The Holy Spirit in Acts
Day 13 — Testing the Holy Spirit / Church Flourishing
Acts 5:1-16
In the prior chapter, Barnabas owned a tract of land and sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostle’s feet. There is no comment on their reaction or the congregation’s. He wasn’t the only one, but “all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales.” But Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property, kept back part of the proceeds with Sapphira’s full knowledge and brought a portion to the apostles.
Peter: “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?” You had the rights over it before and after it sold. However, your charade did not fool God. You lied to men, but the Holy Spirit has revealed your deception.
Ananias drops dead—everyone fears who heard this interaction.
3 hours later Sapphira returns and Peter asks her if she sold the land for the price. She agreed.
Peter: “Why have you agreed together to put the Holy Spirit to the test? Your husband’s burial team is at the door and you will join them.”
Sapphira drops dead—great fear came over the whole church and those who heard.
“Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.”
Acts 5:14-16 Multitudes added constantly to the number of believers. Carried the sick into the streets for Peter’s shadow to heal
Those in nearby cities bringing sick and unclean spirit afflicted—ALL being healed.
Observations:
1. The culture at the time was to sell things and bring to the apostles for redistribution, when willing.
2. Ananias and Sapphira gave the appearance of doing the same, but were deceitful in their giving.
3. They had the option to not sell or not give the money, but made a false appearance to men.
4. Peter supernaturally knew of the lie. Discernment from the Holy Spirit. Confronted Ananias.
5. Sapphira confronted similarly, same result.
6. This got everyone’s attention. There was now fear.
7. Despite the fear, the work of the Holy Spirit continued and the church grew.
8. There was high esteem for the church, but now there were some who dared not associate with them
Questions
1. Is there temptation to be something you are not in your local church culture?
If so, is it a matter of disobedience to Christ or just not sharing the cultural expectation?
Where should one go when they feel pressure to conform and not ready to do so?
2. Do you think the Holy Spirit was wrestling with Ananias’ heart before he gave just a portion?
3. This (deceptive people dying) doesn’t seem to happen in churches very often anymore.
Why would that be?
There is high likelihood that there are things like this going on today.
What would happen if something like this happened in your church?
4. What kind of fear are we talking about? Reverent? Anxious? Respect?
5. Double-mindedness is frowned upon. (James 1:5-8; Psalms 119:113) This was a case of wanting to look good to men and only half way obedience to God. Are there other types of double-mindedness that are happening in today’s church and would it be shocking to see instant severe consequences?
6. Why did some of the people not dare associate with them?
7. What does this story teach you about you and the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit in Acts
Day 14 Holy Spirit Qualification to Serve Acts 6:1-8
Reflection, Notes and Prayer