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Acts 5:4

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

When you had that property, it was completely yours, right? And even after you sold it, that money was still yours to do whatever you wanted with. So why did you come up with this scheme in your head? You didn't just lie to us, you lied straight to God.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

You can't fake generosity with God, he sees right through the performance.

📚 Historical Context

In the early days of the Christian church in Jerusalem, shortly after Pentecost, believers were selling their possessions and sharing the proceeds to support the growing community of followers. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but withheld part of the money while claiming to give the full amount, which was seen as an act of deception against the Holy Spirit. Peter confronted them, emphasizing that their lie was ultimately against God, not just the church leaders.

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