Acts 5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
Commentary helped to clear up a lot of confusion around Ananias and Sapphira for me. I didn’t understand that they were in control of how much they gave and that the crucial issue here was not how much they gave but that they claimed to give all the proceeds (so they could be perceived as incredibly generous) while in reality, they only gave a portion of the proceeds.
Acts 5:2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
So many modern themes, so many issues I wrestle with personally, are at work in this ancient text: pride, greed, deception, preoccupation with appearances. The story of Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, soaking up His word, and Martha, scurrying around, cleaning like mad, also comes to mind. So often in life we lose sight of the goal—glorifying God as we do His will—and choose the wrong thing.
Acts 5:3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
Lord, I am “worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one” (Luke 10:41-42). Help me to put aside my pride, my desire for accolades and recognition, and to focus solely on You—Your will, Your work, Your love, grace, and compassion. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Acts 5:4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
Have a blessed day.