The Tale of Two Givers

After seeing Barnabas, the example of generosity, we see Ananias who lies to the Holy Spirit, being untruthful before the Apostles about how much of he gave, and so revealed not only his deceit, and his greed, but also the true motives of his heart which revealed a desire for his own glory over and above that of Christ’s.

Acts 4:32-5:6 "Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. But 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? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.”

Series - “Acts: Christ’s Church Built”

Speaker: Samuel Wente