In a gripping chapter of Acts 5, we meet Ananias and Sapphira, a couple whose desire for recognition leads them down a dark path. Their story serves as a cautionary tale about honesty and the consequences of deceit.
The Reading: Acts 5
World English Bible1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,
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2 and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
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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?
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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.”
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5 Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.
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6 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.
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7 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
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8 Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”
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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.”
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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.
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11 Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.
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12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
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13 None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them.
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14 More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.
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15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them.
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16 The multitude also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed.
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17 But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,
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18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.
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19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said,
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20 “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”
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21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who 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.
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22 But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported,
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23 “We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”
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24 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.
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25 One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.”
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26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
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27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them,
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28 saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.”
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29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
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30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.
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31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
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32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
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33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were determined to kill them.
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34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.
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35 He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.
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36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out 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 dispersed, and came to nothing.
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37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
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38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.
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39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!”
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40 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
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41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name.
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42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Deceit of Ananias and Sapphira
Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but decided to keep part of the profits for themselves while pretending to donate the full amount to the apostles. Peter confronted Ananias, asking why he had lied to the Holy Spirit. Tragically, Ananias fell down dead upon hearing Peter's words, creating a wave of fear among the onlookers.
The Fate of Sapphira
Three hours later, Sapphira walked in, unaware of her husband's fate. When Peter asked her if they sold the land for the amount they claimed, she confirmed the lie. Peter revealed the truth about Ananias, leading to her sudden death as well. Their story deeply unsettled the community, but it also reinforced the seriousness of honesty in their newfound faith.
Signs and Wonders
As fear gripped the community, the apostles continued to perform miraculous signs and wonders, drawing in more believers who sought healing. People brought the sick into the streets, hoping that even Peter's shadow might heal them, and all who came were healed.
The Apostles Arrested
However, the high priest and the Sadducees were jealous and arrested the apostles. But during the night, an angel freed them and instructed them to preach in the temple. They immediately returned to teaching, much to the alarm of the authorities, who couldn't find them in prison.
Facing the Council
When the apostles were brought before the council, they boldly declared they must obey God over human authority. Peter reminded them of Jesus' resurrection and their role as witnesses. This angered the council, but a wise Pharisee named Gamaliel advised caution, suggesting that if the apostles were from God, their efforts couldn't be stopped. The council ultimately beat and released them, but the apostles left rejoicing for the honor of suffering for Jesus.
Why It Matters
The Danger of Deceit
Ananias and Sapphira's story serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lying and hypocrisy, especially within a community of faith. Their desire for status and recognition cost them dearly, and the message is clear: authenticity matters in our walk with God.
Boldness in Faith
On the other hand, the apostles' unwavering commitment to their mission demonstrates a powerful example of courage and faith. Even when facing imprisonment, they continued to spread the message of Jesus without fear, reminding us to stand firm in our beliefs.
Community and Support
The early church exemplified a strong sense of community, and we see the importance of supporting one another in faith. If you're looking for a community where you can grow and share your journey, consider finding a church near you. It's within these gatherings that we find strength and encouragement to be honest and bold in our faith.
Coming Up Next: Acts 6
In the next part of our journey through Acts, we will see how the early church dealt with growing pains and the need for service among its members. Don't miss the unfolding story in Acts 6!