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Acts 5 · a question people ask

Why did Ananias and Sapphira die?

In the text

Acts tells of each death in a single verse (5:5, 5:10), and gives no reason in its own words. Before each, Peter speaks. To Ananias he says, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God." (5:3-4). To Sapphira he says, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?" (5:9). Acts says no more about why, and these notes don't either. Peter's words were said to Ananias and to Sapphira, and these notes apply them to no one's giving today.

The verses

“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.” Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.”
Acts 5:3-5 · World English Bible
“But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” She fell down immediately at his feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.”
Acts 5:9-10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Acts 5

Acts 5: All the words of this life

The angel said, "Go stand and speak in the temple" (5:20). The officers found "the guards standing before the doors" (5:23) and no one inside; then someone came and said the apostles were in the temple, "standing and teaching the people" (5:25): in Acts's Greek, one verb all three times.

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Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions