In what ways does Acts 5:1 connect to the commandment against lying? Acts 5:1 – the opening line of a larger lie “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.” (Acts 5:1) How this verse ties into the ninth commandment • The sale itself is neutral; the couple’s plan to misrepresent the proceeds turns the act toward falsehood. • Exodus 20:16 commands, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Ananias and Sapphira plot to bear false witness about their generosity—first to the apostles, then to the entire faith community. • Their very first step—selling the land with the intention of deceiving—shows how lying often begins in the heart before a word is spoken (Mark 7:21-23). Acts 5:1 records that first decisive step. Layers of deception revealed in the following verses • Concealment: they “kept back part of the proceeds” (v. 2). • Appearance-management: they wanted the reputation Barnabas had just received (Acts 4:36-37) without the sacrifice. • Collusion: both husband and wife agreed to present a partial gift as the whole (v. 2). • Spiritual pretense: Peter says, “You have not lied to men, but to God” (v. 4), underscoring that every lie ultimately offends the Lord who is Truth (John 14:6). Scripture’s united witness against lying • Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD.” • Colossians 3:9 – “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices.” • Revelation 21:8 – “All liars— their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur.” • Psalm 34:13 – “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” Why this matters for believers today • God values truth in both word and motive; hypocrisy is a lie even when facts are technically accurate. • Deception fractures fellowship. The early church’s unity (Acts 4:32) is threatened the moment dishonesty enters. • The Holy Spirit’s presence makes lying a direct insult to God, not merely a social faux pas. • Integrity safeguards witness: a truthful church testifies powerfully to a truthful Savior. Living it out • Examine motives before making any public display of generosity or service. • Invite accountability; secrecy often breeds deceit. • Cultivate daily truth-telling—small compromises pave the way for larger lies. • Celebrate the freedom Christ gives to walk in the light (1 John 1:7). |
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