The early church was full of joy, power and generosity. Barnabas had just sold a field and laid the money at the apostles’ feet. Then a couple named Ananias and Sapphira sold land too. They kept back part of the price but pretended to give it all. What happened next is one of the most sobering stories in the Bible. It is not easy to read, but it is in Scripture for our good. It reminds us that God cares about the heart behind our worship, and that He is holy.
The Lie Behind the Gift
Peter asked Ananias why Satan had filled his heart to lie to the Holy Ghost. Notice what Peter said next. The land belonged to Ananias. After he sold it, the money was still his to use as he chose. No one forced him to give it all. His sin was not keeping some money. His sin was pretending. He wanted the praise of being generous without the cost. Jesus warned against giving to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1-4). People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Peter also said Ananias had not lied unto men but unto God. In lying to the Holy Ghost, he lied to God, for the Spirit is God. Every act of worship is done before Him, not merely before the congregation.
Where are you tempted to look more spiritual or generous than you really are, and what honest step will you take about it this week?
God Is Holy
When Ananias heard Peter’s words, he fell down and died. About three hours later Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter gave her a chance to tell the truth, asking if they sold the land for that amount. She said yes, and she too fell down dead. This judgment shocks us, and it should. It shows that God is not a careless parent who winks at sin. He is a consuming fire, and we are called to serve Him with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28-29). Great fear came upon all the church and all who heard. That fear was healthy. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). God will not be mocked, for whatever a person sows, that will he also reap (Galatians 6:7).
What is one sin you have treated lightly lately, and what will you change in your routine this week to take it seriously before God?
Walking in the Light
This story is not meant to make us afraid to come to God. It is meant to make us honest with Him. Sapphira had a moment to tell the truth, and so do we. The Bible promises that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Whoever covers sin will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes it will find mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Our God is holy, yet He is also kind. Through the blood of Jesus, the door to forgiveness stands open. A healthy church is not a church without sinners. It is a church where people put away lying and speak truth to one another, because we are members of one body (Ephesians 4:25).
Is there something you need to make right with God or with someone else, and when this week will you confess it and ask forgiveness?
Conclusion
Ananias and Sapphira teach us that God sees beneath the surface. Their gift looked good, but it hid a lie, and God judged it. The holiness of God should lead us to reverence, not to hiding. The same Lord who judged their deceit sent His Son to bear our sins on the cross. In Jesus there is full forgiveness for all who come honestly. Let us bring Him our real selves, our real gifts and our real confessions, and walk in the light as He is in the light.
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