Acts 5:1-11
1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,
2 and kept back some of the proceeds for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the proceeds of the land?
4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”
5 And as he heard these words, Ananias collapsed and died; and great fear came over all who heard about it.
6 The young men got up and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.
7 Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for this price?” And she said, “Yes, for that price.”
9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.”
10 And immediately she collapsed at his feet and died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
11 And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.
Ananias and Sapphira (1)
Ananias’ sin
Last time, Barnabas was presented as a role model for believers. In this passage, sin within the church is addressed for the first time. When God’s work is prominent, the devil is also busily at work. However, if the spirituality of the church is healthy, evil will be brought to light. “But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the proceeds for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.” (1) Ananias and Sapphira serve as a contrast to Barnabas. (a) They likely sought the same praise from people that Barnabas received. (b) The phrase “laid it at the apostles’ feet” is used. They appeared to have done the same as Barnabas, but there was a crucial difference. (c) They kept back part of the money for themselves while presenting only a portion, as it says that he “kept back some of the proceeds for himself.” (2) The sin of Ananias and Sapphira is similar to the sin of Achan in the Old Testament (Josh. 7:1-26). Peter then said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the proceeds of the land?… You have not lied to men, but to God.” (1) Peter supernaturally looked through their deception. (2) The cause of the deception was not merely Ananias’s sinful nature. He was filled by Satan (his person was dominated by Satan). This is the opposite concept of being filled by the Holy Spirit. However, this does not lessen his responsibility. (3) Keeping back part of the money was an act of deceiving the Holy Spirit, who has personality. (4) “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control?” Here lies great irony. The property was originally Ananias’s own, and even after selling it, the proceeds were still at his discretion. He didn’t have to place the money at the apostles’ feet, or he could have honestly declared only a portion of the sale price. (5) “You have not lied to men, but to God.” While Ananias deceived the apostles, it was essentially lying to the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the same severe judgment that fell on Achan came upon Ananias. Let’s remember that the Holy Spirit has a personality. It is a grave sin to deceive or despise the Holy Spirit. Blessed are those who follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, I am thankful that the Holy Spirit is given within me. I will continue to walk today in obedience to the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.