Acts 5:1-16
The Fear of the Lord
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?
4Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”
5On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.
6Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened.
8“Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.”
9“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.
12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
13Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them.
14Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women.
15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.
16Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.
Berean Standard Bible
Ananias and Sapphira sell property but secretly keep part of the money while presenting the gift as the whole amount. Peter says the property was theirs to keep or sell; the sin was lying to God and the church.
You have not lied to men, but to God.
Both fall dead, and great fear comes upon the church. The apostles continue signs and wonders, the believers gather together, and people bring the sick hoping that Peter's shadow might fall on them.
This is a severe judgment scene. It should not be used to frighten people into giving money or to excuse leaders who demand financial access. The passage insists that generosity must be truthful, not staged.
The couple's choice is especially sobering because the church is living through a season of remarkable generosity. They could have kept part of the proceeds if they had spoken honestly. Instead, they want the reputation of total sacrifice without the cost of telling the truth. Peter exposes the lie before it becomes a model that others are expected to copy.
The fear that follows is not panic manufactured by a fundraising appeal. It is a recognition that God's holy presence is among this new community. Luke holds that reverence beside mercy: the apostles continue serving, the believers gather, and people bring the sick to be healed. A church that wants the signs of God's power must not separate them from integrity, accountability, and care for people who are vulnerable.
The apostles' public ministry therefore carries a public responsibility. A community cannot ask outsiders to trust its message while tolerating deception inside its own generosity. Reverence for God and protection for the vulnerable belong together.
Questions
1 What was the couple's deception?
AnswerThey kept part of the money from the sale while presenting the gift as the whole amount.
2 What did Peter say they were lying to?
AnswerHe said they had lied to the Holy Spirit and to God.
3 What effect followed?
AnswerGreat fear came upon the whole church and everyone who heard about it.
4 What continued among the people?
AnswerThe apostles performed signs and wonders, and many people were added to the Lord.
What This Means for Us
Give honestly, and never use generosity to create a false reputation. Churches should protect people from financial pressure while still calling for truthful stewardship.
Prayer
Holy God, make us truthful with money, promises, and appearances. Give our communities both reverence and compassion. Amen.