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Book of Acts - Chapter 5 - Verse 1

5:1
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Meaning

In this verse, we are introduced to a couple named Ananias and Sapphira who sold a possession. This story is found in the Book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible and is often considered a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and hypocrisy. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but decided to keep a portion of the proceeds for themselves while pretending to give the full amount to the church. When Peter confronted Ananias about his deception, he fell down dead. Later, the same fate befell Sapphira when she also lied about the sale price of the property. This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency, honesty, and integrity in the eyes of God. It also highlights the severity of deceiving not only others but also the Lord himself. The tragic outcome of Ananias and Sapphira's actions reinforces the biblical principle that God sees and knows the truth, and that dishonesty will not go unpunished.

Theological Overview

The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 has sparked much theological interpretation and discussion. This particular verse introduces us to this couple who had sold a possession but decided to keep back part of the proceeds for themselves while presenting the rest to the apostles. The consequences of their deceit were severe, as both Ananias and Sapphira ended up dead after lying to the Holy Spirit. This passage is often used to illustrate the importance of honesty and integrity in the church. Some theologians suggest that their sin was not just lying about the amount of money but also a failure to trust in God's provision and a desire for personal recognition. Word studies on 'possession' may reveal deeper meanings related to greed, materialism, or the love of money. Overall, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of genuine faith in the Christian life.

American Standard Version

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