioned her to confirm the price for which they had sold the land.

Her affirmation, "Yea, for so much," was a lie as the couple had agreed to give only part of the money to the church while claiming it was the entire sale price.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The book of Acts was written by Luke in the first century and depicts the history of the early Christian Church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension into Heaven.

The community of believers at that time practiced a form of communal living where they would sell their possessions and distribute the proceeds to those in need.

Honesty and full participation in this communal way of life were seen as essential virtues within the early Christian community.

Ananias and Sapphira's act was a challenge to the unity and integrity of the community.

Theological Insights

This passage serves as a sharp reminder of God’s omniscience and the importance of honesty within the Christian faith.

From a theological standpoint, the severe consequences faced by Ananias and Sapphira signify the seriousness of sin, especially within the context of the Church.

It is also an example of divine judgment, akin to the judgments seen in the Old Testament.

Some theologians might suggest this serves as a warning that deceit within the body of believers is destructive and that God values the purity of his Church.

Practical Applications

The teaching from Acts 5:8 can be applied to daily life by advocating for sincerity and transparency, especially within faith communities.

Church members are often encouraged to engage in self-examination regarding their motives and to strive for honesty in their dealings with others.

It also warns against the temptation to seek the appearance of generosity or righteousness rather than genuinely living out these values.

Cross-References

Acts 5:1-11 – The full story of Ananias and Sapphira.
Leviticus 10:1-2 – The story of Nadab and Abihu, who faced immediate death as a consequence for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord.
Proverbs 12:22 – "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight."

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek are:

"Apokrithē" (ἀποκριθῇ): Translated as "answered." This Greek verb is used for responding or replying in the New Testament.
"Pōsos" (πόσος): Translated as "for so much." It is a question of amount or size and refers to the price of the land in this context.

Understanding these Greek terms helps clarify the directness of Peter’s inquiry as well as Sapphira's confirmation of the deception regarding the price.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as those in Greco-Roman society, making an oath or promise and lying to the gods was considered a grave offense often met with severe consequences.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira echoes similar themes wherein honesty before the divine, and the community was held in high regard.

Scientific Perspectives

There are no direct scientific perspectives related to Acts 5:8.

However, modern psychology might explore the phenomenon of group dynamics and the pressure to conform to communal expectations, which could have played a role in Ananias and Sapphira's decision to lie.

Commentaries

Different biblical commentators have varying views on this verse:

John Calvin emphasizes the gravity of the sin of lying to God and the community, viewing God's reaction as just and a necessary act to maintain the purity of the church.
Matthew Henry sees this event as a warning against hypocrisy and deceit, particularly within a church setting.
Some contemporary scholars consider the story a reflection on the early Christian community's values and the importance they placed on unity, honesty, and mutual support.

Acts 5

Acts 5

What does Acts 5:8 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 5:8 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?