Reading: Acts 4-6
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 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(Acts 5:1-4).
One of the remarkable characteristics of this early church in Jerusalem was the spirit of oneness that manifested itself as each member sacrificed their material resources for the good of all. Wealthy believers sold their land or houses and brought the money to be used for the Lord's ministry and the common welfare. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need (Acts 4:34-35). This program of sharing wealth was a purely voluntary one—it was not compulsory in any way. It is confusing to many, then, why Ananias decided to lie. While the land remained in his possession, it was his to dispose of in whatever manner he saw fit. Even after he had sold the property, the money was his to do with as he pleased.
The majority of the body of believers seemed to be motivated by a sincere desire to forward the work of Christ. However, Ananias and his wife Sapphira were working under a different motivation. Instead of seeking to please God, they desired the praise of their peers. Even though they were uncomfortable giving away all of their possessions, they were afraid that others would look down on them if they did not. For that reason, they devised a plan to look pious while still holding out a private nest egg.
The sin that cost Ananias and Sapphira their lives was not the sin of greed. Although it is obvious that they struggled with a love of worldly possessions, this is not the sin on which the Holy Spirit challenged them. The sin for which they died was the sin of pride. They sought recognition to which they were not entitled, caring only that the congregation viewed them as generous and self-sacrificial givers. While their intent may have been to deceive the church, in order to do so, they willingly lied to God. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish (Prov. 19:9).
Many self-proclaimed Christians today attempt to live the “double lives” of Ananias and Sapphira. Outwardly, they embrace the Christian faith and unite with the church, yet inwardly, their selfish desires rule their actions and behaviors. While they may be fooling the church, God knows He does not have their allegiance. In the end, it is not going to matter what our peers think of us. We will not be able to bring character witnesses with us when we stand before God. The only thing that will matter is the state of our hearts.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).
Thought for Today: Attempting to use our own perceived greatness to eclipse God in the eyes of others only succeeds in averting our own eyes from Him.
Cross Reference: For Acts 4:11: See Ps. 118:22. Acts 4:25- 26: See Ps. 2:1-2.
Word Studies: 5:2 being privy to it = knowing of it, she helped plan the deception; 6:11 suborned = influenced to do wrong, bribed.
Prayer for Staff:Kevin Jennings • Government Officials: Rep. Bill Johnson (OH) • Country: Guernsey (65,849) Western Europe • Major Languages: English, French • Religious Freedom • Protestant; Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His loving-kindness and faithfulness (Ps. 138:2).