Acts 5:4
Whiles 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.
Acts 5:4
This verse is part of the narrative about Ananias and Sapphira in the early church. The couple sold a piece of property and pretended to give the full proceeds to the church while secretly keeping back part for themselves. Peter confronts Ananias with a question that exposes a root issue: a deceitful heart. The phrase “Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?” points to ownership and stewardship in Jewish culture. Land and money were seen as God-given resources under human stewardship; nothing required immediate giving, and there was no obligation to offer everything. Once the money was sold, the claim of “not lying unto men, but unto God” reveals that the real breach was not a mere lie to people, but a spiritual offense against God’s Spirit who was at work in the community. The incident follows the Acts pattern of testing the integrity of communal generosity, contrasted with Barnabas’s noble example (Acts 4:36–37). The immediacy and severity of judgment underscore the sacredness of truth-telling within the church and the seriousness with which God views deceit that damages communal trust and the mission.
This passage highlights several core themes: the holiness of God in the early church, the seriousness of truth-telling, and the integrity expected in communal life. It reframes ordinary generosity as a matter of worship and allegiance to God, not merely social virtue. The consequence—divine judgment—serves as a corrective to preserve the mission’s integrity and the community’s witness. The text also sets up a contrast between imitation of genuine generosity (as exemplified by Barnabas) and hypocritical display. The phrase “not lie unto men, but unto God” elevates the sanctuary of the Spirit within the Christian community, implying that behind ordinary acts of giving there is a spiritual reality. Theologically, it anchors understandings of sin, accountability, and God’s participatory governance in the church, reminding believers that truthfulness before God is inseparable from authentic discipleship.
Many today face temptations to posture or perform for others—philanthropy that shines publicly while the heart is divided. This account invites honest self-reflection: Are we giving out of manipulation, fear of missing recognition, or a genuine desire to advance God’s purposes? Practical steps: (1) Practice transparent generosity—explain why you give and what you hope God will do with it. (2) Examine motives regularly in quiet prayer and accountability with trusted mentors. (3) Value honesty over highlight: celebrate sincere gifts even when they’re quiet or small. (4) Remember that integrity in private life mirrors integrity in public ministry. If you’ve misrepresented contributions or manipulated appearances, seek reconciliation, disclose truth, and adjust your actions. The underlying truth remains: God reads the heart, and honest hearts cultivate trust that fuels a healthy church witness.
Cross-References: Matthew 6:3–4; Luke 12:15; 2 Corinthians 8–9; Galatians 6:3–4; 1 John 3:18