Acts 5:1-11
5: But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 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. 3 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? 4 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 men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Reflection
The account of Ananias and Sapphira is one of the most disturbing texts in the New Testament. It reveals the seriousness of attempting to deceive God’s church—which is essentially an attempt to deceive God himself (Acts 5:3, 9). Thankfully, most of us do not receive immediate judgment for our sins like Ananias and Sapphira did. Such judgment is extremely rare, even in Scripture.
However, we can be sure that sin will be dealt with, and the consequence of sin without Christ’s cleansing is always death (Rom. 6:23). Jesus did not choose to die for us because our sin was trivial. Our sin was great, but he chose to die for us because his love for us was even greater. The God who punished Ananias and Sapphira is the same radically merciful God who offers grace even to those who arranged the crucifixion of his Son (Acts 2:23, 37–39; 3:13–20).
2 Peter 3:8-10
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
Reflection
While it seems to us that Christ’s return has been delayed a long time, it is but a moment to our God. He is neither slow nor forgetful. He is not faithless to us. If we fear that he is unconcerned and procrastinating, we can rest reassured that his intentions are gracious. God has delayed the return of Christ because of his patient love, giving people more time to turn to him and be saved (2 Pet. 3:9).
Psalm 33:13-15
13 The Lord looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; 14 from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, 15 he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira is a sobering reminder that God sees beneath our actions into our hearts. Pray that your heart and actions will be united, so that you can live a life of integrity before the One who sees all things.