Acts 5

Commentary

Ananias and Sapphira

1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And 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. 3But 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? 4Whiles 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. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9Then 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. 10Then 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. 11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

The Apostles Heal Many

12And 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. 13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15Insomuch 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. 16There 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.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21And 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. 22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 23Saying, 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.

The Apostles Before the Council

24Now 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. 25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.

27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28Saying, 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. 29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Gamaliel's Counsel

33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 34Then 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; 35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 36For 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. 37After 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. 38And 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: 39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

40And 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. 41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

 

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Ananias and Sapphira

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, and 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.

The Apostles Heal Many

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 the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. 16 Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

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, 18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” 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. 22 But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 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!”

The Apostles before the Sanhedrin

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. 25 One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 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.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them. 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. 35 He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. 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. 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. 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. 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!”

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. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. 42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

Ananias and Sapphira

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With 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.

3 Then 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? 4 Did 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!”

5 On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About 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.”

10 At 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. 11 And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Apostles Heal Many

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. 14 Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women.

15 As 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. 16 Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out 18 and arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, saying, 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts a and tell the people the full message of this new life.”

21 At daybreak the apostles entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin b—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they returned with the report: 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

The Apostles before the Sanhedrin

24 When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening. c 25 Then someone came in and announced, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people!”

26 At that point, the captain went with the officers and brought the apostles—but not by force, for fear the people would stone them. 27 They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”

29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. 31 God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When the Council members heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved d to put the apostles to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.

35 “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

38 So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

 

Footnotes:

20 a Literally the temple ; also in verses 21, 25, and 42
21 b Or the Council ; also in verses 27, 34, and 41
24 c Literally as to what this might be
33 d ECM, BYZ, TR, and Tischendorf; or they took counsel ; NA, SBL, NE, and WH they wanted

Ananias and Sapphira

1And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2and did keep back of the price -- his wife also knowing -- and having brought a certain part, at the feet of the apostles he laid it. 3And Peter said, 'Ananias, wherefore did the Adversary fill thy heart, for thee to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back of the price of the place? 4while it remained, did it not remain thine? and having been sold, in thy authority was it not? why is it that thou didst put in thy heart this thing? thou didst not lie to men, but to God;' 5and Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, did expire, and great fear came upon all who heard these things, 6and having risen, the younger men wound him up, and having carried forth, they buried him.

7And it came to pass, about three hours after, that his wife, not knowing what hath happened, came in, 8and Peter answered her, 'Tell me if for so much ye sold the place;' and she said, 'Yes, for so much.' 9And Peter said unto her, 'How was it agreed by you, to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? lo, the feet of those who did bury thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee forth;' 10and she fell down presently at his feet, and expired, and the young men having come in, found her dead, and having carried forth, they buried her by her husband; 11and great fear came upon all the assembly, and upon all who heard these things.

The Apostles Heal Many

12And through the hands of the apostles came many signs and wonders among the people, and they were with one accord all in the porch of Solomon; 13and of the rest no one was daring to join himself to them, but the people were magnifying them, 14(and the more were believers added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women,) 15so as into the broad places to bring forth the ailing, and to lay them upon couches and mats, that at the coming of Peter, even his shadow might overshadow some one of them; 16and there were coming together also the people of the cities round about to Jerusalem, bearing ailing persons, and those harassed by unclean spirits -- who were all healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17And having risen, the chief priest, and all those with him -- being the sect of the Sadducees -- were filled with zeal, 18and laid their hands upon the apostles, and did put them in a public prison; 19and a messenger of the Lord through the night opened the doors of the prison, having also brought them forth, he said, 20'Go on, and standing, speak in the temple to the people all the sayings of this life;' 21and having heard, they did enter at the dawn into the temple, and were teaching. And the chief priest having come, and those with him, they called together the sanhedrim and all the senate of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison to have them brought, 22and the officers having come, did not find them in the prison, and having turned back, they told, 23saying -- 'The prison indeed we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors, and having opened -- within we found no one.'

The Apostles Before the Council

24And as the priest, and the magistrate of the temple, and the chief priests, heard these words, they were doubting concerning them to what this would come; 25and coming near, a certain one told them, saying -- 'Lo, the men whom ye did put in the prison are in the temple standing and teaching the people;' 26then the magistrate having gone away with officers, brought them without violence, for they were fearing the people, lest they should be stoned;

27and having brought them, they set them in the sanhedrim, and the chief priest questioned them, 28saying, 'Did not we strictly command you not to teach in this name? and lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and ye intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.' 29And Peter and the apostles answering, said, 'To obey God it behoveth, rather than men; 30and the God of our fathers did raise up Jesus, whom ye slew, having hanged upon a tree; 31this one God, a Prince and a Saviour, hath exalted with His right hand, to give reformation to Israel, and forgiveness of sins; 32and we are His witnesses of these sayings, and the Holy Spirit also, whom God gave to those obeying him.'

Gamaliel's Counsel

33And they having heard, were cut to the heart, and were taking counsel to slay them, 34but a certain one, having risen up in the sanhedrim -- a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of law honoured by all the people -- commanded to put the apostles forth a little, 35and said unto them, 'Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves about these men, what ye are about to do, 36for before these days rose up Theudas, saying, that himself was some one, to whom a number of men did join themselves, as it were four hundred, who was slain, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered, and came to nought. 37'After this one rose up, Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away much people after him, and that one perished, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered; 38and now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone, because if this counsel or this work may be of men, it will be overthrown, 39and if it be of God, ye are not able to overthrow it, lest perhaps also ye be found fighting against God.'

40And to him they agreed, and having called near the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go; 41they, indeed, then, departed from the presence of the sanhedrim, rejoicing that for his name they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour, 42every day also in the temple, and in every house, they were not ceasing teaching and proclaiming good news -- Jesus the Christ.

Ananias and Sapphira

¹ Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. ³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” ¹⁰ At that moment 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. ¹¹ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.*

The Apostles Heal Many

¹² The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹³ No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. ¹⁵ As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. ¹⁶ Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

The Apostles Persecuted

¹⁷ Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. ¹⁸ They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. ¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

²¹ At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. ²² But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, ²³ “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” ²⁴ On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

²⁵ Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” ²⁶ At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

²⁷ The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. ²⁸ “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

²⁹ Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging Him on a cross. ³¹ God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. ³² We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. ³⁴ But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. ³⁵ Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. ³⁶ Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ³⁷ After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. ³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. ³⁹ But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴² Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Footnotes:

5:11: The deaths of Ananias and Sapphira were a sobering reminder of God’s holiness and the seriousness of integrity within the early church community.

5:16: The apostles’ healing ministry shows that the power of Jesus’ resurrection continued to transform lives through the work of His followers.

5:20: The angel’s command to “tell the people all about this new life” highlights that the gospel brings more than just knowledge—it brings transformation and a whole new way of living.

5:31: Peter’s description of Jesus as “Prince and Savior” captures His role as both ruler and deliverer, one who leads His people and rescues them from sin.

5:34: Gamaliel’s wisdom was rooted in the belief that if God was truly behind the apostles’ movement, nothing could stop it, reinforcing the divine authority of their mission.

5:38: Gamaliel’s counsel to the Sanhedrin reflects a caution against opposing something that might be from God, a lesson about humility and divine sovereignty.

5:41: The apostles’ joy in suffering for Jesus reflects their deep conviction that to share in Jesus’ sufferings was a privilege, one that reaffirmed their commitment to His mission.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Acts 5?
2Introduction to Acts 5
3Context of Acts 5
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6Acts 5 Unique Insights
7Acts 5 Connections to Yeshua
8Acts 5 Scriptural Echoes
9Acts 5 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of Acts 5?

Introduction to Acts 5

Acts 5 stands as one of the most dramatic chapters in the early history of the Messianic community, presenting a stark contrast between authentic faith and deceptive religiosity. The chapter opens with the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira, transitions through powerful demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s work through the apostles, and culminates in the wise counsel of Gamaliel regarding God’s sovereignty in building His kingdom.

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The significance of this chapter lies in its vivid illustration of how the Holy Spirit established both purity and power within the early believing community. It serves as a pivotal moment where God demonstrated that the church would be built on truth, authenticity, and genuine spiritual power rather than human manipulation or religious performance.

Context of Acts 5

Within the immediate context of Acts, this chapter follows the beautiful picture of unity and generosity in the early community (Acts 4:32-37). The contrast between Barnabas’s genuine sacrifice and Ananias and Sapphira’s deception is intentionally stark. This chapter bridges the initial formation of the believing community to its first major internal crisis and external persecution.

In the broader biblical narrative, Acts 5 echoes several Old Testament themes. The sudden judgment of Ananias and Sapphira parallels the story of Achan (Joshua 7), where both instances involve deception that threatened the purity of God’s newly established community. The apostles’ miraculous releases from prison and their bold proclamation despite opposition mirror similar experiences of prophets like Jeremiah and Daniel.

This chapter also establishes crucial principles about God’s holiness, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the unstoppable nature of God’s kingdom plan that resonate throughout Scripture. It demonstrates how the power present in the apostolic age was not just for spectacular signs but for maintaining the spiritual integrity of the community.

Ancient Key Word Study

  • ἐψεύσατο (epseusato) – “to lie/deceive” (Acts 5:3): This strong verb carries the sense of deliberate deception against God Himself. In the Septuagint, it’s often used for breaking covenant relationships, suggesting Ananias and Sapphira’s act was viewed as covenant betrayal.
  • συνείδησις (syneidesis) – “common knowledge/agreement” (Acts 5:2): Implies a joint consciousness or shared awareness, indicating the premeditated nature of their deception. This word emphasizes their mutual conspiracy against the Holy Spirit.
  • πειράσαι (peirasai) – “to test/tempt” (Acts 5:9): Used in the Septuagint for testing God’s patience or boundaries. Here it carries the serious connotation of challenging God’s omniscience and holiness.
  • φόβος (phobos) – “fear” (Acts 5:5): More than just emotional fear, this term denotes reverential awe and recognition of divine authority. It appears three times in this chapter, marking the community’s response to God’s holiness.
  • σημεῖα (sēmeia) – “signs” (Acts 5:12): These weren’t mere miracles but specific demonstrations of divine authority that authenticated the apostles’ message. The word connects to Moses’ signs in Egypt, suggesting similar divine authentication.
  • παρρησίας (parrēsias) – “boldness/openness” (Acts 5:29): Describes the apostles’ frank, fearless speech before authorities. This term was used in Greek culture for the right of free citizens to speak truth to power.
  • πειθαρχεῖν (peitharchein) – “to obey” (Acts 5:29): Combines words for “persuasion” and “rule,” suggesting informed, conscious obedience rather than blind submission. The apostles’ famous declaration about obeying God rather than men uses this nuanced term.
  • διεχειρίσασθε (diecheirisasthe) – “put to death/laid hands on” (Acts 5:30): A forensic term that literally means “handled through” and was used in legal contexts for execution. Peter uses it to emphasize the Sanhedrin’s direct responsibility for Yeshua’s death.
  • μετάνοιαν (metanoian) – “repentance” (Acts 5:31): More than regret, this word indicates a complete change of mind and direction. In this context, it’s presented as a gift that God gives to Israel, not just an human action.

Compare & Contrast

  • Acts 5:1-2 uses νοσφίζω (nosphizō) for “keeping back part,” the same word used in the Septuagint for Achan’s sin (Joshua 7:1). This deliberate parallel emphasizes how both acts threatened the purity of God’s newly established community in their respective eras.
  • The phrase “lying to the Holy Spirit” in Acts 5:3 is immediately equated with “lying to God” in verse 4, providing one of the strongest early testimonies to the deity of the Holy Spirit. The text could have used softer language about “disappointing” or “disrespecting” but chose the strongest possible terms.
  • In Acts 5:15, the mention of Peter’s shadow healing people echoes but surpasses the miracles of Elijah and Elisha, fulfilling Yeshua’s promise that His followers would do greater works (John 14:12).
  • The apostles’ response “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) deliberately echoes the Hebrew midwives’ defiance of Pharaoh (Exodus 1:17), establishing continuity between Old Testament and New Testament faithful resistance to ungodly authority.
  • Gamaliel’s counsel in Acts 5:38-39 uses language reminiscent of Deuteronomy 18:21-22 regarding testing prophetic claims, showing how Jewish legal principles were applied to evaluating the Messianic movement.

Acts 5 Unique Insights

The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira parallels several significant moments in biblical history where God established new phases of His redemptive plan. Just as Nadab and Abihu were judged when the priestly system was initiated (Leviticus 10), and Achan was judged at the beginning of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land, this judgment occurred at the inception of the Messianic community. The rabbinical principle of kal vachomer (light and heavy) suggests that if God dealt so severely with partial deception, how much more seriously should we take complete honesty before Him.

The mention of Solomon’s Portico (Acts 5:12) carries deep significance in Jewish tradition. According to the Talmud (Yoma 39b), this was believed to be the only remaining structure from Solomon’s original temple. The apostles’ regular teaching there symbolically connected their message to the ancient faith while proclaiming its fulfillment in Yeshua.

Gamaliel’s speech introduces a fascinating rabbinic principle known as “sitting and doing nothing” (shev v’al ta’aseh) when facing uncertainty. His reference to Theudas and Judas the Galilean demonstrates how Jewish leaders categorized various messianic movements. The Tosefta records similar debates about how to respond to new religious movements, suggesting this was a established rabbinic approach to evaluating claims of divine authority.

The community’s response of fear and awe uses terminology (φόβος) that in Greek philosophy was considered the beginning of wisdom. This connects to the Hebrew concept of “fear of the Lord” (יראת יהוה) as the foundation of true knowledge, showing how the early church integrated both Hebrew and Greek understandings of reverence for divine authority.

Acts 5 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter powerfully demonstrates the continuing ministry of the risen Messiah through His Spirit-empowered community. The apostles’ miracles, particularly the healings from Peter’s shadow, fulfill Yeshua’s promise that His followers would do “greater works” (John 14:12). This shows that the Messiah’s ministry didn’t end at His ascension but continued through His body, the church.

The central proclamation of the apostles focuses on Yeshua as both “Prince and Savior” (Acts 5:31), titles that echo messianic prophecies from Daniel 9:25 and Isaiah 53:12. The expression “hanging him on a tree” (Acts 5:30) deliberately connects to Deuteronomy 21:23, showing how Yeshua’s death fulfilled and transformed the curse of the Law into a means of blessing.

Acts 5 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical themes and events:

  • The sudden death of Ananias and Sapphira echoes the judgment of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) and Achan (Joshua 7), demonstrating God’s consistent concern for holiness in His community.
  • The apostles’ imprisonment and miraculous release parallels Peter’s later deliverance (Acts 12) and Paul’s various imprisonments, establishing a pattern of divine intervention in persecution.
  • The high priest’s opposition mirrors the resistance to Jeremiah (Jeremiah 26) and other prophets, showing the consistent pattern of religious authority opposing God’s messengers.
  • Gamaliel’s counsel reflects Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain,” emphasizing divine sovereignty in establishing His kingdom.

Acts 5 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and our response to God’s holiness. The account of Ananias and Sapphira reminds us that God sees beyond our carefully crafted religious appearances to the true condition of our hearts. In our age of carefully curated social media presence and personal branding, their story calls us to radical honesty before God and others.

The apostles’ bold witness despite persecution encourages us to maintain our testimony even under pressure. Their declaration “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) provides a timeless principle for navigating conflicts between divine and human authority.

Consider: Where might you be tempted to maintain appearances rather than walk in complete truthfulness? How can you cultivate the same holy boldness that characterized the early believers? Remember, the same Holy Spirit who empowered them dwells in every believer today.

Did You Know

  • The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira occurred during the festival of Shavuot season, according to early church traditions, highlighting its connection to the giving of the Torah at Sinai where divine judgment also demonstrated God’s holiness.
  • Solomon’s Portico, where the apostles regularly taught, was believed to be the only surviving structure from Solomon’s original temple, making it a powerful symbolic location for teaching about the Messiah’s fulfillment of ancient promises.
  • The name “Sapphira” comes from the Hebrew word for sapphire (ספיר), ironically meaning “beautiful” or “precious stone,” contrasting with her deceptive actions.
  • Gamaliel, who advised patience regarding the apostles, was the grandson of the great Rabbi Hillel and later teacher of Paul (Acts 22:3).
  • The phrase “early in the morning” (Acts 5:21) refers to dawn, the time when the morning sacrifice was offered in the Temple, showing how the apostles’ ministry aligned with Jewish worship patterns.
  • The description of Peter’s shadow healing people is unique in Scripture and surpasses even Yeshua’s recorded miracles, fulfilling His promise about greater works.
  • The high priest’s questioning in Acts 5:28 reveals their fear of blood guilt, echoing the crowd’s earlier claim in Matthew 27:25.
  • Archaeological evidence confirms that people in the ancient world commonly sought healing by positioning themselves in the shadow of those believed to have healing powers, providing historical context for the account in Acts 5:15.

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Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

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