Tag: Ananias and Sapphira
Would you lie to God?
Scripture reading for November 6: Acts 5-7
Lying is a sin! One of the ten commandments states that we should not give a false accusation against a neighbor! (Exodus 20:16) God hates a lying tongue! (Proverbs 6:17-19) Lying causes mistrust because lies are usually found out and the person’s character is degraded by all who know the truth. Lying breaks relationships, marriages, homes, and even churches! A lying tongue hates the one it hurts! (Proverbs 26:28) A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will perish! (Proverbs 19:9) The devil is a liar and can speak only one language: “LIE!” (John 8:44)
The Book of Acts records the history of the early church from just before the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul in Rome. Very early in the history of the new church, Luke recorded the story of a Ananias and Sapphira, who told a costly lie. Acts 5:1-16.
Ananias and Sapphira sold some of their property and made an offering to the Apostles for the use of the church. The price of the property was more than what they gave, but they told the Apostles that they gave all the money to the Lord. Now it wasn’t wrong not to give it all. It was only wrong to lie about what they had given. Scripture doesn’t say why they did this. It may be that they wanted to look good to other church members . It may be that they dedicated more than they were willing to give and decided to keep some back. Whatever the reason, both husband and wife died for telling less than the truth.
“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men, but to God.”” “When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what happened.” (Acts 5:3-5)
This should make each one of us evaluate our own hearts and giving. We need mercy more than ever! This is a New Testament story to warn God’s people that dealing with God is serious business! Amazingly, the church grew and many souls were added after this judgment! God is building a holy church that will reflect His character of Truth! The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Truth given to us as a gift!
Healing by shadow!
Scripture reading for May 12th: Acts 5
“The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.” (Acts 5:12-16)
Right after the sudden deaths of Ananias and his wife Sapphira for lying to the Holy Spirit, a holy fear came over the church and people. There were understandable reservations about joining the apostles and their group who met in a room near the temple. The apostles were highly regarded because of the miraculous signs and wonders that they performed on a regular basis as they ministered to the lost, sick and demon-possessed. However, as they ministered and preached the Gospel of the resurrected Christ, many were added to the number of believers!
As the disciples moved about ministering, people would bring the sick into the streets and seek to get them close enough to Peter and the apostles that their shadow might bring healing or at least get their attention for ministry and prayer! God so anointed them that all the sick and demon-possessed that were brought to them from Jerusalem and surrounding towns were healed! God honors faith and faithfulness! Has your shadow been sought by the hurting because of the anointing of Jesus on your life? God’s willing to use us!