Acts 5:2

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.

Study Bible

With his wife’s full knowledge
This phrase indicates a deliberate and premeditated act of deception involving both Ananias and Sapphira. The Greek word for "knowledge" here is "γνῶσις" (gnōsis), which implies an awareness or understanding. In the context of early Christian community life, this shared knowledge underscores the gravity of their sin, as it was not a momentary lapse but a conscious decision to deceive the apostles and, by extension, the Holy Spirit. Historically, this reflects the communal living and sharing of resources among the early Christians, as seen in Acts 4:32-37, where believers were of "one heart and soul."

he kept back
The Greek word used here is "νοσφίζω" (nosphizō), meaning to misappropriate or embezzle. This term is significant because it implies a breach of trust and integrity. In the context of the early church, where believers were expected to be transparent and honest in their dealings, this act of keeping back part of the proceeds was a serious offense. It highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in the Christian community, as well as the expectation of full commitment to the communal life.

some of the proceeds for himself
This phrase indicates that Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property and decided to withhold a portion of the money for personal use. The act of selling property and donating the proceeds was a voluntary act of generosity, as seen in the example of Barnabas in Acts 4:36-37. However, by pretending to donate the entire amount while secretly keeping some back, Ananias and Sapphira were not only lying to the apostles but also to God. This act of deceit is a stark reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincerity in one's relationship with God.

but brought a portion
The contrast introduced by "but" highlights the duplicity of Ananias and Sapphira's actions. They brought only a portion of the proceeds, yet presented it as if it were the whole amount. This act of partial giving, while pretending it to be complete, is a form of deception that undermines the trust and unity within the Christian community. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and honesty in one's dealings with others, especially within the body of Christ.

and laid it at the apostles’ feet
This phrase reflects the practice of the early church, where believers would lay their contributions at the apostles' feet as a sign of submission and trust in their leadership. The act of laying the money at the apostles' feet symbolizes the surrender of personal wealth for the common good and the support of the community. However, in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, this outward act of submission was marred by their inward deceit, highlighting the disconnect between their actions and their hearts. It serves as a powerful reminder that God desires truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that outward acts of piety must be matched by inward sincerity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ananias
A member of the early Christian community who, along with his wife, attempted to deceive the apostles by withholding part of the proceeds from the sale of their property.

2. Sapphira
The wife of Ananias, who was complicit in the deception and fully aware of the plan to keep back some of the money.

3. Apostles
The leaders of the early church in Jerusalem, responsible for distributing resources among the believers and maintaining the integrity of the community.

4. Jerusalem
The city where the early church was growing and where this event took place, serving as the center of early Christian activity.

5. The Early Church
The community of believers in Jesus Christ who shared their resources and lived in unity, as described in the preceding chapters of Acts.

Teaching Points

Integrity in Stewardship
Believers are called to be honest and transparent in their dealings, especially concerning resources entrusted to them by God.

The Consequences of Deception
Deceit not only affects the individual but can also have repercussions for the entire community of faith.

The Role of Accountability
The early church's structure included accountability to one another and to God, a principle that remains vital for the health of the church today.

The Heart of Giving
God values the heart and intention behind our giving more than the amount; giving should be done with sincerity and generosity.

Fear of the Lord
This passage underscores the importance of a reverent fear of God, recognizing His holiness and the seriousness of sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Ananias and Sapphira challenge us to examine our own integrity in financial matters and other areas of life?

2. In what ways can the church today ensure accountability among its members, similar to the early church's approach?

3. How does the account of Achan in Joshua 7 parallel the events in Acts 5, and what lessons can we learn from both accounts?

4. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to deceive or withhold truth. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of generosity and sincerity in our giving, ensuring that our motives align with God's desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 4:32-37
Provides context for the communal living and sharing of resources among the early believers, highlighting the contrast between the generosity of Barnabas and the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan, who similarly kept back part of the devoted things, leading to consequences for himself and the community, illustrating the seriousness of deceit before God.

Proverbs 12:22
Speaks to the Lord's detestation of lying lips, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in the life of a believer.