I think I agree with Bishop William R. Cannon. He wrote a study of the Book of Acts (The Book of Acts, Upper Room Books), and in his thorough analysis of the Book of Acts, he omits any comments on Acts 5:1-11. Maybe he thought it went without saying. Maybe he was not sure what to say. This is a difficult text.

Ananias and Sapphira were in a Christian community that had agreed that all personal proceeds and profits would be given to the apostles for their ministry. After selling some land, the couple tucked away some of the proceeds for themselves and then told the apostles they were bringing it all for the ministry. Peter told Ananias that the sin was not against the community but was against God (v. 4). Ananias fell over dead. Sapphira showed up and told the same lie: “Yeah, here are all the proceeds from the sale.” Peter challenged her, and she fell over dead.

There is spiritual death, and there is physical death. I’ll not linger on looking at these deaths. What we might explore is how we might lie to ourselves or lie to others about the fullness of our gifts to God’s ministry. Integrity in our answer is serious business.

Last week, I told you about a discussion in my Sunday School class about whether or not the pastor ought to know what individuals give to the Church. Let’s look at the other side of that question: Should the congregation know what the pastor gives to God’s ministry? Why or why not?

The issue in our study text is not the first sin, keeping some of the money for themselves; in this text, the issue is telling a lie to God and the community about what they had done. I am left to wonder: When have I lied to God about how I am using my time and my financial resources? Was God fooled by my untruth? (All who think God is fooled when I tell a lie, raise a hand. Hmmm. From here, I don’t see any hands raised.)

In our text, “great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things” (Acts 5:11).  Don’t you think there was such great fear because everyone recognized that they, too, had tried to lie to God? I look around; I see more hands raised this time.

What Someone Else Has Said: Ken and Pat Birt wrote a book about her struggle with cancer (A Journey of Love and Miracles, iUniverse): “Listen to your inner-self. Sometimes a change of plans might be exactly what God directs…(God) does communicate with you and directs you in the correct path.”

Prayer: As you prepare this lesson, let your prayer begin: “For starters, forgive me, Lord…”