Send to Kindle

by Robin McKinley

Throughout the Bible, God has revealed many devastating events. We’ll find most of them in the Old Testament, but the New Testament has its share also. 

One of those events happened in Acts chapter 5. This story is about a man called Ananias along with his wife Sapphira.

Chapter 4 says that people sold big-ticket items like homes and properties. Then they brought the money to the apostles so they could distribute it to those in need.

Ananias and Sapphira got caught up in the spirit of giving. They, however, lacked honesty and integrity. The first couple of verses in chapter 5 made that quite plain. 

But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. Acts 5:1-2

In today’s church economy, we would have loved to receive any size offering. Maybe you think God may have acted too harshly. But the Lord set an unforgettable precedent.

Ananias gladly handed his money over to Peter. But Peter knew something that nobody else could have known. Who told the apostle that this man lacked honesty? Who else but the Lord? 

Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. Acts 5:3

All of a sudden this good gesture turned very bad. We don’t know if Peter knew how this would end for Ananias. But he explained to him that honesty was more important than his gift. 

The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” Acts 5:4

What possible motive could Ananias of had to do such a thing? Maybe when he laid the money out he expected everyone to high-five him or pat him on the back. That didn’t happen though. 

As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. Acts 5:5-6

Three hours later his wife, Sapphira came in and Peter questioned her about the gift they gave. Probably looking for the support of her husband she told the apostle the amount was correct.

And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. Acts 5:9-10 This event should stick in every Christian’s mind, especially if considering any kind of dishonesty. Do you think, sometimes we forget that we can’t hide anything from God?

Maybe you’re under the impression that that happened back then, God doesn’t do things like that anymore. Maybe not, but He could. 

 Earlier I said, the Lord set an unforgettable precedent when this couple dropped dead. He gave a visible example to this young church that dishonesty will not be tolerated.

Sometimes His methods in dealing with these types of issues aren’t as obvious. But we can rest assured that the Lord does or will take of them. There is, however, one positive way out. 

 If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 

About the Author: 

Robin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.

Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”.  He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.

These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.

Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.