Study 14. Acts 5:1-11.

10. Examine 5:1-4 carefully. Exactly what was Ananias’s sin? (For instance, was it wrong in itself not to sell all his property and give it to the church?) 

He misrepresented the extent of his gift. He lied to God 

11. What do you think might have motivated him to do this? 

He wanted to be thought of as  being as generous as others in the church, even though he wasn't.  He sought credit for more than was due. He was calculating and hypocritical. His actions were not toward God, but towards men. He was transactional.

12. What did God teach the early believers by striking Ananias and Sapphira dead (see 5:1-11)? 

He is an awesome and holy God. The church is not a place where worldly standards of purity and outward show apply. God looks on the heart. He knows everything. 

 

13. Is there a lesson here for us? If so, what is it?

 In our service and contribution we are to remember that we are serving and giving to God, not so that we look good to people.

 

For Further Study: Observe how Barnabas lived out his nickname in the rest of Acts (see 9:27; 11:22-25; 15:37-39). How can you act as a “son of encouragement” for other Christians? 

•  9:27 Barnabas took the risk of trusting Saul and vouching for the reality of his coversion
  
• 11:22-25 Barnabas was a trustworthy person. He rejoiced on seeing the good work of God, without envy. He also was quick to remember talented people and to bring them to service.
  
• 15:37-39 He was willing to give people a second chance and to fight for them
  

 

For Thought and Discussion: What does this story show about the Holy Spirit? 

The Holy Spirit is a Person. He can be lied to and tested. He is God. He is uncompromising in judgment

 

For Thought and Discussion: Why do you think God doesn’t continue to strike people dead who lie to Him? 

Foundational/starting standards are important.  

For the same reason miracles rarely occur nowadays...The authentication of the apostles's teaching in this way is no longer necessary.

But it is by no means the case that He "doesn't".

Wen Jin  says,  “no one left”