32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
5:1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and 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 for yourself part 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 at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Undaunted by the threats of the religious leaders, the early church continued to live in unity, one in heart and soul. Their fellowship is seen in them all sharing their material possessions so that not one of them was needy. The apostles were able to continue to give their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord (share the gospel) with great power and God’s favour rested on them all.
Those who had land or houses sold what they had and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. This was done willingly and not as a result of some directive from the leaders. The apostles were entrusted to distribute the offerings based on people’s needs. Luke highlights one believer, Joseph, who was so encouraging to other believers that they renamed him Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. He was a Levite from Cyprus who sold a field he owned and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. In contrast, we are introduced to Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, who also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, Ananias kept back some of the money from the sale and laid only part of the money at the apostles’ feet. Ananias misrepresented himself by appearing to lay down the full proceeds of the sale. Peter, probably through direct revelation from the Holy Spirit, challenged Ananias and asked why he would lie to the Holy Spirit. The property was his and he had every right to do with it what he wanted. After selling the land, he had the choice to do with the money as he pleased. At the prompting of Satan, Ananias chose to lie instead of being honest in his dealings. Ananias didn’t even have a chance to respond but fell down dead and great fear came upon everyone who heard the story. Ananias was carried off and buried. Meanwhile his wife, Sapphira had not heard what had happened and came in about three hours later. Peter asked her if the amount Ananias had disclosed was the full amount they sold the land for. She agreed that it was the full price. She revealed her own sinful participation in the scheme and Peter challenged her on agreeing to test the Holy Spirit with her husband. She then suffered the same fate as her husband and was carried out and buried. The entire church was filled with fear as they heard what had happened. As the church was very new, God dealt swiftly with sin before it had a chance to permeate the body of believers.
Where in your life have you become lax about sin? Have you allowed something to gain a foothold and become a little comfortable with something God does not tolerate? Remember, God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Pet 1:15-16). What are you going to do about it today?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
Glorify God Together: Romans 15-16