The Book of Acts
Lesson Number 21
TRANSLATION LEGEND: ALT = Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED = Amplified Bible (1965), ASV = American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Bible in Basic English (1949), DRA = Douay-Rheims (1899), ERV = English Revised Version (1885), ESV = English Stand Version (2001), GNB = Good News (1966), GWN = God’S Word (1995), IE = International English, ISV = International Standard Version (1967), JPS = Jewish Publication Society (1917), KJV = King James Version (1611), L.ITV = Literal Translation of the Bible ((1976), LIVING = Living Bible (1971), MKJV = Modern KJV (1962), MONTGOMERY = Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD = Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB = New American Bible (2002), NASB = New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU = New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB = New International Bible, NIV = New International Version (1984), NJB = New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV = New King James Version (1979), NLT =New Living Translation (1996), NRSV = New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS = J B Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT = BISHOP’S New Testament (1595), RSV = Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK = JPS Tanakj (1985), Webster = The Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH = Weymouth’s New Testament (1903), WILLIAMS = William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE = Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE = Wycliffe New Testament (1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862).
---------- Lexicon and Bible Translation Codes with Identification -----------
LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG = Friberg Lexicon, UBS = UBS Lexicon, LOUW-NIDA = Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT = Liddell Scott Lexicon, THAYER = Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, LEH = LEH Lexicon, GINGRICH = Gingrich Lexicon
DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outright contradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the Lord Himself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.
THE CASE OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA
INTRODUCTION
In this text we are introduced to a pair that sharply contrasted with Barnabas, who sold some land and gave the proceeds to the apostles for distribution. Here is a couple who appeared outwardly to follow the example of Barnabas, yet did not have his heart. In fact, they had made their hearts available to the old serpent. This is the first recorded sin within the church, and it is traced back to the working of Satan himself. Because of the time and nature of the sin, it will be judged quickly and harshly, lest it spread further contamination within the body of Christ. Here we will be exposed to the deadly nature of sin, even though it might appear mild, with no danger of harming others – like the first sin in Eden. It will also be made quite clear how sin in any form is viewed from heaven. Additionally, we will obtain a perspective of the dispatch with which sin is to be addressed. This whole matter could never have been detected according to appearance. It had to be revealed by God – and it was.
This is the second attack against the church. The first was from without – by the Temple authorities and the Sanhedrin. The second is from within the church, through a weak section of the body. In this we are being exposed to the devil’s malicious attack against the people of God. This attack is depicted in the Revelation, in which the aggressiveness and the wrath of Satan is accentuated.
THE APOCALYPTIC GOSPEL
The Revelation contains the apocalyptic Gospel. The word “apocalyptic” means a revelation that is contained in a figure that is threatening and pernicious. In the depiction of revelation, Satan is seen as attempting to destroy Christ, but being frustrated in his effort. He is then declared to have been cast out of heaven into the earth, experiencing Divine indignation. Then, he is also set forth as launching an aggressive initiative against the church of God, which is provided a haven of protection from his wrath.
➪ THE TWO PARTIES IN CONFLICT. First, the two parties in conflict are set before us. “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars”(Rev 12:1). This is Israel in particular, and is set forth in a figure quite similar to that of a dream given to Joseph in his youth (Gen 37:9). “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth . . .” (Rev 12:3-4). This is a portrayal of the devil, after his insurrection in heaven, during which a vast host of angels “kept not their first estate” (Jude 1:6).
➪ THE WOMAN IS TO BRING FORTH A CHILD. The woman (Israel) is depicted as about to bring forth a child, which refers to the Messiah. “And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered” (Rev 12:2). This is the primary reason for God raising up Israel. It was the nation out of which the Savior of the world would come forth.
➪ SATAN STANDS READY TO DEVOUR THE CHILD. Having lost his position in heaven, Satan now endeavors to stop the entrance of the Savior into the world. “ . . . and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her Child as soon as it was born” (Rev 12:4). This initiative accounts for the slaughter of the innocents by Pharaoh (Ex 1:22; Acts 7:19), the string of barren women in the Messianic lineage (Gen 11:30; SARAH 25:21; REBEKAH 29:31 RACHEL), and the slaughter of the infants by Herod (Matt 2:16).
➪ THE MESSIAH WAS BROUGHT FORTH. The Christ of God was born in spite of Satan’s efforts. He completed His ministry upon earth, taking away the sins of the world in His death, and justifying men by His resurrection. He then ascended into heaven without the slightest setback by Satan. “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne” (Rev 12:5). Thus, the prophesied purpose of God was brought to completion in exacting precision.
➪ THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE PROTECTED FROM THE DEVIL. In the interim between Christ’s ascension and His appointed return to gather the saints, the people of God are provided a hiding place from the wrath of the devil. “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days” (Rev 12:6). The specified period is figurative of the time during which the church is targeted by the devil for persecution and destruction (Rev 11:2-3; 12:14; 13:12). 1,260 days, 42 months, and time, times, and half a time (3 ½ years) all refer to the same period of time – a time of affliction and opposition (1260/30=42 months; 42/12=3 ½).
➪ WHEN JESUS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, AND THE RECONCILIATION WAS FINALIZED, SATAN WAS EXPELLED. Once Jesus had entered into the true holy place, and obtained eternal redemption for humanity (Heb 9:12), there as no further basis for Satan’s accusations. With an Intercessor in heaven, the accuser was cast out. “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Rev 12:7-9). This was a permanent expulsion, for the redemption was an eternal one.
➪ WITH SATAN’S EXPULSION FROM HEAVEN, THE DAY OF SALVATION BEGAN. Now, with a satisfied God (Isa 53:11), the Savior seated at God’s right hand, and the expulsion of the devil from the heavenly realms, salvation was brought to men, and God’s kingdom was set up on earth, fulfilling Daniel’s prophecy (Dan 2:44; Matt 3:2; Acts 28:23,31). “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Rev 12:10). Now, the Good News could be freely declared because of the satisfaction of God and the absolute frustration of the devil. A just basis for remission had not been provided that not even the devil himself could contest.
➪ VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL IS NOW EXPERIENCED BY THE PEOPLE OF GOD. Now, because of the purging of the conscience and the experience of Divine power, the people of God can triumph over their enemy. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Rev 12:11). Both the expression (“word of their testimony”) and the character (“loved not their lives unto the death”) become the means of the saints overcoming the devil.
➪ THE HEAVENS REJOICE, BUT DANGER REMAINS IN THE WORLD. Although Satan has been expelled from heaven, he has increased his activity upon the earth, which is now a danger zone. “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Rev 12:12). Satan becomes more dangerous as his anger increases. Now, since he has been defeated by the Messiah he vainly sought to destroy, he will pick up his aggression – particularly against the people of God. He knows he does not have long to work, so he will be relentless in his efforts.
➪ UPON REALIZING HIS UTTER DEFEAT, SATAN TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD. It appears as though Satan was caught off guard, and, speaking as a man, had to re-group. As soon as he gathered his diabolical composure, he leveled an attack against the people of God with whom the Messiah was associated. This includes believing Jews and Gentiles, but particularly the Jewish Christians at the first, before Gentiles were added in any significant numbers to the church. “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child” (Rev 12:13).
➪ THE PEOPLE OF GOD ARE PROTECTED FROM THE DEVIL BY MEANS OF A SPECIAL PLACE AND SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT. Doctrinally, the people of God have been placed in the heavenly places, in which God has placed “all spiritual blessings” for their sustenance (Eph 1:3; 2:6). This is set forth pictorially in the Revelation. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent” (Rev 12:14).
➪ SATAN MAKES AN EFFORT TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SAINTS, TO REMOVE THEM FROM THEIR SAFE HABITATION. Although he himself has been excluded from the heavenly realms he seeks to gain access to the people of God as a whole, by means of a flood – something from the world over which he is “god” (2 Cor 4:4). “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood” (Rev 12:15).
➪ SATAN IS UNSUCCESSFUL IN HIS EFFORTS, AS THE AGGREGATE PEOPLE GOD ARE GIVEN HELP. Here, the people of God are considered as a whole, and the earth helps them. This is another way of portraying them as scattered, absorbed, as it were, into the nations. This makes it impossible for Satan to destroy them as a whole – as a “woman.” “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth” (Rev 12:16).
➪ BEING FRUSTRATED IN HIS EFFORTS TO REMOVE THE CHURCH FROM THE EARTH, SATAN TURNS HIS ATTENTION TO INDIVIDUAL BELIEVERS. Satan was not able to divert the church as a whole, as he was with Israel. Therefore, he seeks to introduce corruption through individuals who are a part of the church. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev 12:17).
All of this is being lived out in our text. Within a short period of time, Jesus has ascended into heaven, been enthroned, and unseated principalities and powers that had enslaved humanity. He has then poured forth His Spirit. Within as few days, thousands have been added to the church. Efforts to bring the church down working with the Sanhedrin have been dashed to the ground, as the disciples have prayed, are now speaking the word of God with unparalleled boldness, and “great grace is upon them all.” Satan, however, has not given up, and it is not his nature to do so.
He will now try to penetrate the ranks of believers through a person, as he did when Achan coveted the spoils of the first Israelite victory in Canaan. He saw “a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight,” coveted them and took them, even though he had to break the commandment of God to do so (Josh 6:18-19; 7:21). It is said of his sin, “But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed thing: for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed thing: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel” (Josh 7:1). That sin went undetected among both the leaders and the people of Israel. As a result, an army of 3,000 Israelites were soundly defeated by a en extremely small number of men from the little city of Ai, and 36 of them were killed, causing the hearts of the Israelites to “melt” (Josh 7:5).
Remarkably, the “old serpent” will use the same tactic – “covetousness” – in his attempt to bring down the church. In this, however, he is working with a people who are a new creation in Christ Jesus. They have been reconciled to God, and there is an abundant and free access to God, as well as the enjoyment of the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” that are hidden in Christ Jesus. He will not be able to work as covertly as he did under the Old Covenant. In this case, we ought not expect the results to be the same as they were with Israel.
A CERTAIN MAN AND HIS WIFE
“ 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet.”
The time is at the beginning of the New Covenant period, in which the saved were occupying new territory – the “heavenly places.” The circumstance is much like that of Israel when they began its occupation of the promised land. There had already been a great triumph in the adding of 3,000, and then 5,000 believers to the body of Christ. That paralleled the occupation of the city of Jericho. People had experienced a great outpouring of the Spirit upon praying for boldness. Believers are speaking the Word of God with boldness, and great grace is upon them all. Alas, however, we now face the revelation of some corruption among them. This is nothing less than a manifestation of Satan’s working. It is like a menacing flood sent forth by him to lure the church out of its hiding place – away from spiritual nourishment into the world.
ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA SOLD A POSSESSION
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession . . . ” Other versions read, “sold a piece of property,” NIV “got money for his property,” BBE “sold his field,” MRD “sold some property “ LIVING “sold a farm of his,” MONTGOMERY and “sold some property that belonged to them.” GNB
Perhaps the action of Barnabas (4:36-37) provoked this deed. The fact that Barnabas had received special attention by the apostles might also have played a role in this. If so, neither his person nor his deed were seen correctly.
This is the only place in all of Scripture that Ananias and Sapphira are mentioned. In the book of Acts, there are two other men with the name Ananias. The first was a righteous man chosen by God to go to Saul of Tarsus, in order that he might receive his sight, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be called into the apostleship (Acts 9:10-17; 22:12). The second was a high priest before whom Paul the apostle once stood. This is the priest who commanded that Paul be smitten on the mouth (Acts 23:2; 14:1).
Ananias and Sapphira are like several others concerning which only their transgression is known. Among the others are, Judas, Alexander the coppersmith, Hymanaeus, Philetus, Diotrephes, and others. This circumstance confirms these people are examples to be duly noted. It is possible for an individual to be known only for the iniquity they do – even people who were associated with the church, as the example before us corroborates.
Although this verse does not specify what the “possession” was, the third verse tells us it was a piece of land. Coincidently this is the same kind of possession Barnabas had sole – “land” (Acts 4:37). To this point, the deed seems very commendable – that is, if we judge according to appearance. The Spirit, however, divulges a condition that will affect the nature of the deed itself.
THEY KEPT BACK PART OF THE PRICE
“ . . . and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it . . . ” Other versions read, “And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it,” NKJV “and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge,” NASB “With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,” NIV ‘with his wife's knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds,” NRSV “And by fraud kept back part of the price of the land, his wife being privy thereunto,” DOUAY “And kept away part of the price, his wife also being of counsel,” GENEVA “They agreed to hold back some of the money they had pledged,” GWN “and carried away [part] of the price and concealed it, his wife consenting,” MRD “With his wife's consent, he kept the rest,” NLT “and did keep back of the price – his wife also knowing,” YLT “His wife had agreed to this deception,” LIVING “with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back part of the price which he received for I,” WEYMOUTH “kept back some of the purchase price, with the connivance of his wife.” MONTGOMERY and “And with his wife’s knowledge and connivance he kept back and wrongfully appropriated some of the proceeds.” AMPLIFIED
Remember the environment in which this deed occurred. A number of brethren who “were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:34-35). Among these was a notable man named Barnabas who had a piece of land, “sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:37). In both references, all of the proceeds were being brought for distribution among those who had “need.” Furthermore, this was strictly voluntary, with no compulsion being placed upon the people other than their own conscience.
In addition to this, these people were in a spiritually charged environment. The church had been filled with the Holy Spirit and were speaking the Word with much boldness (4:31). Everyone was of “one heart and of one soul,” and no one said that what they possessed was their own (4:32). The apostles had powerfully given witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and “great grace was upon them all” (4:33).
Sin in any form is always out of order. However, it is even more serious when it is within the framework of greater grace and truth, and more brightly shining light. When unusual benefits are lavished upon men from heaven, unusual responses are also required. Jesus Himself said, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). God will not receive mediocre responses to extraordinary grace – much less sinful ones! When a lot has been given and revealed from heaven, a lot is expected of the people to whom it was granted.
When Jesus walked among men, it is said of His ministry, “The people who sat in darkness saw a great light” (Matt 4:16). To reject or spurn that light constituted a greater transgression. That is why Jesus said to those who saw Him work, yet did not receive Him, “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee” (Matt 11:23-24). And again, “The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here” (Matt 12:41). And yet again, “The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here” (Matt 12:42).
And, why is it that Sodom and Gomorrah will receive more consideration on the day of judgement than many who were exposed to Jesus? Why will the city of Nineveh rise up in the day of judgment and condemn whole generations who knew about Jesus? What is the reason for the Queen of Sheba condemning those who did not avail themselves of the ministry of Jesus? It is because all such people and generations had been give more – more advantages, more truth, more opportunities! This is the manner of the Kingdom, and it has always been that way.
Take, for example, our own assembly. All who know the situation here know that we have been given more, see more, and have a greater understanding than is ordinarily found in the churches. No person of sound mind will contest that we are regularly exposed to matters of greater depth and larger scope than the average Christian. However, all of that does not justify any boasting. It means that God expects more of us. Mediocrity and spiritual stupidity had better not been found among us. None among us can be guilty of leaving their first love, or growing tolerant of sin, or even indulging their carnal appetites. This is not a matter of moral law, but of spiritual principle. God will simply not shower an abundance of holy rain upon a field, then stand by tolerantly when it yields “thorns and briers.” Should that circumstance be found, we are solemnly told the land “is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned” (Heb 6:8).
They Kept Back Part
The words “kept back” are most arresting. They come from a Greek word that is only used three times in the Scriptures – twice in this text, and once in Titus 2:10. There is it translated “purloining,” KJV “pilfering,” NASB or “steal.” NIV For those who are interested, the Greek word used here is evnosfi,sato (e-nos-fi’-sa-to). Its lexical meaning is, “to purloin, embezzle, withdraw covertly and appropriate to one’s own use,” THAYER “misappropriate, steal, embezzle,” FRIBERG “to steal, to rob,” LEH “put aside for oneself, misappropriate.” GINGRICH
How serious is it when someone gives something to the Lord and His work, then holds back part of it for themselves? When once a decision has been made to commit something to the Lord, whether it is one’s life, their goods, or a portion of their money, does it make any difference whether or not that person decides later to keep back a portion for himself? This text refers to that kind of act as embezzlement, theft, and misappropriation. It is really taking something that no longer belongs to the person.
The seriousness of this deed will be confirmed in what happened to both Ananias and Sapphira. This is a record of heaven’s response to covetousness, deception, and making a place for Satan. Actually, we will be told exactly what took place in this incident, so there will be no question about what was involved.
An Application
The practice of Ananias and Sapphira is far more common within the professed church than may be thought. It is not at all unusual for someone to formally commit their life to Christ, then take back some of it for themselves. There are those who promise to honor the Lord the firstfruits of their labor, as God requires (Prov 3:9), for the tithe is the Lord’s, as holy men of all ages have acknowledged (Gen 14:20; 28:22; Deut 14:22; Mal 3:8-10; Matt 23:23; Heb 7:8). Referring to the practice of the tithes supporting the Levitical priesthood, Paul said, “Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (1 Cor 9:13-14).
Yet, some take of this firstfruits for themselves, as though it belonged to them. If ever we are tempted to engage in such activity, we must remember this incident. It will contribute to our sobriety in this most personal, yet vital, part of living unto the Lord. In the case of the tithe (which existed before the Law), there is a slight difference. The tithe in its entirety belongs to the Lord. In the case of our text, the determination of the people was the point. They were not under any obligation to sell their land and give the proceeds to the apostles for distribution. However, when that determination had been made, it became a moral law to them, and was not to be violated in any way.
THEY BROUGHT A CERTAIN PART
“ . . . and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet.” Other versions read, “and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet,” NASB “but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet,” NIV “and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles' feet,” NRSV ‘and took the rest and put it at the feet of the Apostles,” BBE “ and turned only part of it over to the apostles,” GWN “took the remainder, and put it at the feet of the apostles,” NAB“He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount,” NLT “and, from the sale, he gave some of the money to the apostles,” IE and “and brought only a part of it and put it at the disposal of the apostles.” WILLIAMS
As will be made clear, the sin here was in representing the “certain part” as though it was the whole. Once the proceeds had been devoted to the Lord, it became unlawful to separate them for personal use. Therefore, there was deceit in this matter, as well as a deliberate lie and misrepresentation. While the whole incident may appear minor on the surface, the consequences will show that a great deal of significance was attached to it.
The Figures Given Under the Law
Under the Law, which contained deliberate and numerous figures of New Covenant realities, the Lord introduced the principle violated by Ananas and Sapphira. The principle is this: what is given to the Lord cannot be taken for personal uses. An example is the incense that was used in the tabernacle. It emitted a fragrant odor, yet could not be compounded for personal use. “And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy. And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD” (Ex 30:36-37). The firstfruits of the land were also devoted exclusively to the Lord, and were to be given without delay. “Thou shalt not delay to offer the first of thy ripe fruits, and of thy liquors: the firstborn of thy sons shalt thou give unto me” (Ex 22:29). The tithe was also to be given wholly to the Lord – all of it. “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD” (Lev 27:30).
Also, in the sacking of the city of Jericho, the people were told to take all of the “silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron,” and bring them into the treasury of the Lord. They were consecrated to Him. “But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD” (Josh 6:19). Ignoring the word of the Lord, Achan saw “two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels.” He did not bring them into the “treasury of the Lord,” but rather put them in his own tent, mingled with his personal possessions (John 7:18-19). His deed “troubled” the whole house of Israel, and cost him his life, as well as the lives of his sons and daughters. He had put what belonged to the Lord in his own tent, and thus was judged.
Ananias and Sapphira had taken what they publically said was given to the Lord, and kept it for their own use. They surely knew the Law concerning making vows to the Lord. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee” (Deut 23:21). They departed from the spirit of David, from whose lineage the Savior had come according to the flesh. They would have done well to have embraced the spirit of David, and said, “I will pay Thee my vows” (Psa 66:13), and “I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all His people” (Psa 116:14,18). God takes the vows of men seriously.
SATAN FILLS HIS HEART, AND ANANIAS LIES TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
“ 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?”
In Eden, there was no door of repentance opened for Eve, nor for Adam. Once Cain had committed his dreadful dead, there was no provision for recovery. When Esau sold his birthright, it could not be recovered. After Judas had betrayed the Lord Jesus, there was no way to undo the deed. There have been sins from which recovery was not possible – like the sins of Uzzah (2 Sam 6:6-7), Onan (Gen 38:9-10), Jehoram (2 Chron 21:18-19), Herod (Acts 12:23), and others. In this text, no space will be allowed for Ananias to repent and recover. Here, judgment will be rendered immediately.
Among other things, this account would produce a high level of sobriety among professing Christians. There is an attitude about sin in the modern church that is altogether too tolerate. Somehow, a God has been proclaimed that can easily endure sin, and is not at all provoked when it is found among those who claim identity with Him. In such a case, the name of the Lord has been taken in vain, violating the commandment of the Lord: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain,” or “You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]” AMPLIFIED (Ex 20:7a). In my judgment, this includes the following.
➪ Claiming to worship Him, while serving other gods, and having other priorities.
➪ Singing to Him without having grace in the heart.
➪ Expressing humorous anecdotes concerning God.
➪ Thoughtlessly speaking out His name in oaths and other forms of profanity.
If we wonder how the Lord feels about the flippant use of His name, here is what He said about it: “for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain” (Ex 20:7b). Another version reads, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” This text will reveal some of the involvements in taking God’s name in vain. Remember, the incident before us regards selling a piece of land that was owned by the sellers, receiving proceeds from the sale, and the seller keeping back a part of those proceeds for himself. All of this is within the context of an appearance that suggested the entire proceeds from the sale of the land were being given.
WHY HAS SATAN FILLED YOUR HEART?
“But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart . . . ” Other versions read, “how is it that Satan has so filled your heart,” NIV “why has the Evil One put it into your heart,” BBE “why hath Satan tempted thy heart,” DOUAY “why did you let Satan fill you with the idea,” GWN “how can Satan have so possessed you,” NJB “wherefore did the Adversary fill thy heart,” YLT “why has Satan taken possession of your heart,” WEYMOUTH “why has Satan so completely possessed your heart,” WILLIAMS and “why has Satan so filled your mind.” PHILLIPS
Right here we see the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. When Achan coveted the goods in Jericho, it was not known at the time it took place. Joshua did not know about the whole matter until some time later, after the Israelites had suffered defeat at the hand of the small city Ai, and a few of their men. Joshua “tore his clothes, and fell on the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord,” remaining there until evening, and “with the elders of Israel,” while putting dust upon their heads. He then pled with the Lord, saying that the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land would hear of this embarrassing defeat, surround the Israelites, and cut off their name from the earth. God then told him to get up. He proceeded to tell Joshua the following:
➪ Israel had sinned.
➪ Israel transgressed the covenant which God commanded them.
➪ Israel took of the accursed thing.
➪ Israel had stolen.
➪ Israel had dissembled, or lied.
➪ Israel had put what was cursed among their own stuff, or belongings.
Keep in mind, technically, only Achan had committed this deed. However, that is not the way the Lord viewed the matter, and the Lord’s view is really the only view.
Now, in this new era, Peter through the Holy Spirit sees the matter before it spreads or causes any spiritual decline among the saints.
Satan Filled Ananias’ Heart
You may remember that Satan “put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray” Jesus (John 13:2).
There are other instances where God Himself put certain things into the hearts of people.
➪ God put it in the heart of Artaxerses to beautify the temple of God (Ezra 7:21-27).
➪ God put it into the heart of Nehemiah to restore the wall around Jerusalem (Neh 2:12).
➪ God put it into the heart of Nehemiah to gather the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, for a genealogical reckoning (Neh 7:5).
➪ God put an earnest concern for the Corinthians in the heart of Titus (2 Cor 8:16).
➪ God put it in the heart of kings of the earth to fulfill His will purpose, and give their kingdoms to the beast (Rev 17:17).
➪ God turned the heart of the Egyptians to hate His people and deal craftily with them (Psa 105:25).
➪ God put wisdom in the heart of Solomon, when he was tender and humble before the Lord (1 Kgs 10:24; 2 Kgs 22:19; 2 Chron 9:23).
➪ The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, and He turns it however He pleases (Prov 21:1).
➪ In the promised New Covenant, God said He would put His fear into their hearts so they would not turn away from Him (Jer 32:40).
For those who are champions of men naturally having a free will, precisely how are these texts explained? Did the people have the option to reject what was put into the hearts? And if that is the case, how can it be established that they had such an option. Or, where is there a case where either God or Satan is said to have put something in the heart of a person, yet they failed to fulfill what was placed there?
The condition of the heart determines who writes upon it, and God alone is the one who assesses the condition of the heart. He alone searches the hearts of men (1 Chron 26:9), knows their hearts (Lk 16:15; Acts 15:8; Rom 8:27), and tries their hearts (Prov 17:3). When they are not pure in His sight, Satan is often given leave to put things into them, such as was put into the heart of Ananias. If they are right in His sight, noble things can be put into them – things that accord with God’s purpose.
If people choose to live at a distance from God, they are in great jeopardy, having been made accessible to the wicked one. This is why wicked people often surface within the church itself, even opposing the choicest of saints, as Diotrephes did John the beloved (3 John 1:9).
Peter affirms that Satan not only put something in the heart of Ananias, but that he had “filled” his heart. That is, Ananias, was under the control of Satan, taken captive by him at his will (2 Tim 2:26). This happened because he failed to “resist the devil,” and therefore the devil did not “flee” from him (James 4:7). The faith of this man failed, because he did not repel the adversary’s attack by remaining “steadfast in the faith” (1 Pet 5:8-9). This was not a thoughtless deed. It was not committed inadvertently, but was founded upon deliberation and purpose. Satan cannot captivate the one who resists him. Those who are remaining “firm” NASB in their faith, cannot be deceived or knocked down by the devil! At some point, Ananias ceased to embrace the fact that Jesus was the Son of God, else he would not have been overcome. As it is written, “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5).
Therefore, Satan not only hurled a fiery dart at Ananias – one that could not be repelled because of his lack of faith – but the dart stuck in his heart, emitting its venom throughout his soul. Thus Peter said Satan “filled” his heart, compelling him to do something unthinkable!
The Circumstances Under Which This Occurred
All of this happened in the midst of a great spiritual awakening, and the experience of profound empowerment. When other souls were filled with the Holy Spirit, Satan filled the heart of Ananias. While others were bold to speak out the Word, Ananias was brazen enough to think only of himself. While “great grace” was upon all of the others, great deception was upon Ananias and Sapphira.
Spirituality and holiness are not caught by being where it is evident in others! I understand that men tend to think if they can only get others to sit under the sound of the truth, and be around those who are filled with the Spirit, that some of it will rub off on wayward souls. However, the case of Ananias and Sapphira prove that this is not the case. The truth of God must be loved (2 Thess 2:10). The things of the Spirit of God must be received (Rom 8;5). The Spirit Himself must not be grieved, quenched, or resisted (Eph 4:30; 1 Thess 5:19; Acts 7:51). The Word of God must fall on honest and good hearts (Lk 8:15). One’s affection must be set on things above, and there must be an earnest quest for the things that are resident where Christ is sitting on the right hand of God (Col 3:1-2). We cannot afford to be naive about these things.
LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
“ . . . to lie to the Holy Ghost . . . ” Other versions read, “that you have lied to the Holy Spirit,” NIV “to be false to the Holy Spirit,” BBE “that you could deceive the Holy Spirit,” GWN “that thou shouldst lie against the Holy Spirit,” MRD “you are lying to the Holy Spirit,” MONTGOMERY “that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit,” AMPLIFIED and “that you could cheat the Holy Spirit.” PHILLIPS
This is a most arresting word! First, I have no doubt that Ananias did not think of his report as a lie. He and his wife had already determined to keep back part of the price of the land, and now the thought was not of how this appeared to God. He was no doubt only thinking of his own determinations, and not the pronouncement of the living God upon such decisions. He was not aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit, but thought of himself as having only to deal with Peter. Further, it is evident that he did not perceive Peter as one possessing the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Matt 16:19).
A Pervading Spiritual Environment
Among things this is like a commentary on the spiritual environment of that early church. The Spirit was maintaining a pervading presence, inspiring and directing the assembly. That surrounding was of such a nature that a lie was considered to be to and against the Holy Spirit Himself. That is, in order to speaks as Ananias did, he had to purposefully thrust Divine influences from himself. We know that the Holy Spirit strongly desires the heart and affection of the people of God, lusting against the propensities of the flesh. Thus it is written, “The Spirit lusteth against the flesh,” or the Spirit sets is desire “against the flesh,” NASB or “what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh” NRSV (Gal 5:17). James states this condition in a most unique way: “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously” NKJV (James 4:5). Another version reads, “The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love?” AMPLIFIED
Do not imagine for a moment that Ananias did not feel the tug of the Spirit here, yearning for his heart and affection. He had to run roughshod over such desires, choosing to give place to the devil, and to follow the vastly inferior callings of the flesh. Within such a context, it is clear that he was lying to the Holy Spirit. There is no adequate way to put the seriousness of that circumstance into words.
KEEPING BACK PART OF THE MONEY
“ . . . and to keep back part of the price of the land?” Other versions read, “and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?,” NIV “and put aside for thyself a part of the price of the estate,” ESV “and conceal of the money of the price of the field,” MRD “When you claimed this was the full price,” LIVING “You misused the sale price of the land,” IE and “and should [in violation of your promise] withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land.” AMPLIFIED
This whole matter did not have the appearance of iniquity. However, it was altogether iniquitous in spirit. In fact, there are some similarities between this transgression and that of Eve in the garden.
There are least five parallels here, and each one is worthy of noting. All of these presume the presence and influence of the wicked one, who is ever seeking to destroy the people of God.
➪ The original deception of Eve and the transgression of Ananias both occurred at the beginning of an era. At that time, things were pure, and no defilement had yet entered. This should teach us not to trust in beginnings, but in the One who Himself is “the Beginning” (Rev 22:13).
➪ Both sins had to do with appearance – things that could be seen with the natural eye – the fruit of a tree, and the fruit of man’s labor. Neither of them appeared to be dangerous according to appearance.
➪ A decision was required in both cases. Temptation was leveled at the parties by the devil, but they had to decide to yield to his influence. Neither of them were captured by brute force, but by deception.
➪ In both cases, the transgression of the one was shared with the spouses: Eve gave the fruit to Adam, and Sapphira consented to the sin of Ananias.
➪ Both transgressions resulted in death. In both cases, the parties involved suffered death. Their’s was a “sin unto death” (Rom 6:16; 1 John 5:16).
The Strategy Seen in the Revelation
This also parallels the strategy of the devil as depicted in the Revelation. There he is also seen as aggressive at the beginning, or as soon as he was aware of what was happening. The twelfth chapter contains the following pictures.
➪ Satan stood before the woman, ready to devour her child as soon as it was born. “ . . .and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born” (Rev 12:4).
➪ As soon as Satan was cast into the earth, he set out to persecute the woman. “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child” (Rev 12:13).
➪ As soon as the woman began to be nourished, the serpent cast out a flood to destroy her. “And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood” (Rev 12:15).
The devil was frustrated in all of his efforts, never able to fully accomplish what he intended. He made inroads into human activity, but was not able to subvert the purpose of God.
The Strategy Seen in Israel’s Beginning
The same was true in the case of Israel. We have no record of them murmuring until the time of their deliverance came. It was then that they objected to Moses’ intrusion into, what they conceived to be, their affairs (Ex 2:14). After their exodus from Egypt, when they faced the Red Sea, they said they wanted to go back and serve the Egyptians (Ex 14:12). When they found only bitter waters in the wilderness, they murmured (Ex 15:23). Prior to the Lord sending them manna, when they ran out food, they again murmured against the Lord (Ex 16:1-20. Once again, when they could find no water at all, they also murmured (Ex 17:2-3). All of this was at the beginning of their trek to Canaan, and after officially becoming a covenanted people.
This was all the evidence of Satan, seeking to thwart Israel’s entrance into Canaan. He was not able to fulfill his objectives. However, God did fulfill His purpose.
Seen In Zerubbabel’s Experience
When Zerubbabel was stirred up by the Lord (Hag 1:14), and “began to build the house of God” (Ezra 5:2), the beginning proved to be very challenging. The people did not cooperate, spending more time on their own houses than on the house of the Lord (Hag 1:2). The heart of Zerubbabel grew faint, and he became discouraged with the beginning of the work. It did not appear to even be getting off the ground, so to speak. God sent him two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, to strengthen his hand in the Lord (Ezra 5:1-2).
God sent His prophets to Zerubbabel to admonish him not to despise the day of “small things,” or “small beginnings.” NAB They assured him the work would be finished, just as God had said – and, indeed, that is precisely what happened: “this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was kin the sixth year of the reign of Darius” (Ezra 6:15). Satan tried to stop the work from its beginning, but was not able to do so.
Written for Our Admonition
The records of the covenanted people have been provided “for our admonition” (1 Cor 10:11), and “for our learning” (Rom 15:4). Not only do they provide a sterling example of the nature of the flesh, but they also speak of both Divine and Satanic activity. They confirm God’s wisdom, Satan’s craftiness, man’s weakness, and our need for Divine guidance and empowerment. From the very dawn of human history, Satan has opposed holy beginnings. It should not surprise us that he did the very same thing when Jesus began building His church (Matt 16:18). His efforts, however, will not produce the results he desires.
IT WAS THEIRS, AND THEY COULD DO WHAT THEY WANTED
“ 4a Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?”
Peter now reasons with Ananias, but he does not do so to persuade him. He will rather set the stage for the Lord to receive glory and honor in this matter. Because of the nature of the transgression, and the circumstances under which it was committed, recovery is not possible. This will be confirmed by what follows.
Those who flirt with sin, willingly providing a place in which Satan can work, must learn from this incident. This was an example of tempting the Lord – seeing how far one could go in testing Divine tolerance and longsuffering. Such efforts are sinful, as both covenants confirm. In the law it is written, “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah” (Deut 6:16). It was at Massah, when the people encountered bitter water that it is written, “the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?” (Ex 17:1-2).
Those in Christ are also reminded concerning tempting the Lord: “Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents” (1 Cor 10:9). And again, “Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years” (Heb 3:9). Once more it is written, “Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?” (1 Cor 10:22).
After everything has been said about how much God loves every soul, how He has good plans for us, and wants us to have the best of everything, we must consider the text before us – the case of Ananas and Sapphira.
IN SENSE, IT BELONGED TO YOU
“Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?” Other versions read, “ While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?” NASB “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold?” NIV “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own?,” NRSV “While you had it, was it not your property?,” BBE “the property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished,” NLT and “before you sold the field, it belonged to you.” IE
This confirms that the selling of their goods was not something compulsory for the early church. It was not driven by the presence of need, but by “the law of Christ,” which has love and faith as its primary pillars (Gal 6:2,6). There was not an inexorable law that required all believers to meet the needs of their brethren. This was a matter addressed by brotherly love and kindness, not by law.
Thus Peter reminds Ananias that as long as the land remained in his care, he could have done with it what he pleased. He did not have to sell it. Yet, when he chose to do so, and to associate that sale with the people and work of the Lord, personal preferences had to be mortified. Selfish interests and godly interests cannot be served by the same action. If something is given to God, self-will is taken out of the picture.
YOU COULD HAVE HANDLED THE MONEY AS YOU SAW FIT
“ . . . and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?” Other versions read, “And after it was sold, was it not in your own control?,” NKJV “And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? ,” NIV “and after you had given it in exchange, was it not still in your power?” BBE “After it was sold, you could have done as you pleased with the money,” GWN “And when sold, again thou hadst authority over the price of it,” MRD “and having been sold, in thy authority was it not?,” YLT “Even after you sold it, you could have used the money any way you wanted,” IE “And [even] after it was sold, was not [the money] at your disposal and under your control?” AMPLIFIED and “and after the sale the disposal of the price you received was entirely in your hands, wasn't it?” PHILLIPS
Once again, neither the apostles nor the church had required that the complete proceeds of anything sold were to be given to the apostles. If Ananias had said he had decided to give nothing, he would not have been confronted by Peter in this manner. Neither would this confrontation have been necessary if Ananias had said he was giving a part of the proceeds, doing so cheerfully and with a pure heart.
How he handled the proceeds was entirely at his discretion. That is, if he had sold the property purely as a business transaction, then he could have used the money in any way he saw fit. Peter even suggests that after he sold the property, he could have diverted some of the funds for his personal use, as long as he had stated this was the case. However, when he said he was bringing the whole of the proceeds for distribution as every man had need, that changed the whole matter.
I want to emphasize that Ananias’ decision would not be considered a serious matter in the average church. It might be considered unwise, or dishonest, but not worthy of as much attention as Peter is giving to the issue. However, this is a serious matter because it revealed a lack of the fear of the Lord, and of faith as well. Nothing that is represented as being done unto the Lord is minor. Anything and everything that is associated with His name gets the attention of heaven. Such things are expected to be precisely what they are represented as being. If it is giving, it is to be done cheerfully and to the Lord (2 Cor 9:7). If it is singing, it is to be done with grace in the heart unto the Lord, while the word of Christ is dwelling in us richly (Col 3:16). If it is living itself, it is to be done in self denial, carrying the cross, and following Jesus (Matt 16:24; 2 Cor 5:15). If it is dying, it is to be done “unto the Lord” (Rom 14:8).
Here we are confronted with the sin of hypocrisy – of pretending to be something that one is not. In this case, Ananias pretended to have sold his property with the Lord in mind, then given all of the proceeds to His work, as Barnabas did.
This type of conduct is resident in the wisdom of the world, and is wholly incompatible with the wisdom that comes down from above – which wisdom is “without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The wisdom of this world, which is the only wisdom possessed by the natural man, is always thinking of personal worldly advantage. The spiritual man is always thinking of the glory of God.
You may recall how sternly Jesus spoke to hypocrites, pronouncing repeated woes upon them (Matt 15:7; 16:3; 22:18; 23:13,14,15,23,25,27,28,29). Solemnly He told His disciples, “be not as the hypocrites” (Matt 6:2,5,16). We are told that a hypocrite shall not come before the Lord – that is, in a state of approval (Job 13:16). The tabernacles of hypocrites will be left desolate (Job 15:34). Isaiah declared that “the vile person” is the one who is a hypocrite (Isa 32:6). Yet here, in the early church, this dreadful sin is found among them.
No body of believers must live as though they were insulated against the attacks of the wicked one, or that he cannot penetrate the thinking of some of their members. We can never take faith for granted, or imagine that we can enter a spiritual coasting mode while we remain in the body. It is not in vain that we are admonished, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pet 5:8-9). Men who do not take this adversary seriously are very foolish, and they are sure to be overcome by him. Believers cannot live casually!
It is true that we are also reminded, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). However, the presence of this gracious Guest, the Holy Spirit, must not be confronted with disinterested souls who grieve and quench Him. In such a case, the blessing of the Spirit will not be experienced by the individual, and he will consequently be overcome – like Ananias.
SIN WAS CONCEIVED IN THE HEART, AND THE LIE WAS TO GOD
“ 4b . . . why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.”
Peter continues to reveal what has actually taken place in the heart of Ananias. The Holy Spirit has made this known to Peter, for “what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?” (1 Cor 2:11). Here we will see a fulfillment of something Jesus told His disciples they would do. “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mat 18:18). What Peter says will be fully implemented, confirming that the power of Christ was resting upon him. Today, there are some men who say they are binding and loosing things upon the earth, but it is largely nothing more than talk. Peter’s words are with both discernment and power.
CONCEIVED IN THE HEART
“ . . . why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?” Other versions read, “What made you think of doing such a thing?” NIV “How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart?” NRSV “how has this purpose come into your mind?” BBE “Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart?,” CSB “So how could you do a thing like this?,” GWN “Why hast thou set thy heart to do this purpose?” MRD “How have you thought up this deed in your heart?” NET “What put this scheme into your mind?” NJB “How could you do a thing like this?” NLT “why is it that thou didst put in thy heart this thing?” YLT “Why did you think of doing this evil thing?” IE “How is it that you have cherished this design in your heart?” WEYMOUTH “How could you have the heart to do such a thing!” WILLIAMS “Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? [How could you have the heart to do such a deed?]” AMPLIFIED and “Then whatever made you think of such a thing as this?” PHILLIPS
On the one hand, Peter said Satan filled the heart of Ananias to lie to the Holy Spirit (5:3). Now he asks Ananias why HE conceived of this deed. From this we see that Satan works in those who make themselves available to him, taking them captive at his will (2 Tim 2:26), and working in them (Eph 2:2).
Second, sin is always unreasonable – totally nonsensical. That is why Peter challenged Ananias with the word, “Why?” The land was his. The choice of what to do with the proceeds from its sale was his. There was no compulsion placed upon him by the apostles to do this thing. It was not a requirement of the collective brethren. Ananias could have resisted the devil. He could have told the truth concerning the whole transaction.
Add to this some of the things he could have done – things that everyone in Christ can do.
➪ He could have asked for wisdom from the Lord for the occasion (James 1:5).
➪ He could have sought for grace to help in the time of need (Heb 4:16).
➪ He could have followed the Spirit’s leading to mortify the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13).
➪ He could have drawn nigh to God, and then resisted the devil (James 4:7).
➪ He could have considered his ways (Hag 1:5,7).
➪ He could have responded to the grace of God that teaches men to deny ungodliness (Tit 2:11-12).
➪ He could have set his affection on things above instead of on things upon the earth (Col 3:1-2).
➪ He could have called upon the name of the Lord and been delivered (Rom 10:13).
➪ He could have avoided the appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22).
➪ He could have preferred the brethren over himself (Rom 12:10).
➪ He could have put on the new man and put off the old man (Eph 4:22-24).
➪ He could have sought and found the way of escape that comes with every temptation (1 Cor 10;13).
➪ He could have refused to make a place for Satan (Eph 4:27).
➪ He could have been sober and vigilant (1 Pet 5:8).
➪ He could have “put on the whole armor of God,” and thus been able to stand in the evil day (Eph 6:10-18).
➪ He could have made “no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof” (Rom 13;14).
It is really not as easy for a Christian to sin as some allege. Some aver that all one has to do is nothing – but that is not true! Failing to do the things I have just mentioned is not synonymous with doing nothing. It is rather doing something other than what ought to be done. A person does not sin, or plan to sin, by doing nothing, but by doing something. They choose to walk in the flesh, listen to the wrong voice, and put their affection in the wrong place.
When Peter asked Ananias, “Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart?” NASB he was not seeking an answer. The question was a rhetorical one, like the one God asked Adam: “Hast thou eaten of the tree?” (Gen 3:11). Or the one He asked Cain: “Why art thou wroth?” (Gen 4:6). A rhetorical question is actually one in which no answer is expected. It is rather asked for effect – in this case to emphasize the absolute foolishness of what was done. Ananias’ deed was done with thought and careful planning and deliberation. Then it was carried out in meticulous detail and without any evidence of shame or a twinge of conscience.
LYING TO GOD
“. . . thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.” Other versions read, “You did not lie to us, but to God!” NRSV “you have been false, not to men, but to God,” BBE “You didn't lie to people but to God!” GWN “Thou hast not lied against men, but against God,” MRD “You have lied not to human beings, but to God,” NAB “You have been lying not to men, but to God,” NJB “It is not to men you have told this lie, but to God,” WEYMOUTH and “You have not [simply] lied to men [playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful] but to God.” AMPLIFIED
On the surface, it certainly looked like Ananias was lying to men. I am sure that God was not in his mind when he delivered a thoroughly false view of what he was doing. Although it is true that this man sought to deceive men, yet that was not his crowning sin, and Peter knew it. At the root of the matter, sin is against God himself, the Creator and Sustainer of all men. That is why David, when convicted in his heart concerning the incident with Bathsheba, cried out to the Lord, “Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest” (Psa 51:4).
When Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, the Lord said they had “gathered together against the Lord” (Num 16:11). When Israel rejected Samuel, their aging judge, the Lord told Samuel, “they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me” (1 Sam 8:7).
Ananias had not transgressed an apostolic commandment, for they had not issued one in regard to this matter. God Himself is the One who said, “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Ex 20:16). Again He said, “ . . . neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another” (Lev 19:11). Jesus also confirmed this commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness” (Matt 19:18). Ananias, however, chose to ignore this word, and even planned to do so, conceiving sin in his heart, and then carrying it out.
As the fifty-first Psalm indicates, this constituted doing evil in God’s sight, or sinning in His face, so to speak. It likewise involved judging God, as also declared in David’s confession. That is, Ananias evaluated his own judgment above that of the Lawgiver Himself! Of course, in order to commit sin, this is what a person has to do – he has to give the greater weight to his personal view, and the lesser weight to the word of the Lord.
Seeking to Deceive God
Lying to God is nothing less than an attempt to deceive Him. There are several ways that this can be done.
➪ First, sin assumes that it will not be detected by God, and thus the person will not be called into account for it. Deceived souls reason, “The Lord seeth us not” (Ezek 8:12). Thus, when Israel tried to hide their counsel from the Lord, they reasoned in their hearts, “Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” (Isa 29:15). Sensitive souls, however, know such a thought is nothing more than a delusion. That is why David wrote, “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, Thou knowest it altogether” (Psa 139:4).
➪ Second, in order to sin, a false view of God must be embraced – a view in which it is thought that sin is not repulsive to God, and that He will not respond adversely to it. Israel had this attitude when they dishonored the Lord with unacceptable sacrifices. In insolence they said, “Wherein have we despised Thy name?” and “Wherein have we polluted Thee?” (Mal 1:6-7). When God charged them with robbing him, they replied, “Wherein have we robbed Thee?” (Mal 3:8). How is it that they could reason in such a manner – one that was diametrically opposed to the Divine assessment of their condition? It was because they had an improper view of God.
As shown above, neither of these false postulates is true. God not only beholds the actions of men, but weighs them in the balance of Divine judgment. As it is written, “the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed” (1 Sam 2:3). Yet, Satan so deceives the hardened heart that the one who is sinning reasons that either his sin will not be detected, or that God will be gentle and forbearing when He sees it. Both views are dangerously wrong, as this incident will confirm.
The Responsibility of the Church
The incident of Ananias and Sapphira took place when the people were being submitted to “sound doctrine” and the preaching of “all the counsel of God” (Acts 2:42; 20:27; 1 Tim 1:10). While it is true that this was a most unusual occurrence, it does confirm the intrusive nature of the flesh.
The only way to arm the church against such intrusions is to deliver the truth, for only the knowledge of the truth makes men free (John 8:32). In this regard, the church is the appointed “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15). Whatever the church may or may not get done, this is its fundamental work – to make the truth known! It is to set forth an accurate view of both God and Christ. It is to assist men in obtaining a proper view of both the nature and purpose of God. If the church does not do that, it makes no difference what else it may appear to be doing.
God has declared Himself to be “a God of truth” (Deut 32:4). That is, not only does the truth issue forth from Him, but He works within the context of truth. Nothing in all of Scripture suggests that God works for the good of people within the context of a lie, or the misrepresentation of His Person. And, where is there an insightful person who does not know there are serious falsifications of God within the church. Let me remind you of a few of them.
➪ That God’s love is unconditional, even though Jesus declared it was conditional (John 14:21,23; 16:27).
➪ That God gravitates to praise, even though the actions of the people themselves are not “thankworthy” (1 Pet 2:19).
➪ That if people are winning souls, that offsets every other moral and spiritual condition – when God has declared walking “worthy of God” is the critical factor (1 Thess 2:12).