Acts 5:1

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

But {G1161} a certain {G5100} man {G435} named {G3686} Ananias {G367}, with {G4862} Sapphira {G4551} his {G846} wife {G1135}, sold {G4453} a possession {G2933},

But there was a man named Hananyah who, with his wife Shappirah, sold some property

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.

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

Context

Acts 5:1 introduces a pivotal and sobering narrative in the early days of the Christian church, immediately following a period of great unity and generosity. Chapters 2 and 4 describe the believers sharing all things in common, with many selling their possessions and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet (e.g., see Acts 4:34-35 for the communal life of the early church). This verse specifically contrasts with the positive example of Barnabas, who sold a field and gave the entire sum to the apostles just prior to this account. Ananias and Sapphira's story serves as a stark warning about sincerity and integrity within the burgeoning Christian community.

Key Themes

  • Introduction of Key Characters: This verse formally introduces Ananias and Sapphira, whose actions will have profound consequences for the early church. Their joint involvement in the act of selling a possession highlights a shared decision and responsibility.
  • The Act of Selling: Like many others in the early Jerusalem church, Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property. This act itself was not inherently wrong or commanded; it was a voluntary demonstration of communal care and devotion, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, which describes the early believers holding all things in common. The problem arises not from the sale, but from the deception that follows, which is revealed in subsequent verses starting with Acts 5:2.
  • Setting the Stage for Judgment: This verse, though seemingly innocuous, lays the groundwork for one of the most severe judgments recorded in the New Testament against members of the church. It underscores the sanctity and seriousness with which God viewed the integrity of His early community.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "possession" here is ktema (κτῆμα), referring to a piece of property or an estate. The KJV's "sold a possession" accurately conveys the meaning of liquidating an asset, typically land or real estate, for monetary gain. The emphasis is not on the legality of the sale, but on the subsequent handling of the proceeds, which forms the core of the narrative in the verses that follow.

Significance and Application

Acts 5:1 begins a narrative that profoundly illustrates God's demand for honesty and integrity within His people, especially in matters pertaining to worship and community life. It highlights that the early church was not merely a social club but a Spirit-filled community where deceit had no place. For believers today, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that our actions, even those performed with seemingly good intentions, are known to God. It encourages transparency and truthfulness in our dealings, especially within the body of Christ, echoing principles found in passages such as Ephesians 4:25, "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour." The story initiated here underscores the seriousness of attempting to deceive God or His representatives, as the Holy Spirit was actively working within the early church.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 10:1

    ¶ And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.

  • Leviticus 10:3

    ¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

  • 2 Timothy 2:20

    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

  • Matthew 13:47

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

  • Matthew 13:48

    Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.

  • John 6:37

    All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

  • Joshua 6:1

    ¶ Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

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