Acts 5 Commentary
In today’s world, Ananias’ sin would remain hidden under fancy names like “administrative costs”, or “owner commission”, or “cost of sale”. Not so in the world under the control of the Holy Spirit!
You wonder what our color is in the eyes of the Holy Spirit! The law of the LORD is within and not without.
The story of Ananias and his wife Sapphira is scary. But how else do we fully appreciate the required reverence for the Holy Spirit? Holiness is no longer a law ‘thing’ for which you need prosecutors, evidence, and witnesses. Sin is committed against the Holy Spirit who searches human hearts. There isn’t a safe haven for sin.
“Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.” Verse 11. Who isn’t scared? Who hasn’t lied to the Holy Spirit before? Severally? Yes.
Deception is a big problem here. But there is an even bigger problem for the couple: they reject repentance and maintain a lie. And this is exactly what makes us even more afraid. We know it is a sin but we somehow feel it becomes ‘clean’ when we call it a “sales commission” or “entertainment” or “meeting a basic human need”. I just had to do it… But the Holy Spirit says you have lied. Sad. Very sad.
Amid miracles and great power and anointing, there is something God doesn’t resolve, the conflict between the followers of Jesus and Israel’s rulers. The apostles get out of jail unnoticed and without breaking any security barriers – an incredible and imaginably greater power and authority at work! But even this power and authority doesn’t keep them from the wrath of Israel’s leaders.
They are beaten and warned further before being released. The Holy Spirit makes the lame walk but wouldn’t keep the whip away. You simply cannot understand this God!
Sin brings sadness and fear in the church, not persecution! The apostles are beaten but see the result – Joy. They rejoice because they have obeyed. See how much joy there is in obedience! Look back at your life and see the joy within your heart whenever you obeyed God. It rejuvenated your entire self and your body felt healthy again. It is infectious! Disobedience kills to the bone and you feel it.
It is a lie that an abundance of the Presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit is without persecutions and trouble. But it is always true that there is great joy. Zero sadness! And they seek more joy by doing more of the same! They pray for more of the same experiences! The devil stands at zero gain.
The opening chapters of the Book of Acts have an interesting picture: more persecution, more joy; more sharing, and zero needy individuals. They flow in love and unity of the heart and mind. The smooth flow is only interrupted by greediness from Ananias and Sapphira. And the Holy Spirit punishes it severally to make a point for all time.
The apostles are denied freedom when they are locked up. They suffer physical pain when they are beaten. Your persecution may come when you are denied promotion or an increment in your pay purely because you are Jesus’ follower. You may not be considered for a role because you don’t belong to them; you are not part of the ‘club’. You may suffer shame as the world looks down on you. It is the cost of being filled with the Holy Spirit! But there is great joy! Hallelujah!
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