Ananias was one of the believers in the early church. He was married to Sapphira.
At that time, the early church lived by selling their possessions and sharing them within the church community.
Acts 4:34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the salesActs 4:35and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.
Ananias and Sapphira, however, only gave half of their possessions to the community and hid the rest.
Acts 5:2and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Peter knew this fact and rebuked them for the sin of deceiving God. At that moment, Ananias died, and Sapphira, who came in shortly after, also died.
Acts 5:3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?Acts 5:4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why has it is that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”Acts 5:5And as Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it.Acts 5:6The young men got up and wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.Acts 5:7Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.Acts 5:8And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.”Acts 5:9Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”Acts 5:10And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.Acts 5:11And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things.