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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Acts 5:5. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story of early Christians. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Ananias was a church leader. He was helping people who were sick and dying. He heard some words that frightened people. Specifically, he heard a message about death and judgment. He fell down. This suggests he was deeply moved by the message – perhaps it was unsettling or frightening. He gave up the ghost. "Ghost" in this context doesn’t mean a spirit like a ghost we see in movies. It meant he lost consciousness, essentially died. What happened next? Great fear came on all of them. This is the key part. The people who heard Ananias's words were terrified. They felt a strong sense of dread and worry because they realized he was dying. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights a few important things: The power of God’s Word: The message itself – about death and judgment – is powerful. It can cause fear and shock. Ananias's response: He didn’t resist or argue. He simply listened and let the message sink in. His willingness to surrender to God’s will, even in the face of fear, speaks volumes about his faith. It's a reminder that: God can be frightening. His words can challenge our understanding of life and death. Faith is essential. Ananias showed great courage and obedience by yielding to God’s plan. In short, this verse illustrates how deeply the message of death can affect people, and it shows that faith can be a powerful thing. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Acts 5? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail (like why it’s important for early Christians)?