In Acts 5.1-11, we read about the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. In this passage, we see how Ananias and Sapphira sold their property, but kept some of the proceeds for themselves instead of giving all they had received. So, what mistakes did Ananias and Sapphira make? First, they loved their money. When confronted with the thought of giving it all away, they couldn’t do it. Second, they lied. Ananias and Sapphira lied to the apostles when giving them the proceeds from their land saying that the amount given was all that they had. As Peter says in v. 4, Ananias and Sapphira lied not to man, but to God. This deception dishonored the Lord as Ananias and Sapphira chose the idols of their hearts over the glory of God.

The story of Ananias and Sapphira stands in sharp contrast to the previous passage, Acts 4.32-37, which describes a man named Barnabus who sold his property and gave all the money he had earned to the apostles. Rather than keep money back for himself for his own comforts, he trusted in the freedom his faith gave him from the pleasures of earth. He believed in the good that would be done with his gift and the glory it would bring to Jesus.

These verses peel back our actions to see the true motivations of our heart. Are we like Ananias and Sapphira, imprisoned to our own selfish desires? Or are we like Barnabus, living in the freedom Jesus gives us over our sin?

[Acts 5.1-11]

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.” 10Immediately 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.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What do we learn from the actions of Ananias and Sapphira?

+ What does this passage reveal about God?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there something in your life that you have been unwilling to fully surrender to God?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?