Acts 5:9 Meaning

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Acts 5
  4. Acts 5:9

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Acts 1 Acts 2 Acts 3 Acts 4 Acts 5 Acts 6 Acts 7 Acts 8 Acts 9 Acts 10 Acts 11 Acts 12 Acts 13 Acts 14 Acts 15 Acts 16 Acts 17 Acts 18 Acts 19 Acts 20 Acts 21 Acts 22 Acts 23 Acts 24 Acts 25 Acts 26 Acts 27 Acts 28

Verse

Acts 5:1 Acts 5:2 Acts 5:3 Acts 5:4 Acts 5:5 Acts 5:6 Acts 5:7 Acts 5:8 Acts 5:9 Acts 5:10 Acts 5:11 Acts 5:12 Acts 5:13 Acts 5:14 Acts 5:15 Acts 5:16 Acts 5:17 Acts 5:18 Acts 5:19 Acts 5:20 Acts 5:21 Acts 5:22 Acts 5:23 Acts 5:24 Acts 5:25 Acts 5:26 Acts 5:27 Acts 5:28 Acts 5:29 Acts 5:30 Acts 5:31 Acts 5:32 Acts 5:33 Acts 5:34 Acts 5:35 Acts 5:36 Acts 5:37 Acts 5:38 Acts 5:39 Acts 5:40 Acts 5:41 Acts 5:42

What is the meaning of Acts 5:9?

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

Previous Verse
« Acts 5:8
Next Verse
Acts 5:10 »

Acts 5:9 Bible Verse Meaning

Understanding Acts 5:9 - Bible Verse Commentary

Acts 5:9 states:

"But Peter said, 'How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.'"

This profound scripture moment reveals themes of deception and divine judgment and highlights the serious nature of lying to the Holy Spirit.

Contextual Background

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the early Christian church, right after the account of Ananias and Sapphira, a husband and wife who sold a piece of property. They kept back a portion of the money while pretending to contribute the full amount to the apostles, demonstrating a serious deception.

Such actions were not merely personal failings but had implications for the newly forming community of believers and their understanding of integrity before God.

Bible Verse Meanings

The meaning of Acts 5:9 can be deeply understood through various angles offered by prominent commentaries:

  • Matthew Henry: Henry suggests that the couple's lie was an attempt to mislead the apostles and the church community. He emphasizes the danger of hypocrisy and deceit within the church.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes notes that Peter's charge against Sapphira pointed to the grave sin of testing the Holy Spirit. This statement serves as a warning about the seriousness of sins committed against God.
  • Adam Clarke: Clarke elaborates on the consequences of Sapphira’s actions, emphasizing that divine judgment is not limited to outward actions but includes our internal motives and intentions.

Interpretation and Understanding of Acts 5:9

Acts 5:9 serves as an exploration of the nature of sin and the repercussions of attempting to deceive God. Here’s how different scholars contribute to our Bible verse interpretations:

  • Testing the Spirit: The phrase "test the Spirit of the Lord" implies taking God's patience and holiness lightly. It underscores the danger when believers engage in duplicity.
  • Consequences: The immediate mention of the feet of those who buried Ananias signifies that the consequences of sin can be swift and severe. It speaks to the ultimate judgment that awaits those who oppose God's divine order.
  • Sacred Trust: The scripture emphasizes the sacred trust placed on the early community. Their unity and purity were vital for the Holy Spirit’s movement among them.

Significance of Acts 5:9 in Biblical Exegesis

In the practice of Biblical exegesis, Acts 5:9 provides ample material for reflections on integrity, community, and the character of God:

  • Integrity in Community: The early church was marked by a commitment to honesty and sharing. Acts 5:9 exemplifies that integrity is essential for church health.
  • Judgment and Mercy: The serious judgment faced by Ananias and Sapphira teaches modern readers about God's mercy and justice. God desires truth over hypocrisy.
  • Divine Presence: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit serves as a reminder that God is present and attentive to the actions and attitudes of believers.

Application of Acts 5:9 to Daily Life

How can we apply the explanations of this Bible verse in our lives today?

  • Personal Reflection: Reflect on personal honesty and transparency within your community. Are there areas where duplicity might be taking root?
  • Community Integrity: Support a culture of honesty in your church or Bible study groups. Encourage sharing and vulnerability that aligns with Scriptural truth.
  • Fear of the Lord: Foster a deeper respect for God's holiness in our interactions, remembering that He knows our hearts and responses.

Cross References

Acts 5:9 connects to several other Scriptures, revealing the continuity of themes within the Bible:

  • Acts 5:3-4: Peter's earlier confrontation with Ananias outlines the initial deceit.
  • Numbers 32:23: "Be sure your sin will find you out" - the inevitability of divine exposure of hidden sin.
  • Galatians 1:10: Paul discusses the importance of pleasing God over human approval, which resonates with the theme of integrity.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Acts 5:9 invites us to reassess our relationship with truth and the Holy Spirit. In light of this bible verse commentary, may we strive for authenticity and seek to honor God with our actions and intentions.

Conclusion

Acts 5:9 is rich with insights for Bible study groups, serving as a cautionary tale about the ramifications of dishonesty in the life of a believer. As we explore this verse, let’s engage in discussions that deepen our Bible study insights.

Acts 5 (KJV) Verse Selection

Acts 5:1 Acts 5:2 Acts 5:3 Acts 5:4 Acts 5:5 Acts 5:6 Acts 5:7 Acts 5:8 Acts 5:9 Acts 5:10 Acts 5:11 Acts 5:12 Acts 5:13 Acts 5:14 Acts 5:15 Acts 5:16 Acts 5:17 Acts 5:18 Acts 5:19 Acts 5:20 Acts 5:21 Acts 5:22 Acts 5:23 Acts 5:24 Acts 5:25 Acts 5:26 Acts 5:27 Acts 5:28 Acts 5:29 Acts 5:30 Acts 5:31 Acts 5:32 Acts 5:33 Acts 5:34 Acts 5:35 Acts 5:36 Acts 5:37 Acts 5:38 Acts 5:39 Acts 5:40 Acts 5:41 Acts 5:42

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »