Honesty.

Now we turn to Acts 5:1-11. But before we get to this story, we need to look at Acts 4:32-37, which is really needed to see the full context. (This is one situation where the chapter divisions cause us to miss some obvious contrasts.) In Acts 4, the believers show unparalleled generosity toward each other, even to the point of considering their goods to be for communal purposes.

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. // Acts 4:32

Their generosity eradicated any need or economic disparity among the believers. This was a radical shift in mindset for the New Testament Church in comparison to the culture of the day, but it was a mindset that sprang from an ardent belief that God had come down and radically touched their lives. God had graciously accepted them as sons and daughters.

This change was explosive for most of the believers. If needs and shortages did arise, the believers would examine their physical possessions and use them as an investment in the lives of the needy. It must have been jaw-dropping to watch them downsize their property or sell off parcels of land just to give to others who were marginalized by difficulties.

This created a safe haven for the believers. Faithful Jesus followers cared so deeply for each other that their gracious attitude became well known. This was an internal change that created a radical social culture in the Church.

Satan does not like such generous hearts. And he started prying on the hearts of two believers—Ananias and Sapphira. In Acts 5:1-11, Barnabus (a man who would eventually travel?/ traveled with the Apostle Paul) had just sold a field he owned and placed all the proceeds of that sale at the apostle’s feet, turning over responsibility of managing that money to them as the church leaders.

This public event and the recognition it caused was the bait that Satan used to lure in Ananias and Sapphira. 

They would admire you also if you sold your land and gave the money to the apostles...” This subtle shift in motivation meant the gift would not be  for the needy, it would before others’ approval under the guise of generosity.

What if the devil could generate that same shift in the whole New Testament Church, crippling it from inception? What if he could cause generosity to be abundant and showy and tainted with the hidden and venomous attitude of seeking approval from the crowd? The Church would have this fatal, blinding flaw built into its DNA that would cause a hellish shift from true Christ-driven generosity to a  “watch me and see how nice I am to others” posture. 

And they bit. Ananias and Saphira swallowed the bait and plotted together. 

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 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. // Acts 5:1-2

Now the devil had a foothold on the Christian Church. Now he could weave and direct the flow of this sprouting  Jesus movement. 

But Jesus’ Church exists because Jesus is sitting on his heavenly throne. He monitors all of its activity and  watches all temptations. He sees every sly movement of the Beast and will not let one act of religious hypocrisy bloom unless he can use it for the good of his children. And that’s what we see in Acts 5, discovering why honesty is truly the best policy. 

Ananias was not guilty because he held back part of the money. It was his to manage; Jesus had given him that right. Ananias was guilty of being dishonest in his actions. He followed the pattern of Barnabas by selling the property, but he varied the final action by holding back a portion... hoping that no one would know. But the person who bought the land would know, word would eventually spread, and the New Testament Church would then be labeled as corrupt in its dealings.

So Jesus took abrupt measures to assure that his Church would not be built on fraudulent scruples. He had to act, and did act, with brunt force.

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? 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.”// Acts 5:3-4

Jesus will not build his Church on dishonesty. Why? Because honesty in the Christian life reveals the need—the darkness—that is inside of every Christian’s mind and at the center of every human life. That darkness is sin. Can I be honest about my need, about my sin? Can we, as the Church, gather together and be honest about the darkness of our souls? Or do we hide it from each other, from the world? 

The Christian Church is founded on its great need for a Savior, because that darkness can only be removed by the blood of Jesus, God’s own beloved Son. And with the Spirit of God inside of us, we continually work at eradicating dishonesty. We trust Jesus’ life-giving foundation and fight at not becoming dishonest or hypocritical or judgmental churches, but truly being the Church of our loving Savior Jesus. 

I’m a wreck on most days, but I’m also dearly known and loved on all accounts. Truth is, Jesus dearly loved Ananias and Sapphira also. Why did he drastically end their life? Some deep thinkers have wondered if this abrupt end was also a way to preserve the saving faith that was still in these new believers’ hearts. Maybe we will meet them in heaven one day and they will both have said a million times, “Thank you Jesus for covering over our deception!” I must say the same also. Thank you Jesus!

Blessings to you!
Pastor Al