Honesty and Reverence in Acts 5:1-11 Daily Word

Luke introduces Joseph, also known as Barnabas, who was a co-worker of Paul and a companion on his missionary journeys. Barnabas was a Levite from the island of Cyprus. Jewish settlers had established communities on Cyprus around the time of Alexander the Great’s conquests. Joseph received the additional name Barnabas from the apostles. “Barnabas” is a combination of “Bar” and “Nabas” — the Aramaic word naba can carry the meaning of “reconciliation” or “consolation,” while the Hebrew nabi means “to prophesy” or “to exhort.” (Acts 11:23) In this sense, Luke translated Barnabas as “Son of Encouragement.” (4:36)

Barnabas sold a field he owned and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. Placing the money at the apostles’ feet signified placing it under their authority, meaning the apostles were free to use the funds as they saw fit. This demonstrates that Barnabas shared a very close and trusting relationship with the apostles.

However, in contrast to Barnabas, the account beginning in chapter 5, verse 1 presents an entirely opposite picture.

It is a story that seems to bring the early church’s atmosphere of grace to a sudden halt. Ananias and Sapphira, like Barnabas, also sold a piece of property. And like Barnabas, they brought the proceeds and laid them at the apostles’ feet. (v. 2) Yet there is one critical difference from Barnabas: verse 2 reveals that they kept back part of the proceeds for themselves. The word used here for “kept back” is the same verb used in Joshua 7 to describe the incident in which Achan secretly took plunder when Israel captured Jericho.

Peter rebukes Ananias.

The early church practiced the sharing of possessions. However, this was not compulsory — it was entirely voluntary. Therefore, Peter regarded the actions of Ananias and Sapphira as the work of Satan. Because they had lied to the Holy Spirit, they had fallen into Satan’s temptation. In the same way, when Jesus confronted Judas Iscariot, He indicated that Satan had entered into him and led him to betray the Lord. (Luke 22:3)

Peter then rebukes her, asking why she had agreed to put this scheme in her heart. This was something they had planned together beforehand. It was a grave matter because it amounted to lying to the Holy Spirit and deceiving God. For God had called the early church to be a community earnestly devoted to unity.

As a result of this act, Ananias falls down and dies on the spot. The text describes this as his “spirit departing,” an expression also used in Judges chapter 4 to depict the death of Sisera. This signifies that it was a judgment ordained by God. At this, great fear came upon all who heard the news of Ananias’s death. He was carried out as a corpse and buried then and there. (6)

Now, Sapphira, unaware that her husband had died, comes to Peter three hours later. How was it that she was not informed of the burial before it took place? It was because Ananias had died as a sinner under the judgment of God. A death by divine judgment warranted no mourning or expression of sympathy. Therefore, Ananias was not buried in a family tomb, but in a common burial ground in the Kidron Valley outside the walls of Jerusalem.¹Oxford Commentary, Acts 1–7, p. 411.

Peter rebukes Sapphira as well.

Peter confronts Sapphira, who does not yet know that her husband has died. [8] And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” (Acts 5:8, ESV) She answers, “Yes, that was the price.” Sapphira, just like her husband, is deceiving God. So Peter declares: [9] But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” (Acts 5:9, ESV) Even as she hears Peter’s rebuke and the words about those who have just buried her husband, Sapphira is struck with shock — and at that very moment her spirit departs and she dies.

Verse 10 records that she fell down at Peter’s feet and breathed her last. They had sold their property, secretly kept back a portion, and laid the rest at the apostles’ feet. Yet now, before Peter’s feet, they have laid down the entirety of their lives.

Reflecting on this outcome, we come to understand what Ananias and Sapphira did wrong. The church is not like a gathering of the world. Today’s passage makes it clear that what they deceived was not merely people — it was God and the Holy Spirit they lied to, and it was the Spirit of the Lord they put to the test. Ananias and Sapphira deceived God in order to display themselves before others. In truth, the object of our devotion is not the church, but God. Therefore, we must remember that true devotion is not simply an act performed within the church, but a wholehearted ‘righteousness’ offered up to God.