Acts of the Apostles - Chapter 5

Acts of the Apostles 5.1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, Acts of the Apostles 5.2 And 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.3 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? Acts of the Apostles 5.4 Whiles 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. Acts of the Apostles 5.6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. Acts of the Apostles 5.7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. Acts of the Apostles 5.8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. Acts of the Apostles 5.9 Then 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.10 Then 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. Acts of the Apostles 5.12 And 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. Acts of the Apostles 5.14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Acts of the Apostles 5.15 Insomuch 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.16 There 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.17 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, Acts of the Apostles 5.18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. Acts of the Apostles 5.19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Acts of the Apostles 5.20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. Acts of the Apostles 5.21 And 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, Acts of the Apostles 5.23 Saying, 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.24 Now 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.25 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Acts of the Apostles 5.26 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. Acts of the Apostles 5.27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Acts of the Apostles 5.28 Saying, 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts of the Apostles 5.30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Acts of the Apostles 5.31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts of the Apostles 5.32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts of the Apostles 5.33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. Acts of the Apostles 5.34 Then 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; Acts of the Apostles 5.35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Acts of the Apostles 5.36 For 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.37 After 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.38 And 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: Acts of the Apostles 5.39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Acts of the Apostles 5.40 And 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. Acts of the Apostles 5.41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Acts of the Apostles 5.42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts of the Apostles : Chapter 5

Reflections on Acts Chapter 5

Chapter 5 of the Book of Acts addresses the grave sin of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting God's treatment of hypocrisy within the early church. This powerful account illustrates the divine judgment that falls on this lying couple, creating deep fear within the believing community.

Miracles and Persecutions

This chapter does not limit itself to condemning hypocrisy; it also testifies to the miracles performed by the apostles, the increasing persecution they endured, and the divine intervention that freed them from these trials. Acts 5 underscores the holiness of the Church and reminds us that opposition is an inevitable reality that believers must face.

Five Enlightening Bible Passages

To better understand the crucial principles of this dramatic chapter, let's consider five biblical passages that extend its message.

Joshua 7:1

"But the Israelites dealt treacherously with the holy things. Achan [...] took possession of certain holy things. Therefore, the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel." » This verse echoes the sin of Ananias and Sapphira, reminding us that deceiving God has serious consequences.

2 Kings 5:25-27

“Gehazi replied, ‘Your servant has not gone anywhere.’ But Elisha said to him, [...] ‘It was not the time to accept money or clothing [...] Therefore, Naaman’s leprosy will affect you and your descendants forever.’” » The judgment pronounced on Ananias and Sapphira mirrors Gehazi's rebuke, emphasizing the seriousness of the lie.

Psalms 34:7

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him and delivers them. » The miraculous release of the apostles from prison, recorded in Acts 5:19, is a beautiful illustration of this divine promise.

Proverbs 29:1

"He who persists in error after many reproofs will be destroyed without warning and irreparably. » This proverb echoes Gamaliel's warning in Acts 5:38-39, calling us to reflect on the importance of listening to divine wisdom.

Daniel 6:10

"When Daniel heard that the decree had been issued, he went home to his room upstairs, where the windows overlooked Jerusalem. Three times a day, he knelt down and prayed, giving thanks to his God, as he usually did. » The apostles' persistence in preaching, even in the face of threats (Acts 5:42), recalls Daniel's exemplary faithfulness in prayer.

As we meditate on this chapter of Acts, we are called to remain vigilant in the face of hypocrisy, to embrace the holiness of our faith, and to persevere in the truth, even in the midst of opposition.