Acts 5:3
Verse
Context
Ananias and Sapphira
2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?4Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Why hath Satan filled thine heart - The verb πληροειν, which we translate to fill, Kypke has showed by many examples to signify, to instigate, excite, impel, etc., and it was a common belief, as well among the heathens as among the Jews and Christians, that, when a man did evil, he was excited to it by the influence and malice of an evil spirit. It is strange that, by the general consent of mankind, sin against God has been ever considered so perfectly unnatural, and so evil in itself, that no man would commit it unless impelled to it by the agency of the devil. The words of St. Peter here prove that such an agency is not fictitious: if there had been no devil, as some wish and perhaps feel it their interest to believe, or if this devil had no influence on the souls of men, Peter, under the agency of the Holy Spirit, would not have expressed himself in this way; for, if the thing were not so, it would have been the most direct means to lead the disciples to form false opinions, or to confirm them in old and absurd prejudices. To lie to the Holy Ghost - Ψευσασθαι το Πνευμα το Ἁγιον, To deceive the Holy Spirit. Every lie is told with the intention to deceive; and they wished to deceive the apostles, and, in effect, that Holy Spirit under whose influence they professed to act. Lying against the Holy Ghost is in the next verse said to be lying against God; therefore the Holy Ghost is God. To keep back part of the price - Νοσφισασθαι απο της τιμης. The verb νοσφιζειν, νοσφιζεσθαι, is used by the Greek writers to signify purloining part of the public money, peculation. The word is used here with great propriety, as the money for which the estate was sold was public property; as it was for this purpose alone that the sale was made.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
why hath Satan filled--"why . . . fill--"why hast thou suffered him to fill" thine heart--so criminally entertaining his suggestion? Compare Act 5:4, "why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?" And see Joh 13:2, Joh 13:27. to lie to the Holy Ghost--to men under His supernatural illumination.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Peter said, Ananias,.... Peter, by divine revelation, or by a spirit of discerning, such as Elisha had, who knew what his servant Gehazi had done, knowing what a reserve Ananias had made, calls him by his name, and says to him, why hath Satan filled thine heart? or emboldened thee, given thee so much spirit and courage to act in such an impudent and audacious manner; so the phrase is used in Est 7:5 see the Septuagint there, and often in Talmudic writings. "Says R. Joshua, I never , "filled my heart"; or my heart never filled me to say to a man, go and take the change of these three things, &c. (d).'' And says another Rabbi (e), "though I say so, , "I never filled my heart", or my heart never filled me to transgress the words of the companions;'' that is, I never durst do so. And again (f), it being observed, that Isaiah should say, "hear, O heavens!" it is said, "who, or what is this, who , "hath filled his heart", or whose heart has filled him to call to the heavens to hear.'' But this instance of Ananias was such, that none but Satan could have put him upon, or emboldened him to have done; who from hence appeared to have the power over him, and to have possessed him, to have great access to him, even to his heart, and great influence upon it, so as to prompt him to lie to the Holy Ghost; who was in the apostles, and by whom they were acted, and to whom he had given a discerning of spirits; so that it was a daring action, and downright madness, to go about to deceive them: or he pretended he had an impulse from the Spirit of God to sell his estate, and give the whole price of it to the apostles, and yet kept back part of it; which was acting contrary to that Spirit he pretended to be influenced by. And to keep back part of the price of the land: that is, he lied against the Holy Ghost, by keeping back part of the price the land was sold for; when he had declared he sold it with this view, to give the whole for charitable uses, and affirmed that what he brought was the whole. (d) T. Hieros. Maaserot, fol. 48. 4. (e) Sabbat, fol. 14. 3. (f) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 160. 1. Vid. Shaare ora, fol. 2. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:3-4 In lying about their property sale, Ananias was not just lying to others but to the Holy Spirit—that is, to God. His actions compromised the transparent sincerity, unity, and integrity of the church at its very foundation, and thus he fell under the direct judgment of God (cp. Lev 10:1-5; Josh 7:16-26).
Acts 5:3
Ananias and Sapphira
2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?4Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Pure Heart - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill26K26:44RepentanceGEN 7:16PSA 51:2PSA 51:10ISA 1:18MAT 6:33ACT 5:31JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping what we sow and warns against committing adultery and other sinful acts. The preacher also shares a story about a woman who stole a swimsuit and the guilt she carried for years until she confessed and sought forgiveness. He emphasizes the need for repentance and forgiveness, both from God and from others. The sermon also touches on the need for a genuine relationship with God and the danger of having a cold or stony heart. The preacher challenges the audience to examine their hearts and consider the state of their relationship with God.
Spiritual Leadership
By Glenn Meldrum64442:17Spiritual LeadershipMAT 6:33ACT 4:24ACT 5:3ACT 6:3ACT 8:1ACT 8:26In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a spiritual leader worth duplicating. He encourages believers to be unashamed to say to others, "Follow me, as I follow Christ." The goal is to be a role model in how we live, walk, pray, talk, and conduct our daily business. The speaker also highlights the need for leaders to accept responsibility, both for their commitments and for receiving praise and criticism in a humble and appropriate manner. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the ministry of the word, drawing inspiration from the example of the early Church and the character of Stephen.
The Cry of the Prophets for Holiness
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Role of the Holy SpiritHolinessPSA 119:75EZK 43:12MAT 16:18LUK 1:35ACT 2:16ACT 5:3ACT 13:27HEB 4:15HEB 9:141PE 1:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent call for holiness as expressed by the prophets, contrasting the old and new dispensations. He highlights how the early church was challenged to move beyond traditional mindsets and embrace the revolutionary work of the Holy Spirit, which requires a deep commitment to holiness. The tragic example of Ananias and Sapphira illustrates the severe consequences of unholiness, as their deceit brought spiritual death and arrested the work of the Spirit. Sparks urges believers to confront their own unholiness and recognize the broader implications of their actions on the community and God's purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a sincere pursuit of holiness, aligning with the nature of Christ, to avoid the peril of spiritual stagnation.
The Indwelling of the Spirit, the Common Privilege of All Believers. (John 7:37-39)
By George Whitefield0JHN 3:5JHN 7:37ACT 5:3ROM 8:9GAL 5:22EPH 1:13PHP 1:61TH 5:19TIT 3:51JN 5:7George Whitefield preaches about the necessity for all believers to receive the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the doctrines of the gospel and the operation of God's Spirit are not limited to the early followers of Jesus but are relevant for all believers in all ages. He highlights the importance of truly believing in Jesus Christ to receive the Holy Spirit, as it is the common privilege and portion of all believers. Whitefield urges the congregation to come to Jesus Christ by faith, emphasizing that salvation is a free gift from God and that through faith in Christ, believers can receive the Holy Spirit and be restored to a relationship with God.
Our Comforter
By James Smith0JHN 16:7ACT 5:3ROM 8:142CO 3:17EPH 5:18James Smith preaches about the essential role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, emphasizing the Spirit's work in convicting of sin, leading to Christ, and transforming the heart. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, and the Spirit of grace, guiding believers into all truth, testifying of Christ, and bringing liberty, joy, and peace. Smith urges believers to seek the fullness of the Spirit, to walk in the Spirit, and to live a life marked by the Spirit's presence, power, and influence.
Pharisees Are Liars and Murderers
By Zac Poonen0PRO 6:16JHN 8:44ACT 5:3EPH 4:25COL 3:9Zac Poonen preaches about the dangers of murder and lying, drawing parallels between the Pharisees' murderous desires and the modern-day tendency to destroy reputations with words. He emphasizes the importance of protecting others' reputations as we would our own family members, urging believers to eliminate 'murderers' from the church. Poonen also highlights how backsliding believers often resort to lying, likening it to giving one's heart to the devil, the father of lies, and stressing the need to hate lying as much as we hate murder.
A Word to the Anxious
By Kenneth MacRae0JOB 1:12ACT 5:3ACT 13:102CO 2:11EPH 6:111TH 3:5HEB 2:14JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 12:10The preacher delves into the concept of 'methodeia,' which refers to the devil's orderly, logical, and effective schemes to deceive and mislead believers. These schemes involve accusations, afflictions, conquests, deceptions, hindrances, murders, perversions, temptations, threats, and more. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being alert, putting on the full armor of God, and standing firm in faith to resist the devil's cunning tactics. Through various biblical examples, the preacher highlights how Satan's schemes are tailored to exploit individual weaknesses and vulnerabilities, urging believers to be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome the enemy.
Trinitarianism or Theology Proper
By Greg Herrick0EXO 3:14MAT 28:19LUK 22:22JHN 1:1JHN 12:23ACT 2:22ACT 5:3ROM 9:19EPH 1:11Greg Herrick delves into Trinitarianism, exploring the study of the triune God, covering rational arguments for God's existence, the attributes and names of God, the trinity, and the plan of God. The sermon discusses various arguments such as the cosmological argument, teleological argument, ontological argument, and the argument from morality, highlighting potential defeaters and counterarguments. It also touches on the attributes of God, the significance of His names, and the doctrine of the trinity, emphasizing the unity of God in three persons. Lastly, it explores the plan of God, distinguishing between His eternal purpose and decrees, and the mystery of human choice within His sovereign will.
Part 4: Amillenniallism From Augustine to Modern Times
By John F. Walvoord0LUK 10:18ACT 5:31CO 5:51CO 7:51CO 15:242CO 12:7REV 20:2John F. Walvoord delves into the significant impact of Augustine on theology, particularly in shaping Catholic and Protestant doctrines. Augustine's contributions to the areas of church doctrine, hamartiology, grace, and predestination, as well as his pivotal role in the early history of amillennialism, are highlighted. The sermon explores Augustine's interpretation of the millennium, his spiritualized approach to Scripture, and the failure of his predictions regarding the second advent. It also examines the development of amillennialism in the Protestant Reformation and modern times, comparing different viewpoints within this theological framework.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
By Dougan Clark0MAT 28:19JHN 3:5JHN 14:16JHN 16:13ACT 5:3ROM 8:261CO 2:101CO 12:11EPH 4:301JN 5:7Dougan Clark preaches about the Holy Spirit as a distinct person within the Trinity, emphasizing His deity, personality, and role in the Godhead. The sermon highlights the Holy Spirit's involvement in inspiring the Bible, guiding the early Church, and working alongside the Father and the Son in the salvation plan. Clark addresses the importance of reverent worship and proper terminology when referring to the Holy Spirit, distinguishing His unique attributes from those of Christ and God.
Why There Is No Revival
By James A. Stewart0ISA 42:8MAL 3:8JHN 16:14ACT 5:3ACT 5:31ROM 10:91CO 6:17EPH 4:4COL 1:18James A. Stewart delivers a powerful sermon addressing the lack of permanent revival work in the midst of believers, attributing it to the rejection of the supernatural, denial of the personality of the Holy Spirit, ignorance of the mystical body of Christ, by-passing the Lordship of Christ, and the stealing of the glory of God in modern Christian ministry. Stewart emphasizes the need for believers to return to a deep reverence for the supernatural power of God, the recognition of the Holy Spirit's authority and leadership, the unity of the body of Christ beyond denominations, the essentiality of acknowledging Christ's Lordship, and giving all glory to God alone.
Fellow Workers With God
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:11ACT 5:3ROM 6:6ROM 12:10EPH 4:25COL 3:9HEB 6:18JAS 5:161JN 1:6In this sermon on the Greek term 'pseudomai' meaning to communicate falsehood with the intent to deceive, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and the dangers of lying, drawing from various Bible verses that highlight the consequences of lying and the call to speak truth. The sermon delves into the significance of putting off the old self with its evil practices, urging believers to live in accordance with their new life in Christ, characterized by honesty and integrity. The preacher underscores the need for believers to practice mutual edification and truthfulness in their interactions, reflecting the transformation brought about by salvation.
Keeping in Step
By Denis Lyle0ACT 5:3EPH 4:301TH 5:19Denis Lyle preaches on the failures in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing how we often hinder the Spirit's work in our lives by being insincere, grieving Him with our actions, and quenching His power through our insensitivity. He highlights the seriousness of lying to, grieving, and quenching the Holy Spirit, urging believers to be sincere, spiritual, and sensitive to His leading in order to experience His refining work and bring glory to Christ.
Part 6: Amillennialism as a System of Theology
By John F. Walvoord0MAT 25:31JHN 3:16ACT 5:3ROM 3:24ROM 8:381CO 7:51CO 12:271CO 15:522CO 4:32CO 11:142CO 12:7GAL 3:28EPH 1:7EPH 2:191TH 2:181TH 4:162TH 2:91TI 1:201PE 5:81JN 3:81JN 3:10REV 20:1REV 20:4John F. Walvoord preaches on 'The Growing Importance of Millennialism,' highlighting how millennialism now plays a crucial role in shaping theology as a whole, influencing systems like premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism. The controversy between amillennialism and premillennialism has intensified, revealing significant theological implications. Amillennialism's impact on bibliology is explored, showcasing its figurative interpretation of Scripture and its potential dangers in undermining the inspiration of the Bible. The sermon delves into amillennial theology's influence on soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, emphasizing the differences between amillennial and premillennial views in these areas.
Pneumatology: The Holy Spirit
By Greg Herrick0MAT 1:18JHN 3:8JHN 7:37JHN 14:16ACT 2:3ACT 5:31CO 12:112CO 1:22EPH 1:14EPH 4:30Greg Herrick delves into the term 'pneumatology,' which focuses on the study of the biblical doctrine of the Holy Spirit, covering aspects like the personality and deity of the Spirit, as well as his work throughout Scripture. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Holy Spirit as a divine person, distinct from mere 'active force,' and explores various biblical evidence supporting the Spirit's personhood and deity. It also discusses Scriptural metaphors for the Holy Spirit, highlighting his roles as an enabler, comforter, and guide in the lives of believers.
Hear What the Spirit Says
By Erlo Stegen0Obedience to the Holy SpiritHearing God's VoiceJHN 10:27ACT 5:3JAS 1:22REV 2:11Erlo Stegen emphasizes the necessity for Christians to hear and obey the voice of the Holy Spirit, distinguishing it from the many distractions of the world. He illustrates the importance of a daily relationship with God, using stories to show how attentiveness to God's guidance leads to safety and victory. Stegen warns against the dangers of ignoring God's voice, likening it to a mirage that leads to destruction, and encourages believers to remain sensitive to the Spirit's leading. He stresses that true understanding comes from personal experience with God, not just second-hand knowledge. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and a softening of hearts to hear and follow the Holy Spirit's direction.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Why hath Satan filled thine heart - The verb πληροειν, which we translate to fill, Kypke has showed by many examples to signify, to instigate, excite, impel, etc., and it was a common belief, as well among the heathens as among the Jews and Christians, that, when a man did evil, he was excited to it by the influence and malice of an evil spirit. It is strange that, by the general consent of mankind, sin against God has been ever considered so perfectly unnatural, and so evil in itself, that no man would commit it unless impelled to it by the agency of the devil. The words of St. Peter here prove that such an agency is not fictitious: if there had been no devil, as some wish and perhaps feel it their interest to believe, or if this devil had no influence on the souls of men, Peter, under the agency of the Holy Spirit, would not have expressed himself in this way; for, if the thing were not so, it would have been the most direct means to lead the disciples to form false opinions, or to confirm them in old and absurd prejudices. To lie to the Holy Ghost - Ψευσασθαι το Πνευμα το Ἁγιον, To deceive the Holy Spirit. Every lie is told with the intention to deceive; and they wished to deceive the apostles, and, in effect, that Holy Spirit under whose influence they professed to act. Lying against the Holy Ghost is in the next verse said to be lying against God; therefore the Holy Ghost is God. To keep back part of the price - Νοσφισασθαι απο της τιμης. The verb νοσφιζειν, νοσφιζεσθαι, is used by the Greek writers to signify purloining part of the public money, peculation. The word is used here with great propriety, as the money for which the estate was sold was public property; as it was for this purpose alone that the sale was made.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
why hath Satan filled--"why . . . fill--"why hast thou suffered him to fill" thine heart--so criminally entertaining his suggestion? Compare Act 5:4, "why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?" And see Joh 13:2, Joh 13:27. to lie to the Holy Ghost--to men under His supernatural illumination.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Peter said, Ananias,.... Peter, by divine revelation, or by a spirit of discerning, such as Elisha had, who knew what his servant Gehazi had done, knowing what a reserve Ananias had made, calls him by his name, and says to him, why hath Satan filled thine heart? or emboldened thee, given thee so much spirit and courage to act in such an impudent and audacious manner; so the phrase is used in Est 7:5 see the Septuagint there, and often in Talmudic writings. "Says R. Joshua, I never , "filled my heart"; or my heart never filled me to say to a man, go and take the change of these three things, &c. (d).'' And says another Rabbi (e), "though I say so, , "I never filled my heart", or my heart never filled me to transgress the words of the companions;'' that is, I never durst do so. And again (f), it being observed, that Isaiah should say, "hear, O heavens!" it is said, "who, or what is this, who , "hath filled his heart", or whose heart has filled him to call to the heavens to hear.'' But this instance of Ananias was such, that none but Satan could have put him upon, or emboldened him to have done; who from hence appeared to have the power over him, and to have possessed him, to have great access to him, even to his heart, and great influence upon it, so as to prompt him to lie to the Holy Ghost; who was in the apostles, and by whom they were acted, and to whom he had given a discerning of spirits; so that it was a daring action, and downright madness, to go about to deceive them: or he pretended he had an impulse from the Spirit of God to sell his estate, and give the whole price of it to the apostles, and yet kept back part of it; which was acting contrary to that Spirit he pretended to be influenced by. And to keep back part of the price of the land: that is, he lied against the Holy Ghost, by keeping back part of the price the land was sold for; when he had declared he sold it with this view, to give the whole for charitable uses, and affirmed that what he brought was the whole. (d) T. Hieros. Maaserot, fol. 48. 4. (e) Sabbat, fol. 14. 3. (f) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 160. 1. Vid. Shaare ora, fol. 2. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:3-4 In lying about their property sale, Ananias was not just lying to others but to the Holy Spirit—that is, to God. His actions compromised the transparent sincerity, unity, and integrity of the church at its very foundation, and thus he fell under the direct judgment of God (cp. Lev 10:1-5; Josh 7:16-26).