Book of Acts - Chapter 5 - Verse 11

When we read the verse "And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things," we see that the early church was not immune to fear. This fear was not the kind that paralyzes, but rather a reverential fear of God and His power. The context of this verse is important, as it comes after the account of Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit and facing severe consequences. The fear that came upon the church was a natural response to witnessing the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. This fear served as a reminder of the importance of living in obedience and truth before God. It also highlights the power of God to bring about justice and discipline within His church. As readers, we are also reminded of the need to approach God with reverence and awe, understanding the consequences of living in disobedience to His commands.

In this verse, Luke describes the reaction of the early church to the judgment that came upon Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit. The phrase "great fear came upon all the church" indicates a deep reverence and awe for the power and presence of God within the community of believers. The word "fear" in this context can be understood as a combination of fear, respect, and trembling before the holiness of God. This fear served as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the importance of truthfulness and integrity within the body of Christ. The phrase "as many as heard these things" suggests that the impact of this event extended beyond the immediate followers of Jesus to those outside the church, leading to a healthy fear and reverence for God's judgment and authority. This passage emphasizes the importance of living in honesty and integrity before God and others, as well as the need to approach God with reverence and awe in all aspects of our lives.