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.
Acts 5 unveils a pivotal moment in the early church, showcasing both its remarkable growth and the escalating opposition it faced. This chapter provides a powerful study in contrasts: the devastating consequences of deceit versus the overflowing blessings of obedience, the rising tide of persecution versus the unwavering commitment of the apostles. Through these narratives, we witness the Holy Spirit's active role in protecting and empowering His church, even amidst trials.
The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
The chapter opens with a stark warning against hypocrisy and dishonesty within the church. Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple, sold a piece of property and, like Barnabas, brought a contribution to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37, Acts 5:1-2). However, unlike Barnabas, they secretly kept back a portion of the proceeds while pretending to offer the full amount.
Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, exposes their deception. He confronts Ananias, revealing that he hadn't merely lied to men but to God Himself (Acts 5:3-4). Peter's words highlight a crucial point: Ananias and Sapphira were under no obligation to sell their land or donate the money. Their sin lay in the pretense, in the attempt to gain recognition and approval under false pretenses. They were more concerned with looking good than being good.
The consequences are immediate and severe. Ananias falls down dead, followed shortly after by Sapphira when she confirms the lie (Acts 5:5-10). This dramatic judgment instilled great fear within the church and among those who heard about it (Acts 5:11). While seemingly harsh, this act served as a powerful deterrent against hypocrisy and a reminder of the seriousness of sin within the community of faith. It underscores the holiness of God and the importance of integrity in our dealings with Him and with one another.
The Apostles' Ministry and Growing Influence (Acts 5:12-16)
Despite the sobering event with Ananias and Sapphira, the church continued to grow and flourish. The apostles performed many signs and wonders, further solidifying their credibility and attracting new believers (Acts 5:12). Luke notes that the people held the apostles in high esteem, even those who didn't join the church (Acts 5:13).
The power of the Holy Spirit was so evident that people brought the sick to the streets, hoping that even Peter's shadow might fall on them and bring healing (Acts 5:15). Others came from surrounding towns, seeking deliverance from illness and demonic oppression (Acts 5:16). This period demonstrates the tangible impact of the apostles' ministry and the supernatural power that accompanied their message. It’s a testament to Jesus’ promise that His followers would do even greater works than He did (John 14:12).
Persecution and Miraculous Deliverance (Acts 5:17-26)
The growing influence of the apostles and the increasing number of believers stirred up the jealousy and opposition of the high priest and the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). They arrested the apostles and imprisoned them, hoping to silence their message.
However, God had other plans. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and released the apostles, instructing them to return to the temple and continue preaching (Acts 5:19-20). This miraculous deliverance highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to protecting those who faithfully proclaim His Word.
The next morning, the Sanhedrin convened, only to discover that the apostles were missing from their locked cells, guarded by soldiers (Acts 5:22-23). To their astonishment, they learned that the apostles were back in the temple, teaching the people (Acts 5:25). This turn of events left them baffled and frustrated, as they struggled to understand the source of the apostles' power and resilience.
Obedience to God Above All Else (Acts 5:27-32)
The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for questioning. The high priest accused them of disobeying their orders to stop teaching in Jesus' name and of holding them accountable for Jesus' death (Acts 5:28).
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29). This powerful statement encapsulates the core principle of Christian ethics: our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, and when human commands contradict divine ones, we must choose to obey God.
Peter then reiterated the gospel message, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus and the apostles' role as witnesses to this truth (Acts 5:30-32). He proclaimed that God had exalted Jesus to be Prince and Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness of sins to all who believe. This unwavering testimony, delivered in the face of opposition, demonstrates the apostles' courage and their unwavering commitment to spreading the good news.
Gamaliel's Counsel and the Apostles' Joyful Suffering (Acts 5:33-42)
The Sanhedrin was enraged by Peter's words and sought to kill the apostles (Acts 5:33). However, a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel intervened, offering a wise and cautious counsel (Acts 5:34).
Gamaliel reminded the Sanhedrin of past movements that had risen and fallen, suggesting that if the apostles' work was merely of human origin, it would eventually fade away (Acts 5:38). However, he warned, if it was of God, they would be fighting against God Himself (Acts 5:39). This pragmatic advice persuaded the Sanhedrin to release the apostles, but not before flogging them and ordering them again not to speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40).
The apostles' response to this unjust treatment is remarkable. They left the Sanhedrin "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" of Jesus (Acts 5:41). This joy in suffering is a recurring theme in the New Testament, reflecting the understanding that sharing in Christ's sufferings is a privilege and a testament to genuine faith (Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 4:13).
Far from being deterred by the persecution, the apostles continued to preach the gospel "every day, in the temple and from house to house" (Acts 5:42). Their unwavering commitment and joyful perseverance serve as an inspiring example for believers today. They understood that earthly things like reputation, safety, and beatings are secondary to those who value sanctification and eternal life (Romans 6:22).
Acts 5 demonstrates that true discipleship involves obedience to God, even when it leads to suffering. It also reveals that God is faithful to protect and empower those who boldly proclaim His name, even amidst opposition. The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a cautionary tale against hypocrisy, while the apostles' unwavering faithfulness inspires us to live with integrity and courage, always prioritizing obedience to God above the approval of men. The gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, remains unstoppable.
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.
Acts 5 unveils a pivotal moment in the early church, showcasing both its remarkable growth and the escalating opposition it faced. This chapter provides a powerful study in contrasts: the devastating consequences of deceit versus the overflowing blessings of obedience, the rising tide of persecution versus the unwavering commitment of the apostles. Through these narratives, we witness the Holy Spirit's active role in protecting and empowering His church, even amidst trials.
The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
The chapter opens with a stark warning against hypocrisy and dishonesty within the church. Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple, sold a piece of property and, like Barnabas, brought a contribution to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37, Acts 5:1-2). However, unlike Barnabas, they secretly kept back a portion of the proceeds while pretending to offer the full amount.
Peter, guided by the Holy Spirit, exposes their deception. He confronts Ananias, revealing that he hadn't merely lied to men but to God Himself (Acts 5:3-4). Peter's words highlight a crucial point: Ananias and Sapphira were under no obligation to sell their land or donate the money. Their sin lay in the pretense, in the attempt to gain recognition and approval under false pretenses. They were more concerned with looking good than being good.
The consequences are immediate and severe. Ananias falls down dead, followed shortly after by Sapphira when she confirms the lie (Acts 5:5-10). This dramatic judgment instilled great fear within the church and among those who heard about it (Acts 5:11). While seemingly harsh, this act served as a powerful deterrent against hypocrisy and a reminder of the seriousness of sin within the community of faith. It underscores the holiness of God and the importance of integrity in our dealings with Him and with one another.
The Apostles' Ministry and Growing Influence (Acts 5:12-16)
Despite the sobering event with Ananias and Sapphira, the church continued to grow and flourish. The apostles performed many signs and wonders, further solidifying their credibility and attracting new believers (Acts 5:12). Luke notes that the people held the apostles in high esteem, even those who didn't join the church (Acts 5:13).
The power of the Holy Spirit was so evident that people brought the sick to the streets, hoping that even Peter's shadow might fall on them and bring healing (Acts 5:15). Others came from surrounding towns, seeking deliverance from illness and demonic oppression (Acts 5:16). This period demonstrates the tangible impact of the apostles' ministry and the supernatural power that accompanied their message. It’s a testament to Jesus’ promise that His followers would do even greater works than He did (John 14:12).
Persecution and Miraculous Deliverance (Acts 5:17-26)
The growing influence of the apostles and the increasing number of believers stirred up the jealousy and opposition of the high priest and the Sadducees (Acts 5:17). They arrested the apostles and imprisoned them, hoping to silence their message.
However, God had other plans. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and released the apostles, instructing them to return to the temple and continue preaching (Acts 5:19-20). This miraculous deliverance highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to protecting those who faithfully proclaim His Word.
The next morning, the Sanhedrin convened, only to discover that the apostles were missing from their locked cells, guarded by soldiers (Acts 5:22-23). To their astonishment, they learned that the apostles were back in the temple, teaching the people (Acts 5:25). This turn of events left them baffled and frustrated, as they struggled to understand the source of the apostles' power and resilience.
Obedience to God Above All Else (Acts 5:27-32)
The apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for questioning. The high priest accused them of disobeying their orders to stop teaching in Jesus' name and of holding them accountable for Jesus' death (Acts 5:28).
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declared, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29). This powerful statement encapsulates the core principle of Christian ethics: our ultimate allegiance belongs to God, and when human commands contradict divine ones, we must choose to obey God.
Peter then reiterated the gospel message, emphasizing the resurrection of Jesus and the apostles' role as witnesses to this truth (Acts 5:30-32). He proclaimed that God had exalted Jesus to be Prince and Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness of sins to all who believe. This unwavering testimony, delivered in the face of opposition, demonstrates the apostles' courage and their unwavering commitment to spreading the good news.
Gamaliel's Counsel and the Apostles' Joyful Suffering (Acts 5:33-42)
The Sanhedrin was enraged by Peter's words and sought to kill the apostles (Acts 5:33). However, a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel intervened, offering a wise and cautious counsel (Acts 5:34).
Gamaliel reminded the Sanhedrin of past movements that had risen and fallen, suggesting that if the apostles' work was merely of human origin, it would eventually fade away (Acts 5:38). However, he warned, if it was of God, they would be fighting against God Himself (Acts 5:39). This pragmatic advice persuaded the Sanhedrin to release the apostles, but not before flogging them and ordering them again not to speak in the name of Jesus (Acts 5:40).
The apostles' response to this unjust treatment is remarkable. They left the Sanhedrin "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" of Jesus (Acts 5:41). This joy in suffering is a recurring theme in the New Testament, reflecting the understanding that sharing in Christ's sufferings is a privilege and a testament to genuine faith (Philippians 1:29, 1 Peter 4:13).
Far from being deterred by the persecution, the apostles continued to preach the gospel "every day, in the temple and from house to house" (Acts 5:42). Their unwavering commitment and joyful perseverance serve as an inspiring example for believers today. They understood that earthly things like reputation, safety, and beatings are secondary to those who value sanctification and eternal life (Romans 6:22).
Acts 5 demonstrates that true discipleship involves obedience to God, even when it leads to suffering. It also reveals that God is faithful to protect and empower those who boldly proclaim His name, even amidst opposition. The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a cautionary tale against hypocrisy, while the apostles' unwavering faithfulness inspires us to live with integrity and courage, always prioritizing obedience to God above the approval of men. The gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit, remains unstoppable.