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Good morning, and welcome to today’s Bible lesson! It’s a joy to see each of you here today, gathered in the presence of the Lord and in fellowship with one another.
We’ve come together not just to study words on a page, but to hear the living Word of God speak to our hearts. Today’s lesson from the book of Acts reminds us that the Church is more than a building—it’s a family united by the Holy Spirit, built on truth, love, and reverence for God.
So, open your hearts, quiet your minds, and let’s allow the Lord to teach us through His Word. Welcome, and may this time draw us closer to Him and to one another.
Our scripture text is found in Acts 4:32 through 5:11. The title for our lesson is: “The Power of Truth and the Fear of God in the Early Church.”
Let us open with prayer.
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of Your Word and the fellowship of Your Spirit. Thank You for gathering us together to study this powerful portion of Scripture from the book of Acts.
Lord, as we reflect on the unity, generosity, and holiness of the early Church, help us to see what You desire for us as Your people today.
Open our eyes to understand Your truth and soften our hearts to receive it with humility. Teach us to live honestly before You, to give cheerfully, and to walk in reverent fear of Your presence.
Guard us, Lord, from the spirit of hypocrisy and pride, and fill us with the same Spirit of grace that moved the believers in the early Church.
May Your Word today stir us to greater faithfulness, purity, and love for one another. Let everything we do bring glory to Your name and draw us closer to the image of Christ.
We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide this lesson, correct us where needed, and strengthen our commitment to live in truth. In Jesus’ holy name we pray,
Amen.
Acts 4:32 paints a beautiful portrait of the early Church’s unity and love. The verse says, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”
This verse demonstrates how the transforming power of the Holy Spirit not only changed individual hearts but also shaped an entire community into one family in Christ.
Their unity went beyond agreement in doctrine—it was a deep spiritual harmony rooted in love for Jesus and for one another. The believers shared a common faith, common purpose, and common compassion.
They no longer clung to possessions selfishly but viewed everything as belonging to God, to be used for the good of those in need. This was not forced communism; it was voluntary generosity flowing from hearts touched by grace.
When the Church today follows this model, selfishness fades and service thrives. True unity isn’t uniformity—it’s the blending of many hearts into one Spirit-led mission. Such love and generosity make the gospel visible to the world, proving that Christ truly dwells within His people.
Acts 4:33 declares, “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
This verse captures the heartbeat of the early Church’s mission and the secret of its strength. The apostles boldly proclaimed the resurrection—not as a theory, but as eyewitnesses who had encountered the risen Christ.
Their message carried divine power because it was backed by the Holy Spirit and confirmed through transformed lives. The “great power” refers not only to miracles but to the spiritual authority and conviction that accompanied their preaching.
The resurrection was the cornerstone of their faith, the proof that Jesus is both Lord and Savior. Because of this unwavering witness, “great grace was upon them all.” God’s favor rested on the Church, enabling them to live in unity, generosity, and joy.
This same grace empowers believers today to testify boldly about Jesus. When we rely on the Spirit’s power and live as people who truly believe in a risen Savior, our words carry weight and our lives shine with divine credibility.
The world is still watching—and through us, God desires to display His resurrecting power and grace.
Acts 4:34 states, “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold.”
This verse demonstrates the extraordinary generosity and unity that characterized the early believers. Because their hearts were transformed by Christ’s love, they could not stand to see a brother or sister in need.
The community of faith became a living testimony of God’s provision and compassion. Their giving was not commanded by law or pressured by leadership—it was the natural overflow of grateful hearts. Those who owned property willingly sold it to meet the needs of others.
This spirit of sharing reflected the heart of Jesus, who gave everything for us. The early Church modeled what it means to be stewards, not owners, recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to God.
In today’s Church, this passage challenges us to look beyond ourselves and meet the needs within our Christian family. When believers give freely and serve lovingly, no one goes without, and God’s love becomes visible in action.
True revival produces not only powerful preaching but compassionate living that glorifies Christ and shows our faith in God to supply our needs.
Acts 4:35 says, “And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.”
This verse highlights the orderly and Spirit-led way the early Church managed generosity. After selling their possessions, believers brought the proceeds to the apostles, symbolically laying them at their feet as an act of surrender to God’s authority.
This gesture represented humility, trust, and unity—it was not about self-glory but about serving others through God’s appointed leaders. The apostles acted as faithful stewards, ensuring that the gifts were distributed fairly so that “every man” received what he needed.
This showed that the early Church cared not only for the spiritual well-being of believers but also for their physical needs. Their giving was guided by love, not obligation, and by wisdom, not favoritism.
Today’s Church can learn from this balance of generosity and accountability. True giving is both sacrificial and organized, motivated by compassion and managed with integrity.
When believers entrust their gifts to God’s work and leaders handle them faithfully, the body of Christ flourishes. This passage reminds us that Christian love is practical—it meets needs, builds trust, and glorifies the Lord through compassionate action.
Acts 4:36 reads, “And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.”
This verse introduces us to Barnabas, one of the most encouraging figures in the New Testament. His given name was Joses (or Joseph), but the apostles nicknamed him “Barnabas,” meaning “son of encouragement.”
This new name reflected his character—he was known for lifting others up, strengthening their faith, and supporting God’s work. As a Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas came from a background of religious service and likely possessed some means.
Yet, what made him remarkable wasn’t his status or possessions, but his spirit of generosity and encouragement. He embodied what it means to live by the Spirit—selfless, humble, and always seeking to build others up.
Barnabas later became Paul’s companion in ministry, helping to spread the gospel and mentor new believers. His life reminds us that encouragement is a powerful ministry in itself. Every church needs “Barnabases”—people who comfort, affirm, and inspire others to press on in faith.
True sons and daughters of consolation reflect the heart of Christ, bringing healing and hope wherever they go.
Acts 4:37 declares, “Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” This verse completes the account of Barnabas’ remarkable generosity.
His actions spoke louder than words—he sold his land, a valuable possession, and brought the entire amount to the apostles for the needs of the Church. This was not done for recognition, but out of sincere love for God and compassion for others.
Barnabas demonstrated what it means to be a cheerful giver. His giving was voluntary, sacrificial, and done in faith. He trusted the apostles to use the money wisely and trusted God to meet his own needs.
By laying the money at their feet, he acknowledged both spiritual authority and divine ownership—everything he had belonged to the Lord.
This act set a powerful example for the early believers and continues to teach the Church today that true discipleship involves open hands and open hearts. Generosity reflects the grace we have received from Christ. When we give freely, we participate in God’s work of blessing others.
Like Barnabas, believers are called to give not for applause, but to advance the gospel and display the selfless love of Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:32–37 presents the only recorded instance in Scripture where an entire community of believers lived in such perfect unity that “neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own.”
This was not a social or economic program—it was a supernatural result of the Holy Spirit’s work in their hearts. The profound truth is this: the early Church’s unity and generosity were not driven by rules or pressure, but by love.
Their shared life flowed naturally from their shared faith in the risen Christ. It was the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21—“That they all may be one.”
In that moment of Church history, the world saw a glimpse of heaven on earth—a people so filled with the Spirit that material possessions no longer held their hearts.
Their giving was voluntary, joyful, and Spirit-led. It demonstrated that true revival doesn’t just change how we worship—it transforms how we live, how we love, and how we give.
Acts 4:32–37 reminds us that genuine unity and generosity are not human achievements, but divine evidences of a heart fully surrendered to God.
Acts 5:1 begins with a sharp contrast: “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.” The word “but” connects this verse to the previous chapter, where Barnabas’ generous act was praised.
In contrast, Ananias and Sapphira appear outwardly similar—they also sold property—but their hearts were not pure before God.
Their story introduces a solemn lesson about hypocrisy, deceit, and the holiness of the Church. At first glance, Ananias’ actions seemed generous.
However, as the passage unfolds, we learn that he and his wife conspired to deceive the apostles by pretending to give all the proceeds while secretly keeping back a portion.
This was not merely a financial issue but a spiritual one—a deliberate attempt to lie to the Holy Spirit and gain false recognition. This verse marks the beginning of a serious warning: God looks beyond appearances and examines motives. While Barnabas’ gift flowed from sincerity, Ananias’ offering was corrupted by pride and pretense.
The lesson for believers today is clear—God values honesty, integrity, and pure motives over outward acts of religion. Our giving, worship, and service must be genuine, springing from love for Christ rather than a desire for human approval.
Jesus said, If you give with the motive to impress people, that is the only reward you will receive. But if you give with a pure motive to be a blessing, you will receive an eternal reward. Jesus said, lay not up for yourselves treasure on earth, but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven.
Acts 5:2 says, “And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”
This verse continues the story of Ananias and Sapphira, exposing the deceit behind their supposed generosity. Together, they agreed to give only part of the money from their land sale while pretending to give all of it.
Their sin was not in keeping some of the money, but in lying about it to appear more spiritual than they truly were. This act of hypocrisy threatened the purity of the early Church. While others gave sincerely, Ananias and Sapphira sought the praise of men rather than the approval of God.
They wanted the reputation of holiness without the reality of surrender. Their actions reveal how deceit can creep into worship when pride and pretense replace honesty and humility. God desires truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). The lesson here is timeless—integrity matters more than appearance.
When we give, serve, or worship, our motives should be pure. A deceitful offering, no matter how generous, cannot please God. True giving flows from a heart fully devoted to Christ, not from a desire for recognition.
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That means all that we do should direct attention away from ourselves and up to the One who made us, to the very One who enables us to do all that we do.
Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” Therefore, how can anyone take credit and share God’s glory for something they accomplished when God is the one who enables them to do everything they do?
As scripture says, “It’s in Him we live and move and have our being.” As Charles Johnson and The Revivers, an African/American group, sang in the early 90’s, “I can’t even walk without you holding my hand.”
Acts 5:3 declares, “But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?” This verse unveils the spiritual seriousness of Ananias’s sin.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, discerned that Ananias’s deceit was not just a human mistake—it was inspired by Satan, the father of lies. The issue wasn’t about money, but about the condition of the heart.
Ananias had allowed the enemy to influence his motives, choosing deceit over truth. He wanted the honor of sacrificial giving without the cost of true sacrifice.
Peter’s question exposes how sin often begins in the heart before it ever shows outwardly. By lying to the apostles, Ananias was, in reality, lying to the Holy Spirit who dwelled within the Church.
This moment reminds believers that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force, but God Himself, who deserves honesty and reverence. Our relationship with God demands truthfulness in all things—especially in matters of faith and giving.
The story warns that hidden sin cannot remain hidden from God. True disciples guard their hearts, resist Satan’s influence, and walk in the integrity of the Spirit.
Acts 5:4 says, “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.”
In this verse, Peter continues confronting Ananias, exposing the depth of his deceit. Peter reminds him that the property was his to keep or sell—God never demanded that he give it away.
The sin was not in withholding part of the money, but in pretending to give all while secretly lying about it. This reveals that Ananias’s sin was voluntary and deliberate.
He “conceived it in his heart,” meaning he carefully planned to deceive. Peter’s words make it clear that lying to God’s servants is ultimately lying to God Himself.
The Holy Spirit, being fully divine, is personally grieved by deceit and hypocrisy within His Church. This verse teaches believers that God values honesty over appearance. Giving should flow from love, not manipulation or a desire for recognition.
The Lord examines motives and knows the truth of every heart. When we walk in integrity, our worship and service become acceptable offerings to Him. Sincerity before God preserves the purity of His Church.
Acts 5:5 records a sobering moment: “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”
This verse marks the sudden judgment of God upon Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit. The moment Peter confronted him with the truth, Ananias collapsed and died.
His death was not by human hand but by divine justice—a demonstration of how seriously God regards sin, especially deceit in His Church. This was the first recorded act of divine discipline in the early Church, serving as a warning to all believers.
The “great fear” that came upon the people was not mere terror, but reverent awe—a recognition that God is holy and that His presence among His people must not be taken lightly.
In an age of grace, this event reminds us that God’s holiness has not changed. While He is merciful and patient, He still calls His people to sincerity, purity, and truth.
Worship, service, and giving are sacred acts that must spring from honest hearts. The Church today must remember: God’s grace is not permission to deceive, but the power to live righteously before Him.
Acts 5:6 states, “And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.” This verse shows the swift and solemn response to Ananias’s death. Without hesitation or ceremony, the young men in the congregation rose to carry out the task of burial.
Their actions reflected both reverence and fear—they understood that what had just happened was an act of divine judgment, not a natural death. In Jewish custom, burial often took place the same day, especially in hot climates, but here the immediacy also symbolizes the Church’s recognition of God’s holiness.
The young men did not question Peter or complain; they obeyed quietly, aware that sin cannot remain among God’s people. Their actions teach the importance of reverent obedience, even when God’s work is difficult to understand.
Spiritually, this moment serves as a sober reminder that sin, when exposed, must be dealt with quickly and decisively. Just as Ananias’s body was removed from the fellowship, believers must remove deceit, pride, and hypocrisy from their hearts.
The Church’s strength depends not on numbers or wealth, but on purity before God. Holiness still matters, and God desires His people to walk in truth and integrity.
Acts 5:7 says, “And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.”
This verse introduces Sapphira, the wife of Ananias, entering the scene unaware of her husband’s death. The three-hour gap provided time for reflection or repentance, yet she remained part of the deception.
Her ignorance of Ananias’s fate highlights how sin can isolate and blind those who participate in it together.
Sapphira’s entrance represents more than coincidence—it reveals how God gives opportunities for truth and repentance before judgment. Sadly, she would follow the same path of deceit.
The unity that should have existed between this husband and wife was corrupted by mutual dishonesty. Instead of encouraging each other in righteousness, they conspired together in sin.
This verse warns believers about the danger of shared sin within families or relationships. Agreement in wrongdoing only multiplies guilt. God desires that our partnerships—especially in marriage—be rooted in truth, accountability, and godliness.
Sapphira’s story teaches us that deception destroys trust, both with God and with others. When tempted to cover up sin, we must instead confess and turn to God, for His mercy is available before His judgment falls.
Acts 5:8 reads, “And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.” In this verse, Peter gives Sapphira a chance to tell the truth.
God, through Peter, extends mercy before judgment. This moment reveals the patience of God—He gives every opportunity for repentance.
Yet, instead of confessing, Sapphira repeats the lie she and her husband agreed upon. Her response shows how deceit can harden the heart. Even when confronted directly, she chose pride over truth. Peter’s question was not for his own knowledge—he already knew the truth by the Holy Spirit.
It was an opportunity for Sapphira to come clean, to choose honesty and humility. But she stayed trapped in the web of deception. This passage teaches the importance of integrity before God. Every believer will face moments when truth and falsehood stand side by side, demanding a choice.
God values honesty, even when it costs us something. Sapphira’s lie may have been small in human eyes, but it was great before God because it mocked His holiness. The lesson is clear—truth brings freedom, but deceit leads to destruction. God always honors those who walk in truth.
Acts 5:9 says, “Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.”
This verse reveals the tragic result of Sapphira’s choice to join her husband in deceit. Peter’s words expose the heart of their sin—they “agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord.”
To tempt God means to test His patience, as if He would not see or judge sin. Their conspiracy was not just against people but against God Himself. They treated the Holy Spirit as though He could be deceived or manipulated. Peter’s declaration of coming judgment was both prophetic and final.
The same young men who buried Ananias were already returning to carry Sapphira away, underscoring the seriousness of her defiance. This passage warns believers that partnership in sin multiplies accountability. God calls us to encourage one another toward righteousness, not rebellion.
No secret is hidden from the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer. When we live in truth and reverent fear of God, we honor His presence and avoid the deadly snare of hypocrisy.
Acts 5:10 records, “Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.”
This verse brings to completion the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira. Immediately after Peter’s words, Sapphira fell dead—struck down by divine judgment.
Her death, like her husband’s, was not the result of coincidence or harsh punishment, but of God’s holy response to deliberate deceit within His Church.
The young men who had just buried Ananias returned to find Sapphira lifeless, and once again, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
The swiftness and certainty of God’s judgment reveal how seriously He regards integrity among His people. The early Church was being shaped and purified, and God would not allow hypocrisy to corrupt its foundation.
This verse reminds us that sin’s consequences are unavoidable when the heart remains unrepentant. God’s holiness demands truth and reverence in all who bear His name.
Yet even in judgment, this story serves as mercy to others—a warning to live sincerely before the Lord. True fellowship with God requires honesty, humility, and a clean heart.
Acts 5:11 declares, “And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” This verse describes the powerful impact of God’s judgment on Ananias and Sapphira.
The sudden deaths of this husband and wife filled the entire Church—and everyone who heard about it—with “great fear.” This was not a fear of terror, but a deep, reverent awe of God’s holiness.
The believers realized that the presence of the Holy Spirit among them was not to be taken lightly. This moment marked a defining point in the early Church’s growth. It reminded the believers that while God is gracious, He is also holy and just.
The Church is not merely a gathering of people—it is the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. When sin enters, it must be confronted and cleansed so that the Spirit’s power is not hindered.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). When the Church walks in holy reverence, God’s presence is honored, and His power flows freely.
This verse calls us to live with integrity, sincerity, and respect for God’s authority. A healthy fear of the Lord keeps our hearts humble and our worship pure.
Acts 5:1–11 records the first instance of divine judgment within the New Testament Church, showing that God’s holiness remains unchanged even under grace. This passage reveals that while the Church was growing in power and unity, God also protected its purity.
The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was not in withholding part of their money—it was in pretending to be fully surrendered while secretly deceiving the Holy Spirit. The profound truth here is that hypocrisy in the Church is not merely a moral failure—it is a spiritual crime against God’s presence.
The Holy Spirit, who had just filled the believers with boldness and unity in Acts 4, was now grieved by deceit among His people. Their sudden deaths remind us that God’s presence among His people demands reverence and truth.
This event was not meant to inspire terror, but holy fear—a reverent awareness that God cannot be mocked. The fear that fell upon the Church purified its witness and preserved its spiritual integrity.
Acts 5:1–11 teaches that revival and holiness must walk hand in hand—God empowers His Church not only with grace to serve, but also with purity to honor His name.
Amen. Let’s close with prayer.
Closing Prayer
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the time we have spent in Your Word today. Thank You for the lessons we have learned from the early Church—about unity, sincerity, generosity, and the fear of the Lord.
Your Word has reminded us that You desire truth in our hearts and holiness in our lives. Help us, Lord, to walk in integrity before You, never pretending to be more spiritual than we are, but living honestly and humbly in Your sight.
Father, cleanse our hearts from deceit, pride, and selfish ambition. Fill us instead with Your Spirit of grace, truth, and love. Teach us to give cheerfully, serve faithfully, and encourage one another sincerely, just as Barnabas did. May the fear of the Lord keep us mindful of Your holiness and draw us closer to You each day.
As we go our separate ways, let the lessons from Acts remind us that the Church is Your dwelling place, and that our lives are to reflect Your glory. Strengthen our faith, unite our hearts, and help us to live in a way that honors Your name. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Amen.
Thank you for your attention. You are blessed in Jesus’ name!
This message was presented by Michael Wilkerson, 10-12-2025
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