Acts 5:1-11 | HypocrisySample

God’s people are thriving. Jesus poured out his Spirit. The believers are filled, and speak in the languages of the people gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Peter points them to Christ, 1000s put their faith in him, and the people of God live with a devotion to Christ and each other.

Then it happens again. Peter and John are at the temple. They heal a crippled beggar. Just like in Acts 2 the crowds come rushing to see what happened. Peter proclaims Christ again. Peter and John are arrested. The religious leaders threaten them, but not even their threats make Peter and John back down. 1000s more are saved. The Holy Spirit is poured out. Just like in Acts 2, the place where they meet is shaken. And like Acts 2, this growing community of believers live in devotion to each other. People even sell their houses for the cause of Christ’s kingdom.

It would seem the church was perfect. Just like when God created the world and called it “very good,” it would seem the early church, also being created by God, was very good – just as God would have it be – with the hope of growing better and bigger until Christ’s kingdom reached the ends of the earth

Enter Acts 5. Enter Ananias and Sapphira.

Today, read the story that dashes the notion that the people of God – past or present – are fully as God intends. The early church was far from perfect, nor is the church today. Acts 5 is another glimpse of what happens when the holy God comes into the midst of unholy people. It has lots of implications for the church then, and the church today. Familiarize yourself with what happened. What questions does this passage raise? What fears or uncomfortableness? Or, is there anything you find encouraging about it?