Acts 5:3

Translations

Modern

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?

Traditional

But 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?

Literal

But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the proceeds of the land?

Latin

Dixit autem Petrus: Anania, cur tentavit Satanas cor tuum, mentiri te Spiritui Sancto, et fraudare de pretio agri?

Original

Greek

English

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?

Notes

Acts 5:3–4

By lying about the sale of their land, Ananias was not just being dishonest towards others but also toward the Holy Spirit. This means he was lying to God. His actions harmed the honesty, unity, and integrity of the church at its foundation. As a result, he experienced God's direct judgment (compare Leviticus 10:1–5; Joshua 7:16–26).

Acts 5:1–11

Luke likes to balance a positive example with a negative one. He just shared the remarkable and positive story of Barnabas (4:36–37). Now, Luke shows the opposite behavior of Ananias and Sapphira. This couple desired to earn status in the community and for others to admire them. Ananias did not have to sell his property or give away the money. Their sin was pretending and dishonesty.

Theme notes and profiles

Simon Peter Clean, Unclean, and Holy Jesus and Satan Overcoming the Devil Remove the Evil The Plagues

Events

Ananias and Sapphira lie to Godc. AD 30

Related verses

Jeremiah 23:24
“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD.
Isaiah 29:15
Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
John 13:2
The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Acts 5:9
“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.”
John 13:27
And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Job 22:13
Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness?
Ecclesiastes 5:4
When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow.
Ephesians 6:11–16
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Acts 5:4
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!”
Psalm 94:7–9
They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.”

People

Ananias: Husband of Sapphira, lied about offering proceeds Peter: Apostle of Jesus, leader in the early church Satan: The adversary, the devil, the tempter of humanity

Glossary

Ananias Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Covet, Covetousness Mourning Peter, the Apostle Satan

Topics

Ananias: A Covetous Member of Church at Jerusalem--Falsehood and Death of Communism: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Ananias Death of the Wicked Falsehood: Ananias and Sapphira Falsely State That They had Sold Their Land for a Given Sum Heart: The Unregenerate is Diabolical Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Holy Spirit: Sin Against Hypocrisy: Ananias and Sapphira Hypocrites: Ananias Judgments: Upon Individuals - Exemplified: Ananias Land: Bought and Sold Lying: The Devil Excites Men To Offenses Against the Holy Spirit: Exhibited in Lying to Him Peter: Foretells the Death of Ananias and Sapphira Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Sapphira: Falsehood and Death of Satan: The Prince: Satan Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Devil: The Wicked: Possessed By The Holy Spirit: is God: As Called God The Trinity: Divine Titles Applied to the Three Persons In Titles and Names of the Holy Spirit: God Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Women: Sapphira, in Her Blasphemous Falsehood

Acts 5:3

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