New Testament
Acts 5:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now a man named Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.
Compare translations
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
What Acts 5:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we meet Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who decided to sell a piece of land. They were part of a community where sharing and generosity were valued. However, instead of being honest about the sale, they kept part of the money for themselves while pretending to give it all to the community. This act of deceit highlights the importance of integrity and transparency in our actions. Their story serves as a warning about the consequences of dishonesty, especially when it comes to our commitments to others. It reminds us that our choices can impact not just ourselves but also those around us. Ananias and Sapphira's decision to mislead their community ultimately led to serious repercussions, emphasizing that trust is foundational in relationships. Their actions challenge us to reflect on our own honesty and the motivations behind our decisions, urging us to live authentically and with integrity in all aspects of life. This story invites us to consider how we handle our resources and the importance of being truthful in our dealings.
How to apply Acts 5:1 to your life
Consider how you handle your commitments and resources. Are you being honest in your dealings with others? Reflect on the importance of transparency in your relationships. Strive to be authentic and trustworthy in all your interactions, as this builds stronger connections with those around you. Your integrity matters greatly in a community setting, just like Ananias and Sapphira's story illustrates vividly.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 5:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 5:1
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 5:1 mean?
Acts 5:1 introduces Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who sold a piece of property. Their story highlights the dangers of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful in a community that values generosity.
What is the significance of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1?
Ananias and Sapphira's actions serve as a cautionary tale about integrity. They sold their property but lied about the amount they contributed, which ultimately led to serious consequences for their deceit.
What lesson can we learn from Acts 5:1?
Acts 5:1 teaches us the importance of honesty and transparency in our dealings. It reminds us that our choices can affect not only ourselves but also the trust and relationships we have within our community.
How does Acts 5:1 relate to community values?
Acts 5:1 reflects the values of community and generosity, showing how Ananias and Sapphira's dishonesty undermined these principles. Their story highlights the importance of trust and authenticity in building strong relationships.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.