What is the meaning of Acts 5:10? At that instant “At that instant she fell down …” (Acts 5:10a) • The speed of God’s response underscores His holiness. Compare the sudden judgment on Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:7 and on Lot’s wife in Genesis 19:26. • No time for repentance was granted once the sin was exposed (Acts 5:4), reminding us that “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). • The early church learns immediately that grace does not cancel accountability (Hebrews 12:28-29). She fell down at his feet “… she fell down at his feet …” (Acts 5:10a) • The same spot where her husband, Ananias, had fallen minutes earlier (Acts 5:5). • Peter’s feet symbolize apostolic authority given by Christ (Matthew 16:19). Lying brings the couple under that authority in judgment rather than blessing (John 20:23). • Falling prostrate echoes how sinners will one day bow before Christ (Philippians 2:10-11). And died “… and died.” (Acts 5:10a) • Physical death illustrates the spiritual death that deceit produces (Romans 6:23). • God protects the newborn church’s purity, just as He guarded Israel at Ai when Achan’s sin was exposed (Joshua 7:25-26). • The finality warns believers not to test the Spirit (Acts 5:9; 1 Corinthians 11:30-32). Then the young men came in “Then the young men came in …” (Acts 5:10b) • Young men had already removed Ananias (Acts 5:6); their return shows preparedness for service (1 Samuel 3:10). • The congregation involves ordinary members in maintaining holiness (Ephesians 4:16). Finding her dead “… and, finding her dead …” (Acts 5:10b) • The death is obvious, leaving no room for debate—truth is unmistakable (Numbers 32:23). • Witnesses confirm God’s judgment, paralleling Deuteronomy 19:15. Carried her out “… carried her out …” (Acts 5:10b) • Swift action prevents defilement within the assembly (Deuteronomy 23:14). • The church demonstrates separation from sin (2 Corinthians 6:17). Buried her beside her husband “… and buried her beside her husband.” (Acts 5:10c) • Joint burial reflects their united deceit (Mark 10:8 negatively applied). • Burial outside the meeting place echoes removing evil from among the people (1 Corinthians 5:13). • Their story becomes a memorial of warning, much like the pillar over Achan (Joshua 7:26) or the heap over Absalom (2 Samuel 18:17). summary Acts 5:10 records God’s immediate, decisive judgment on Sapphira’s deceit. Each phrase highlights His holiness, the certainty of accountability, and the church’s responsibility to deal promptly with sin. The verse stands as a sober reminder that while grace is free, it is never cheap, calling believers to walk in integrity before the Lord who sees and judges all. |
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