*Acts 5:1-16
Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead by God for deceitfully giving only part of the proceeds from selling their property.
- The Story of Ananias and Sapphira:
- Ananias and his wife Sapphira sell a piece of property but decide to keep part of the proceeds for themselves while pretending to donate the full amount to the apostles.
- Ananias presents the partial amount to the apostles, but Peter confronts him, asking why he has lied to the Holy Spirit and kept some of the money for himself.
- Peter explains that the land was theirs to control before and after the sale, but they chose to deceive the community and God.
- Upon hearing Peter’s words, Ananias falls down and dies. The young men wrap up his body and bury him.
- About three hours later, Sapphira arrives, not knowing what has happened to her husband. Peter questions her about the amount for which they sold the land, and she confirms the partial amount.
- Peter confronts her about agreeing with her husband to test the Spirit of the Lord. Immediately after his words, she also falls down and dies. She is then buried beside her husband.
- These events instill great fear among the entire church and all who hear about them.
- The Apostles Heal Many:
- Following these events, the apostles continue to perform many signs and wonders among the people. They meet regularly at Solomon’s Colonnade in the temple.
- The group of believers continues to grow in number, with more men and women believing in the Lord.
- As the apostles’ reputation grows, people even carry the sick into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall on them as he passes by.
- Crowds gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them are healed.
Acts 5:1-16 teaches us the importance of honesty, integrity, and living in a way that honors God. Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive others by pretending to be more generous than they really were, but their dishonesty had serious consequences. Meanwhile, the apostles continued to serve faithfully, and God’s power was at work among them. We can apply this by being truthful in our words and actions, knowing that God sees our hearts. Instead of seeking approval from others, we should focus on living with honesty and sincerity, trusting that God blesses those who follow Him with a genuine heart.
Acts 5:1-16 (WEB)
5:1 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.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. 13 None of the rest dared to join them; however, the people honored them. 14 More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. 15 They even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at least his shadow might overshadow some of them. 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.