Acts 5:8 – “Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘that is the price.’”
Extended Explanation
Acts 5:8 records the moment when Sapphira, Ananias’ wife, is given a chance to tell the truth. Peter directly asks her if the amount they brought to the apostles was the full price of the land they had sold. She confirms the lie, sealing her fate.
This verse highlights two key points: first, Peter does not accuse her outright—he gives her an opportunity to confess. This shows that God offers a way out of sin, even after a person has begun down a wrong path. Second, Sapphira chooses to continue in deceit rather than telling the truth. Unlike her husband, who was confronted without warning, she had a clear opportunity to repent but refused.
Her choice shows how sin can take hold of a person’s heart. Instead of recognizing the seriousness of the situation, she doubled down on the deception. This verse demonstrates the dangers of choosing human approval over God’s truth.
Historical Context
At this time, the early church was growing, and believers were sharing their resources to care for one another (Acts 4:32-37). Many were selling property and donating the full proceeds to the church. Barnabas, for example, had done this and was recognized for his generosity.
Ananias and Sapphira wanted the same recognition but without the same sacrifice. They conspired to keep part of the money while pretending to give everything. This was not only dishonest but also an attempt to manipulate how others viewed them.
In Jewish tradition, honesty was a serious matter, especially in dealings with money and vows to God. Deception in sacred matters was seen as a direct offense against Him (Leviticus 19:11, Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Their lie was not just against people—it was against God Himself.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several important truths:
- God gives opportunities to repent – Peter’s question was a test. Sapphira had a chance to tell the truth, but she didn’t take it.
- Lying is a serious sin – This wasn’t just a small mistake; it was a deliberate choice to deceive.
- Accountability before God is personal – Even though Ananias had already faced judgment, Sapphira was judged separately for her own decision to lie.
- God sees beyond appearances – She may have fooled people, but she could not fool God.
Literary Analysis
Luke, the author of Acts, builds tension in this verse. By having Peter ask a direct question, the reader is led to wonder: Will Sapphira tell the truth or continue the deception?
The structure mirrors earlier events. Ananias had the chance to be honest before Peter exposed his sin. Now Sapphira faces the same moment of decision. This repetition emphasizes personal responsibility—no one is judged for another’s sin, but each person is accountable for their own choices.
The simplicity of her response, “Yes, that is the price,” highlights how easily sin can blind someone. She does not hesitate or question, showing how deeply committed she was to their plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Proverbs 12:22 – “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
- Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it… It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”
- Luke 12:2-3 – “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 – “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”
- James 1:14-15 – “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed… and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a powerful reminder that truth matters. Even when it seems easier to maintain a lie, God calls His people to honesty and integrity.
It also shows that we are responsible for our own decisions. Sapphira was not judged because of her husband’s actions—she was judged because she personally chose to lie. This challenges us to examine our own choices and not simply follow what others do.
Additionally, it highlights the danger of living for human approval. Ananias and Sapphira wanted to be seen as generous and godly, but their dishonesty showed the opposite. Today, Christians must guard against the temptation to appear more spiritual than they really are. God desires truth, not pretense.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Some may wonder how this story fits with the idea of a loving God. But real love includes justice and truth. If God had allowed deceit to spread in the early church, it could have undermined the integrity of the entire movement.
God’s love includes giving people opportunities to repent. Sapphira had a clear choice—she could have told the truth. Love does not mean ignoring sin but calling people to truth and righteousness.
God’s discipline is a form of love (Hebrews 12:6). By dealing with sin early, He protected His church from greater corruption.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus warned against hypocrisy many times, especially in Matthew 23, where He condemned religious leaders who put on a show of righteousness while hiding sin in their hearts.
Unlike Ananias and Sapphira, Jesus was completely honest and selfless. He gave everything for us, not out of a desire for recognition but out of genuine love and obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:6-8).
Through Jesus, we are called to live in truth. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). His death and resurrection provide the opportunity for forgiveness when we turn away from sin and choose honesty before God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Peter gave Sapphira an opportunity to tell the truth?
- How does this passage challenge you to be more honest in your own life?
- What are some ways we might be tempted to appear more spiritual than we really are?
- How does this verse remind us of the importance of personal responsibility before God?
- What does this story teach about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance?
This verse is a strong reminder that honesty matters to God. Instead of seeking approval from people, we should live in truth before Him. May we learn from Sapphira’s mistake and choose integrity in all things.