Most of us have heard of them. As kids in Sunday school we were taught, “Don’t be like Ananias and Sapphira!” They are the notorious stars of Acts chapter 5. In the previous chapter the Holy Spirit came and filled all the believers so that they could speak with boldness and courage. Acts 4:32 (AMP) says they were of one heart and soul, “and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.”
It goes on to tell none of them were needy or destitute because the ones who had homes and land sold them “laying the money at the apostles feet” where it was distributed as anyone had need. Amazing! Talk about trusting the leaders of your church! And trusting each other to help meet your needs! And more than that – selling all of their possessions to help another brother or sister in Christ! That’s difficult for me to even imagine. No wonder we don’t go around performing the miracles they performed! God is the same, right?
So by the time I get to chapter 5 I’m already feeling pretty inadequate. Forget selling all we own, sometimes I feel like a 10% tithe has to pried out of our hands with a crowbar! Then I venture into chapter 5. Ah ha. Ananias and Sapphira. I immediately recognize the names. These were some bad people God killed. I continue reading.
Ultimately, Ananias and Sapphira sold some property. Together (as a good husband and wife agreeing on a financial decision) they decide to keep part of the money, and then give the rest to the Church. I’m assuming it was embarrassment and/or greed but for some reason they chose not to admit the little kickback and present the money as the total profit for their property.
Then (I’ve never heard anyone preach on it, but v.3 says) when they presented to Peter he knew they were lying. That, too, is amazing to me. I’ve wondered if people were telling the truth before, but Peter just called them out. Maybe there was a snitch. Maybe he knew their hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. Either way – pretty amazing in itself. Then they died. One at a time because that’s the way they approached Peter, but each shared the same fate. He even told Sapphira (who came 2nd) that “The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [also].” Then it happened. I’m amazed still.
I can’t but question this in my heart. I know God is always right, and His plan is perfect. But then I try to examine myself under the same microscope. They still sold something and gave money to the Church. That’s more than I’ve ever done – lying about it or not. Some say they died because they lied. Well, I won’t even touch that. The telemarketer calls, “Is so-and-so home?”
“No, I’m sorry he’s not,” knowing good and well he’s on the couch beside you. I don’t do this anymore partially because it is lying, but partially because they will call back. I’d rather nip it in the bud. Don’t get me started on the Do Not Call List.
Some say they were killed based on the nature of the lie. They were trying to deceive the Holy Spirit. Then I recall all of the times I have done something I shouldn’t (or not done something I should), and I really just wish God would stop watching for just a second. (Ha. This is funny: Just as I was writing that, my eyes were drawn to a plaque I have on the buffet table in my dining room that says Psalms 121:3, “He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber.” And the “WATCHES OVER YOU” is in giant all caps just like that.) Thanks, Lord! I got it!
Now I have a new conviction. When I need help, (for this reason I bought the plaque), I like to be reminded that He will not slumber. I am grateful He is always there. Then when I mess up, or even just want to, His presence makes me uncomfortable.
I am thankful for this story because it has reminded me of the importance of self-examination. We won’t always have a Peter calling us out. As God’s children, He will always be watching and caring over us. As we pursue His will (which is always sin-free) this is one of the greatest blessings He has given us.
I thank God that He is steady – especially because I am not. He is constant. He is always good. He is
always holy. And praise His name a thousand times – He is always merciful!
