Acts 5:11

KJV

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} great {G3173} fear {G5401} came {G1096} upon {G1909} all {G3650} the church {G1577}, and {G2532} upon {G1909} as many as {G3956} heard {G191} these things {G5023}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As a result of this, great fear came over the whole Messianic community, and indeed over everyone who heard about it.

Berean Standard Bible

And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events.

American Standard Version

And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 5:11 captures the profound and immediate aftermath of God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, describing a pervasive sense of awe and reverence that settled upon the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem and all who witnessed or heard of the events. This pivotal moment solidified the spiritual integrity and divine authority within the early church, underscoring the seriousness of hypocrisy and the holiness of God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate conclusion to the dramatic narrative of Ananias and Sapphira in [Acts 5:1-10](/acts/5-1-10 "Acts 5:1-10 - Ananias and Sapphira's Deception and Judgment"). Prior to this, the book of Acts has highlighted the remarkable unity, generosity, and spiritual power of the early believers, particularly in [Acts 4:32-37](/acts/4-32-37 "Acts 4:32-37 - The Early Church's Unity and Generosity"), where communal sharing was a hallmark. Ananias and Sapphira's deception, therefore, was not merely a financial transgression but a direct assault on the Spirit-empowered integrity and communal purity that characterized the early church. The severity of the divine judgment, resulting in their immediate deaths, underscores the absolute seriousness with which God viewed this sin, and Acts 5:11 then records the widespread and appropriate response to such a demonstration of divine holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Jerusalem was a rapidly growing movement, still deeply rooted in Jewish traditions but increasingly distinct due to its belief in Jesus as the Messiah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The events described in Acts occurred within a society where religious authority and communal solidarity were highly valued. The Temple in Jerusalem remained a central point of worship, and the apostles frequently taught there, as mentioned in [Acts 5:12](/acts/5-12 "Acts 5:12 - Many Signs and Wonders"). The concept of divine judgment for sacrilege or deception was not alien to the Jewish people, drawing parallels to Old Testament accounts like Nadab and Abihu in [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1-2 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire"). This incident, therefore, would have resonated deeply with the cultural understanding of God's holiness and the consequences of violating sacred trust, reinforcing the unique and holy nature of this new community.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 5:11 powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **holiness and purity of God**, demonstrating His active presence and intolerance for hypocrisy within His church. This divine discipline was crucial for preserving the integrity of the nascent community, ensuring that its rapid growth was accompanied by spiritual authenticity. Secondly, the "great fear" signifies the **fear of the Lord**, which is consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and true reverence ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This was not merely terror, but a profound awe that acknowledged God's sovereign power and justice. Thirdly, the incident underscores the **authority and active work of the Holy Spirit** in the church, as it was through Peter's Spirit-discerned revelation that the deception was exposed ([Acts 5:3-4](/acts/5-3-4 "Acts 5:3-4 - Peter's Confrontation of Ananias")). Finally, it emphasizes the **importance of truthfulness and integrity** within the Christian community, setting a clear precedent for the ethical standards expected of believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Greek, _phóbos'_):** (G5401) This word, while often translated as "fright" or "terror," carries a deeper theological meaning in this context. It describes an alarm or dread, but specifically, it denotes a profound reverence and awe in the presence of the divine. This "fear" is not merely a cowering terror but a healthy, respectful acknowledgment of God's immense power, justice, and holiness. It is the appropriate response to a demonstration of divine judgment, leading to humility and a desire for obedience.
* **came (Greek, _gínomai'_):** (G1096) This verb signifies "to come into being," "to happen," or "to become." In Acts 5:11, it indicates that the great fear was not merely an emotional reaction but an event or state that actively "came upon" or "occurred to" the church and those who heard. It implies a divinely orchestrated or permitted occurrence, highlighting the direct and undeniable impact of God's action. The fear was a tangible, pervasive reality that settled upon the community.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** (G1577) Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically in this context, a religious congregation. It denotes the summoned assembly of believers, the nascent Christian community. This is one of the earliest occurrences of "church" in Acts, signifying the collective body of those who had responded to the gospel and were united in Christ. The fact that "great fear" came upon "all the church" emphasizes the corporate impact and the shared understanding of God's holiness within this newly formed spiritual family.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And great fear came upon all the church":** This clause describes the immediate and profound spiritual and emotional impact of Ananias and Sapphira's judgment. The "great fear" (G3173 *mégas* + G5401 *phóbos*) was not limited to a few individuals but pervaded the entire community of believers (G3650 *hólos* + G1577 *ekklēsía*). This fear was a reverential awe, a recognition of God's active presence and His intolerance for sin within His people, fostering a deep sense of humility and holiness.
* **"and upon as many as heard these things":** This second clause expands the scope of the impact beyond just the immediate members of the church. "As many as heard" (G3956 *pâs* + G191 *akoúō*) refers to those outside the immediate believing community who became aware of the incident. This indicates that the event had a broad public impact, serving as a powerful testimony to God's power and the seriousness of the Christian faith, potentially deterring false converts while drawing genuine seekers.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is suggested by the phrase "great fear came upon all the church," indicating an overwhelming and pervasive emotion that affected everyone deeply, rather than a literal, measurable quantity. This emphasizes the profound impact of the divine judgment. The narrative also demonstrates clear **Cause and Effect**: the divine judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (the cause) directly led to the "great fear" (the effect) among believers and onlookers. This highlights God's direct intervention and its immediate, tangible consequences. Furthermore, the "fear" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely terror but a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's holiness and power. It symbolizes the appropriate human response to a direct encounter with divine justice, establishing a standard of integrity and truthfulness for the early Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 5:11 profoundly illustrates the early church's understanding of divine holiness and the necessity of spiritual purity within the community of faith. The severity of God's judgment on Ananias and Sapphira, and the subsequent "great fear," served as a foundational lesson that God takes sin, especially hypocrisy and deceit, seriously within His covenant people. This event established a precedent for the church's integrity and demonstrated that God was actively purifying His new covenant community. It underscores the biblical principle that a proper "fear of the Lord" is essential for spiritual health, fostering genuine reverence, humility, and obedience, rather than a superficial or self-serving faith. This incident ensured that the church's growth was built on a foundation of truth and authenticity, not mere numbers.

* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins with the Household of God")
* [Hebrews 12:28-29](/hebrews/12-28-29 "Hebrews 12:28-29 - A Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 5:11 continues to speak powerfully to believers today, reminding us that God's holiness and His expectation of integrity within His church remain unchanged. While dramatic, immediate judgments like that of Ananias and Sapphira are not the typical mode of divine discipline in the New Covenant era, the underlying principles are eternally relevant. This verse calls us to cultivate a genuine "fear of the Lord"—not a cowering terror, but a profound, reverential awe that shapes our attitudes, actions, and motivations. It challenges us to examine our hearts for hypocrisy, deceit, or any attempt to present a false image of devotion. For the church collectively, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining spiritual purity, upholding truth, and fostering an environment where authenticity and accountability are valued. Our worship, service, and fellowship should be marked by a deep respect for God's presence and a sincere commitment to living lives worthy of the gospel, ensuring that we do not grieve the Holy Spirit or bring dishonor to Christ's name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "great fear" described in Acts 5:11 differ from mere terror, and why is this distinction important for our understanding of God?**
* **In what ways might hypocrisy or a lack of integrity manifest within the church today, and how can we, as individuals and as a community, guard against them?**
* **What does it mean for us to have a "reverential fear of the Lord" in our daily lives, and how can we cultivate this attitude?**
* **How should the church balance grace and truth in addressing sin within its midst, learning from the severity of this early incident?**

### FAQ

**Why was the punishment for Ananias and Sapphira so severe?**

Answer: The severity of the punishment for Ananias and Sapphira, resulting in their immediate deaths, underscores several critical points for the nascent church. Firstly, their sin was not merely financial dishonesty but a direct lie to the Holy Spirit, as Peter states in [Acts 5:3-4](/acts/5-3-4 "Acts 5:3-4 - Peter's Confrontation of Ananias"). This was an affront to God Himself, who was actively present and working within the community. Secondly, it occurred at a foundational moment for the early church. God was establishing the standards for His new covenant people, and maintaining purity and integrity was paramount to its spiritual health and credibility. A lesser punishment might have allowed hypocrisy to fester and corrupt the community from within. This dramatic act served as a powerful deterrent and a clear declaration of God's holiness, setting a precedent for the church's moral and spiritual integrity from its very beginning.

**What does "fear" mean in this context, and how does it apply to Christians today?**

Answer: The "great fear" (Greek: *phóbos*) in Acts 5:11 is not primarily a cowering terror but a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's power, justice, and holiness. It is the "fear of the Lord" that the Old Testament often describes as the "beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). For Christians today, this means recognizing God's absolute sovereignty and His intolerance for sin, even as we revel in His grace. It fosters humility, prompts obedience, and encourages a sincere pursuit of holiness. It is a fear that leads to worship and trust, not paralyzing dread. While we live under grace, the principle that God is holy and desires truth in His people remains, prompting us to live lives that honor Him in all things, as encouraged in [2 Corinthians 7:1](/2_corinthians/7-1 "2 Corinthians 7:1 - Perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 5:11, though depicting a moment of severe judgment in the early church, ultimately points to the profound holiness of God, a holiness perfectly embodied and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The "great fear" that came upon the church was a response to a demonstration of God's unyielding standard of truth and purity, a standard that humanity could never perfectly meet on its own. It is precisely because of this divine holiness and humanity's failure to uphold it that the atoning work of Christ becomes so crucial. Jesus, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of God's law, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to cleanse His people from sin and reconcile them to a holy God. The fear of the Lord, which in the Old Testament often led to ritual purity and legal obedience, is transformed in the New Covenant into a reverential awe that stems from understanding the immense cost of our redemption through Christ's blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with the Precious Blood of Christ")). Through Christ, believers are not subject to the immediate, physical judgment for sin, but are called to live in the light of His truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to reflect His purity and integrity ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Put on the New Self")). Thus, the fear of the Lord in Acts 5:11, while demonstrating God's justice, ultimately highlights the glorious grace found in Christ, who enables His church to stand holy and blameless before Him ([Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 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.

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Acts 19:17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Hebrews 4:1

¶ Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left [us] of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Philippians 2:12

¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Psalms 89:7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.