This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Acts 5:1-11, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once there was a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira. They sold some land and gave some of the money to the church. But Ananias, with his wife’s knowledge, secretly kept some of the money for himself, and only gave a little bit to the church leaders.
Peter, one of the leaders of the church, asked him, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.”
When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. Everyone who heard about what happened to Ananias was very afraid. The young men then picked up his body, wrapped it up, carried it out, and buried him.
A few hours later, Sapphira came in and Peter asked her how much they sold the land for. Sapphira also lied and said they sold it for the same amount that Ananias said.
Peter then told her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”
Suddenly, Sapphira also fell down and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Everyone in the church was very scared after hearing about what happened to Ananias and Sapphira.
Biblical Lessons
- It is important to be honest and truthful to God and to people.
- Lying to God is a serious sin.
- God knows everything we do, even if we try to hide it.
- God desires that we have pure and sincere hearts, not ones that are deceitful and self-seeking.
- We should take sin seriously and strive to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Knowledge of the Holy
Short, powerful meditations on the attributes of God that lift the reader into a bigger, more biblical view of who He is.
View on Amazon
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
A robust, Scripture-saturated theology of prayer with practical guidance for deepening communion with God.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Let the Nations Be Glad!
Missions-focused theology showing that worship is the goal of evangelism to the nations.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Gospel According to Jesus
Defends a biblical understanding of faith and repentance against easy-believism.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
Reformed Dogmatics (Single Volume Abridgement)
A rich, Reformed systematic theology that is deeply biblical and Christ-centered.
View on Amazon
God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment
Argues that God's glory in salvation through judgment is the central theme of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon