1
There was another man named Ananias. Together with his wife Sapphira, he sold a piece of land.

2
With his wife’s knowledge he kept back part of the proceeds, and the rest he brought and laid at the apostles’ feet.

3
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and kept 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 not the money still under your control? Why have you planned this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”

5
When he heard these words, Ananias fell down and gave up his life. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.

6
Then some young men came, wrapped the body, carried it out, and buried it.

7
About three hours later his wife came in, but she did not know what had happened.

8
Peter said to her, “Tell me, was this the price you sold the land for?” She answered, “Yes, that is the price.”

9
Peter said, “Why have you two agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have just buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10
At once she fell down at his feet and gave up her life. 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.

12
And through the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. All the believers were continually gathering in Solomon’s Porch in close fellowship.

13
None of the others dared join themselves to them. Yet they were held in high regard by the people.

14
And more and more believers were added to the Lord, both men and women,

15
even to the point that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and mats, so that, when Peter passed by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

16
Crowds also came together from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits. And they were all healed.

17
Then the high priest and his followers, that is, those of the party of the Sadducees, rose up, being filled with jealousy.

18
They arrested the apostles and put them in the city prison.

19
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, saying:

20
“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21
They obeyed that message, and at daybreak they entered the temple and began to teach there. Meanwhile the High Priest and his followers called together the Sanhedrin, that is, the whole council of the elders of Israel, and they sent to have the apostles brought from the prison.

22
But when the officers came to the prison, they did not find the apostles there. Then they returned and reported,

23
saying: “We found the prison securely locked and all the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened it, we found no one inside.”

24
When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were perplexed and wondered what had happened to the apostles.

25
But someone came and told them, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.”

26
Then the captain of the guard and his men went to the temple and brought the two apostles, but not by force, because they were afraid that the people might stone them.

27
They brought them and set them before the Sanhedrin. The High Priest began to question them,

28
saying: “We strictly forbade you to teach in that Name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

29
But Peter and the apostles answered, saying: “We must obey God rather than men.

30
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you hung on a cross and killed.

31
God himself exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.

32
And we are witnesses of these things, we and the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who obey him.”

33
When they heard this, they were deeply angered and intended to kill the apostles.

34
But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law highly respected by all the people, stood up and asked that the men be sent out for a little while.

35
Then he said to the council: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men!”

36
For before these days Theudas arose, claiming to be someone notable, and about four hundred men joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing.

37
After him, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean arose. He drew many people after him in rebellion, but he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

38
So now I say to you: Do not take action against these men. Leave them alone, for if this plan and this work are of men, it will come to nothing;

39
but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow these men; you may even be found fighting against God.” And they accepted his advice.

40
They called the apostles in, and after beating them they forbade them to speak in the name of Jesus. Then they released them.

41
The apostles left the council of the Sanhedrin rejoicing, because they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name of Jesus.

42
And every day they continued teaching in the temple and in the houses of the people, and proclaiming the good news about Jesus, who is the Messiah.

📖 Acts 5 – God’s Firmness & the Power of the Holy Spirit

🧾 Summary of Acts 5

This chapter includes two main parts:

1. The death of Ananias and Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit
2. The power and boldness of the apostles in proclaiming the gospel, though persecuted

1. Ananias and Sapphira Lie (verses 1–11)

• A married couple, Ananias and Sapphira, sold their land.
• However, they kept back part of the money, and pretended to give everything to the apostles.
• Peter rebuked Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit, not only to men.
• Ananias died at once, and later Sapphira also died after repeating the same lie.
• Great fear came upon the whole congregation, because this event showed that God requires holiness and honesty in the body of Christ.

2. Many Miracles and the Growth of the Church (verses 12–16)

• The apostles performed many signs and miracles, especially in Solomon’s Porch.

3. The Arrest and Release of the Apostles (verses 17–32)

• The priests and the Sadducees were moved by jealousy, and then arrested and imprisoned the apostles.
• An angel of the Lord set them free in the night and commanded them to keep on proclaiming the Gospel.
• When the religious leaders summoned them to court, they were astonished that the apostles had returned to the Temple and were teaching!
• Peter said firmly:

“We must obey God rather than men.”
(Acts 5:29)

• Peter again proclaimed Jesus, crucified and raised from the dead, as Savior and Forgiver of sins.

4. Gamaliel’s Counsel & the Release of the Apostles (verses 33–42)

• The religious leaders wanted to kill the apostles, but Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the Law, advised them to be careful.
• He said that if this work was from men, it would fail. But if it was from God, it could not be stopped.
• They flogged the apostles, then released them.
• The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus, and continued teaching every day in the Temple and in the houses.

📘 Main Teaching of Acts 5

1. God values holiness and honesty in His church — lying to the Holy Spirit is very serious.
2. The Holy Spirit is powerful to heal and set many people free.
3. Obedience to God must take precedence over human pressure and prohibitions.
4. Joy in suffering is a sign of a true disciple.
5. The Lord can use anyone (such as Gamaliel) to defend His work, even in the midst of opponents.

✨ Spiritual Meaning of Acts 5

• The early church not only experienced the power of the Lord, but also the clear reality of God’s holiness.
• Spiritual lying (hypocrisy) is a serious danger in the church.
• Suffering for Christ is an honor, not a curse.
• The courage to remain faithful is a sign of a life filled with the Holy Spirit.
• God still protects and defends His people according to His time and His way.