Peter Kills 2 People

Acts 5:1–11

Summary

• The early Jerusalem church practiced communal sharing—believers sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles to distribute (Acts 4:32–37).

• Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land but secretly kept part of the money for themselves while pretending to give the full amount.

• Peter confronts Ananias, accusing him of lying not to humans but to God/the Holy Spirit. Upon hearing Peter’s words, Ananias falls down dead.

• Three hours later, Sapphira arrives, unaware of her husband’s death. Peter questions her, and when she confirms the false amount, he tells her she will suffer the same fate. She also falls dead at his feet.

• Great fear spreads among the church and all who hear of it.

[1]But a man named Anani'as with his wife Sapphi'ra sold a piece of property, [2] and with his wife's knowledge he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet. [3] But Peter said, "Anani'as, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? [4] While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God." [5] When Anani'as heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. [6] The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. [7] After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much." [9] But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Hark, the feet of those that have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." [10] Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. [11] And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things.