First, the end of chapter 4 talks about a man who sold property and gave to the needy. His name was Joseph but they changed his name to Barnabas. He did not give to receive recognition but the people were touched and gave him a nickname, Barnabas (son of encouragement). It is in this context Ananais and Sapphira were selling their land. The inference is that they wanted to be recognized too, they wanted a nickname. So they sold their land but kept some for themselves. This was not the problem. They lied about it. Peter condemns them for lying to the Holy Spirit. Both of them died that same day in church.
Point Don't give to be noticed or to get a nickname. Give because it is the right thing to do.
Second, after Sapphira died in the same way as her husband the Bible says,
Acts 5:11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
I would guess so. It is not everyday that you go to church and two people are carried out dead by the ushers. Fear was a natural reaction. It was also a neccesary reaction.
Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Point, where is the fear of the Lord today? People do things in public that should not be mentioned in private. Have they no fear for of the Lord?
Do I fear the Lord with the reverance He deserves and requires?
No comments:
Post a Comment