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Peter receives a word of knowledge by the Holy Spirit. Satan cannot possess a believer, but can
persuade minds when we are carnal. Although Ananias and Sapphira are believers, they are
under the control of Satan.

Act 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own
power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but

unto God.

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power
(authority)? Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men,
but unto God.

While he owned it and sold it, he was free to do with it as he pleased. The Word is strong on
individual ownership of property -- free enterprise.

ANANIAS GIVES UP THE GHOST

Act 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear
came on all them that heard these things.

And Ananias hearing (having heard) these words fell down, and gave up the ghost (his spirit):
and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Even after hearing these words, Ananias has an opportunity to repent. “Having heard”
indicates he understands the situation and does not want to admit his sin or repent. This sin is
premeditated. Ultimately, he lies to God and dies under the judgment of God, the sin unto
death. This judgment brings great reverence to the people of the church.

Act 5:6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

Ananias is bound up in grave clothes and buried quickly. (Burials were performed immediately
in the ancient world.)

The “young men” of the congregation are those studying for the ministry. They could have
been students or new converts, but they are doing the tasks of the ministry. In the Word of
God, the younger men are usually responsible for the work of the ministry in preparation for
preaching in the pulpit.