Acts 4:32-34 ESV
[32] 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. [33] And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. [34] There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold [36] Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, [37] sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1-11 (ESV):“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.’ When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. After an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, ‘Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.’ And she said, ‘Yes, for so much.’ But Peter said to her, ‘How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.’ Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.”
Section 1: “Acts 4 – Symphony of Radical Generosity”
As I write this today I think of an old sports program called “Wide World of Sports.” In the opening segment of the show they showed videos of amazing victories and horrible failures. The phrase that narrator used was ” the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” (link above) As I prepare for today’s study, the events at the end of Acts 4 followed by the events in chapter 5, remind me of this. Acts 4 unfolds with a harmonious chord of generosity resonating within the early Christian community. Motivated by the sacrificial examples of new converts and Barnabas, believers share possessions, creating a symphony of unity, communal possessions, and selflessness and the concept of being “sold out” (see “Sold Out” in another article) And then there is chapter 5. The agony of deceit. Lying to the Holy Spirit and lying to the Church will cost the lives of a husband and his wife. Team deceit will suffer a horrible fate as a consequence.
Reflective Questions:
- What inspired Barnabas to sell a field and contribute the entire proceeds?
- Answer to consider: Barnabas was motivated by a genuine love for the community and a desire to contribute to the mission of the early Church. His action reflected a deep understanding of communal living and sacrificial giving.
- How did the atmosphere of generosity impact the unity of the early Christian community?
- Answer to consider: The atmosphere of generosity in Acts 4 created a sense of unity and selflessness among believers. Possessions became secondary to the mission, fostering a strong bond within the community.
- In what ways can the modern Church emulate the symphony of generosity depicted in Acts 4?
- Answer to consider: Modern churches can emulate the symphony of generosity by fostering a culture of selflessness, where members prioritize communal needs over individual possessions. This can be achieved through intentional teachings on generosity and cultivating a spirit of sharing.
Section 2: “Acts 5 – Shadow of Deceit”
Deepening Narrative: The narrative takes a somber turn in Acts 5 as Ananias and Sapphira attempt to partake in the generosity without the sacrifice. Their deceit, exposed by the apostles, casts a shadow over the community, unraveling the harmony established in Acts 4.
Reflective Questions:
- What motivated Ananias and Sapphira to deceive the community and God?
- Answer to consider: Ananias and Sapphira were likely motivated by a desire for recognition and approval. They wanted to appear as sacrificial givers without making the full sacrifice, succumbing to the temptation of deceit. More importantly, they were trying to manipulate God. Lying to the Holy Spirit in a ridiculous attempt to gain approval. This is a case where a lie cost their lives.
- How did the consequences of their deceit impact the early Church?
- Answer to consider: The consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s deceit were severe, disrupting the unity and trust within the early Church. The shadow of deceit served as a stark warning against hypocrisy and insincerity.
- In what ways can the Church guard against deceit and maintain integrity in its giving?
- Answer to consider: Churches today can guard against deceit by emphasizing the importance of sincerity in giving and fostering an environment where individuals feel valued for who they are rather than for their contributions.
Section 3: “Old Testament Threads – Echoes of Giving and Consequences”
The dichotomy witnessed in Acts finds echoes in the Old Testament, where stories of generosity and consequences are intricately woven into the fabric of biblical narratives.
Old Testament Examples:
- Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-4, ESV):
- Genesis 4:3-4 (ESV): “In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering.”
- Why did God accept Abel’s offering and not Cain’s?
- Answer to consider: The answer is in the cost. Abel’s offering required a sacrifice of blood likely prescribed by God.
- Noah’s Offering after the Flood (Genesis 8:20-21, ESV):
- Genesis 8:20-21 (ESV): “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, ‘I will never again curse the ground because of man.'”
- What is God’s reaction to Noah’s offering?
- Answer to consider: God was pleased and made a covenant with Noah. Our sacrificial giving moves God’s heart. Noah was giving God the “clean” eatable animals from his only source of food after the devastating flood.
- Abraham’s Tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20, ESV):
- Genesis 14:18-20 (ESV): “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
- Why did Abraham give 10 percent?
- Answer to consider: Before Abraham, we do not have a specific amount of the offerings given. However, Moses normalized 10% in the law. It is rational and reasonable to believe that it has been and always will be 10%. Able gave of the firstborn of the flock. This preacher believes he had ten sheep. What do you think? But, what is truly important is that we give God our first and best. Tithing is reasonable and manageable. What a wonderful God we serve
- How do the Old Testament examples of generosity amplify the themes seen in Acts 4?
- Answer to consider: The Old Testament examples amplify the themes seen in Acts 4 by highlighting the rewards of genuine generosity and the consequences of insincere offerings.
A Call to Integrity
As we conclude this study, the dichotomy of Acts 4 and 5 serves as a powerful call to integrity in our giving. The narratives paint a vivid picture of the transformative power of generosity and the destructive nature of deceit. The Old Testament threads amplify these themes, providing a timeless backdrop to the challenges and opportunities faced by the early Christian community.
Applying the Scripture
- Cultivating a Lifestyle of Generosity:
- How do we cultivate a lifestyle of giving?
- Answer to Consider: Cultivating a spirit of radical generosity involves a conscious decision to prioritize others’ needs, emulate Christ’s sacrificial love, and recognize that all we have belongs to God.
- In what ways can I intentionally prioritize generosity in my daily life, reflecting a commitment to sacrificial love?
- Answer to Consider: Intentionally prioritizing generosity involves proactive acts of kindness, sharing resources with those in need, and seeking opportunities to serve others selflessly.
- How can the recognition that all we possess ultimately belongs to God reshape my perspective on giving?
- Answer to Consider: Recognizing that all we possess belongs to God shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship. This awareness prompts a sense of responsibility to use our resources in ways that align with God’s heart for generosity and compassion.
- What practical steps can I take to cultivate a lifestyle of generosity within my community and spheres of influence?
- Answer to Consider: Practical steps may include actively seeking out opportunities to give, participating in communal acts of service, and engaging in conversations about generosity to inspire and encourage others.
These reflections are meant to guide personal contemplation and encourage us to consider practical steps toward cultivating a lifestyle of generosity. Be a Barnabas! Enjoy The Thrill of Generosity and not The Agony of Deceit.