Judgment falls
on Ananias and Sapphira
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.
This account continues from the end of the last chapter, where
Luke again hears the first-hand declaration of those, who experienced the first
church in Jerusalem. Those, who had lands and properties, they reported, met the
needs of all the Christians, especially the Galileans, who had migrated from
the north, and the Jews and proselytes, who lived previously outside Israel. These
lacked the basic needs of life and Christianity demanded generosity and
brotherly love, to the extent of self-denial, towards them. Those, who sold
houses and lands, brought the proceeds to the apostles, who distributed to the
needy. This was a step beyond the Old Testament law, which instructed the
citizens to alleviate the poor, leaving parts of their harvest for them to
glean. Other laws commanded that people restore the rights and losses of
relatives and, especially, the Year of Jubilee returned properties to all that
had lost them, during the previous fifty years. In the Christian spirit, the
saints in Jerusalem, who had houses and lands shared with those, who did not.
It is very obvious, as we study the Gospels, that the
earthly manifestations of the Kingdom of God were not perfect. Jesus taught
parables that spoke of tares among wheat, leaven in loaves, good and bad fish
caught in a net, and virgins, wise and foolish. Not all motivations were pure
and in chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira give us an example of carnal pride and a
quest for recognition among peers. It was not that the selling of their land
was evil, but their motivation was not, principally, to help the needy (v. 1).
The way that they conducted the selling of their
possession, revealed a serious inner deficiency. Keeping back part of the
proceeds was not sinful in itself. There was not a law in the New Testament,
nor in the Jerusalem church, that obligated this couple to give the entire
amount. Peter makes that clear in verse 4: “After it was sold, was it not in
your own control?” In fact, the law of the New Testament is not a written
law, but is conducted by that, which proceeds from the heart. There is
something seriously wrong in the couple’s heart.
They keep back part of the proceeds and bring the rest
before the apostles (v. 2). What is their sin, having done this? First, they
lied, pretending that they brought the total price of the land sold, attempting
to deceive the church. As already stated, they were not sinning, if they had a
need to keep back part of the sale, but to hide ambitious covetousness from
their fellows in the church, reveals dishonesty. There is pride, present in
them, because they want to be seen as equally generous as the others, who were
giving all.
Then, the greatest sin of all, is denying the presence
and authority of the Holy Spirit in the church, seeing only the human element.
That is a lack of the fear of God. Peter discerns this hypocrisy, immediately,
and shows that a gift given in this manner is not acceptable before God.
Certainly, the sin of Cain, in offering a gift from his own agricultural labor,
was similar, and God did not accept it, either. It was a religious attempt at
self-righteousness by the works of his hand, that did not recognize his need
for a blood sacrifice for sin. All right, then, Ananias and Sapphira’s offering
was also given as something, for which they could take credit, deceiving to do
so. Religiosity produces egotistical pride, as the Pharisee, who professed: “I
give tithes of all I possess” (Lk. 18:12). If he had been honest, he could
have added, “And I keep back the rest for myself.” (v. 3, 4).
It may be that Ananias died in his sins, but I am not
totally convinced of it. Paul told the Corinthian Christians, “He who eats
and drinks (from the Lord’s table) in an unworthy manner eats and drinks
judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason many are
weak and sick among you, and many sleep (in death)… when we are judged,
we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world”
(1 Co. 29, 30, 32). So, Paul teaches that a Christian may be judged by
sickness or death, but not by eternal damnation. I have seen cases, in which a
believer may die, in the mercy of God, before he falls back into the world. The
result was that a healthy fear of God, powerfully rested upon the church,
especially, but also upon those, who heard these things (v. 5).
Young members of the church took Ananias out and buried
him, immediately (v. 6). Now, the account turns to Sapphira. Should a wife be
submissive and obedient to her husband always? That question is answered for us
in these next verses. Three hours later Sapphira enters innocently, concerning
what just happened to her husband (v. 7). Just as Ananias was asked
individually, concerning the sale of the land, now Sapphira is asked, as an individual.
Each person is individually responsible for his or her action… the wife does
not die for her husband’s sin. She is not required to lie, but she does, (v. 8)
and Peter condemns her complicity with her husband’s sin. He pronounces
sentence according to church discipline, demonstrating again, the gravity of
ignoring the Holy Spirit’s presence in the church (v. 9).
She died for her own sin, answering the question, whether
a wife should participate in the sin of her husband. She, definitely, is not
obligated to do so, because above obedience to her husband, she must be
obedient to the Lord (v. 10). There is a limit to a wife’s submission to her
husband, as there is a limit to members’ submission to the elder or pastor of a
church. The husband and the pastor’s authority end, where biblical principle
begins. In all cases, the Bible is the absolute authority among believers and,
I need to add, that leaders must be under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Leadership
is annulled by carnal action, in the case of pastors, husbands, and parents
over their children.
Once again, as in Ananias’ case, Luke emphasizes the
healthy presence of fear in and outside the church, by hearing and
experiencing, God’s discipline. His discipline may be severe, as in this case,
but it is merciful and loving, in the lives of those disciplined and for its
benefits in the church and in society, in general (v. 11).
Miracles are normal in a healthy 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.
In chapter 2, we have the momentous, supernatural Baptism
in the Holy Spirit, promised by the Father and administered by Jesus Christ. It
is prophesied clearly by Joel in the Old Testament and by John the Baptist in
the New. In chapter 3, we have a detailed account of the healing of a
paralytic, and the disciples prayed to heaven in chapter 4 that the Lord would
continue to heal and do other signs and wonders in Jesus’ name. The text
states, 4:33, that the apostles preached the resurrection of the Lord Jesus
with great power and this power is the omnipotence of the Spirit of God. In
this chapter 5, Luke continues to report that many signs and wonders were
taking place (v. 12). The Holy Spirit, with all the attributes of the trinity,
is present and working miracles, consistent with His supernatural nature and,
as long as He is present in the church, He will continue to do so. It is hard
for me to believe that any member of His body would deny that fact.
The church of at least 5,000 believers met in Solomon’s
porch within the temple. John and Peter entered that part of the temple with
the lame man, who was healed. Jesus, during His ministry, taught there, clearly
intimating that He was the Christ, and His works confirmed that truth. Here He
proclaimed great assurance to the believer: “I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (Jn. 10:28).
I would have liked to see the sight of beds and couches
lined along the streets, expecting Peter to pass by. They hoped that his shadow
would fall upon some of them (v. 15). Besides, many from cities in the area
around Jerusalem, came with the sick and demon-possessed and people otherwise
tormented by evil spirits. At this point, we can raise an argument for the
continuance of the supernatural power of God in the church. It would be very
difficult to dispute the fact that Satan and his forces have not conceded one
ounce of their power to the sophistication of modern times. Witchcraft abounds
in all the world and Christian would have to be spiritually blind not to see
the evidence. I, for one, have witnessed it from childhood, especially among
the Native Americans, but also in Mexico and throughout the world, including in
the midst of affluent western society. Those who have not, certainly do not
qualify as Christian leaders (v. 16).
Is the church to do anything to help those, who are
helplessly bound by the devil? The answer is unavoidable… of course, for that
very reason the church exists. Jesus said, “In My name they will cast out demons” (Mk. 16:17). Then, why are there
leaders who concede that the manifestation of supernatural power ended with the
death of the apostles? In light of the need of our times for deliverance from
evil powers, that claim is ridiculous, and it is just as ridiculous before the declaration
of the writer of Hebrews that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and
forever (He. 13:8). We need to confess our weakness, and appeal and long for
the testimony of the book of Acts, when “they were all healed!” Mercy
drops are falling, but we plead for heavenly showers.
The
Apostles are jailed again and flogged
17. Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with
him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with
indignation,
18. and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common
prison.
19. But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought
them out, and said,
20. "Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of
this life."
21. And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and
taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council
together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison
to have them brought.
22. But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they
returned and reported,
23. saying, "Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards
standing outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one
inside!"
24. Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief
priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be.
25. So one came and told them, saying, "Look, the men whom you put in
prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"
26. Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without
violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
27. And when they had brought them, they set them before
the council. And the high priest asked them,
28. saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this
name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to
bring this Man's blood on us!"
29. But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than
men.
30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on
a tree.
31. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince
and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the
Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."
33. When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them.
34. Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher
of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the
apostles outside for a little while.
35. And he said to them: "Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what
you intend to do regarding these men.
36. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of
men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were
scattered and came to nothing.
37. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and
drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were
dispersed.
38. And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for
if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing;
39. but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight
against God."
40. And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and
beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and
let them go.
41. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they
were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
42. And daily in the
temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the
Christ.
The Sadducees
represented the political branch of the Sanhedrin, therefore holding the
highest positions, including that of high priest. They were the liberal
religionists of their day and their spiritual influence, even upon secular
society, was next to nothing. They denied the resurrection, the existence of
angels or spirits of any kind (Ac. 23:8). It is no wonder that Jesus taught his
disciples to beware of their doctrine (Mt. 16:11 and 12). They are angrier here, than in the last
chapter, partly because the disciples had totally ignored their command to
cease teaching, but beyond that, they were jealous of the attention given them
by the common people. This was a threat to their positions (v. 17).
Once again, as in the last chapter, they roughly put the
apostles in prison (v. 18), but nothing can thwart the purposes of God, and He
will intervene, when He sees men or devils make an attempt against His purposes.
That very night, God sent an angel, who opened the prison doors and set the
disciples free (v. 19). Upon doing so, he reminded the disciples of the Lord’s
commission, which they were fulfilling, over the demands of the earthly
authorities. They were to return to the temple and continue their mission of
preaching “all the words of this (Christian) life” (v. 20).
So, as soon as possible, early the next morning, they
returned to the temple. At the same time, the Sadducees called a session of the
entire Sanhedrin, including, of course, the Pharisees, which represented the
conservative branch, to deal with the new uprising of the Christians. They sent
for them to be brought from prison (v. 21), but they were not there, so the
attendants returned and reported to the Sanhedrin (v. 22). They said that
everything in the prison was in good order, doors shut and guards in their
place, but the prisoners were not there. The angel, who opened the door, must
have shut it after freeing them (v. 23). Please see the advantage of serving in
the Kingdom of God, which takes priority over all circumstances on earth.
Earth’s authorities, the high priest and the captain of
the temple police, were left with questions that had no answer, as this latter action
from heaven brought consternation to the human mind. The believer, in all
circumstances, must take a position against the world system. Its persecution is
clearly seen in its attitude against the early church (v. 24), but the teaching
of the apostles, John and James, makes it very clear that it is contrary to every
area of Christian life.
Some would emphasize not to love the world’s pleasures
and outright sin, but putting confidence in its system, also indicates a
love towards it. James shows that friendship with it is spiritual adultery: “Adulterers
and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with
God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy
of God” (Jm. 4:4). John speaks of carnal desire for things that the eye sees
and desires that are fueled by human pride. For this portion, I will quote from
the Amplified New Testament: “Do not love or cherish the world or the things
that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in
him. For all the is in the world – the lust of the flesh (craving for
sensual gratification) and the lust of the eyes (greedy longings
of the mind) and the pride of life (assurance in one’s own
resources or the stability of earthly things) – these do not come from the
Father but are from the world (itself)” (1 Jn. 2:15-16). Jesus
was speaking of the basics of life, food and clothing, when He said, “All
these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that
you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall
be added to you” (Lk. 12:29-30).
Someone told the council that the prisoners were in the
temple, conducting God’s business (v. 25). The temple police led them carefully
from the temple to the judgment hall through the crowds in the street. The
people in Jerusalem were being healed and were receiving benefit from the power
of the gospel and might retaliate against any violence from the officers (v.
26). They were brought before the council and the trial began (v. 27).
They had failed in their opposition to the work of God
Almighty, as He raised Him from the dead and set Him on His right hand on the
throne of the universe. The God/Man was highly exalted to be Prince and Savior,
to carry out the good will of the Father. It was His work to bless His people
with repentance and forgiveness (v. 31), having the best intentions for them.
Verse 32 was a stinging statement of truth, filled with a connotation that the
Lord had stripped the Jerusalem Sanhedrin of His anointing and had put it upon
these simple Galileans, because they were obedient to His gospel.
As one would expect, this fiercely angered the leaders to
the point of wanting to kill them (v. 33). At this point, Gamaliel stepped into
the discussion. He was a Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus was under his tutorship, and
he believed in the resurrection of the dead. The higher-ranking Sadducees, who
did not believe such things, respected the fame of this rabbi and took his
advice.
The disciples were put out of the room, as in the last
chapter, so that Gamaliel could speak freely (v. 34). His argument was that the
council should be careful not to take a position against God (although from
their evil hearts, they could do no less). He gave a short history lesson,
involving two rebels, Theudas and Judas, who each attracted a band of men as
followers. Four hundred men joined Theudas, but he was killed and his little
army disbanded. Judas also was killed and his followers dispersed. His first
point was that uprisings will not prosper, if they are inspired by men. On the
other hand, if God was in the present movement, there would be no way to
overthrow it. The man had a certain wisdom and broader understanding than most
in the Sanhedrin and advised that they should allow this new movement to play
itself out (v. 35-39).
No one could disagree with his logic and so they calmed
down and called the apostles back into the room. Now is where we need to see
the limitations of Gamaliel for, although his advice was strong, his courage
and commitment was not. If he had put action to his words, he would have also
protested their beating and, if his protest went unheeded, he could have
stepped in physically to join them in the punishment. No, he was not with them
in spirit, only in words, and he watched as they were flogged and once again
commanded that they cease speaking in Jesus’ name. Then they were released (v.
40).
The disciples leave the Sanhedrin with an unearthly reaction,
rejoicing for the opportunity to suffer pain and shame for Jesus. We must
continually be reminded that Christian action and response is not the normal
way of human beings. They are always exhibiting the words of Jesus to the
Father: “I in them and You in Me… that the world
may know that You have sent Me” (Jn. 17:23). This is the powerful
testimony of the indwelling Christ (v. 41). They continued, as before the
trial, obeying the will of God, teaching and preaching Jesus as Christ, in the
temple and in the house gatherings. They did not cease because of the punishment
and the latest command of the nation’s leaders. Let this be an example to us, to
whenever and to whatever degree, we are expected to conform to the ways of the
world. This is why we have the book of Acts… it teaches us to follow the first
disciples (v. 42).
Posts
Recommended Books
Post a Comment