Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphria his wife, sold a possession.

 

For the past few days we have been discussing how God called a man named Barnabas of Cyprus. He was born a Levite and could have had anything and everything the world had to offer, but he chose to sell his property and join up with the Apostles of the First Church in Jerusalem. The Lord Blessed him greatly for his obedience and total surrender. We find this account in the closing verses of the 4th Chapter of the Books of Acts. Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the Apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:37)

 

Then, the 5th Chapter opens with the word “but” because it reveals a man (and his wife) who were in strict contrast to Barnabas. This man was Ananias and his wife was Sapphria. Like Barnabas, they too sold some land but they did not surrender all the proceeds to the Church as the Lord commanded.

 

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphria his wife, sold a possession. 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. (Acts 5:1-2)

 

In both cases (Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphria) they sold some land and laid money at the Apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:37 and Acts 5:2) However, the difference is that Barnabas gave his all, and Ananias and Sapphria gave a part and held back the rest for themselves.

 

As we look at how God responded to both Barnabas and Ananias and Sapphria we find life and death. To Barnabas, God gave life and Blessing. To Ananias and Sapphria, God responded with death. They were given the opportunity to repent and do what was right, but they didn’t. Therefore, they both dropped dead. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphria his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of if, and brought a certain part and laid it at the Apostles’ feet. 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? 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.”

 

Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 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.” 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. (Acts 5:1-10)

 

God gave His Best for us. He gave His Only Son to suffer and die on the cruel Cross of Calvary. Is it not reasonable that we give Him our all? Jesus said, If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24) This Passage of Scripture is quoted often but few people put the emphasis on the Words in the middle: let him deny himself.

 

To hold things back from God is a sin and the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) The story of Ananias and Sapphria is a testimony of this. Each of us is given the choice. We can be like Barnabas or we can be like Ananias and Sapphria. The result will be the same because God does not change. For I am the Lord and I changeth not. (Malachi 3:6)

 

Repent. God will soon…...….turn the tide

 

I choose to be like Barnabas,         Doreen

 

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