Acts 5:2

Acts 5:2

Lying to the Holy Spirit

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 ^aBut Peter said, “Ananias, why has ^bSatan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, ^afell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

6 And the young men arose and ^awrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together ^ato test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

10 ^aThen immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

11 ^aSo great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Continuing Power in the Church

12 And ^athrough the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. ^bAnd they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch.

13 Yet ^anone of the rest dared join them, ^bbut the people esteemed them highly.

Commentaries:

People's Commentary (NT)

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Acts 5:3 >>

Acts 5:2 Kept back [part] of the price. Like many others, of their own accord they sold a possession for the benefit of the church. They were not compelled to sell it, or when sold to give the money, or to give all. Their sin was not withholding a part, but lying about it. (1) They gave from the wrong motives, not for the Lord, but for human praise. (2) There was hypocrisy and falsehood. His wife also being privy [to it]. Hence equally guilty. There was a guilty conspiracy between them. Brought a certain part. Pretending it was all. His was a deliberate, public lie.

**Other People's Commentary (NT) entries containing Acts 5:2:**

Acts 5:2

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