Ananias and Sappira

Acts 4:34—5:5

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 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 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. 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? 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 men but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it.

D. A. Carson, For the Love of God (Vol. 1)

The account of Ananias and Sappira . . . is disturbing on several grounds. . . . Four observations focus the issue:

First, revival does not guarantee the absence of sin in a community. . . .

Second, the issue is not so much the disposition of the money that Ananias and Sappira obtained when they sold a piece of property as the lie they told. . . . It was this claim to sanctity and self-denial, this pretense of generosity and piety, that was so offensive. Left unchecked, it might well multiply. It would certainly place into positions of honor people whose conduct did not deserve it. But worse, it was a blatant lie against the Holy Spirit—as if the Spirit of God could not know the truth, or would not care. . . .

Third, another element of the issue was conspiracy. . . .

Fourth, in times of genuine revival, judgment may be more immediate than in times of decay (July 18).