Devine Scripture

Acts 5:1

What does Acts 5:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 5:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 5:1 means

This verse introduces a married couple, Ananias and Sapphira, who sold a piece of property. On the surface, their act resembles the generosity seen among believers who shared their goods to meet needs. The text highlights their unity in the transaction and sets the stage for a test of sincerity. The narrative will soon show the difference between giving moved by love and giving marred by deceit. Their names and action are presented plainly, without commendation, preparing us to see that what matters most to God is not the amount given but the truthfulness of the heart before Him in the community of the saints.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, got money for his property,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a piece of land,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Context

Acts 5 follows a season of remarkable unity and generosity among the believers in Jerusalem. After examples of sacrificial giving, Luke turns to a sobering counterexample. Verse 1 begins the new episode with Ananias and Sapphira, whose sale of property appears at first like other believers’ gifts. The following verses will reveal hidden motives and divine judgment. Reading this verse in context alerts us that appearances can be deceiving and that God intends to preserve the purity of His church. The contrast with the prior generosity frames the seriousness of what is about to unfold.

v.1This passage

v.2and 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Leviticus 10:1

    And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded them.

  • 2 Timothy 2:20

    Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.

  • John 6:37

    All that which the Father giveth me shall come unto me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

  • Matthew 13:47

    Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

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