Why does Peter say that Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit?
Acts 5:3 (ESV)
3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?
In lying to the apostles, who were the representatives of Jesus Christ,1 Ananias was also lying to the Holy Spirit who is God’s presence in the church community.2 He thought that he could manipulate God, that God somehow would not see his deed and react to it.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?