The story of Ananias and Sapphira is one of the most fascinating, difficult, and fearful passages of all Scripture. The events concerning this husband and wife are found in Acts 5.

Apparently, this couple saw the excitement surrounding the action of Barnabas and wanted the same for themselves. Barnabas had sold a field and took the  payment and laid it at the feet of the apostles to be used for needy people in Jerusalem. Ananias and Sapphira did the same with one large exception.

They gave every indication that they had done the same as Barnabas. Instead they secretly kept some of the money for themselves. The result was that both were struck by the judgment of God. The words of Peter made it clear that they did not have to sell the property or give the proceeds to the Apostles. The sin lay in lying to the Holy Spirit.

What are we to learn from this passage?

First, God hates hypocrisy. Remember hypocrisy is not trying and failing (though some people mistakenly define it that way). Rather hypocrisy is putting on a face or play acting. This is exactly what this couple did. They pretended to sell a piece of property and give all the proceeds to the apostles. They played a game and acted out a part.

You don’t have to read far in the gospels to recognize that Jesus also hated hypocrisy.

Second, Satan attacks the church through members of the church. In Acts 4 Satan attacked the church from without, with persecution by powerful authorities. Satan could not harm the church with that attack. He then chose to work through those on the inside.

You and I  must be on guard against Satan’s using us or others to destroy the church’s ministry.

Third, God loves His church and will protect it. While this may be hard, I am thankful God loves His church enough to protect it. You and I should love it that much as well.

Fourth, the church is built on obedience to the Spirit of God. We have been given the responsibility to build God’s church according to His way and plan. The church is not ours to run or rule. It is His to lead and to protect.

Finally, when the church follows the sensitive leading of God’s Spirit, the church will be bold and powerful. The following paragraph (Acts 5:13-16) shows how the church received the favor of the people and how multitudes believed and were saved.

That’s the powerful message to the world and the church about the people of God.

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