A.T. Robertson Commentary Acts 5
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Acts 5
A.T. Robertson Commentary
Acts 5
"But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession," — Acts 5:1 (ASV)
Sold (επωλησεν). Aorist active indicative again, for a single case.
"and kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles` feet." — Acts 5:2 (ASV)
Kept back (ενοσφισατο). First aorist middle indicative of νοσφιζω, old verb from νοσφ, afar, apart, and so to set apart, to separate for oneself, but only here, verse 3; Titus 2:10 in the N.T.
His wife also being privy to it (συνειδυιης κα της γυναικος). Genitive absolute with second perfect participle of συνοιδα, to know together with one, "his wife also knowing it together with him."
Brought a certain part (ενεγκας μερος τ). Aorist active participle of φερω, for a definite act. The praise of Joseph was too much for Ananias, but he was not willing to turn over all. He wanted praise for giving all and yet he took care of himself by keeping some. Thus he started the Ananias Club that gave a new meaning to his lovely name (God is gracious).
"But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?" — Acts 5:3 (ASV)
Filled (επληρωσεν). The very verb used of the filling by the Holy Spirit (4:31). Satan the adversary is the father of lies (John 8:44). He had entered into Judas (Luke 22:3; John 13:27) and now he has filled the heart of Ananias with a lie.
To lie to the Holy Spirit (ψευσασθα σε το πνευμα το αγιον). Infinitive (aorist middle) of purpose with accusative of general reference (σε) and the accusative of the person (object) as often in Greek writers, though here only in the N.T. with this verb. Usual dative of the person in verse 4 (ανθρωποις, men, τω θεω, God). The Holy Spirit had been given them to guide them into truth (John 15:13).
"While it remained, did it not remain thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thy power? How is it that thou hast conceived this thing in thy heart? thou has not lied unto men, but unto God." — Acts 5:4 (ASV)
Whiles it remained (μενον). Present active participle of mend, unsold, Peter means.
After it was sold (πραθεν). First aorist passive of πιπρασκω, to sell.
How is that thou hast conceived (Τ οτ εθου). Quid est quod. See Lu 2:49. See also Ac 5:9. Second aorist middle indicative second person singular of τιθημ. The devil filled his heart (verse 3), but all the same Ananias did it too and is wholly responsible.
"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it." — Acts 5:5 (ASV)
Hearing (ακουων). Present active participle of ακουω, while hearing.
Fell down (πεσων). Second aorist active participle of πιπτω, fell all of a sudden while listening.
Gave up the ghost (εξεψυξεν). First aorist active indicative of εκψυχω, late verb in LXX and Hippocrates, to breathe out, to expire. In the N.T. only here, verse 10; 12:23. It is needless to blame Peter for the death of Ananias. He had brought the end upon himself. It was the judgment of God. Physically the nervous shock could have caused the collapse.
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