ACC ~ Acts 5 v4

BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR PROMISES. ARATOR: But inasmuch as a changed intention bears the crime of deceit, and when there is, moreover, confirmation of a promise, it is proper to stand firm and not wish to violate what was first [promised] by what follows; it is more just to preserve a permanent right than to withdraw it. The punishment of the two established a warning for all, lest anyone should call [back] gifts which a solemn promise requires him to owe. Reflect, you of true faith, and consider the words of Peter, which are bright with blessed teaching, “Whoever persuaded you to be deceitful?” And he concluded by judging, “You do not deceive people by saying such things; you lie to God.” The teaching that condemns the wicked strengthens the holy. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

THEY LIED TO THE HOLY SPIRIT. BEDE: Peter said above that Ananias had lied to the Holy Spirit. It is therefore clear that the Holy Spirit is God and that the error of Macedonius had been condemned before he was born. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 5.4.

A LIE TO THE SPIRIT IS A LIE TO GOD. BASIL THE GREAT: Peter’s words to Sapphira—“How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? You did not lie to men, but to God”—show that sins against the Holy Spirit and against God are the same. And thus you might learn that in every operation the Spirit is closely conjoined with, and inseparable from, the Father and the Son. While God works the differences of operations and the Lord the diversities of administrations, the Holy Spirit is present also, administering in his own power the distribution of the gifts according to each recipient’s worth. ON THE SPIRIT 16.37.

Acts