Acts 4:36-5:11

Giving it all to God

Mr. Gillis giving to West Fayetteville Baptist Church

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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.

Barnabas was completely obedient and honest. He was convicted by the Spirit to sell the land and bring it to the Apostles.

This echoes back to Acts 2

English Standard Version Chapter 2

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

The Spirit was using this selling of possessions to provide for everyone who was in need in the church.

Before the Government took from people to care for the poor, the church did it out of obedience to God.

When he did so, he held nothing back and gave it all to the church because that is what the Spirit convicted him to do.

Notice, he sold a field, singular.

Doesn’t mean we have to give the last penny unless God asks for it.

This Man Barnabas became an important man in the church. The disciples recognized his full obedience and God honored and used him as he brought forth another apostle of God.

Acts 9:26–28 “26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.”

We will see later that Saul was feared

But the Apostles trusted Barnabas

As persecution continued, The Disciples in Jerusalem would send Barnabas and Saul to go to Antioch and teach the newly formed believers there.

The story continues in Chapter 5.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

5 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.

Here Ananias sold a piece of Property, why?

English Standard Version Chapter 2

they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need

to distribute to any who had need

If Ananias had need, would God have asked for it?

If Ananias later had a need, would God not have provided for him

So why did Ananias hold a portion back?

Believed a lie from Satan

Lie that his family needed the money

lie that he couldn’t trust God.

Satan filled him with a lie

the lie, if you give a portion then it will be enough and people will see it as honorable

Pride of life, they will look at you in the same light as Barnabas

Verse 4 says that this lie was contrived in Ananias’ heart.

English Standard Version Chapter 15

19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.

Some might ask if what Ananias did wrong

evil thoughts of theft - stole from God

False Witness - wanted the awe from other believers

Sinned

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Ananias’ sin brought his immediate death upon his lie.

Then we turn to his wife.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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.

Remember that Ananias did all of this with his wife’s knowledge and agreement.

Peter’s questions reveal that she indeed knew the actual amount, and did indeed participate with the lie of her husband.

Their agreement was to deceive the Church and the Holy Spirit.

They wanted the glory that Barnabas received.

Sapphira didn’t die because of Ananias’ sin… but her own.

Verse 11 points out something important to us today. The whole Church feared God.

Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

the churches lack of fear that judgement could come at any moment.

God’s judgement is death and eternal separation from God

What God asks you for today,

Matthew 22:37 “37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

God want all of your heart

God wants all of your soul

God wants all of your mind

God wants all of you, not just the portion that you are willing to give up.

Complete obedience and trust in God.