The Cost of Hypocrisy: Lessons from Ananias and Sapphira

Isaiah 45:5–6 “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God but me. I will strengthen you, though you do not know me, so that all may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is no one but me. I am the Lord, and there is no other.”

Introduction

The early church in Acts 5 was a vibrant community marked by generosity, miracles, and bold faith, yet it was not immune to the dangers of hypocrisy. The story of Ananias and Sapphira stands as a sobering warning about the cost of deception, while the apostles’ faithfulness under persecution highlights the power of authentic faith. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts, live truthfully, and reflect Christ, who is the embodiment of truth (John 14:6). Through their story, we see both the judgment of sin and the grace of Christ, who offers forgiveness to those who repent.

Big Idea: Living authentically in our faith prevents the destructive consequences of hypocrisy, reflecting our commitment to the truth of Christ.

Exegesis of Acts 5

Context: Acts 5 occurs in the early days of the church, following Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit empowered believers to live in unity and generosity (Acts 4:32–37). The story of Ananias and Sapphira (5:1–11) contrasts with Barnabas’s selfless giving (4:36–37), highlighting the danger of hypocrisy in a Spirit-filled community. The Greek term for “deceive” (νοσφίζω, nosphizō, Acts 5:2–3) implies embezzlement or misappropriation, suggesting intentional deceit. The word for “heart” (καρδία, kardia, 5:3–4) underscores that their sin originated in their inner disposition, not merely their actions. The subsequent miracles (5:12–16) and persecution (5:17–42) demonstrate God’s power through authentic faith and the cost of following Christ.

Pointing to Christ: Ananias and Sapphira’s judgment reflects God’s holiness, which Christ fulfills as the sinless one who bore the penalty of sin (1 Peter 2:22–24). Their story points to Christ’s grace, as He offers forgiveness to those who repent, contrasting the immediate judgment they faced under the old covenant’s shadow (Hebrews 10:1–14).

1. Ananias’ Deceptive Downfall (Acts 5:1–6)

Main Point: Deception before God and His people disrupts our relationship with Him and invites serious consequences.

Exegesis:

Ananias and Sapphira sold property but kept back part of the proceeds while pretending to give all (5:1–2). The Greek verb nosphizō (“kept back”) suggests deliberate misappropriation, as seen in Joshua 7:1 “The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites.” with Achan’s sin. Peter’s confrontation reveals that Ananias lied not only to the church but to the Holy Spirit (5:3–4), emphasizing God’s omniscience. The phrase “Satan filled your heart” (5:3) parallels Judas’s betrayal (Luke 22:3), indicating a heart yielded to evil rather than God. Ananias’s sudden death (5:5) underscores the seriousness of hypocrisy in the early church, where God’s presence was manifest.

Hypocrisy: a situation in which someone pretends to believe something that they do not really believe, or that is the opposite of what they do or say at another time.

Cross-References:

Proverbs 12:22: “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.”

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he speaks from his own nature, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” : Jesus describes Satan as the “father of lies,” contrasting Ananias’s actions with Christ’s truth.

Psalm 139:1–4 “Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away. You observe my travels and my rest; you are aware of all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know all about it, Lord.” : God knows our hearts and actions fully.

Quotes:

Charles Spurgeon: “Hypocrisy is a lie in action; it is pretending to be what we are not. God hates the mask of religion when it hides a heart of rebellion.” (Sermon on Hypocrisy, 1876)

A.W. Tozer: “The hypocrite fears man more than God and loves the praise of men more than the approval of God.” (The Pursuit of God)

D.L. Moody: “God is not mocked; what we sow in secret, we reap in public. Let your heart be true, for God sees it all.” (Moody’s Anecdotes)

Illustration:

Imagine a married couple where one spouse hides financial decisions from the other, claiming unity while acting selfishly. This betrayal erodes trust, much like Ananias’s deception harmed the church’s unity. Similarly, when we pretend to be devoted to God while harboring hidden sins, we fracture our relationship with Him and His people.

Life Application:

Examine your motives: Are you serving God for His glory or for others’ approval?

Confess hidden sins to God, trusting in His grace (1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ).

Be transparent with your faith community, fostering accountability and trust.

2. Sapphira’s Fatal Secrecy (Acts 5:7–11)

Main Point: Integrity flows from a heart surrendered to God, and secrecy before Him leads to judgment.

Exegesis:

Three hours later, Sapphira, unaware of Ananias’s fate, repeats the lie (5:7–8). Peter’s question, “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord?” (5:9), uses the Greek word symphōneō (“agreed together”), implying a deliberate conspiracy. The phrase “test the Spirit” echoes Deuteronomy 6:16 “Do not test the Lord your God as you tested him at Massah.” , where Israel tested God’s patience. Sapphira’s death and the resulting “great fear” (5:11, Greek phobos megas) among the church highlight God’s holiness and the seriousness of duplicity. Their sin was not withholding money but lying about their generosity, undermining the Spirit’s work in the community.

Cross-References:

Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”

Hebrews 4:13: “No creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Luke 12:1–3 “Meanwhile, a crowd of many thousands came together, so that they were trampling on one another. He began to say to his disciples first, “Be on your guard against the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered, nothing hidden that won’t be made known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an ear in private rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” : Jesus warns against hypocrisy, as hidden things will be revealed.

Quotes:

Charles Spurgeon: “A lie may seem small, but to God, it is a rebellion against His truth. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.” (Sermon on Truthfulness, 1880)

A.W. Tozer: “God is not fooled by our outward show; He looks at the heart and judges its sincerity.” (The Knowledge of the Holy)

D.L. Moody: “You can’t hide from God. He sees the heart, and a double life will always bring double trouble.” (Moody’s Sermons)

Illustration:

Picture a student copying a friend’s homework but claiming it as their own. When confronted, they double down, only to face greater consequences. Sapphira’s choice to uphold the lie mirrors this, showing how secrecy compounds sin. In contrast, a heart open to God invites His grace and transformation.

Life Application:

Guard your heart against complicity in sin; seek accountability with trusted believers.

Practice honesty in small things, as they reflect the state of your heart.

Reflect on Christ’s grace, which covers our failures when we repent (Romans 5:20 “The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more” ).

3. Signs of Sincere Faith (Acts 5:12–16)

Main Point: Authentic faith produces powerful results, reflecting Christ’s healing and hope in the world.

Exegesis:

The apostles’ miracles (5:12–16) contrast sharply with Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit. The Greek word for “signs” (sēmeia) and “wonders” (terata) points to divine acts that authenticate the gospel (cf. Acts 2:43). The church’s unity and growth (5:14) reflect the Spirit’s power through sincere faith, as believers gathered “with one accord” (homothumadon). Peter’s shadow healing people (5:15) echoes Jesus’s ministry (Luke 8:44), showing how authentic faith channels Christ’s power to bring hope and healing.

Cross-References:

John 14:12 ““Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” : Jesus promises that believers will do “greater works” through the Spirit’s power.

James 2:17: “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Mark 16:17–18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”” : Signs accompany those who believe, pointing to God’s glory.

Quotes:

Charles Spurgeon: “True faith is a living power; it works miracles in the soul and through the soul for others.” (Sermon on Faith, 1865)

A.W. Tozer: “A faith that does not transform the life is no faith at all. God works through those who trust Him wholly.” (The Pursuit of God)

D.L. Moody: “Faith makes the impossible possible when it’s rooted in God’s truth and power.” (Moody’s Anecdotes)

Illustration:

Consider a small business owner who operates with integrity, earning trust and blessing their community. Their honesty attracts customers and fosters goodwill, much like the apostles’ sincere faith drew people to Christ. In contrast, a dishonest business collapses under mistrust, like Ananias and Sapphira’s deception.

Life Application:

Live your faith authentically, letting your actions reflect Christ’s love and truth.

Serve others selflessly, trusting God to work through you to bring hope.

Pray for opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s healing power in your community.

4. Perseverance Through Persecution (Acts 5:17–42)

Main Point: Persevering in faith under pressure aligns us with Christ’s mission and draws others to the gospel.

Exegesis:

The apostles faced arrest and opposition from the Sanhedrin (5:17–18), yet an angel freed them, commanding them to preach (5:19–20). Their obedience, even under threat (5:28–29), reflects their commitment to God’s truth. Peter’s bold declaration, “We must obey God rather than men” (5:29), uses the Greek peitharcheō (“obey”), emphasizing submission to divine authority. Gamaliel’s advice (5:34–39) and the apostles’ rejoicing in suffering (5:41) mirror Christ’s endurance (Hebrews 12:2 “keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” ). Their persistence in preaching (5:42) shows how integrity under pressure advances the gospel.

Cross-References:

Matthew 5:10–12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” : Jesus blesses those persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

2 Timothy 3:12 “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” : All who desire to live godly lives will face persecution.

Philippians 1:29 “For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,” : Believers are granted to suffer for Christ’s sake.

Quotes:

Charles Spurgeon: “Persecution is the fire that purifies the church; it burns away the dross and reveals true gold.” (Sermon on Persecution, 1870)

A.W. Tozer: “The Christian who stands firm in trial shines as a beacon of God’s truth in a dark world.” (The Root of the Righteous)

D.L. Moody: “Stand for Christ, and though the world may hate you, God will honor you.” (Moody’s Sermons)

Illustration:

Think of a lighthouse enduring a storm, standing firm to guide ships to safety. The apostles, like the lighthouse, faced persecution but remained steadfast, guiding others to Christ. Similarly, when we persevere in faith, our lives become a testimony that draws others to the gospel.

Life Application:

Stand firm in your faith, even when it’s unpopular or costly.

Rejoice in trials, knowing they refine your faith and glorify God (James 1:2–4 “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” ).

Share the gospel boldly, trusting God to use your faithfulness to reach others.

Conclusion

The story of Ananias and Sapphira warns us that hypocrisy invites God’s judgment, while the apostles’ faithfulness shows the power of authentic faith. Let us live with integrity, reflecting Christ, who is the truth. His grace covers our failures, and His Spirit empowers us to persevere, bringing healing and hope to a broken world. Examine your heart today: Are you living authentically for Christ? Confess any hidden sins, embrace His forgiveness, and commit to a life of truth that honors Him.

Call to Action:

Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas of hypocrisy in your life.

Seek accountability with a trusted believer to grow in integrity.

Share one way you can live out your faith authentically this week, whether through honesty, service, or boldness in sharing the gospel.