Ananias kept back part of the proceeds while presenting the gift as if it were the whole amount, and Peter confronted him about lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1–4). Ananias fell down and died, and later Sapphira also fell down and died after the same deception was exposed (Acts 5:5; Acts 5:9–10).
In Acts 5:1–7, Ananias and his wife Sapphira sell property and secretly keep part of the money while presenting a portion as if it were the whole. Peter confronts Ananias, saying the deception is not merely toward people but toward God. On hearing Peter’s words, Ananias immediately falls down and dies, producing widespread fear. This episode follows a positive picture of shared generosity and voluntary giving in the community, highlighted by Joseph/Barnabas selling land and laying the proceeds before the apostles (see Acts 4:36–37).
Acts 5:1–7 presents a deliberate deception inside the early Jesus-following community. Ananias and Sapphira sell property and bring only part of the proceeds while presenting the gift in a way that hides what they kept (verses 1–2).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Acts 5:1-4, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,
2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles` feet.
3But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4While you kept it, didn`t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn`t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven`t lied to men, but to God."