HYPOCRISY AMONG THE BRETHREN 1
SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
TEXT: Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:4)
Today’s topic centers around the life of a couple in the early church named Ananias and Sapphira. One of the unique attributes of the early church was communalism. In Government and Political Science, communalism simply implies all members of a given community working together and seeing themselves as one. No one regarded his possession as exclusively his own, but as something collectively owned and easily accessible to all. This was the dominant feature of the early church. The level of unity, harmony, care, and togetherness was palpable. They all cared for one another.
It was this spirit of caring and togetherness that led some of them to sell their landed properties, bringing the money to the apostles to help the spread of the gospel. The Bible acknowledged Barnabas (the son of consolation) as one of these people (Acts 4:34–37). Unfortunately, Ananias and Sapphira were carried away by the praises that were probably being given to those who had made such sacrifices. They loved the praise but were not ready to pay the price or endure the sacrificial demands of giving. They sold their land but brought only a portion of the money to Apostle Peter, claiming it was the full amount. Sadly, they failed to realize that they were dealing with a refined, renewed, and Spirit-filled Peter—not the timid and clueless Peter of the past. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Peter discerned their deceit, and it ultimately led to the shocking death of the couple.
As believers, we must jealously guard against seeking self-aggrandizement or the praises of men. Whatever we do for God should be done for Him alone, in which case our reward will come from Him.
If they had succeeded, Ananias and Sapphira would have gained undeserved accolades from those around them.
Take note that their sin was not that they withheld part of the money, but that they pretended as though they had given all. God loves a cheerful giver, but He never compels anyone to give what they cannot. Their desire for the praise of men was not matched by the willingness to endure the sacrifice that true giving demands.
SEARCHLIGHT: God does not deal with the size of our gifts and offerings but with the sincerity that accompanies our giving.
PRAYER: O LORD, help me to be sincere and plain in my service to You, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE READING: Jeremiah 49–51, Mark 14
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
