Acts 5:8
"Tell me," said Peter, "is this the price you and your husband got for the land?" "Yes," she answered, "that is the price."
Tell me
The phrase "Tell me" is a direct command from Peter, indicating the authority he holds as an apostle. In the Greek, the word used is "eipe," which is an imperative form of "lego," meaning to speak or say. This command reflects the seriousness of the situation and Peter's role as a leader in the early church. It underscores the importance of truthfulness and transparency within the Christian community, as Peter seeks to uncover the truth about the actions of Ananias and Sapphira.

said Peter
Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, is the speaker here. His leadership is evident throughout the Book of Acts as he guides the early church. Historically, Peter's role is significant as he is often seen as the rock upon which the church is built (Matthew 16:18). His involvement in this narrative highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for integrity among believers.

is this the price
The question "is this the price" refers to the amount of money received from the sale of the land. The Greek word for "price" is "timē," which can also mean honor or value. This dual meaning emphasizes the moral and ethical implications of the transaction. The question is not just about the monetary value but also about the honesty and integrity of the individuals involved.

you and your husband got for the land?
This phrase highlights the joint responsibility of Sapphira and her husband, Ananias, in the deceit. The Greek word for "got" is "apodidōmi," meaning to give back or return, indicating the transaction's completion. The mention of "land" reflects the communal lifestyle of the early Christians, who often sold possessions to support one another (Acts 4:32-35). This context underscores the betrayal of community trust through their deceit.

Yes, she said
Sapphira's response, "Yes," is a confirmation of the lie. The Greek word "nai" is an affirmation, showing her complicity in the deception. Her agreement with the falsehood highlights the theme of personal accountability and the consequences of sin. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of dishonesty and the importance of truth in the Christian life.

that is the price
The phrase "that is the price" is a reiteration of the lie. The Greek structure emphasizes the finality and certainty of her statement. This moment is pivotal as it seals Sapphira's fate, illustrating the severe consequences of lying to the Holy Spirit. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for integrity and the seriousness with which God views deceit within His church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Peter
One of Jesus' apostles and a leading figure in the early Christian church. He is known for his boldness and leadership.

2. Sapphira
The wife of Ananias, who, along with her husband, conspired to deceive the apostles about the sale price of their land.

3. Ananias
Sapphira's husband, who, with her, sold a piece of property and lied about the proceeds.

4. The Early Church
The community of believers in Jerusalem who shared their possessions and lived in unity.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the early church was centered and where this event took place.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Integrity
Integrity is crucial in the Christian life. Ananias and Sapphira's account warns us about the dangers of deceit and hypocrisy.

The Fear of the Lord
This passage reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the importance of fearing God, who knows all things.

Community Accountability
The early church was a community of believers who held each other accountable. We should strive for transparency and honesty within our own faith communities.

Consequences of Sin
Sin has real consequences, both spiritually and within the community. This account serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of dishonesty.

God's Omniscience
God is all-knowing, and nothing can be hidden from Him. This should encourage us to live truthfully and openly before Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the account of Ananias and Sapphira teach us about the importance of honesty in our dealings with others?

2. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily lives, as seen in the early church's reaction to this event?

3. In what ways can we ensure accountability and transparency within our own church communities?

4. How does understanding God's omniscience impact the way we live and make decisions?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a temptation to be dishonest. How can the lessons from Acts 5:8 guide you in similar situations in the future?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 5:1-11
Provides the full context of the account of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the consequences of their deceit.

Proverbs 12:22
Discusses the Lord's disdain for lying lips, which connects to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.

Ephesians 4:25
Encourages believers to put away falsehood and speak truthfully, a principle violated by Ananias and Sapphira.

Colossians 3:9-10
Urges Christians to not lie to one another, emphasizing the new self in Christ.
A Fatal ForgetfulnessW. Clarkson Acts 5:1-10
A Broken VowJ. B. Converse.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraMonday Club SermonsActs 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraH. Thomson, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraW. G. Moorehead, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraG. C. Osgood.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraActs 5:1-11
Ananias and SapphiraT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 5:1-11
Ananias and Sapphira -- Lessons of the NarrativeJ. Dick, A. M.Acts 5:1-11
Dangers Within the Early ChurchJ. Thompson, A. M.Acts 5:1-11
Deception Exposed and PunishedActs 5:1-11
Fraudulent BenevolenceActs 5:1-11
Hypocrites Appear After RevivalsC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 5:1-11
Hypocrites in the ChurchActs 5:1-11
Privileged with the Gospel, But not Improved by ItActs 5:1-11
The Beacon -- AnaniasW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 5:1-11
The Divine Judgment on DuplicityW. H. Davison.Acts 5:1-11
The First SinDean Vaughan.Acts 5:1-11
The First Tare Among the WheatK. Gerok.Acts 5:1-11
The Hardship of HypocrisyH. W. Beecher.Acts 5:1-11
The Sin and the Doom of Ananias and SapphiraT. Binney.Acts 5:1-11
The Sin of Heart: Untruth and its PunishmentE. Johnson Acts 5:1-11
Death by the Visitation of GodC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 5:7-10
Helpers in Sin Must be Sharers in JudgmentR. Tuck Acts 5:7-10
Plain LanguageH. W. Beecher.Acts 5:7-10
The Perversion of the Marriage BondK. Gerok.Acts 5:7-10
The Sin in the Purpose More than in the ActActs 5:7-10
The Sin of Sapphira Greater than that of AnaniasRieger.Acts 5:7-10
Conspiracy Against GodR.A. Redford Acts 5:7-11
People
Ananias, Gamaliel, Israelites, Judas, Peter, Sapphira, Solomon, Theudas
Places
Jerusalem, Solomon's Portico
Topics
Amount, Ananias, Estate, Got, Money, Peter, Price, Questioned, Replied, Responded, Sold, Whether, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 5:1-9

     4125   Satan, agents of
     5476   property

Acts 5:1-10

     1020   God, all-knowing
     8269   holiness, separation from worldly
     8715   dishonesty, and God

Acts 5:1-11

     5707   male and female
     6125   condemnation, divine
     8444   honouring God
     8706   apostasy, warnings

Acts 5:3-9

     4122   Satan, tempter

Acts 5:3-10

     1310   God, as judge
     6134   coveting, prohibition

Acts 5:7-9

     7709   apostles, authority

Library
December 28. "The Holy Ghost, whom God Hath Given to them that Obey Him" (Acts v. 32).
"The Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him" (Acts v. 32). We can only know and prove the fulness of the Spirit as we step out into the larger purposes and plans of Christ for the world. Perhaps the chief reason why the Holy Spirit has been so limited in His work in the hearts of Christians, is the shameful neglect of the unsaved and unevangelized world by the great majority of the professed followers of Christ. There are millions of professing Christians--and, perhaps, real Christians--in
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Our Captain
'Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince.' --ACTS v. 31. The word rendered 'Prince' is a rather infrequent designation of our Lord in Scripture. It is only employed in all four times--twice in Peter's earlier sermons recorded in this Book of the Acts; and twice in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In a former discourse of the Apostle's he had spoken of the crime of the Jews in killing 'the Prince of life.' Here he uses the word without any appended epithet. In the Epistle to the Hebrews
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Whom to Obey, --Annas or Angel?
'Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 18. And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19. But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 20. Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 21. And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Gamaliel's Counsel
'Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.'--ACTS v. 38, 39. The little that is known of Gamaliel seems to indicate just such a man as would be likely to have given the advice in the text. His was a character which, on its good side and by its admirers, would be described as prudent, wise, cautious and calm, tolerant, opposed to fanaticism
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of all Believers
John 7:37-39 -- "In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive." Nothing has rendered the cross of Christ of less effect; nothing has been a greater stumbling-block and rock of offense to weak minds, that a supposition, now current
George Whitefield—Selected Sermons of George Whitefield

On Zeal
"It is good to be always zealously affected in a good thing." Gal. 4:18. 1. There are few subjects in the whole compass of religion, that are of greater importance than this. For without zeal it is impossible, either to make any considerable progress in religion ourselves, or to do any considerable service to our neighbour, whether in temporal or spiritual things. And yet nothing has done more disservice to religion, or more mischief to mankind, than a sort of zeal which has for several ages prevailed,
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The First Sermon in the Tabernacle
This afternoon I will try to describe the subject, Christ Jesus; then, secondly, to speak for a little while upon its comprehensiveness; then to enlarge upon sundry of its excellencies; and conclude by testing its power. I. First, then, the SUBJECT. They continued both to teach and preach Jesus Christ. To preach Jesus Christ aright we must preach him in his infinite and indisputable Godhead. We may be attacked by philosophers, who will either make him no God at all, or one constituted temporarily
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Of the Recollection of God's Manifold Benefits
Open, O Lord, my heart in Thy law, and teach me to walk in the way of Thy commandments. Grant me to understand Thy will and to be mindful of Thy benefits, both general and special, with great reverence and diligent meditation, that thus I may be able worthily to give Thee thanks. Yet I know and confess that I cannot render Thee due praises for the least of Thy mercies. I am less than the least of all the good things which Thou gavest me; and when I consider Thy majesty, my spirit faileth because
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Reader Reminded How Much He Needs the Assistance of the Spirit of God to Form Him to the Temper Described Above, and what Encouragement He
1. Forward resolutions may prove ineffectual.--2. Yet religion is not to be given up in despair, but Divine grace to be sought.--3. A general view of its reality and necessity, from reason.--4. And Scripture.--5. The spirit to be sought as the spirit of Christ.--6. And in that view the great strength of the soul.--7. The encouragement there is to hope for the communication of it.--8. A concluding exhortation to pray for it. And an humble address to God pursuant to that exhortation. I HAVE now laid
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Whether Fraud Pertains to Craftiness?
Objection 1: It would seem that fraud does not pertain to craftiness. For a man does not deserve praise if he allows himself to be deceived, which is the object of craftiness; and yet a man deserves praise for allowing himself to be defrauded, according to 1 Cor. 6:1, "Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" Therefore fraud does not belong to craftiness. Objection 2: Further, fraud seems to consist in unlawfully taking or receiving external things, for it is written (Acts 5:1) that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Whatever God Does Outside the Natural Order is Miraculous?
Objection 1: It would seem that not everything which God does outside the natural order of things, is miraculous. For the creation of the world, and of souls, and the justification of the unrighteous, are done by God outside the natural order; as not being accomplished by the action of any natural cause. Yet these things are not called miracles. Therefore not everything that God does outside the natural order is a miracle. Objection 2: Further, a miracle is "something difficult, which seldom occurs,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Subjects are Bound to Obey their Superiors in all Things?
Objection 1: It seems that subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. For the Apostle says (Col. 3:20): "Children, obey your parents in all things," and farther on (Col. 3:22): "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh." Therefore in like manner other subjects are bound to obey their superiors in all things. Objection 2: Further, superiors stand between God and their subjects, according to Dt. 5:5, "I was the mediator and stood between the Lord and you at that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Shamefacedness is About a Disgraceful Action?
Objection 1: It would seem that shamefacedness is not about a disgraceful action. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 9) that "shamefacedness is fear of disgrace." Now sometimes those who do nothing wrong suffer ignominy, according to Ps. 67:8, "For thy sake I have borne reproach, shame hath covered my face." Therefore shamefacedness is not properly about a disgraceful action. Objection 2: Further, nothing apparently is disgraceful but what is sinful. Yet man is ashamed of things that are not sins,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Anyone Should be Excommunicated for Inflicting Temporal Harm?
Objection 1: It would seem that no man should be excommunicated for inflicting a temporal harm. For the punishment should not exceed the fault. But the punishment of excommunication is the privation of a spiritual good, which surpasses all temporal goods. Therefore no man should be excommunicated for temporal injuries. Objection 2: Further, we should render to no man evil for evil, according to the precept of the Apostle (Rom. 12:17). But this would be rendering evil for evil, if a man were to be
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Binds a Man in Conscience?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law does not bind man in conscience. For an inferior power has no jurisdiction in a court of higher power. But the power of man, which frames human law, is beneath the Divine power. Therefore human law cannot impose its precept in a Divine court, such as is the court of conscience. Objection 2: Further, the judgment of conscience depends chiefly on the commandments of God. But sometimes God's commandments are made void by human laws, according to Mat. 15:6: "You
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Devil is Directly the Cause of Man's Sinning?
Objection 1: It would seem that the devil is directly the cause of man's sinning. For sin consists directly in an act of the appetite. Now Augustine says (De Trin. iv, 12) that "the devil inspires his friends with evil desires"; and Bede, commenting on Acts 5:3, says that the devil "draws the mind to evil desires"; and Isidore says (De Summo Bono ii, 41; iii, 5) that the devil "fills men's hearts with secret lusts." Therefore the devil is directly the cause of sin. Objection 2: Further, Jerome says
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Praiseworthy to Enter Religion Without Taking Counsel of Many, and Previously Deliberating for a Long Time?
Objection 1: It would not seem praiseworthy to enter religion without taking counsel of many, and previously deliberating for a long time. For it is written (1 Jn. 4:1): "Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits if they be of God." Now sometimes a man's purpose of entering religion is not of God, since it often comes to naught through his leaving the religious life; for it is written (Acts 5:38,39): "If this counsel or this work be of God, you cannot overthrow it." Therefore it would seem that
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Precept of Fraternal Correction Demands that a Private Admonition Should Precede Denunciation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the precept of fraternal correction does not demand that a private admonition should precede denunciation. For, in works of charity, we should above all follow the example of God, according to Eph. 5:1,2: "Be ye followers of God, as most dear children, and walk in love." Now God sometimes punishes a man for a sin, without previously warning him in secret. Therefore it seems that there is no need for a private admonition to precede denunciation. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Wheat and the Tares
'And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.' --ACTS iv. 32. 'And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.'--ACTS v. 11. Once more Luke pauses and gives a general survey of the Church's condition. It comes in appropriately at the end of the account of the triumph over the first assault of civil authority, which assault
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

That the Christian Miracles are not Recited, or Appealed To, by Early Christian Writers Themselves So Fully or Frequently as Might have Been Expected.
I shall consider this objection, first, as it applies to the letters of the apostles preserved in the New Testament; and secondly, as it applies to the remaining writings of other early Christians. The epistles of the apostles are either hortatory or argumentative. So far as they were occupied in delivering lessons of duty, rules of public order, admonitions against certain prevailing corruptions, against vice, or any particular species of it, or in fortifying and encouraging the constancy of the
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ.
When our Lord was talking to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion of the Comforter who after His departure was to come to take His place, He said, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall bear witness of Me: and ye also bear witness, because ye have been with Me from the beginning" (John xv. 26, 27, R. V.), and the Apostle Peter and the other disciples when they were strictly commanded
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

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