Acts 5 - Behind Bars
The tragic end of the couple Ananias and Sapphira brings us into the fifth chapter of Luke’s second book Acts.
Before we move forward, we need to look back at the end of Acts 4. As we studied earlier, the newly formed church lived in deep community. They shared what they had, ate together and even sold possessions so they could care for one another.
In Acts 4:32-37 we read:
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds and laid it at the apostles’ feet and it was distributed as any had need. Joseph, called Barnabas, sold a field and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
It was not a command that everyone sell their property. It was a willing act from hearts moved by God. Yet it became common practice and even admirable. That desire to appear generous is what trapped Ananias and Sapphira.
The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira
Acts 5:1-10
Ananias and Sapphira sold property but secretly kept part of the profit while pretending to give all. Peter makes it clear that the issue was not withholding money. The land was theirs and the profit was theirs. The problem was the lie. They wanted the praise of sacrifice without the sincerity of it.
Their deception was a visible expression of an inward heart posture. The act was performative. They attempted to deceive the people and in doing so lied to God. As Peter said they did not lie to man but to the Holy Spirit. The result was immediate judgment. Both fell dead.
Their story reminds us that God is not mocked. God desires honesty purity and sincerity in worship. Giving to God is always voluntary, never forced. From the days of Cain we see that God rejects offerings given with corrupt motives.
It is a hard passage to read but it serves as a correction for the church. The Lord was establishing His people and He was protecting the purity of their devotion.
The Gospel Advances in Power
The second half of Acts 5 shows the continued spread of the gospel and the rising persecution from the religious leaders.
Acts 5:17-20
The apostles were arrested out of jealousy but during the night an angel freed them and commanded them to go back to the temple and speak all the words of life.
They were not set free to rest or to hide. They were freed to preach. When God delivers us, He delivers us on assignment. Freedom in Christ always carries a message. What is your message
Later the guards returned to find the prison locked and guarded, but the apostles gone. Soon after, a report came that they were back in the temple preaching.
God was fulfilling His word. He who gave the mission in Acts 1 walked closely with them to accomplish it.
Obedience Above Man
Acts 5:27-32
When confronted again, Peter replied, We must obey God rather than men. He did not soften his stance. He reminded the leaders that they crucified Jesus, and declared again that Jesus has been exalted as Savior and giver of repentance and forgiveness.
Peter stood firm. What he believed, he preached. What God commanded, he obeyed. No amount of pressure or threat could silence him.
Gamaliel’s Counsel
Acts 5:34-40
A respected Pharisee named Gamaliel offered wisdom to the council. He reminded them of other movements that died when their leaders died. But this movement was not shrinking. It was multiplying.
He warned them that if this work was from God, they could not stop it. If it was not from God, it would fall on its own.
God used even a Pharisee in the council to protect His church. The apostles were beaten and warned again not to speak in the name of Jesus, but they left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name.
In summary, Acts 5 gives us two strong lessons. First, God desires sincerity and holiness in His people. He is not impressed by appearances. He sees the heart and He protects the integrity of His church.
Second, nothing can stop the gospel. Not persecution, not prison, not jealousy, not human authority. God works through His people and even through unlikely voices to advance His plan. When God calls, He equips. When He sends, He stands with us. Our part is obedience and boldness. His part is power and victory.
Prayer
Father in heaven
Thank You for the lessons in Acts 5
Teach me to walk with sincerity and purity of heart
Remove every desire for performance and spiritual appearance
Fill my heart with honesty humility and devotion
Give me boldness to obey You above all else
Strengthen me to stand firm in the call You have given me
Thank You that no power and no plan can stop what You have ordained
Keep me faithful, keep me humble, keep me bold
In Jesus name
Amen