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? Acts 5:3 WEB
At the end of chapter four of the Book of Acts, Luke describes how the early church members shared their wealth with the church. Some sold houses, others sold open land, laying the proceeds at the feet of the apostles. In turn, the church distributed the wealth from these sales to provide for the needs of its members. Because of the generosity of its wealthiest members and the faithful distribution of wealth by church officials, Luke reports in Acts 4:34, “that there were no needy persons among them. NIV”
To begin chapter five, Luke continues with the subject of early financial contributors to the church. There is, however, a shocking twist to this account. In previous verses, Luke described individuals who contributed financially to the church without issue. Here, Luke describes the sudden deaths of two seemingly ordinary and otherwise healthy people. The story of Ananias and his wife Sapphira serves as a warning to the seriousness of a Christian’s relationship with the Holy Spirit.
Like others in the early Christian community, Ananias and Sapphira sold property and donated to the church. However, with Ananias and his wife, Satan overcame them both causing them to lie to the Holy Spirit. Although the money from the sale of their property was theirs to do with that they pleased, the couple pledged the money entirely to the church. When afterward, Ananias and Sapphira held back a portion of the proceeds for themselves, disaster struck them both.
Two Masters
Scripture does not expressly state how Peter knows about the promises Ananias and his wife made to God. Peter does, however, refer to the dark influence that drew each of them away from God. Peter identifies Satan as the force that induced Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit. Consequently, Ananias and Sapphira died that day.
Ananias and Sapphira tried to serve both God and money. This is the most likely cause of their downfall. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. WEB” Sadly, Satan tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie to the Holy Spirit out of the confusion that arose in their hearts over money.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the warnings and the wisdom you share with the world. Guide me to do your will. Help me to live a life that serves your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Draw Near
