Lying and Testing, Acts 5:1-16

This post concerns lying to and testing of the Holy Spirit.

Lying and Testing discusses what Ananias and Sapphira did with their money, Acts 5:1-3. “… a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?”

Barnabus sold land and gave the proceeds to the Apostles to help the needy, Acts 3:34-37. Apparently, he received good comments for this good deed. Ananias did the same. However, he kept back part of the proceeds and acted as if what he gave was all the proceeds.

His wife, Sapphira, agreed to the deed, Acts 5:8. “Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”

Peter said this action was both a lie and a test of the Holy Spirit. He added that there was no command of God to sell and give for the needy. Once sold, the money still belonged to Ananias. But to give part and claim it was all, constituted a lie. Peter knew about this because he was inspired by being baptized by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2.)

Both Ananias and Sapphira died immediately. This result caused great fear to come upon the church.

Now, the apostles did many wonders and signs. The people held them in esteem and brought the sick and infirm to them for healing.

Today, we should recognize the apostles as inspired men directing the New Testament church.

So, what did we learn?

1.One cannot lie and successfully test the Holy Spirit of God.

2.Money obtained by members remains their own until given to the church treasury.

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