ETB Acts 4:36 – 5:11

This month’s prayer meeting has been moved to July 15th at 6:30 in this room to allow for Coy Willard’s services and its participants to be unhindered by time.

Session 6 - p.55 - Accountable

We live in an age of shifting blame, making excuses, and settling for quick fixes. Accountability is often rejected. Throughout the New Testament we see that the Christian life is not like that. As believers, we’re called to a walk of personal responsibility and discipline. [LifeWay Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Spring 2024]

Ask: How have you experienced accountability? How does accountability impact how you view a responsibility assigned to you? (PSG, p. 55)

“List of Ten” used to meet weekly to study the Bible and ask each other these questions. We could also ask that at anytime during the week if we were led by the Spirit to confront possible sin. This group kept each other very grounded in God’s Word and purposes. I have not seen some of these men in several years, but I know that if we spend more than 5 minutes around each other one of these questions will come up. Good accountability has no time limit.

Understand the Context

The new group of believers formed a genuine community, a true family. In fact, the way that Luke wrote about them indicates that they were even closer than most families. Luke noted that they united in heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

This suggests that the members of the young church did not merely believe the same facts about the resurrection of Jesus, but they also had their hearts knit together by that belief. It was a common bond that connected them and served as the foundation of who they were. It was their spiritual identity.

Throughout the book of Acts, the Spirit’s power was the key factor in both the numerical growth of the church and in the increased depth of community. Through His work, the people acted in love and generosity. This allowed them to meet the material needs of others. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Although the group shared a common belief in the resurrected Savior, not everyone’s spiritual depth or maturity was the same or even growing the same way. Some of the worlds beliefs and ways of thinking still prevailed in some of the new believers and God through the apostles would need to correct these before they spread and effected the unity.

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 5)

The context of this (today’s passage)is important to note: the incident is bracketed by references to the Spirit’s power (4:31, 33; 5:12–16). The Spirit was closely linked to the unity of the fellowship manifested in their sharing. Ananias and Sapphira abused the fellowship through their deception and thereby threatened its unity.

Explore the Text

Acts 4:36–37 ESV

36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

By stating Joseph’s origins this way, Luke is connecting him back to the Pentecost account back in Acts 2. This makes it likely that he one of those who were “dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation." Acts2 account is also linked back to today’s lesson because at the end of the chapter it summarizes what the new fellowship of believers were doing.

Acts 2:45 “45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.”

Today’s passage gives us more specifics - positive and negative - about these sales and distributions.

Barnabas also makes a plausible example of those who may have come to Passover and Pentecost from a distance intending to go home after the feasts, but now that Messiah has come have decided to stay in Jerusalem with the apostles to do the work which Jesus had prescribed for all the believers. We know that this devout man does eventually go on mission trips and travels home for a time with the last apostle to be called - Saul of Tarsus.

As a Levite, Barnabas would have been familiar with the history and culture of the Jews. However, as a native of Cyprus, he also would have understood Greek culture. This diverse background would serve him well during his missionary efforts with Paul later in Acts. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Being of the priestly lineage may have also allowed him additional privileges while he was in Jersualem which could have increased his ability and desire to lead other Jews into faith of Christ, as well as encourage those who have already believed.

KEY DOCTRINE: Stewardship (page 58 of the PSG.)

According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth. (See Acts 2:44-47; Philippians 4:10-19.) [Lifeway Adults (2024). Explore the Bible: Adult Personal Study Guide - CSB - Summer 2024. Lifeway Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

sold a field

Some commentators attribute to Barnabas selling “everything he had” but this noun is singular. It may have been the only piece of land that he did own, but the wording would be different if “all his land” was sold. Being the encourager that he was, he probably knew this property’s price would be enough to meet the need he became aware of and thus gave it to the Lord through the apostle’s to meet it.

We are also not definitively told where this property was located. If it was back in his native land, then there was a significant amount of time elapsed between the decision to sell and the ability to give the proceeds to the apostles. If the land was somewhere within the Promised Lands, then some say that this property could have been sold as display of conviction of “owning land” as a Levite. This however would be an act of Mosaic law and not one of freedom in grace. Selling for one motive to give the money away with an opposing one seems unlikely.

Note that stewardship involves accountability to God for our resources.

We should also remember that Barnabas’s example is descriptive, not prescriptive. The general truths of obedience and generosity are what believers should model as God leads them. Barnabas’s decision to sell some land to support the church and the less fortunate was a personal conviction, not a requirement for all believers at all times. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Ask: How can a generous gift be a means of encouraging others? In what ways can you participate in the benevolence ministry of your church? (PSG, p. 58)

laid it at the apostles’ feet

Unusual phrase. Unclear if this was literal or figurative, so probably both.

Word “laid” is often translates as “appointed”

John 15:16 “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 “9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

In this context the phrase seems to denote a setting apart for a particular purpose or usage.

Today we may “donate” to the church, either for a specific purpose or to the “general fund” to be used at the leaders’ discretion.

Other than monetary gifts, what else can we “appoint” for use by the church or its leadership?

Acts–Philemon 4:32–5:11. Second Major Summary and Examples

By placing his gift at the feet of the apostles, Barnabas recognized their authority over him and the church. His first recognition of their authority came in his acceptance of their renaming him (v. 36). There is no suggestion that this practice was a requirement within the Christian community (see 5:4) and if it were, there would be no reason to isolate Barnabas as an example of what everyone else was doing.

Joseph’s gift was an positive encouragement to many, but man’s heart can twist positive influences into sinful habits and action.

Acts 5:1–6 ESV

1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 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. 3 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? 4 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 man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

v.1-2

But a man named Ananias

As in other places in Scripture that conjunction “but” lets us know that what follows is a contrast to the previous example. Whatever motive or desire or encouragement Barnabas did his giving, these two did it for the opposite or at least an unrighteous reason.

sold a piece of property

To continue the contrast, Luke uses different words than he did for what Barnabas sold. “Piece of property” could be a possession of any kind art, land, slave, etc. It is not until Peter confronts them about the price of the sale do we learn that it was land, and even then the world is different there as well.

The word for the positive example is a cleared field, but not actively cultivated. It is ready for a crop but one is not planted. This would generally cost less than a planted field as the “future crops” cost would not be a factor. The couple’s land however appears to have been “cultivated.” The couple probably made more money from their sale, but I think gave the same amount as Barnabas as their gift was more for appearances than generosity.

his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself

“Eve gave to her husband and he did eat.” That was the first mutual rebellion in Scripture and the world. Luke records here the first couple to rebel in the church.

A typical of the culture, the woman is a collaborator with the monetary transaction. She may not have been an owner, but Luke attribute equality in the knowledge and motive behind the sale and the “keeping back.”

The Quarterly has a nice synopsis about that phrase and another connection Luke knew his Jewish readers would make with that wording.

“Kept back” (Acts 5:2) translates a rare Greek word that means “to pilfer” or “to embezzle.” The same word appears in the Greek version of Joshua 7:20-26 to describe the sin of Achan, who took some of the spoils from Jericho that had been set apart for God and hid them in his tent. Achan, too, received a judgment of death. [ETB:PSG Spr'24]

v.3-4

why has Satan filled your heart to lie

While Satan was able to put these matters into his heart, Ananias was responsible for giving the devil ground to do so (Eph. 4:26-27). [ETB:PSG Spr'24]

Acts (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible | BTC) “The Holy Spirit, the Lord”: The Deity of the Holy Spirit

With a parallel phraseology in the Gospel of John (John 13:27), Luke has described in his Gospel (Luke 22:3) how “Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot” (→10:38; →13:8–11). Thereby he defines the sin of Ananias and Sapphira as one of not giving the glory to God (→12:21–23)—and therefore of not acknowledging, in the later formula of the creed, “the Holy Spirit [as] the Lord.”

If you take out the arbitrary chapter division, this story begins back in Acts 4:32.

Acts 4:32 “32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”

Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira are all a part of that group. This statement is not one about a lack of salvation but more of its weak sanctification. Peter probably recognizes this well because Jesus made a similar accusation of him.

Matthew 16:23 “23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.””

Peter however was given an opportunity to repent afterwards. Ananias seems to have already been given those chances and “resisted the Spirit” throughout these events. Peter asks questions that seem to point to the opportunities that had already occured in which to stop the evil intent being acted upon.

Phrasing the questions into statements we might hear.

You acted against God when you owned the land and conspired to sell it. You resisted God when you had all the money in your hands. You lied to God when you gave the money for His work.

Peter finishes his questions with “this deed” thus lumping all the steps into a single heart action and sinful intent.

You have not lied to man but to God

NLT -You weren’t lying to us but to God!

This is a key New Testament passage that teaches the deity of the Holy Spirit. Peter made it clear that a lie told to the Holy Spirit is also a lie told to God. In bringing these members of the Trinity together, Peter acknowledged that the Spirit is not simply a force or a power. He is both personal and divine. He is not “like God” or “from God.” He is God. [ETB:ALG Spr'24]

Here is my question of the day - What does is mean to “lie to God” and is that really possible?

New Testament (Second Edition) 5:1–11: Addressing Sin in the Camp

Gehazi also took wealth, lied about it, and was punished (2 Kings 5:27).

v.5-6

heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last.

The time for repentance had already passed. Ananias’ heart started racing with the first question and exploded with the last. God’s judgement was swift and righteous, even if we do not understand it.

Ask: Why might a person persistently be dishonest with God? (PSG, p. 60)

First option - They are not a part of His Faith Family, they are lost.

Second option - They are new to the faith and have not accepted His convicting to change their beliefs to conform to His pattern in their life.

Third option - They are believers who have refused to submit to God in this particular area and are therefore stagnant in all their faith growth.

Admitting to God which one of these He says you are is the first step toward more honesty with Him.

great fear came upon all who heard

This was one cause that Luke mentioned as a result of this scene and the next.

I know it is speculation as we cannot fully know “why” God did this.

What are the positive effects of this fear from this scene that would have benefited or protected the growing church congregation?

Acts Tensions within (4:32–5:11)

fulfills the threat of Peter’s sermon: “every person who does not obey that prophet will be cut off from the people” (3:23

New Testament (Second Edition) 5:1–11: Addressing Sin in the Camp

God protected the sanctity of the tabernacle by striking down wicked priests (Lev 10:1–5). Judgment miracles were recognized in Greek tradition and are frequent in the Old Testament (e.g., Num 16:28–35; 2 Sam 6:6–7; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; 2:24; 2 Chron 26:16–21).

Several commentaries list Ananais and Sapphira’s death as a “judgment miracle.” Equally awe inspiring as the healing of last week and equally attributed to an act of God. It is a reminder to me that not all miracles may have a “positive” outcome from an earth-side perspective.

Barnabas’ actions encouraged giving and generosity. Ananias and Sapphira’s actions were judged severely as they were the opposite and would lead others away from Christlike behaviors. The “ one heart and soul” in verse 32 was correct in Barnabas and any motives that were not in line with that unity had to be removed in order for the church to grow. Persecutions are on the horizon and this unity of heart and purpose would be what sustains them as the church expands and scatters across the know world.

wrapped him up

Interesting word choice used here. The only other time the word translated as “wrapped” in used in the New Testament is

1 Corinthians 7:29 “29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,”

This wrapping evidently was not the ritual for burying, it was the quick removal of the body from the congregation by touching the body as little as possible. Probably a cloth stretcher made from available material. The burial listed may not have even been a “full rite” as it was completed very quickly.

Transition: God killed Ananias on the spot, which created a whole new level of respect for God inside and outside the church. But Luke’s account didn’t end there. Sapphira still had a chance to succeed where her husband had failed.

Acts 5:7–11 ESV

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test 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.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

v.7-9

After three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

I think this speaks a lot to the bond that was, or was not, present between these two. Her husband has been dead for three hours and she has no clue.

Peter was gracious and gave her another opportunity to repent and possibly save her life, but ultimately she was accountable for her own actions not just in the participation of her husbands.

Ask: Why is it so important to be careful about who we allow to influence us? How do you determine what choices you make? (PSG, p. 62)

v.10-11

great fear came upon the whole church

A Commentary on Acts of Apostles Acts V

This fear was excited, not only by the sudden and awful fate of the guilty pair, but also by the fearful nature of that spirit-searching knowledge imparted to the apostles. The disciples were now filled with more just conceptions than before of the nature of inspiration, and the unbelieving masses who heard of the event were awed into respect and reverence.

Acts–Philemon 4:32–5:11. Second Major Summary and Examples

The whole church. This is the first time of seventeen (5:11; 8:1, 3; 9:31; 11:22, 26; 12:1, 5; 13:1; 14:23, 27; 15:3, 4, 22; 18:22; 20:17; 20:28) that Luke uses the term ekklesia (translated “church”) for the whole of the gathered community of faith, who at this point are all residing in Jerusalem.

Later Romans would term the building in which the believers gather as a “domus ekklesia,” a “house of the church.” Of course this was probably not a compliment, but it is worth noting that the Gentile oppressors even noted that the “church” was not the building.

We have a church “security team” that protects us and the property physically while we are on this campus. Every congregation member is however as part of the “spiritual security team” that is responsible for protecting the unity and fellowship of a church body.

How are we doing? How can we do better?

Apply the Text

Reflect: Remind adults of the contrast between Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphira. Emphasize that their hearts mattered more than their gifts. Encourage the group to consider how other people influence them—for good or evil—and what God is calling them to do in response to what He shows them.

CHALLENGE

Summarize: Review these points from Apply the Text on page 63 of the Personal Study Guide:

· Believers can encourage others by meeting the needs of others.

· Believers must carefully examine their motives when giving.

· Believers must guard against following others’ poor examples.