ACTS 5
The first several chapters of Acts show the explosion of the early Church and God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, has shown His power in not only the saving of sinners, but also using supernatural means. These supernatural means gave great evidence that God was truly at work in advancing the Gospel. During the first 4 chapters we see a confident church emerging and their confidence created a unique reaction as it came to community. They were united around the Gospel and they began sharing everything they had and living in unity.
Acts 4:34, 35 says
Acts 4:34, 35 says
"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.”
When we get to Chapter 5 we run into a major issue. We see a reminder that sin can still cause problems, even in the midst of great unity and revival. The first word in the chapter is alarming. The word “but” signals a change from all of the positivity. We are faced with an issue that we as sinners must fight against. It is the sin of hypocrisy.
"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?”
As others were selling personal property and giving the money to be distributed to the needy, Ananias and his wife displayed the desire to be viewed more generous than they actually were. They were not required to sell their property, they chose to do so. Also, they could have kept all or even a portion of the sell and all would have been fine. The problem is that they lied about it. Why did they lie? They lied because they wanted to look good to the community. This is a problem we all face and hypocrisy can ruin a church.
God acts here and proves that he is extremely concerned with sin and its potential impact on His church. We must be on guard as well and take sin seriously. Later in the New Testament we see the command for church discipline. Does this type of discipline hurt the church and its growth. Actually, we see the exact opposite. It builds up the church and promotes health of its members.
In verse 14 and 15 we find
God acts here and proves that he is extremely concerned with sin and its potential impact on His church. We must be on guard as well and take sin seriously. Later in the New Testament we see the command for church discipline. Does this type of discipline hurt the church and its growth. Actually, we see the exact opposite. It builds up the church and promotes health of its members.
In verse 14 and 15 we find
"And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women”
See ya Sunday!