Acts 5:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 5:4
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.
Chapter Context
Acts 5 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, salvation, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-42: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 5:4
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.
Analysis
Peter's penetrating questions - 'while it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?' - establish that giving was voluntary, not coerced. The sin wasn't incomplete donation but deceptive representation. The devastating accusation 'thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God' reveals hypocrisy's true nature: attempting to deceive God. The Greek 'pseudomai' (lied) indicates deliberate falsehood. Peter's final question 'why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?' identifies the internal source - sin begins in heart before manifesting in action.
Historical Context
Community property sharing was voluntary, unlike Qumran's required divestment. Peter's emphasis on voluntary nature refutes claims that Acts 4-5 teaches Christian communism. The lie concerned representing partial gift as complete, seeking glory without cost.
Reflection
- How does recognizing that lying to the church is lying to God transform your commitment to truthfulness?
- What does Peter's question about 'conceiving this in thine heart' teach about sin's origin?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Chronicles 29:3, Ezekiel 38:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:8
- Parallel theme: Acts 5:3, 5:9, Psalms 139:4, Isaiah 59:4, Luke 10:16