Acts 5:3 Meaning
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Context Explained
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
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.
3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Acts 5:4
This verse clarifies that lying to the Holy Spirit is a serious offense, reinforcing Peter's warning to Ananias.
Ephesians 4:30
This verse warns against grieving the Holy Spirit, similar to Ananias' actions.
1 John 1:6
This verse contrasts the truthfulness expected of believers with Ananias' deceit.
Source: Acts 5:3