New Testament
Acts 5:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and gave up the ghost, and great fear came upon everyone who heard about it.
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And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
What Acts 5:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Ananias faced the consequences of his actions. He had lied about his contribution, trying to deceive the community and God. When he heard the words of Peter, he fell down dead. This shocking event sent ripples of fear through everyone present. They realized the seriousness of honesty and integrity in their community. It was a powerful reminder that actions have consequences, especially when it comes to trust and truth. The fear that gripped the people was not just about Ananias' death, but also about the weight of their own choices. They understood that their relationship with God required sincerity and transparency. This incident marked a pivotal moment in the early church, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the need for genuine faith. Ananias' story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deceit and the value of living authentically in a community of believers. It challenges us to reflect on our own honesty and integrity in our relationships.
How to apply Acts 5:5 to your life
This passage encourages us to examine our own honesty in our relationships. Are we being truthful with ourselves and others? It reminds us that our actions can have significant consequences, and living authentically fosters trust and connection. Let's strive to be transparent in our dealings with others, reflecting our true selves with integrity and sincerity. We can build stronger communities through honesty and accountability.
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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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.
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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 5:5
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Related topics
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 5:5 mean?
Acts 5:5 describes the moment when Ananias fell dead after lying about his financial contribution to the church. This event highlights the seriousness of dishonesty and the consequences of trying to deceive both God and the community.
What is the significance of Ananias' death in Acts 5:5?
Ananias' death serves as a stark warning about the importance of honesty and integrity within the early church. It emphasizes that deceit can lead to severe consequences, impacting not just the individual but the entire community.
What lesson can we learn from Acts 5:5?
From Acts 5:5, we learn the importance of being truthful and transparent in our dealings. The fear that gripped the community reminds us that our actions have consequences, and honesty is crucial for building trust.
How does Acts 5:5 relate to community and faith?
Acts 5:5 highlights the impact of individual actions on the community's faith. Ananias' deceit not only led to his downfall but also instilled a sense of fear and seriousness about integrity among the believers.
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