Acts 5:1-11
The same Spirit who empowers and unifies the church also guards its purity; deceitful hypocrisy invites divine judgment.
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,
2 and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, then brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”
5 Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
6 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
8 Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
9 But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
10 She fell down immediately at his feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.
11 Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
The same Spirit who empowers and unifies the church also guards its purity; deceitful hypocrisy invites divine judgment.
To demonstrate the seriousness of hypocrisy within the covenant community and to reveal God’s holy presence among His people.
This account follows the description of generous unity in Acts 4:32-37, particularly the example of Barnabas. The narrative functions as a stark contrast, revealing that outward generosity without inward integrity threatens the purity of the community. The apostles remain central in leadership, and the Spirit's presence is active not only in empowerment but also in discernment. Luke highlights the seriousness of sin within the covenant community during its foundational stage.
The Jerusalem church continues to practice voluntary sharing of resources. Public recognition of generous acts may have elevated social standing within the community. Ananias and Sapphira's coordinated deception occurs within this climate of generosity. The apostles exercise recognized authority, and the Spirit's presence is understood as immediate and active among believers.
Holy Fear, Bold Witness, and Joyful Suffering
Acts 5 shows that Christ preserves a holy and courageous church, exposing deceit within, overruling opposition without, and sustaining joyful witness through suffering.