New Testament
Acts 5:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
With his wife's full knowledge, he kept back some of the money for himself. Then he brought the rest and laid it at the apostles' feet.
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And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
What Acts 5:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, we see a man named Ananias who, along with his wife, decided to keep some of the money from a sale of property instead of giving it all to the apostles as they had promised. This act of withholding was done secretly, as his wife was aware of his decision. Ananias brought only part of the money and laid it at the apostles' feet, pretending to be generous. This situation highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in our actions. It serves as a reminder that our choices can have significant consequences, especially when we try to deceive others. The story illustrates how even small acts of dishonesty can lead to larger issues, affecting not just ourselves but also our community. Ultimately, it challenges us to reflect on our own commitments and the importance of being truthful in our dealings with others, especially in matters of faith and community support. Ananias's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the need for transparency in our relationships.
How to apply Acts 5:2 to your life
Consider your own commitments and how you fulfill them. Are there areas where you might be holding back or not being completely honest? Reflect on the importance of transparency in your relationships and strive to be genuine in your actions and intentions. This can strengthen your connections with others and build trust within your community. Be mindful of the impact of your choices on those around you. Stay true to your word.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1–11)
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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.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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Keep studying Acts 5:2
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 5:2 teach about honesty?
Acts 5:2 illustrates the importance of honesty by showing how Ananias, despite his outward appearance of generosity, chose to deceive the apostles by withholding part of the money from the sale of his property. This act of dishonesty not only affected his relationship with the apostles but also had severe consequences for him and his wife. The verse serves as a reminder that integrity in our commitments is crucial, especially in matters of faith and community.
Why did Ananias keep back part of the money?
Ananias kept back part of the money from the sale of his property likely out of greed and a desire to appear more generous than he truly was. By only giving a portion while pretending to donate the full amount, he sought to gain respect and approval from the community without fully committing to his promise. This decision highlights the dangers of prioritizing personal gain over honesty and integrity.
What are the consequences of Ananias's actions?
The consequences of Ananias's actions were severe; he faced immediate judgment for his dishonesty. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of deceit, illustrating that even seemingly small acts of dishonesty can lead to significant fallout. Ananias's choice not only affected his own life but also served as a warning to the early Christian community about the importance of transparency and truthfulness.
How can we apply the lessons from Acts 5:2 today?
We can apply the lessons from Acts 5:2 by reflecting on our own commitments and ensuring we are honest in our dealings with others. This means being transparent about our intentions and fulfilling our promises without holding back. By doing so, we can build trust within our relationships and communities, avoiding the pitfalls of deception and greed that Ananias experienced.
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