A Defining Line

Acts 4:32 ESV
“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.”

Acts 5:11 ESV
“And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

The New Testament church found a great new peace that they had never known before. Everything was working well, thousands were giving their lives to Christ. The community of believers found a favor never known before, but there was going to be an incident, that would redefine the moment.

Ananias and Sapphira were a couple that wanted some attention, some accolades and praise. It seemed simple, a little attention, no one can get hurt from that right? But they perpetrated a lie, they were setting a standard that will be recognized for all times.

Jealousy, Pride, lying, and cheating, these things are sin and sin must be dealt with. I know some see that these deaths may have been extreme. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Figuratively that means; “Anything that spreads silently or quietly or secretly, has a very strong influence in changing conditions or opinions.”

God the Father sets precedents and guidelines. Remember the straight and narrow way? Ananias and Sapphira were crossing into a dangerous area where pride and selfishness needed to be addressed in an extreme way. That’s why Acts 5:11 sets a new precedent. “And great fear (or a great awareness that God is Everything and He deserves to be respected and worshiped and obeyed) came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”

Prayer:
Father, may I never forget who You are, what You have done for me, how You have loved me and forgiven me. May I always know that You know my heart and my motivations and that I will always answer to you now and at the end of life for all I do and think.