“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.
Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him. About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “yes, for so much.”
But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt 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.” She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.” Acts 5:1-11
“…how is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”
The lie of Ananias and Sapphira: was it men-pleasing? Pride? Selfishness? It doesn’t really matter the label–the problem was “…you have conceived this thing in your heart…”. Jeremiah 17:10 became their reality at that moment.
Love, His Love has freed His Own from man-pleasing, fear and self-serving. When those folks with lands or houses sold them and brought the money in to help those in need, it was from being inspired to do so from The Holy Spirit, in HIS LOVE. HIS GRACE was on the inspired transaction.
Ananias and his wife were attempting in their flesh to appear godly and seek the accolades of men. There was no motive of “love for others” in their plan, just love for status, praise for their act, and a possible fear of lack or selfishness (after all, they did keep back part of the proceeds for themselves, right?).
Peter made it clear in his discernment and word of knowledge that the land remained in Ananaias’ power before, and after, it was sold. So why lie about for how much it sold? Maybe to look as though he was giving ALL? Whatever the reason, it was a deadly mistake–and worthy of inspection.
How much do we do for looks, man-centered approval, to fit in or be respected in the church or community, our circle of friends–yet the Truth is not present in ANY of it? God sees the heart.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
Let’s pray together:
Lord, help us to walk in Your Holy Spirit and in Truth IN ALL THINGS! Cleanse us from secret faults, cleanse us from presumptuous sins, do not let them have dominion over us! Let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord our strength and redeemer! In Jesus’ Name we ask, Amen
(based on Psalm 19:12-14 and John 4:24)
