Page 63 - acts_study_book1

b) Saul’s consultation with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:15-19)
c) Hezekiah’s disobedience (Isaiah 38)
d) Ananias and Sapphira’s lies to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1-11
e) The Corinthian man’s incestuous relationship (1 Corinthians 5:1-5)
f) A believers carnality at the Lord’s table (1 Corinthians 11:30-31)
g) Hymenaeus and Alexander’s Apostasy (1 Timothy 1:19-20)

ANANIAS LIES TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA CONSPIRE

Act 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

Ananias and Sapphira are wealthy land owners in Jerusalem. They probably decide to duplicate
Barnabas’gift, but give out of a wrong heart motive.

They are not living to please the Lord but to receive the praise and applause of men. They are
carnal. They have been outdone by a spiritual man, Barnabas, and they want to have the
attention turned away from Barnabas and toward them.

Many things may inspire us to give. We may be inspired by the example of another who has
given, but our giving must always be motivated out of a love for God.

Act 5:2 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.

This sin is parallel to that of Achan in Joshua 7. Ananias and Sapphira do not have to bring the
full amount of their possession. There is no pressure by Peter or any other church leader. We
give as we purpose in our own heart, not grudgingly or of necessity (2 Corinthians 9:7). The
purpose of this story is not to cause people to feel guilty for not giving. The purpose is to
prevent people from lying about their giving. Do not give a portion and say you gave all.

Ananias comes to the meeting alone, and Sapphira comes later. They wanted to split the glory
and make it last longer. She will arrive approximately three hours later (verse 7).

PETER CONFRONTS ANANIAS

Act 5:3 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?