Acts message 13

Acts 5:1–11 (NKJV)

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part 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 keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?

4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.

6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.

7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.”

9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.”

10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

Intro: So far in the book of Acts we have seen great things going on with the Church. People being saved, healed, boldness, great prayer meetings, lives are being changed. 1000’s of people becoming followers of Jesus. There was unity in the church. They were generous.

God was doing something great in the church.

There was also persecution from people being used by Satan outside of the church. Now we see Satan working within the church.

Things were going great for the first church, but things were not perfect. Sin, and compromise were going on and it had to be dealt with.

Look at the end of chapter 4. (Elab)

Acts 5:1–2 (NKJV)

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

The New Testament: An Expanded Translation (Chapter 5)

But a certain man named Ananias with his wife Saphira sold a possession and set apart part of it for himself, his wife also knowing of this together with him. And having brought a certain part, he placed it at the feet of the apostles

“But” We you read the work but, always mark a decisive change in the story. Sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

People were selling their stuff and giving for Gods work. Ananias and his wife Sapphira are also sell a possession, but unlike the others, they keep some for themselves.

What was wrong with that, maybe gave 50% and keep 50%, they still gave. Was that really so bad? Was there something wrong with what they gave?

Ananias and Sapphira were forced neither to sell nor to give all of the proceeds once property was sold. Doing either was totally voluntary.

So what was the problem? Ananias apparently pretended to give more than he actually gave. They kept some of the proceeds, claiming to give it all.

Ananias wanted a reputation like Barnabas without having the compassion of Barnabas. Maybe Ananias wanted a nickname too, a phrase that would make him sound important and that just might increase his popularity.

When it comes to our giving of money, it’s not what others know, but what God wants.

When it comes to doing work for the Lord, it’s not about others giving you praise. It’s about doing the work with the right heart.

Acts 5:2 (NKJV)

2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

“Kept back” W.S To steal by misappropriating”

They sold a possession. They said they would give 100%, but they kept some for themselves.

What is they would have said, “We’re going to sell something, but we’re going to to give half and keep half for ourselves. That would have been honest.

But they made it look like they were doing like everyone else, but they lied.

They wanted to look generous, without being generous.

They lied, and they did it together.

When we give (10%) but giving more. Ask God, God will show you. We don’t out of guilt, or to make us look good, or to show off. (Mr Wagner)

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