Being Real with God – The Story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-16)
In the early days of the church, believers were full of faith, generosity, and unity. People were selling their belongings and giving to those in need. It was a beautiful picture of God’s love in action.
But then something happened that shocked everyone—and reminded them that God cares deeply about honesty.
Let’s look at the events in Acts 5:1–16.
A Couple’s Costly Lie
A man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land. That was fine—many others were doing the same. But here’s where they went wrong:
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They kept part of the money for themselves (which was okay in itself),
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But they pretended they were giving all the money to the apostles.
It wasn’t the amount that was the problem—it was the lie.
Ananias brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet, acting like it was the full amount. But Peter, led by the Holy Spirit, knew the truth. He asked Ananias:
“Why did you lie to the Holy Spirit? The land was yours. The money was yours. No one forced you to give it all. Why pretend?”
Right then, Ananias fell down and died. Great fear spread through everyone who heard what happened.
Three hours later, Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her if the money they gave was the full price. She said yes—it was a lie. And just like her husband, she fell down and died.
A Serious Wake-Up Call
This story is sobering. It shows that:
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God values truthfulness.
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We can’t fake generosity or holiness before God.
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Lying to people is serious—but lying to God is even more serious.
This doesn’t mean God strikes people down every time they sin. But it does show how important it is to be honest and real with Him.
The early church was being built on trust, love, and sincerity—and God protected it from becoming a place of hypocrisy.
God Still Moved in Power
Even after this shocking event, the church didn’t fall apart. In fact, the opposite happened:
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The apostles continued to perform many miracles.
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People gathered in the temple courts to hear the message.
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More and more people believed in Jesus—both men and women.
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People brought the sick out into the streets, hoping that even Peter’s shadow might fall on them and heal them.
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Crowds from nearby towns came with their sick and those troubled by evil spirits—and all of them were healed.
What This Means for Us
This story gives us two important truths:
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God wants our honesty, not a performance.
We don’t have to pretend to be better than we are. God knows the truth, and He wants a sincere heart more than an impressive appearance. -
God still works through His people.
Even in the middle of hard lessons and serious moments, the Holy Spirit was still moving. People were being healed, helped, and saved.
God is holy, but He is also loving. He calls us to live honestly, give generously, and trust Him completely.
Let’s be the kind of people who are real with God—and ready for Him to use us in powerful ways.
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.