Main Highlights
The early church faces internal corruption (Ananias and Sapphira) and external persecution, but continues to grow and joyfully proclaim the gospel, demonstrating the power and judgment of God.
Key Verses
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property, and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought a portion 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 some of the proceeds of the land?'— Acts 5:1-3
$1nd more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them.— Acts 5:14-15
$1nd every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.— Acts 5:42
Related Scripture
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.— Hebrews 4:12
Scholar Insight
"The incident of Ananias and Sapphira reveals the seriousness of sin within the believing community and the holiness of God, who will not tolerate hypocrisy.” - F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1988), p. 115."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is holy and hates hypocrisy and sin. He also demonstrates his power through the apostles, even through Peter's shadow, and continues to add to the church despite opposition.
Christological Connection
Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) being proclaimed by the apostles, even when they are being persecuted.
Systematic Theology
The sovereignty of God and the holiness of God are highlighted. God judges sin within the church (Ananias and Sapphira) and also empowers the apostles to perform miracles.
Law & Grace
The law is used by the Jewish leaders to try to stop the apostles, while the apostles continue to operate under grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the good news of Jesus.
Personal Application
Believers should live with integrity, fearing God and avoiding hypocrisy. They should also be bold in sharing the gospel, even in the face of opposition.