What is the meaning of Acts 5:8? “Tell me,” said Peter • Peter’s direct address invites accountability. He is not assuming but allowing Sapphira the chance to speak truthfully, echoing God’s pattern of questioning to expose the heart (Genesis 3:9; Joshua 7:19). • The apostle’s openness shows pastoral concern and clear leadership, aligning with Christ’s example of confronting sin while seeking repentance (John 21:15-17). “Is this the price…” • The question targets the exact point of deceit: the money received. By specifying “the price,” Peter narrows the discussion to facts, modeling how sin is often revealed through concrete details (2 Samuel 12:7-9). • The phrasing reflects the seriousness of stewardship in the early church, where believers voluntarily laid proceeds at the apostles’ feet (Acts 4:34-35). Integrity mattered as much as generosity. “…you and your husband…” • Mentioning both parties underscores shared responsibility. God holds individuals accountable even within family bonds (Ezekiel 18:20; Colossians 3:25). • Their conspiracy contrasts with the unity and honesty expected among believers (Philippians 2:2-4). “…got for the land?” • Property sales were common expressions of love for the community (Acts 2:44-45). The question reminds readers that the issue is not the possession itself but the pretense. • Land, a tangible blessing from God, becomes a test of the couple’s heart loyalty (Matthew 6:19-21). “Yes,” she answered • Sapphira’s immediate affirmation reveals deliberate falsehood, not misunderstanding. Her response mirrors Ananias’s earlier lie (Acts 5:3-4), showing calculated agreement. • The brevity highlights how easily deceitful words can be spoken, fulfilling Jesus’ warning that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45). “That is the price.” • By doubling down, Sapphira seals her own judgment, illustrating Proverbs 12:22—“Lying lips are detestable to the LORD.” • Her statement turns a voluntary gift into a spiritual fraud, demonstrating that deception, not donation size, offends God (Micah 6:6-8). • The episode teaches that the Holy Spirit, who indwells the church, cannot be lied to with impunity (Acts 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). summary Acts 5:8 exposes the heart of deceit cloaked in outward generosity. Peter’s careful questioning gives Sapphira a final opportunity to confess, yet her deliberate lie confirms shared guilt with Ananias. The verse highlights God’s demand for integrity, personal accountability, and reverence for the Holy Spirit within the church. Honesty before God and His people is non-negotiable, for truth safeguards the unity, witness, and purity of Christ’s body. |
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