Session 6
Acts 4:36-5:11
Memory Verse: Romans 14:12
We live in an age of shifting blame, making excuses, and settling for quick fixes. Accountability is often rejected. Throughout the New Testament we see that the Christian life is not like that. As believers, we’re called to a walk of personal responsibility and discipline. The story of Ananias and Sapphira serves as God’s kind correction to His church. God can’t be deceived, placated, or tricked. His holiness and love work together to discipline His children, so we can be presented blameless before God the Father (Col. 1:22).
God held Ananias and Sapphira accountable for their sin. As you study their story, spend time thanking God for His correction in your life. In a journal or in the margins of the Leader Guide, write a prayer that confesses a sin that you may be ignoring or an area where you’re feeling God’s correction. Consider sharing this with the adults in your Bible study if appropriate. Pray for them, as well, asking God to help them hear His voice through this session.
With responsibility comes accountability. This is true in our jobs and in our families. Employees who violate company rules are held accountable. Children who break the family rules must answer to parents. While good parents never enjoy handing out consequences, they want their children to know that privilege comes with responsibility. God loves us like that. He holds us accountable for our attitudes and actions so we can fully enjoy His blessings. (PSG, p. 55)
The new group of believers formed a genuine community, a true family. In fact, the way that Luke wrote about them indicates that they were even closer than most families. Luke noted that they united in heart and mind (Acts 4:32).
This suggests that the members of the young church did not merely believe the same facts about the resurrection of Jesus, but they also had their hearts knit together by that belief. It was a common bond that connected them and served as the foundation of who they were. It was their spiritual identity.
Jesus had emphasized the centrality of His resurrection when He spoke to the two disciples on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:25-26). The early church’s common belief in this radical idea made them “one mind” in a way that seemed like foolishness to Gentile nonbelievers. As noted in the early verses of Acts 4, it also created a stumbling block for devout Jews. (See also 1 Cor. 1:23.) This same belief, however, made them wise in the eyes of God (1 Cor. 1:24-25).
In addition to being of one mind regarding Jesus’s resurrection, this crucial doctrine bonded hearts within the new community. Being of one heart meant that the Christians truly cared for one another and thus fulfilled Jesus’s command to love one another so that outsiders would know that they were His people (John 13:34-35). The early church became known for the way members loved one another and how they extended that love to segments of society that the culture at large rejected or ignored. This would include widows, orphans, and unwanted children.
Luke also explained that this new community thought differently about their possessions. As he shared the narrative of Barnabas, he repeated the idea from chapter 2 that the believers held all their possessions and property in common (Acts 4:32). Being of one mind and one heart meant they were willing to acknowledge God’s ultimate ownership of their resources, which freed them to use those material gifts as He led them.
These qualities of unity were not generated by the disciples’ own goodness or social consciousness. Instead, building on the theme of God’s power, Luke shared that the early Christians continued following the example set by the apostles, who were testifying to the resurrection of Jesus “with great power” (4:33). This power was the same power that Jesus had promised in Acts 1:8.
Throughout the book of Acts, the Spirit’s power was the key factor in both the numerical growth of the church and in the increased depth of community. Through His work, the people acted in love and generosity. This allowed them to meet the material needs of others.
Read Acts 4:32-5:16. What do you think motivated Ananias and Sapphira to lie? To whom did they lie? How do you explain the severity of their judgment? (PSG, p. 56)
EXPLORE THE TEXT
36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
(v. 36) Levite: The Levites were the descendants of Levi, a son of Jacob/Israel. Under the law, priests came from the line of Levi’s son, Kohath (Ex. 6:16-25; 1 Chron. 6:1-3), but the remaining Levites (the lines of Gershon and Merari) also had religious duties in the tabernacle and, later, in the temple (Num. 1:47-53).
(v. 36) Cyprus: Cyprus is a large island in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Syria. As a Levite, Barnabas would have been familiar with the history and culture of the Jews. However, as a native of Cyprus, he also would have understood Greek culture. This diverse background would serve him well during his missionary efforts with Paul later in Acts.
Having grown up in Cyprus, we can probably conclude that Barnabas never served in the temple as a Levite. However, unlike the priests and religious leaders who had arrested Peter and John earlier in the chapter, Barnabas did serve Jesus, who is the True and Living Temple.
Son of Encouragement
Luke initially introduced his readers to Joseph. But Luke added that the apostles had started calling him Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement. From this point forward in Acts, Luke referred to him only as Barnabas.
On each of his appearances in Scripture, Barnabas consistently lived up to his name. He was always working to encourage others and to lead them into a closer relationship with Jesus. He took Saul of Tarsus (Paul) under his wing more than once (Acts 9:26-28; 11:25-26), served as a missionary (13:2-3), and stood up for John Mark (15:36-40).
(v. 37) Sold a field: The fact that Barnabas owned land to sell is interesting since the ancient Levites were not given a tribal home (Deut. 10:9; Num. 18:20,24). The Lord was their inheritance, though He did give them cities with abundant pastures for their flocks (Num. 35:1-5; Josh. 21:9-42). Luke may have been presenting Barnabas as the prototypical example of a true Levite, one who was truly and completely trusting the Lord to provide for his needs.
We should also remember that Barnabas’s example is descriptive, not prescriptive. The general truths of obedience and generosity are what believers should model as God leads them. Barnabas’s decision to sell some land to support the church and the less fortunate was a personal conviction, not a requirement for all believers at all times.
(v. 37) Laid it at the apostles’ feet: Barnabas knew that everything he owned ultimately belonged to God. As a result of this confidence in God’s provision, Barnabas sold his property and gave the money to the apostles. By laying the money at the apostles’ feet, Barnabas was displaying his confident faith that the apostles and their teaching were truly carrying on the work that Jesus had begun.
The work that this money would fund was in the service of the kingdom of God. One way believers can provide encouragement is by meeting the needs of others. A generous gift can be a means of encouraging others to give, but we must also keep Jesus’s words about giving in mind (Matt. 6:1-4) to make sure we are giving with proper motives.
1 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2 However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to people but to God.” 5 When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. 6 The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.
(v. 1) Sold a piece of property: Like Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira sold some property. However, Luke’s wording suggests that something was substantially different between Barnabas’s choice and the actions of Ananias and Sapphira.
(v. 2) Kept back: The Greek wording means to set something apart, but it also carries a sense of dishonesty. The meaning is related to robbery or taking something for one’s own benefit. The only other time the term is used in the New Testament is where Paul urged Christian slaves not to steal from their masters (Titus 2:10).
(v. 2) With his wife’s knowledge: In Genesis 3, the first man and the first woman united to disobey God. This passage echoes Adam and Eve’s mutual rebellion. Ananias and Sapphira were partners in this conspiracy to sin.
Satan
Rather than being motivated by love or compassion, Ananias was allowing Satan to guide his thoughts and actions. Satan has always been a liar, and Jesus called him the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Ananias and Sapphira had allowed the enemy to fill their hearts instead of making room for the work of the Holy Spirit.
It is interesting that Peter was the one who called Ananias out on this sin. Jesus had once chastised Peter for serving the purposes of Satan instead of God (Matt. 16:23).
(vv. 3-4) Lie to the Holy Spirit . . . to God: This is a key New Testament passage that teaches the deity of the Holy Spirit. Peter made it clear that a lie told to the Holy Spirit is also a lie told to God. In bringing these members of the Trinity together, Peter acknowledged that the Spirit is not simply a force or a power. He is both personal and divine. He is not “like God” or “from God.” He is God.
Of course, lying to God is both foolish and useless. Nothing is hidden from Him (Heb. 4:13). While some of the Jewish believers might have been temporarily deceived, God was not.
(v. 4) At your disposal: The money the couple received was their own. They were not obligated by God or the church to give any of it to the apostles. The false pretense was what prompted God’s judgment. Genuine stewardship is not based on coercion or legalism, but the recognition that God owns everything and allows us to use it for His glory (Ps. 24:1).
(v. 4) Planned this thing: In Genesis, God came to Cain before he killed Abel and warned him about sin wanting to control him. Cain ignored God and proceeded with his plans. In a similar way, Ananias and Sapphira did not commit an impulsive act of dishonesty. They planned it.
(v. 5) Great fear: Ananias dropped dead after Peter confronted him, creating a great fear. The term is repeated in the wake of Sapphira’s death (v. 11). The Greek word used by Luke can mean “terror” or “panic.” However, it can also be used to describe respect and reverence, as it is here. God’s work among His people-even a work of church discipline-led people to glorify and honor Him.
7 About three hours later, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the land for this price?” “Yes,” she said, “for that price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree 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 Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. 11 Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.
(v. 7) Three hours: We don’t know why Sapphira did not come with Ananias earlier in the day. Those details did not fit Luke’s purposes. However, we do get a picture of the conspiracy between husband and wife. Sapphira had three hours to think about her decision to deceive the apostles (and try to deceive God), and she decided to lean into her sin rather than into the grace of God.
Some scholars suggest the number three is significant because it relates to surety and completeness. Luke remained silent in that regard; but, by sharing the time frame, he reinforced the truth that Sapphira had time to come clean about their deception.
Testing the Spirit
Peter gave Sapphira an opportunity to do better than her husband had done. She had the chance to admit their sin and repent. She did not take advantage of this chance. Instead, she committed the same sin as her husband.
This time Peter referred to her efforts to test the Spirit of the Lord. The Greek word relates to a person attempting to get away with something. In this case, Sapphira (and Ananias) were trying to force God’s hand in some way, to make Him prove Himself. While God uses tests to strengthen people, people’s tests of God are motivated by mischief.
It should be emphasized that Sapphira did not die due to her husband’s sin. She was held responsible for her own participation in the scheme. Even if Ananias had exerted a measure of influence (Luke did not mention this), his influence would not lessen her guilt. Believers must guard both against following others’ poor examples and setting a poor example for others.
(v. 7) Not knowing what had happened: Sapphira arrived unaware of her husband’s death. Peter questioned her about the gift they had presented. She repeated her husband’s claim that the money they had given was the full price they had received from the sale of their land (v. 8).
(v. 9) Carry you out: Sapphira’s first hint that something was wrong came when Peter told her about the death of her husband. By that time, it was too late for her. The apostle let her know that the same men who had carried out and buried her dead husband were about to do the same for her.
Peter did not serve as judge against either Ananias or Sapphira. His responsibility was to confront them with the truth and to give them the opportunity to respond. Both failed, and God sent the judgment against them. Peter was the messenger, while God took action.
(v. 10) At his feet: Just as Ananias had done, Sapphira dropped dead in front of Peter. Some commentators suggest that she died of shock, but Peter’s prediction makes that unlikely. This was an act of God’s discipline.
In a somewhat ironic statement, Luke noted that Sapphira’s body fell at the feet of the apostles. Earlier, this is where Barnabas had laid the profits from his sale (4:37). Ananias had followed suit before his death (v. 2). Now, it was a scene of God’s judgment, which caught the attention of the whole church and made a lasting impression “on all who heard these things” (v. 11).
Stewardship
According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth. (See Acts 2:44-47; Philippians 4:10-19.)
Study other passages to learn more about church discipline.
Read the following passages: Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1-2; and Hebrews 12:1-14. List the key principles you learn about the purpose and process of discipline.