In Acts 5 we find the first sin recorded in the early church and its disastrous consequences. As noted before, those first converts in Jerusalem had all things in common, selling their possessions and sharing it with others as they had need (2:44-45). And no one lacked anything, as those who had property, sold it and brought the money to the disciples, who distributed it as the need arose (4:34-35). Further, in order to set the context for what is about to happen, I should note that the ministry (and therefore, the influence) of the Holy Spirit was very strong, as evidenced not only by the people’s willingness to share their possessions; but by the manifestations of the Spirit seen in these first several chapters, starting with Pentecost, then Peter’s sermons and the response of the people, the healing of the lame man, etc.
Then, as is always the case, evil and the temptations that come with it, enters in. So now we see the incident concerning Ananias and Sapphira (5:1-11). Most everyone is familiar with the story. They sold a certain possession and brought the money to the disciples, but held back a portion of it for themselves (verses 1-2).
Now, there are several passages I could reference to deal with this. I’ll start with I Corinthians 10:12-15. Earlier in this chapter Paul explains the fact that Israel was given every advantage under the Law, but failed to appropriate those benefits and carelessly fell into idolatry, and, of course, suffered the consequences. Then in verses 12-15 he warns believers (who are now under grace) not to fall into the same trap. I’ll quote it for you.
“So, if you’re confident that you’re standing firm (in the Lord), be careful you don’t fall! For no temptation has laid hold of you except what is common to man. But God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to resist. So, when you’re tempted, He will also provide a way of escape, so you can bear it patiently. Therefore, my dearly beloved, avoid anything that you would love more than God. I assume that I’m talking to sensible men. Think about it.”
You may be wondering why I would use this passage. I’ll explain, but first, let’s look a little further into the story. Peter immediately tells Ananias that Satan had tempted him, that he’s being deceitful and that he has lied not to men, but to the Holy Spirit (verses 3-4). And, it’s important to note that in verse 4 Peter asks him why he had “conceived” this plan in his heart. In other words, Ananias had thought it over and decided to do this (and Sapphira had agreed to it as well, verse 9).
Back to what Paul warns in I Corinthians 10:12-15. Ananias was self-confident in his deception. He thought he could lie and get away with it. He was an immature believer who did not yet understand temptation: the source of temptation, the purpose of temptation or even the need for temptation.
So, let’s be a little instructive here and look at this. Scripture gives us three sources of temptation: Satan (Matthew 4:3), men (Mark 8:11), and evil desires (lust in James 1:13-15). James also tells us God is not the source of temptation (James 1:13). But he also tells us that temptations have a purpose – to give us the opportunity to develop patience and endurance, so we can be everything God wants us to be (James 1:2-4).
Then Peter says temptations and trials are necessary to test our faith (I Peter 1:6-7). And just as a practical matter, let me explain here that this testing is not so God can grade us and see where we are in our walk with Him or our spiritual maturity. He already knows all of that. Testing is always for our benefit, so we can know where we are by honestly judging our success or failure and adjusting accordingly. That’s always a part of our growth.
And let me share a little personal experience here. Several years ago I wrote an article titled “Avoiding the Dog and Hog Disease, Part 1 Self Preservation and Materialism”. I suggest you read it, as in this article I explain from Jesus’ own words how He warns against giving in to the temptations presented by these two things, while at the same time telling us that we will all face these temptations (testing) as a part of our training. And by training, I mean the process by which God teaches us to trust Him and follow Him in obedience. Those who want to believe that being a “Christian” is nothing but blessing and prosperity fall right into Satan’s hands. It’s self-deception and a guarantee they will never know truth and the ways of God.
Now, going back to the text we see in verses 5-10 Peter first confronts Ananias (who falls dead), then his wife, Sapphira (who does likewise). Now, my first reaction to this years ago was, “isn’t this a little too severe?” Couldn’t they have just been exposed and caused to be embarrassed in front of the others? Or maybe something a little more serious, like leprosy. I mean, if every believer who lied today was immediately struck down, how many would be left?
Earlier I said it was important to set the context here and mentioned the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the manifestations of that ministry and the obvious effect it was having on the people in their commitment to each other, their willingness to sacrifice for one another and their desire to see the work of God expand. I believe the point here is that the early church was very vulnerable. Deception and hypocrisy would have robbed it of the power that was necessary for what lie ahead in the days and even years to come.
But, God’s swift and severe response to this circumstance produced a healthy respect for truth and the judgment of God. “Now the whole church and all who heard about these things were seized with great fear.” (Verse 11)