Acts 5:9

"Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.”"

Key Reflection

In Acts 5:9, Peter's question to the woman who had sold a piece of property highlights the community's commitment to sharing resources equitably. This exchange underscores the dramatic contrast between their actions and the wealth disparity that would have been common in first-century Jewish society. The woman’s straightforward answer contrasts with the scandalous nature of her husband Ananias’s lie, emphasizing the transparency and honesty that characterized this Christian community.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 9. Agreed together. Conspired, or laid a plan. From this, it seems that Sapphira was as guilty as her husband. To tempt. To try; to endeavour to impose on, or to deceive; that is, to act as if the Spirit of the Lord could not detect the crime. They did this by trying to see whether the Spirit of God could detect hypocrisy. At the door. Are near at hand. They had not yet returned. The dead were buried without the walls of cities; and this space of three hours, it seems, had elapsed before they returned from the burial. Shall carry thee out. This passage shows that it was by Divine interposition or judgment that their lives were taken.

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