There is Power in the Truth

Acts 5:1-16

Lying to the Holy Spirit

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.

Continuing Power in the Church

12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The acts of the Spirit of God moving through the newly-born church was clearly and loudly evident to all who witnessed the events taking place.  After Barnabas had sold his land (acts 4:36-37) and donated the proceeds to the church for meeting the needs of those with less or even nothing, we see a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira try to capitalize on this good deed for their own standing among the church.  The problem was that they agreed to lie about giving all to the growing body by pretending the gift was sincere and the entire amount of the sale.  It was not. They purposefully held back part of the money for themselves as a hedge on their gift to ensure that they had enough for themselves.  When Ananias handed offer the money to the apostles for the church, God’s Spirit revealed the truth to Peter who called him out by asking if that total amount was the price that they received for the sale and Ananias lied to his face before God’s.  He did not live with the awareness of living before God’s face, Coram Deo, who knows and sees all things and from who, nothing can be hidden (Ecclesiastes 12:14, Jeremiah 23:24, Mark 4:22) from God’s Spirit who lives in every true believer (Romans 8:9, Ephesians 1:13-14) given the hope of eternal life.  There are no secrets to the Watcher who lives in us, but Ananias and Sapphira failed to grasp this truth or chose willingly to ignore it for their own personal gain.  Peter made the point of being honest before God and men which he pointed out to them as being moved by Satan in their hearts instead of by godly sincerity and honesty.  They could easily and honestly offered the portion they gave without pretending it was the entire amount because it was a gift; even if others might look down on them for not giving everything as Barnabas, it would have been acceptable by God and others would honor that generosity.  The price for lying against the Lord was immediate death to face their actions with accountability (Hebrews 9:27-28, 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, 14-15) and termination of their earthly existence (1 Corinthians 3:17) for desecration of their bodily temple where He lives.  This sudden accountability caught all the onlookers with fear of the power of God and the seriousness of following Him in spirit and truth.  Then Sapphira came and was asked the same question and lied the same story.  She also was judged and suffered the same immediate consequences.  These living examples of accountability spread quickly and all who heard the witnesses to these events had great fear, both within and outside the church.  But because the Lord and His Spirit continued to do wondrous miracles in the healing of bodies and souls at the hands of the apostles, they were highly esteemed and not feared as they feared God, but were afraid to join their number as they wondered if they were to lie to God in their own self-seeking and suffer the same consequences.  The apostles continued to minister to the sick as a sign that they had assumed the work of Christ who began the physical and spiritual work to make men and women whole (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24) in body and soul.  Do we live Coram Deo, with the full knowledge and understanding of God’s presence watching over us as we strive to speak truthfully and live with accountability?  Do we promise only what we deliver and not lie to impress others or seek our own glory in place of God’s?  May we live in godly sincerity before God and others, remembering that there is power in the truth.